Looking for the best robo-advisors with low management fees? You’re not alone. Automated investing platforms have made it easier than ever to build a diversified portfolio without paying traditional financial advisor prices. Most robo-advisors charge between 0.15% and 0.30% annually, far less than the typical 1% advisory fee. Below, we’ll break down the top 10 robo-advisors with low fees, highlighting what makes each platform stand out to help you grow your wealth efficiently.
1. Betterment
Betterment is one of the most popular robo-advisors with a low management fee of around 0.25% annually for its digital plan. There’s no account minimum, making it perfect for beginners. Betterment offers automatic rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and goal-based investing tools that help you stay on track. You can invest for retirement, general wealth building, or even major life goals. The interface is clean and intuitive, and socially responsible investing (SRI) portfolios are available. If you want a hands-off investing experience with strong digital tools, Betterment is a reliable and affordable choice.
2. Wealthfront
Wealthfront charges a competitive 0.25% annual management fee and requires a $500 minimum to start. It’s known for advanced tax strategies like tax-loss harvesting and direct indexing for larger accounts. The platform automatically builds a diversified ETF portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance. Wealthfront also provides high-yield cash management features, making it a good all-in-one financial platform. Its automated approach, combined with powerful planning tools, makes it ideal for long-term investors who want low fees and smart automation without constant monitoring.
3. Fidelity Go
Fidelity Go stands out because it charges no advisory fee for balances under $25,000, and about 0.35% beyond that. There’s no minimum investment requirement, which makes it accessible for new investors. Managed by Fidelity, one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S., the platform offers diversified portfolios and automatic rebalancing. Investors benefit from Fidelity’s reputation, research capabilities, and customer support. If you’re just starting out and want a trusted name with minimal fees, Fidelity Go is an excellent entry-level robo-advisor.
4. Charles Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
Charles Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has no advisory fee, which makes it one of the lowest-cost robo-advisors available. However, it requires a $5,000 minimum investment and allocates a portion of your portfolio to cash. The platform provides automatic rebalancing and diversified ETF portfolios. Backed by Schwab’s long-standing financial expertise, it offers strong reliability and optional premium planning services for an added subscription cost. For investors comfortable with a higher minimum deposit, Schwab’s zero management fee structure is highly attractive.
5. SoFi Automated Investing
SoFi Automated Investing charges no management fees, making it one of the most affordable robo-advisors on the market. There’s no minimum investment requirement, and users gain access to financial planning tools and even human advisor consultations at no extra cost. Portfolios are built using ETFs and automatically rebalanced. SoFi also integrates banking, loans, and investing in one app, which is convenient for users seeking an all-in-one financial ecosystem. If keeping fees at absolute zero is your priority, SoFi is worth serious consideration.
6. Ally Invest Robo Portfolios
Ally Invest Robo Portfolios offers a no-advisory-fee option with a cash-enhanced portfolio, or a 0.30% fee for a market-focused portfolio. There’s no minimum investment requirement, making it accessible to beginners. Investors benefit from automatic rebalancing and goal tracking tools. As part of Ally Bank’s ecosystem, users can easily link banking and investing accounts. This flexibility in fee structure makes Ally appealing for cost-conscious investors who want options depending on how much cash allocation they prefer.
7. M1 Finance
M1 Finance takes a slightly different approach by offering automated investing with no management fee. Instead of traditional robo-advisor portfolios, users create “pies” made up of ETFs and stocks. The platform automatically rebalances your portfolio based on your target allocations. There’s no minimum to open an account (though $100 is typically required to start investing). M1 is ideal for investors who want more customization while still benefiting from automation. With zero advisory fees and flexible portfolio design, it’s a strong low-cost contender.
8. Acorns
Acorns is a micro-investing robo-advisor that rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change. Instead of a percentage fee, it charges a flat monthly subscription starting at a few dollars per month, which can be cost-effective for small balances. Portfolios are ETF-based and automatically rebalanced. Acorns is particularly popular with beginners who want a simple, hands-off way to start investing. While it may not suit large portfolios due to its flat fee model, it’s an easy and low-barrier entry into automated investing.
9. Vanguard Digital Advisor
Vanguard Digital Advisor charges approximately 0.20% annually, making it one of the lowest-fee robo-advisors from a major investment firm. It requires a $3,000 minimum investment and builds portfolios primarily using Vanguard ETFs. The platform offers automatic rebalancing and tax-efficient strategies. Vanguard’s long-standing reputation for low-cost investing adds credibility and trust. If you’re a fan of Vanguard’s philosophy and want automated portfolio management at a competitive price, this robo-advisor is a strong, low-fee option.
10. Ellevest
Ellevest is a robo-advisor designed primarily to empower women investors, though anyone can join. It charges a flat monthly membership fee, which can be competitive depending on your account size. Portfolios are tailored to long-term financial goals and incorporate gender-specific salary trends and career breaks into planning tools. Automatic rebalancing and diversified ETFs are standard features. Ellevest also offers educational resources and career coaching. For investors seeking a mission-driven platform with personalized planning, Ellevest delivers low-cost automated investing with a unique approach.
Choosing the Best Low-Fee Robo-Advisor
The best robo-advisor with low management fees ultimately depends on your goals, starting balance, and desired features. If you want zero fees, SoFi or M1 Finance may appeal to you. If you prefer a trusted investment giant, Vanguard or Schwab could be better. For beginners, Betterment and Wealthfront remain strong all-around choices. No matter which platform you choose, low-cost automated investing can significantly improve your long-term returns. Lower fees mean more money stays invested and compounding over time, exactly what smart investing is all about.