So, you’ve learned how AI is revolutionizing personal finance and you’re intrigued by the idea of automated investing. But taking that first step can feel like jumping into the deep end. Which platform is right for you? How much does it cost? Is it actually easy?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Robo-advisors were built specifically to answer those questions and make investing simple, accessible, and stress-free for beginners. They use smart technology to build and manage a diversified portfolio for you, taking the guesswork out of growing your wealth.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 5 best robo-advisors for beginners in 2025. We’ll compare their fees, features, and who they’re best for, so you can choose the perfect platform to start your investment journey with confidence.
What Is a Robo-Advisor, Really? (A Quick Refresher)
Before we dive in, let’s quickly recap. A robo-advisor is an automated investment platform that uses algorithms to manage your money. You tell it your financial goals and how much risk you’re comfortable with, and it does the rest—from selecting investments to rebalancing your portfolio over time. (If you’re new to this concept, check out our full Beginner’s Guide to How AI is Automating Your Finances).
It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” approach to investing.
How We Chose the Best Robo-Advisors
To earn a spot on our list, a platform had to excel in the areas that matter most to new investors:
- Low Minimum Investment: You shouldn’t need a fortune to get started.
- Transparent Fees: No hidden costs or confusing pricing structures.
- Ease of Use: A clean, intuitive interface on both desktop and mobile.
- Beginner-Friendly Features: Tools and resources that help you learn and grow.
- Reputation and Security: Trusted platforms with strong security measures.
The Top 5 Robo-Advisors for Beginners
1. Betterment – Best for Goal-Based Investing
- Best for: Visual learners who want to set and track specific financial goals.
- Minimum Investment: $0 for a standard account ($10 to start investing).
- Management Fee: 0.25% annually (or $4/month for accounts under $20,000).
Why We Like It: Betterment excels at making investing personal. Instead of just putting money into a generic account, you can create separate goals like “Retirement,” “House Down Payment,” or “Vacation Fund.” The platform shows you if you’re on track for each goal and suggests how much you need to save. Its user-friendly app and helpful visuals make it incredibly motivating for beginners.
Who It’s For: Anyone who is motivated by tangible goals and wants a clear picture of their financial future.
2. Wealthfront – Best for Overall Automation and Features
- Best for: Tech-savvy beginners who want powerful automation tools working behind the scenes.
- Minimum Investment: $500.
- Management Fee: 0.25% annually.
Why We Like It: Wealthfront is a powerhouse of automation. While its minimum is higher, it offers features that are typically reserved for high-net-worth investors, like advanced Tax-Loss Harvesting on all accounts. Its digital financial planning tool, “Path,” gives you a comprehensive look at your finances, even linking external accounts to provide a holistic retirement forecast.
Who It’s For: Beginners who are comfortable meeting the $500 minimum and want to leverage best-in-class technology from day one.
3. SoFi Invest – Best for Low Costs and Human Advice
- Best for: Beginners who want zero management fees and the option to talk to a human.
- Minimum Investment: $1.
- Management Fee: 0% (No advisory fees).
Why We Like It: SoFi Invest’s automated investing platform is hard to beat on price—it’s free. This makes it an amazing entry point for anyone worried about fees eating into their returns. The standout feature is that all members get complimentary access to certified financial planners. If you ever have a question that a robot can’t answer, you can schedule a call with a real person, offering incredible value.
Who It’s For: Cost-conscious beginners who want the safety net of human advice.
4. Acorns – Best for Micro-Investing and Saving Automatically
- Best for: Hands-off savers and those who struggle to put money aside for investing.
- Minimum Investment: $0 to open an account, $5 to start investing.
- Management Fee: Tiered plans at $3, $5, or $9 per month.
Why We Like It: Acorns is built on a simple but brilliant idea: invest your spare change. Its most popular feature, “Round-Ups,” automatically rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. That $4.50 coffee becomes a $0.50 investment. It’s the easiest way to start investing without even noticing the money is gone.
Who It’s For: Perfect for students, absolute beginners, or anyone who thinks they don’t have “enough” money to start investing.
5. Fidelity Go – Best for Existing Fidelity Customers
- Best for: Investors who already have accounts with Fidelity or want the backing of a major institution.
- Minimum Investment: $0.
- Management Fee: No advisory fees for balances under $25,000. 0.35% annually for balances over $25,000.
Why We Like It: Fidelity Go offers the reliability and resources of one of the world’s largest brokerage firms. There are no advisory fees on your first $25,000, which is a huge runway for a new investor. If you already have a 401(k) or another account with Fidelity, using Fidelity Go keeps all your investments under one convenient roof.
Who It’s For: Anyone who values the trust and security of a household name or already uses other Fidelity services.
Quick Comparison Table
| Robo-Advisor | Minimum Investment | Annual Management Fee | Best For |
| Betterment | $0 ($10 to invest) | 0.25% (or $4/mo) | Goal-Based Investing |
| Wealthfront | $500 | 0.25% | Powerful Automation |
| SoFi Invest | $1 | 0% | Zero Fees & Human Advice |
| Acorns | $0 ($5 to invest) | Starts at $3/month | Micro-Investing |
| Fidelity Go | $0 | 0% (under $25k) | Brand Trust & Integration |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is my money safe with a robo-advisor? Yes. Reputable robo-advisors are members of the SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation). This protects your investments up to $500,000 in the unlikely event the brokerage firm fails. It does not protect against normal market losses.
Q2: Can I lose money with a robo-advisor? Yes. All investing involves risk. The value of your investments will go up and down with the market. However, robo-advisors mitigate risk by diversifying your portfolio across many different assets, which is a proven long-term strategy.
Q3: How do I choose the right one for me? Consider your starting capital (minimum investment), how important low fees are to you, and which platform’s unique features (like goals vs. micro-investing) best match your personality and financial habits.
Conclusion
The best robo-advisor is the one that gets you to start investing. Each of these five platforms offers a fantastic, user-friendly path to building wealth automatically. By removing the fear and complexity from investing, they empower you to take control of your financial future—no expertise required.
