Robinhood

SoFi

M1 Finance

Public.com

Carry (Self-Directed IRA)

tl;dr: M1 is a hybrid robo-advisor/brokerage. Build custom "pie" portfolios (stocks/ETFs), auto-rebalanced with fractional shares. Best for long-term investors wanting control, not active traders or mutual fund lovers. No fees, user-friendly.

M1 Finance is a hybrid investment platform that combines the simplicity of robo-advisors with the control of traditional brokerages. It’s designed for long-term, buy-and-hold investors and offers a range of features that make it a compelling choice for certain types of users. However, it also has notable limitations that may not suit everyone.Check out the HSA Money Guide

tl;dr: Robinhood is the most accessible U.S. brokerage for commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto — all from one sleek mobile app. It’s ideal for beginners and casual investors who want a low-cost, no-friction platform with a modern user interface. Downsides include limited research tools, slower customer service, and fewer advanced features for serious traders. Still, Robinhood is a strong, Ledger-approved pick for everyday investors building long-term portfolios.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Robinhood pioneered commission-free investing in the U.S., forcing the entire industry to follow suit. The company went public in 2021 under the ticker $HOOD ( ▲ 3.2% ) and has become a go-to app for a new generation of retail investors.

tl;dr: Public.com delivers a clean, user-friendly investing experience that caters to both beginners and more seasoned investors seeking transparency and simplicity. The platform's intuitive design, commission-free trading, and access to a broad array of assets—ranging from stocks and ETFs to treasuries and crypto—make it attractive for those who want to invest without the traditional complexity. Notably, Public.com has carved out a niche by eliminating payment for order flow (PFOF) on stocks and ETFs and providing access to fractional shares, democratizing access to the markets.

FPublic.com set out to make investing inclusive and social. It was among the first platforms to combine commission-free trading, fractional investing, and a community-driven feed into one mobile-first experience. By eliminating PFOF on stocks and ETFs and prioritizing educational tools, Public.com aims to foster trust in an industry often seen as opaque.

tl;dr: SoFi Invest is a great all-in-one platform for beginners, offering free robo-advising, fractional shares, and access to crypto—especially appealing if you already use SoFi for banking or loans. However, advanced investors may find its tools and investment options limited.

SoFi Invest is its brokerage arm, built for beginners and intermediate investors who want to manage stocks, ETFs, crypto, and retirement accounts in one place — with no commissions, low barriers to entry, and a strong educational bent.

tl;dr: Carry's Solo 401(k) is designed for self-employed individuals seeking a versatile and robust retirement plan. It combines traditional benefits with modern features, catering to those who desire control over their retirement investments.

Carry is a modern retirement benefits platform designed specifically for small businesses, startups, and venture-backed companies. Built with simplicity and growth in mind, Carry streamlines the setup and management of 401(k) plans — making it easy for founders and employees to invest in their financial futures. With a tech-forward approach and transparent pricing, Carry helps teams offer competitive benefits without the complexity of traditional retirement providers.