Best ETF App 2023 – Top App Revealed
If you’re a long-term investor that’s looking to buy ETFs at the click of a button – you’ll want to use a top-rated app. This will allow you to build a diversified portfolio with ease – as many ETF apps now permit commission-free trades.
In this guide, we review the best ETF app for 2023 and show you how to get started with a commission-free investment today!
Key Points on ETF Apps
- The best ETF apps offer low trading fees and commissions.
- eToro offers commission-free ETF trading so you can buy and sell the best exchange-traded funds anytime, and anywhere.
- ETF apps let you gain exposure to various markets without taking ownership of the underlying assets.
- The best ETF apps also support price alerts and push notifications, keeping you updated in real-time so you never miss a unique trading opportunity.
68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Top ETF App 2023
A list of the best ETF apps for 2023 can be found below. We discuss each ETF app provider in greater depth further down.
- eToro – Overall Best ETF App with Zero Commission
- Libertex – Best for ETF App for Leveraged CFDs
- Robinhood – Best 0% Fee ETF App for US Residents
- Fineco Bank – Best ETF App For Regular Dollar-Cost Averaging
- Plus500 – Top ETF App For Trading Commission-Free CFDs
- Webull – Best ETF App for User Experience
- Stash – User-Friendly ETF App With Low Account Minimums
- Fidelity – Best ETF App With Personalized Investment Screener
- TD Ameritrade – Best ETF App for Research and Analysis
Best ETF App Reviewed
There are several key factors that you need to tick off before joining an ETF app. For example, you need to ensure that your chosen ETF instrument is supported and that the app offers competitive fees and commissions. You also need to explore the minimum investment amount required and ultimately – how your money is kept.
To help clear the mist, below we review the very best ETF apps in the market right now.
1. eToro – Overall Best ETF App with Zero Commission
Best of all, when using eToro to invest in your chosen ETF – you won’t pay any commission. This is the case irrespective of which stock exchange the ETF is listed on – as eToro covers 17 US and international markets. You will also like the fact that the minimum ETF investment at eToro is just $50. Well-known ETF providers offered on the platform include Vanguard, iShares, SPDR, and Invesco. Any dividend payments that your chosen ETF yields will be added to your eToro account on a next-day basis.
Outside of its ETF department, eToro offers a full suite of other asset classes. This includes over 2,400 stocks, 16 cryptocurrencies, and CFD instruments in the form of commodities, forex, and indices. These instruments can also be traded commission-free and at low minimum stakes. Once you have downloaded the eToro app and opened an account – you will also have access to the Copy Trading feature.
As the name suggests, this allows you to copy an eToro trader like-for-like – meaning any position they take will also be reflected in your own account. This feature is fee-free and requires a minimum investment of just $500 per trader. In terms of payments, eToro supports debit/credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro), e-wallets (Paypal, Skrill, Neteller), and a bank account transfer. Finally, the eToro app is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC – and the firm is registered with FINRA in the US.
Read our comprehensive eToro app review to find out more about what this app offers.
Pros
- Regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC
- Trusted brand with over 20 million investment accounts worldwide
- Buy stocks without paying any commission or share dealing charges
- Social and copy trading
- Buy stocks or trade CFDs with leverage (Non-US)
- 2,400+ stocks listed on multiple international markets
- Personalized eToro account where you can set up trading price alerts
Cons
- Not suitable for active traders that like to perform technical analysis
67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
2. Libertex – Best ETF App for Leveraged CFDs
In turn, this gives you the option of going long or short on your chosen ETF. For example, if you thought that the ETF was overvalued you could profit from this by placing a sell order. CFDs on the Libertex app also allow you to trade with leverage. In most cases, you’ll get leverage limits of 1:5 – so a $50 stake would boost your position to $250.
In terms of supported markets, Libertex offers ETFs from the likes of iShares, Vanguard, and SPDR. This top-rated ETF app does not charge any spreads, so you’ll pay a very small commission instead. For example, you can trade the iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF at a commission of just 0.10% per slide, and the Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF at just 0.11%. Other financial markets on the Libertex app include stocks, index funds, gold, oil, forex, and digital currencies.
Pros
- 50+ forex CFDs
- Very low trading commissions and zero spreads
- Use the Libertex or MetaTrader 4 mobile apps
- Supports forex signals and full-screen charting
- Get started with just $20
Cons
- Limited selection of stocks to trade
- Doesn’t support Google Pay or Apple Pay
75.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
3. Robinhood – Best 0% Fee ETF App for US Residents
This is because you can invest in an ETF at just a couple of dollars per trade. Perhaps the main drawback with Robinhood is that the app is largely focused on US-listed assets. If, however, you’re planning to build a diversified portfolio of international-listed ETFs – you might need to look elsewhere. Nevertheless, if you choose to remain on the Standard Account at Robinhood, you won’t need to pay any ongoing management fees.
If you want access to more features – you might consider the Gold Account. This will give you access to margin trading tools – as long as you have a minimum account balance of $2,000. You will also be able to earn interest on idle USD cash balances, access research reports, and be able to make larger instant deposits. On top of stocks and ETFs, Robinhood also allows you to trade cryptocurrencies and options. These instruments are also commission-free.
Read our comprehensive Robinhood app review to find out more about what this firm offers.
Pros
- Heavily regulated in the US
- More than 10 million traders using the app
- Buy and sell stocks without paying any commission
- No minimum deposit in place
- No monthly or annual maintenance fees
- More than 5,000 US stocks supported
- Also invest and trade ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies
- Perfect for newbie traders
Cons
- Only 250+ foreign stocks listed
- Unable to deposit with a debit/credit card or e-wallet
Your capital is at risk.
4. Fineco Bank – Best ETF App For Regular Dollar-Cost Averaging
But, at Fineco Bank – you can set up a regular investment plan from just $50 per month. Fineco’s Regular Investment Plan not only covers ETFs but mutual funds too. You will start off by answering some questions about your financial goals – such as which assets and marketplaces interest you. Then, you need to stipulate how much you wish to invest each month. Then, there is nothing more to do as your monthly investment will be taken care of automatically.
If you like the sound of this, Fineco Bank will charge you just £2.95 per month. This is irrespective of how many ETFs you have in your regular investment plan. Once you download the Fineco Bank iOS/Android ETF app – you will also be able to choose from thousands of stocks from dozens of international exchanges. This top-rated trading app is heavily regulated – which includes a license with the FCA.
Pros
- Buy shares from just £2.95
- Thousands of shares, ETFs, and funds supported
- Trade CFDs via shares, indices, commodities, and more
- Low minimum deposit of just £100
- Heavily regulated and trusted reputation
- No fees to deposit
- Financial planning
Cons
- ETFs require a monthly payment of £2.95 (includes 1 free ETF trade)
- No debit card deposits
There is no guarantee you will make money with this provider.
5. Plus500 – Top ETF App For Trading Commission-Free CFDs
Plus500 is another top-rated trading app that specializes in CFDs. The app gives you access to thousands of financial markets. On top of ETFs, this includes stocks, forex, digital currencies, oil, gas, gold, indices, and more. All financial markets on the Plus500 app are free of commission – so it’s only the spread that you pay.
To give you an idea of just how tight the spreads are on this ETF app – the iShares Silver can be traded at just 0.17%. The GLD Gold ETF is even more competitive at a spread of just 0.09%. This combination of low spreads and zero commissions means that you can target small profit margins throughout the day in a cost-effective manner. Like all CFD trading apps, Plus500 offers buy and sell markets – allowing you to make gains from both rising and falling markets.
Leverage of 1:5 on ETFs is also offered – and more if you are a professional client. The mobile trading platform itself is relatively user-friendly. You can search for the ETF market you are interested in or use the filter buttons. Once you load set up a position, you can also deploy a stop-loss, take-profit, and limit order. This ensures that you can trade CFDs in a risk-averse way. Plus500 is authorized and regulated in several jurisdictions and its parent company is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Pros
- Heavily regulated trading platform
- 0% commission on all forex trading positions
- Leverage facilities available
- Mobile app is highly rated
- No transaction fees
- Minimum deposit just £100
- Heaps of forex pairs supported
- Thousands of CFD instruments
Cons
- Does not offer traditional investment assets
6. Webull – Best ETF App for User Experience
There is no minimum deposit requirement when using Webull to buy ETFs and you can fund your account fee-free when doing so via ACH. You will, however, be charged $8 to deposit funds via a US wire transfer and $25 to make a withdrawal. Nevertheless, the Webull app is generally preferred by traders with little to no experience in this space.
It’s really simple to use and finding a stock or ETF to invest in could not be easier. In terms of safety, Webull is regulated by the SEC and FINRA. Most importantly, US traders are protected by the SIPC – which covers you up to the first $500,000 ($250,000 limit for cash) if Webull collapsed.
Pros
- 5,000+ US stocks and ETFs
- 100% commission-free trading
- Very affordable margin rates
- Advanced technical charts with modifiable parameters
- Integrated stock screener with day trading filters
Cons
- Few stock discovery features
- Only accepts deposits by bank transfer
Your capital is at risk.
7. Stash – User-Friendly ETF App With Low Account Minimums
For example, the platform categorizes markets by their core characteristics – such as whether you want to invest in an ETF that tracks commodities, bonds, or diversified global markets. However, you will need to pay a monthly fee to use the app. Fortunately, this costs just $1 per month.
But, if you want access to greater account features – such as access to traditional IRAs, you will need to pay a higher monthly fee. For example, at $3 per month, you’ll get personalized retirement advice and access to Smart Portfolios. The highest account plan – at $9 per month, also allows you to invest on behalf of your children, comes with premium research and advice, and will get you $10k life insurance via Avibra.
Still not convinced about the Stash app? Read our comprehensive Stash review to find out more about what this great ETF app offers
Pros
- No minimum deposit
- Offers fractional stock
- More than 1,200+ stocks and ETFs
- Best-suited for newbie traders
- Heavily regulated
- Round Up feature and personal finance tips
- Avialable on both iOS and Android
- Lots of educational resources
Cons
- Monthly fee of between $1 and $9 depending account type
- Does not support instant deposits with a debit/credit card or e-wallet
8. Fidelity – Best ETF App With Personalized Investment Screener
Fidelity is an established brokerage firm with a popular investment app that can be downloaded free of charge on iOS and Android devices. The app will get you access to thousands of ETFs – which cover US and international-listed markets. In fact, at Fidelity, you can invest in ETFs from over 25 different countries.
We like Fidelity for its trusted and long-standing track record in the investment scene. Plus, we also like the ETF screener that the app comes with. This makes it really easy to find an ETF that is suited for your financial goals and attitude to risk. This comes with a filter of more than 100 metrics – such as the type of instrument you wish to invest in and whether you have a particular market in mind.
In terms of fees, Fidelity allows you to invest in ETFs without paying any commission if it’s listed on a major US exchange. If your chosen ETF is listed elsewhere, you will pay a flat fee. This will vary depending on the country in question – so be sure to check this out before opening an account. There is no minimum deposit requirement at Fidelity – which also makes the ETF app attractive to small level investors.
Pros
- Great selection of long-term investment products
- Access US-listed stocks, ETFs, and investment options commission-free
- Covers thousands of markets in 25 different countries
- Excellent reputation and heavily regulated
- No minimum lump sum requirement
- Top-rated research and educational materials
- Advanced analysis tools available for seasoned pros
Cons
- Account opening process can be slow
- No debit card deposits/withdrawals
Your capital is at risk.
9. TD Ameritrade – Best ETF App for Research and Analysis
There are also educational tools such as articles, guides, videos, and webcasts. In terms of supported ETFs, you’ll have thousands to choose from at TD Ameritrade. This covers markets in the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, and more. If you are investing in a US-listed ETF, you will be doing so on a commission-free basis.
If you wish to purchase an ETF that is listed outside of the US – this is classed as an OTC (Over the Counter) trade. In turn, you’ll pay a fee of $6.95. Although TD Ameritrade does not have a minimum account balance policy in place, you might want to stick with US-listed ETFs if you are planning to invest small amounts – as the OTC fee might make the process unviable. Nevertheless, on top of ETFs, this trading app also offers stocks, options, futures, forex, mutual funds, and even crypto.
Pros
- Enormous selection of stocks and options
- Commission-free trading
- Two mobile apps available
- Fully customizable indicators with thinkorswim scripts
- Analyze 4-leg options trades
Cons
- Only accepts bank transfers for payment
- Relatively pricey margin rates
Your capital is at risk.
ETF App Fees Comparison?
In the sections above we reviewed 10 of the best ETF apps to consider in 2023. But, as you might have noticed, fees and commissions can vary between providers. As such, below you will find a summary of core fees charged by each respective ETF app.
| ETF App | US-listed ETF Commission | Non-US-Listed ETF Commission |
| eToro | 0% | 0% |
| Robinhood | $0 | N/A |
| TD Ameritrade | $0 | $6.95 |
| Webull | $0 | N/A |
| Stash | $0 | N/A |
| Fidelity | $0 | Varies depending on the exchange |
| Fineco | $3.95 | Average of €3.95 |
| Plus500 | $0 | $0 |
| Libertex | $0 | $0 |
Don’t forget – all ETFs come with an expense ratio, too. This is an annual fee charged by the ETF provider and cannot be avoided.
What are ETFs?
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are popular with investors that seek long-term financial gains in a passive and diversified manner. The ETF that you opt for will be managed by a large-scale institution – with the likes of Vanguard and iShares dominating this space. The main concept is that through a single ETF investment – you’ll be indirectly buying hundreds of different assets.
In some cases – such as the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF – you’ll be investing in thousands of individual equities. Either way, once you have completed your ETF investment, there is nothing more for you to do. The fund manager will determine which assets to buy and sell – which allows you to sit back and let your capital work for you.
There are many types of ETFs in the market, albeit, the most common are as follows:
- Index Fund ETFs: This will track a stock market index like the S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, or FTSE 250.
- Dividend Stock ETF: This type of ETF will track a basket of established dividend stocks.
- Growth Stock ETFs: If you want to gain exposure to a basket of growth stocks, there are several ETFs to choose from.
- Bond ETFs: There are hundreds of bond ETFs in the market – covering a combination of corporate and government-issued instruments
- Commodity ETFs: One of the best ways to invest in a commodity like gold or silver is through a managed ETF, you can also do this through a commodity trading app.
Unless you are investing in a commodity ETF, you will be able to make money via two different income streams. Firstly, you will be entitled to your share of dividend payments that the ETF receives. For example, this might be because the ETF holds a basket of dividend stocks or bonds.
Secondly, if and when the value of the assets held in the ETF increases, so will your investment. ETFs are represented as stock on a public exchange – which should rise and fall in conjunction with the ETF’s Net Asset Value (NAV). The fact that ETFs are publicly listed also means that you can cash out your investment at any given time.
When it comes to fees, you’ll pay an expense ratio when you invest in an ETF – even if your chosen app is commission-free. The good news is that is often in the region of 0.1%-0.4% per year – which is very competitive.
Why Invest in ETFs?
If you’re wondering why ETFs are popular with investors of all shapes and sizes – check out the many benefits discussed below.
Diversification
When you invest in an ETF you will be buying a large number of assets through a single trade.
- For example, if you invest in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF, you are essentially buying all 500 stocks from the respective index.
- In another example, if you invested in the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund ETF, your portfolio would consist of over 10,000 bond instruments.
Attempting to purchase this many assets on a DIY basis would be super time-consuming and costly.
Additionally, you can diversify even further when you use a broker like eToro – as the ETF app allows you to invest from just $50 per trade. This means that you can invest in multiple ETFs from a variety of sectors and objectives – which is a smart strategy to take in terms of risk management.
Access All Markets
Although retail investors can easily access large-cap stocks listed in the US and UK – this isn’t always the case with other marketplaces. For example, if you wanted to buy shares in companies based in South America or Asia – you will either find it challenging or very expensive.
This is where ETFs really shine – as you can invest in a diversified basket of emerging stocks and bonds with ease. A prime example of this is the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF – which gets you access to over 800+ stocks from a variety of markets – such as China, Taiwan, South Africa, South Kore, and more.
Various Risk Levels
There are ETFs to suit investors of all types. For example, if you are a conservative investor that likes to take a low-risk approach – you might prefer an ETF that buys high-grade assets. This might consist of an ETF that tracks blue-chip stocks or US Treasuries.
If you want to target more attractive financial returns and are happy taking on more risk – then you might opt for an ETF that tracks bonds from the emerging markets or US-listed growth stocks.
Combine Dividends and Capital Growth
When investing in an ETF, you can earn capital in two forms. As we noted earlier, this comes via dividends and an increased NAV. The former is particularly useful, as you can reinvest your dividends back into the ETF every time you receive a payment (typically every three months).
Every time you do, you will increase the size of your investment in the ETF, and thus – your dividend yield will attract a higher monetary payment. For example, let’s say you invested $5,000 into an ETF and yielded 10% in dividends in year one.
A reinvestment strategy would mean that in year two – your investment in the ETF would stand at $5,500. In turn, a 10% yield would translate to $550 as opposed to the $500 you would have received had you cashed your dividends out.
Ideal for Small Investments
If you want to create a long-term investment portfolio but don’t have a larger amount of capital – ETFs are ideal. In fact, the best way to approach ETFs, is to follow a long-term dollar-cost averaging strategy. For example, at eToro, you can invest in an ETF from just $50 per trade.
This means that you can invest a little bit of spare cash that you have at the end of each month – subsequently growing your exposure to the financial markets consistently. Additionally, eToro allows you to invest in ETFs commission-free – making the app ideal for this strategy.
Great for Commodity Investments
ETFs are without a doubt the best way to invest in commodities. For example, if you wanted to invest in gold and opted for the traditional method of buying and storing bars or coins – this would be costly. On top of the obvious security concerns, it would also make it challenging to cash your gold investment out.
But, by opting for an ETF like the SPDR Gold Shares, you can invest in this precious metal without needing to worry about storage. You would also be able to cash out your investment at any given time – as ETFs are traded as public stocks. There are commodity ETFs available on other instruments too – such as silver, oil, and natural gas.
How to Choose the Best ETF App for You
We have discussed the top 10 ETF apps in the market right now. But, it’s also a good idea to perform a bit of research of your own before proceeding. This will ensure that you choose from the best ETF app for your personal needs and requirements.
The most important factors to look out for are discussed below:
- Regulation: All of the best ETF apps discussed on this page are regulated. In the case of eToro, the broker is registered with FINRA and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, ASIC, and CySEC. US-based apps like Robinhood, Webull, and Stash are regulated by the SEC and in many cases – members of the SIPC
- User Experience: Make sure that your chosen day trading app is easy to use on your respective operating system. Most apps are built for both iOS and Android – so you should find that the user experience is seamless.
- Tradable ETFs: It goes without saying that your chosen investment app should support the ETF that you want to invest in. You can usually check this by visiting the provider’s website to see what ETFs are available.
- Fees: The best ETF apps discussed today allow you to invest commission-free. While this is typically reserved for US-listed ETFs, eToro extends this commission-free offering to 17 international markets. Also, check fees surrounding deposits and withdrawals.
- Trading Tools: We found that the best investing apps come with various tools and features that can enhance your trading decision-making process. For example, eToro offers a Copy Trading feature that allows you to mirror the portfolio of a successful ETF investor. Also look out for tools surrounding research, analysis, and education.
- Payment Methods: You will need to deposit funds before you can invest in an ETF. The likes of eToro supports debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers – while others are limited to just the latter.
- Customer Service: The best ETF app providers of 2023 allow you to speak with a customer support agent via Live Chat. Others are limited to just email or a support ticket – so check this before signing up.
As you can see from the above, there are many things to cross off to find the best ETF app for your needs.
How to Download a Mutual Fund App & Start Trading
If you want to invest in an ETF right now without paying a single cent in commission – follow the step-by-step walkthrough outlined below.
eToro will now redirect you to the official download page of its mobile app. All you need to do is click on the Google Play or App Store button and you’ll be taken to the respective page.
Open the eToro app and log in with the username and password that you created in Step 1. eToro will then ask you to make a deposit. Supported payment types on this top-rated ETF app include debit/credit cards, Paypal, Neteller, bank transfer, and more.
eToro – Best ETF App with 0% Commission
In summary, we found that eToro is the best ETF app in the market right now. With more than 20 million investors now using the app – the provider is arguably one of the most popular globally. You can invest in heaps of ETFs at a minimum of just $50 – and you won’t pay a single cent in commission.
You can invest in an ETF via the eToro app in less than 10 minutes – as the provider supports instant payment methods like Visa, MasterCard, and even Paypal!
67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
FAQs
What is the best ETF app?
Some of the best ETF apps that we came across include Robinhood, Acorns, Betterment, Libertex, and Stash. With that said, eToro stands out for us - as the app allows you to invest in ETFs commission-free and at a minimum stake of just $50.
What is the difference between a robo-advisor and an ETF?
Robo-advisors are offered by brokerage apps and they allow you to invest passively based on your financial goals. ETFs, on the other hand, are managed investment funds that give you access to a diverse portfolio of assets. In most cases, robo-advisor platforms invest in ETFs.
Are ETFs a good investment?
ETFs are a great investment if you want to track a specific marketplace - like index funds, bonds, dividend stocks. ETFs are also beneficial if you want to create a diversified portfolio in a passive nature.
Do ETF apps pay dividends?
Yes, if your chosen ETF pays dividends - you will entitled to your share. In most cases, this will be reflected in your ETF app cash balance the day after the payment is distributed.
What are ETF CFDs?
Some of the best ETF apps discussed today specialize in CFDs. This allows you to trade the future price of the ETF without taking ownership. You can trade ETF CFDs with leverage too - which will boost the value of your position.
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