You don't need thousands of dollars or a financial adviser to start investing. Acorns invests your spare change automatically. Robinhood lets you buy any stock from $1. Both are free to start.
The biggest barrier to investing isn't money or knowledge. It's misinformation. Here's what's actually true.
Acorns invests your spare change — literally the cents left over after rounding up your purchases. Robinhood allows fractional shares from $1. You can start with less than a cup of coffee.
The S&P 500 has returned an average of 10.2% per year over the past 30 years — through crashes, recessions, and pandemics. Time in the market beats timing the market every time.
Acorns manages everything for you — it chooses a diversified portfolio based on your goals and risk level. You don't pick stocks. You just let it run. That's genuinely all there is to it.
$50/month from age 25 grows to ~$380,000 by 65 at 10% average returns. Starting 10 years later and contributing the same total dollars results in significantly less. Time is your most valuable asset.
Money sitting in a savings account earning 4% loses purchasing power to 3% inflation every year. Over 20 years your savings lose real value. Investing is how you protect against that.
$25 per week invested consistently for 20 years at 10% average returns grows to approximately $78,000. Small, consistent amounts dramatically outperform irregular large investments.
Both are excellent. Both are free. The choice comes down to one question: do you want it fully automatic, or do you want control?
Free to try · RandWise earns a commission at no cost to you
Free to open · RandWise earns a commission at no cost to you
Based on the S&P 500's historical average return of approximately 10% per year. These are not guaranteed — but they show what patience and consistency produce.
Returns based on 10% average annual return, compounded. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For illustrative purposes only.
| Feature | 🌰 Acorns | 🟢 Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to start | ✓ $0 | ✓ $1 |
| Monthly fee | From $3/month | ✓ Free (basic) |
| Automatic investing | ✓ Round-Ups + recurring | ✓ Recurring only |
| Choose your own stocks | ✕ Managed portfolio only | ✓ 5,000+ stocks and ETFs |
| Fractional shares | ✕ Not available | ✓ From $1 |
| Commission-free trades | ✓ Managed — no trades needed | ✓ $0 commission |
| Crypto available | Limited | ✓ 20+ cryptocurrencies |
| Retirement account | ✓ IRA available | ✓ IRA with 1–3% match |
| Welcome bonus | Varies | ✓ Free stock up to $200 |
| Best for | Beginners who want autopilot | Anyone who wants control |
You've never invested before and find it intimidating. You just want it to happen automatically.
Start with AcornsYou have a specific company in mind and want to own a slice of it without paying commission.
Use RobinhoodYou want to add Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies to your portfolio alongside stocks.
Use RobinhoodYou're busy. You want wealth building to happen in the background without any effort from you.
Use AcornsYou want tax-advantaged retirement savings alongside your regular investments.
Both have IRAs — start with eitherYou want to research companies, build a diversified portfolio, and make your own decisions.
Use RobinhoodThe best time to start investing was 10 years ago. The second best time is right now.
RandWise earns a commission when you sign up through our links — at no cost to you. Investing involves risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up. Past returns do not guarantee future results. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.