E*TRADE vs Acorns: Which Investing App Fits Your Style
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley is a full-service brokerage app designed for active traders and investors who want hands-on control, advanced tools, and a wide range of investment options. Acorns is an automated micro-investing app aimed at beginners and passive investors who prefer a set-and-forget approach, automatically investing spare change and recurring amounts. Both apps have high ratings and millions of installs, but they serve very different needs.
E*TRADE: Invest. Trade. Save.
- Rating
- ★ 4.61
- Downloads
- 1,000,000+
- Developer
- E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
Acorns: Save & Invest Money
Recommended- Rating
- ★ 4.74
- Downloads
- 10,000,000+
- Developer
- Acorns
Welcome to E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, where we simplify investing and trading no matter your experience level. Our award-winning app offers everything you need, including investing, banking, trading, research, and more—right at your fingertips. Download now to start investing…
Pros
- Commission-free trading for US-listed stocks, ETFs, and options
- Comprehensive research tools and market analysis
- Access to mutual funds and a wide range of investment products
- Integrated banking features (checking, savings, debit card)
- Award-winning app with high rating and trusted brand
Cons
- May be overwhelming for beginners due to advanced features
- Requires active management and decision-making
- No automated spare-change investing or round-ups
Acorns helps you save, invest, and grow for your future. Our automated saving, investing, and spending tools help you grow your money and financial wellness. At Acorns, we believe that financial wellness and finance education are for everybody. It has nothing to do with how much…
Pros
- Automated investing with spare-change round-ups and recurring deposits
- Beginner-friendly with simple, hands-off approach
- Includes banking services (Acorns Checking) and retirement accounts
- Educational content and financial wellness tools
- Higher user rating and more than 10 million installs
Cons
- Limited investment options (mostly ETFs and pre-built portfolios)
- Monthly subscription fee applies
- No active trading or options trading
Final Verdict
Our pick: Acorns: Save & Invest Money
Choose E*TRADE if you are an active trader or want a comprehensive brokerage with research, options, and mutual funds. Choose Acorns if you are new to investing or prefer automated, hands-off saving and investing. For most beginners, Acorns is the easier entry point, while E*TRADE offers more control for seasoned investors. Ultimately, your choice depends on your investment style and goals.
E*TRADE: Invest. Trade. Save. Screenshots
Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.
Acorns: Save & Invest Money Screenshots
Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ratings of E*TRADE and Acorns?
E*TRADE has a rating of 4.60, while Acorns has a higher rating of 4.74 on the Google Play Store.
Can I use these apps offline?
Both apps require an internet connection for real-time data, trading, and account updates. Offline access is not available for core features.
Do these apps contain ads?
Neither app displays third-party ads. They may include promotional content for their own services, but not external advertising.
What are the device requirements?
Both apps require Android 5.0 or higher, but for the best experience, Android 8.0 and above is recommended. They are available on Google Play.
Which app should I choose?
If you want active trading and full control, choose E*TRADE. If you prefer automated, passive investing, choose Acorns. Your choice depends on your investing style.
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