Acorns turned spare change into a way to invest, and millions of people love how hands-off it feels. But its flat monthly fee can eat into small balances, and some investors want more control or lower costs. If that sounds like you, there are solid apps worth a look.
This guide explains how Acorns works, where it falls short, and three alternatives to consider. First, a quick note: all investing involves risk, and you can lose money, including what you put in. No app can promise a profit.
How Acorns Works
Acorns is a micro-investing app best known for round-ups. It links to your cards, rounds each purchase up to the next dollar, and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio of ETFs. It is hands-off by design, which makes it popular with beginners.
As of July 2026, Acorns charges a flat monthly fee of roughly $3 to $12 depending on the plan. That flat fee is the catch. On a small balance, say $500, a few dollars a month works out to a high percentage each year. The round-ups also add up slowly, often a few hundred dollars annually, which may not build wealth quickly on their own.
Why Look for an Acorns Alternative
People leave Acorns for a few reasons: the flat fee feels steep on small balances, they want to pick their own investments, or they want extra features like individual stocks, bonds, or crypto. The apps below give you more control, and some skip the subscription entirely. Keep in mind that more control also means more responsibility for your choices.
Robinhood: Low-Cost, Hands-On Investing
Robinhood is a strong pick if you are ready to choose your own investments. It offers commission-free stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto with no monthly subscription for the basic account.
Robinhood
Robinhood
Robinhood is a trading platform that brings stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, crypto, and retirement accounts together in one app.
Standout feature
One platform for stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, and crypto
Fees
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options.
Pros
Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons
Best perks (high APY, lower margin rates) require Gold subscription ($5/month)
You can buy fractional shares for as little as $1, so you do not need a big balance to get started. That said, Robinhood does not automate investing the way Acorns does, so you will need to set your own schedule and pick your funds. For hands-off investors, that is a trade-off worth weighing. Remember that any investment can lose value.
Public: Build a Diversified Portfolio Your Way
Public suits investors who want variety in one app. Alongside commission-free stocks and ETFs, it offers bonds, Treasuries, and a high-yield cash account.
Public
Public
Investing for those who take it seriously. Invest in stocks, bonds, options, crypto & more.
Standout feature
A 5%+ yield Bond Account paired with 3.3% APY on cash — Public is one of the only consumer apps where idle and conservative money is treated as seriously as the equity portfolio.
Fees
Free
Pros
• Invest in stocks, bonds, crypto & more• Earn 3.3% APY* on your cash with no fees• 1% match when you transfer your portfolio• Lock in a 5%+ yield with a Bond Account
Cons
Customer support is in-app and email only, no phone
As of June 2026, that cash account advertised around 3.3% APY with no subscription fee or minimum balance, which can be handy for the cash side of your plan. Public also offers tools and data to help you research, though you still make the calls. Rates and yields change and are not guaranteed, so confirm current terms before counting on them. If a retirement account is on your radar, our guide on how to open a Roth IRA walks through the steps.
Gemini: Adding a Little Crypto to the Mix
Some Acorns users get curious about crypto once they start investing. If that is you, Gemini offers a regulated way to buy and hold more than 70 cryptocurrencies.
Gemini
Gemini
Buy, sell, and trade 70+ cryptocurrencies on one of America's most trusted and regulated exchanges. Founded by the Winklevoss twins, Gemini makes crypto simple and secure — plus get $15 in free Bitcoin when you trade $100.
Standout feature
Highly regulated exchange. Get $15 in free Bitcoin with $100 trade. 70+ coins available.
Fees
Free
Pros
One of the most regulated crypto exchanges. Strong security standards. Get $15 in free Bitcoin.
Cons
Higher fees than some competitors on the basic platform.
Gemini is known for strong security and a clean app, with an ActiveTrader mode for lower fees. Crypto is far more volatile than a diversified ETF portfolio, so treat it as a small, optional slice of your money, not a replacement for long-term investing. Only put in what you can afford to lose. For a wider look at coin-focused platforms, see our roundup of apps like Coinbase.
How to Choose the Right App
Match the app to your style:
- Want a hands-off feel closest to Acorns? You may prefer a true robo-advisor like Betterment or SoFi, which automate your portfolio for a fee.
- Want low-cost, do-it-yourself investing? Robinhood keeps fees minimal.
- Want stocks, bonds, and cash together? Public covers more ground.
- Curious about crypto? Gemini offers a secure on-ramp.
Also think about whether the flat fee you pay now is worth the automation, or whether a little effort could save you money over time.
A Note on Risk
Switching apps does not remove investment risk. Markets go up and down, and you can lose money on any platform. Investing regularly, staying diversified, and thinking long term can help, but nothing guarantees a return. If you want personalized guidance, a licensed financial advisor can help you build a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free alternative to Acorns?
Robinhood and Public both offer commission-free trading with no required monthly subscription for basic accounts, unlike Acorns' flat fee. You will need to choose and manage your own investments, which trades a little convenience for lower cost.
What is the closest app to Acorns' round-ups?
True automated round-up investing is Acorns' signature feature, and full robo-advisors like Betterment or SoFi come closest for a hands-off experience. Apps like Robinhood and Public give you more control but require you to invest manually.
Are Acorns alternatives good for beginners?
Yes, but the right fit depends on how involved you want to be. Beginners who want automation may prefer a robo-advisor, while those willing to learn can start small on Robinhood or Public with fractional shares.
Can I lose money with these apps?
Yes. Every investing app carries market risk, and you can lose part or all of your money. The platform does not change the underlying risk of the funds, stocks, or crypto you hold.
Next Steps
Add up what Acorns actually costs you as a percentage of your balance, then compare that to a low-cost or subscription-free option. If you value automation, look at a robo-advisor; if you want control and lower fees, try Robinhood or Public with a small amount first. Whatever you choose, invest consistently and keep your risk in check.
