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A robo-advisor is an online investment platform that uses automated algorithms to build and manage your investment portfolio. Instead of working directly with a financial advisor, you answer a few questions about your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. The robo-advisor then creates a diversified portfolio, often made up of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and manages it on your behalf.

Top 10 Rated Robo-Advisors in the Apple App Store

1. Betterment

Rating: 4.8 (≈72K reviews)
Betterment offers goal-based investing, tax-loss harvesting, socially responsible portfolios, and educational tools. Its Premium plan adds unlimited CFP guidance for those wanting personalized advice.
Download Betterment on the App Store

2. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios

Rating: 4.8 (over 1M reviews)
Schwab provides no advisory fees, automated rebalancing, access to live CFPs, and diversified ETF portfolios, making it one of the most cost-effective robo-advisors for larger balances.
Download Schwab on the App Store

3. SoFi Robo Investing

Rating: 4.8 (≈356,800 reviews)
SoFi delivers low-cost ETF portfolios with very low minimums. It integrates financial tools, student loan resources, and access to human advisor support in a clean mobile-first app.
Download SoFi on the App Store

4. Wealthfront

Rating: 4.8 (reviews not listed)
Wealthfront stands out for tax-loss harvesting, automatic rebalancing, and goal planning. It also includes a high-yield cash management account, making it a well-rounded choice for investors.
Download Wealthfront on the App Store

5. Fidelity Go

Rating: 4.8 (reviews not listed)
Fidelity Go is backed by one of the most trusted financial brands. It provides a seamless interface, strong security, and was named Best Robo Advisor 2024 by Barron’s.
Download Fidelity on the App Store

6. Acorns

Rating: 4.7 (≈927.8K reviews)
Acorns is famous for micro-investing with its round-up feature that invests spare change automatically. It offers automated ETF portfolios and educational resources perfect for beginners.
Download Acorns on the App Store

7. Vanguard Digital Advisor

Rating: 4.7 (reviews not listed)
Vanguard focuses on low-cost, retirement-oriented investing. Its digital advisor offers goal planning and relies on Vanguard’s trusted lineup of ETFs.
Download Vanguard on the App Store

8. E*TRADE Core Portfolios

Rating: 4.7 (reviews not listed)
ETRADE’s robo-advisor has a low $500 minimum, integrates with the broader ETRADE platform, and comes with strong educational tools and an intuitive app experience.
Download E*TRADE on the App Store

9. Stash

Rating: 4.7 (≈933 reviews)
Stash appeals to beginners with flexible small-scale investing, educational content, and rule-based investing features that help guide new investors.
Download Stash on the App Store

10. Ellevest

Rating: 4.7 (≈5.8K reviews)
Ellevest is designed with women in mind, featuring a flat-fee model, values-aligned portfolios, and personalized financial planning. It increasingly focuses on higher-net-worth wealth management clients.
Download Ellevest on the App Store

Key Features of Robo-Advisors

Robo-advisors automate much of the investing process. They typically offer low fees compared to traditional advisors and are easy to access through mobile apps. Most provide a diversified portfolio to spread out risk and handle portfolio rebalancing automatically. Some also offer tax-loss harvesting, which can help reduce taxable gains.

Benefits of Using a Robo-Advisor

Robo-advisors are affordable and convenient, making them a strong option for beginner investors. Many allow you to start with very small amounts, sometimes as little as $5. They are also goal-based, helping you align your investments with milestones such as retirement, buying a home, or growing long-term wealth.

Limitations of Robo-Advisors

While robo-advisors are useful, they have limitations. They do not offer the same personal guidance as a human financial planner and are usually limited to the investments offered on the platform. People with complex needs, such as high-net-worth investors requiring estate or tax planning, may still prefer a traditional advisor.

The Bottom Line

A robo-advisor is like having a digital financial advisor in your pocket. It is cost-effective, efficient, and beginner-friendly, making it a popular choice for those who want to start investing without the higher costs of traditional financial advice.