Best 8 Micro Investing Apps in 2026: Feature Comparison

Acorns is the best micro investing app overall, and CNBC names it best for micro-investing. This list covers 8 apps, from round-up tools to fractional-share platforms, including options for UK and Australian users.

Quick comparison table

Pricing is marked Unknown because we haven't confirmed current fees from the listings. CNBC labels come from its published rankings.

1. Acorns

Best for: automatic investing of spare change.

Acorns rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the difference. You never have to decide when to invest or how much.

CNBC names it best for micro-investing. Acorns runs on iOS and Android.

Standout feature: round-up investing.

2. Stash

Best for: beginners who want to pick their own investments with small amounts.

Stash lets you start small with fractional shares, ETFs and themed portfolios. You choose what to buy instead of handing the job to an algorithm.

You can get it on iOS and Android.

Standout feature: themed portfolios.

3. Robinhood

Best for: active investors who want to trade small amounts.

Robinhood offers commission-free investing and fractional shares, so a few dollars can buy a slice of a stock. It suits people who like making their own trades.

CNBC lists it as best for active investing. The app is on iOS and Android.

Standout feature: fractional shares with no commissions.

4. Betterment

Best for: hands-off, automated investing.

Betterment is a robo-advisor. The app manages your portfolio, so the only real decision is how much to put in.

CNBC lists it as best for automated investing. It's available on iOS and Android.

Standout feature: automated portfolio management.

5. Webull

Best for: investors who want fractional shares plus retirement saving in one app.

Webull supports fractional shares and offers retirement account options. Both goals can live in one place.

CNBC includes it among its best investing apps. Webull works on iOS and Android.

Standout feature: retirement saving alongside fractional shares.

6. Public

Best for: fractional investing in stocks and ETFs.

Public is a general investing platform where small amounts buy slices of stocks and ETFs. It's a straightforward pick if you want to choose your own holdings.

Find it on iOS and Android.

Standout feature: fractional-share investing in both stocks and ETFs.

7. Moneybox

Best for: UK users who want to save and invest spare change.

Moneybox rounds up your purchases and feeds the spare change into your investments. Saving and investing sit together in one app.

It's UK-focused and runs on iOS and Android.

Standout feature: combined saving and investing with round-ups.

8. Raiz

Best for: Australian users who want round-up investing.

Raiz takes spare change from your purchases and invests it for you. Small amounts add up with no manual effort.

It's Australia-focused and comes on iOS and Android.

Standout feature: round-up micro-investing for Australians.

Frequently asked questions

What is a micro investing app?

It's a mobile app that lets you invest very small amounts. Round-up apps like Acorns invest the spare change from purchases. Fractional-share apps like Public let you buy a slice of a stock or ETF with a few dollars.

How much money do you need to start?

Often very little, but it varies by app. Check each listing for current minimums and fees before you sign up.

Is micro investing worth it?

It builds the habit more than wealth. Small amounts grow slowly, so treat it as a starting point and raise your contributions when you can.

Which apps work outside the US?

Moneybox is for UK users and Raiz is for Australians. The others are US-focused, so check availability in your country.

Are these apps safe?

All investing carries risk, and you can lose money. Verify each app's regulation and protections in your region before depositing anything.

The verdict

Acorns is the strongest overall pick, thanks to its round-up model and CNBC's micro-investing recognition. Stash is the runner-up for choosing your own investments with small amounts. Robinhood is the second runner-up for active investors who want fractional shares. UK readers should look at Moneybox, and Australians at Raiz.

These picks rest on verified listings and published rankings, not hands-on testing.