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The Best Robo-Advisors

Five US automated-investing services compared on fees, minimums, features and access to human advisors.

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

A robo-advisor builds and manages a diversified portfolio for you automatically, which can suit hands-off investors who would rather not pick individual stocks. We compared five established US robo-advisors on the factors that shape long-term outcomes — management fee, account minimum, features and account types, and human advisor access. This is general information to help you compare providers, not investment advice; automated portfolios still carry risk of loss, including loss of principal. Every commercial link on this page is disclosed and never changes the ranking.

  1. 1

    Betterment

    Our pick

    A pioneering robo-advisor with automated diversified portfolios, tax features and no account minimum.

    8.9
    / 10

    Pros

    • + No account minimum on the core digital plan, so beginners can start small
    • + Automated rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting on taxable accounts
    • + Goal-based planning tools with IRA, taxable and cash options

    Cons

    • − The $4 monthly fee can be a high percentage on very small balances
    • − Human-advisor access requires a higher-fee premium tier and larger balance
    • − Portfolios are ETF-based with limited scope for individual customisation
    From $4.00 /month
    Visit Betterment
  2. 2

    Wealthfront

    Best value

    An all-digital robo-advisor with a flat fee, strong automation and integrated cash management.

    8.5
    / 10

    Pros

    • + Flat 0.25% annual advisory fee with a low $500 starting minimum
    • + Automated tax-loss harvesting and a well-regarded planning tool
    • + Integrated high-yield cash account alongside investing

    Cons

    • − No access to human financial advisors at any tier
    • − Some advanced strategies require higher balances to unlock
    • − Portfolio customisation is more limited than a self-directed broker
    Visit Wealthfront
  3. 3

    Schwab Intelligent Portfolios

    Best free

    A robo-advisor with no advisory fee, backed by Schwab's scale, but a high starting minimum.

    8.1
    / 10

    Pros

    • + No advisory fee and no account-service commissions on the core plan
    • + Automatic rebalancing across a diversified ETF portfolio
    • + Backed by Schwab's established brokerage and support network

    Cons

    • − $5,000 minimum is higher than several digital-first competitors
    • − Mandatory cash allocation can drag on long-term returns
    • − Human-planner access requires the paid premium subscription tier
    Visit Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
  4. 4

    Fidelity Go

    A beginner-friendly robo-advisor that is free under a balance threshold and uses zero-expense-ratio funds.

    8.0
    / 10

    Pros

    • + No advisory fee on balances under $25,000
    • + Underlying Fidelity Flex funds carry no separate expense ratios
    • + No minimum to open and tight integration with the Fidelity ecosystem

    Cons

    • − No tax-loss harvesting, unlike some rivals
    • − 1-on-1 coaching only unlocks at the $25,000 balance level
    • − Fewer account types and less customisation than larger platforms
    Visit Fidelity Go
  5. 5

    Vanguard Digital Advisor

    A low-cost robo built on Vanguard's index funds for long-term, retirement-focused investors.

    7.6
    / 10

    Pros

    • + Very low all-in cost targeting roughly 0.15% per year
    • + Built on Vanguard's low-expense-ratio index funds
    • + $100 enrolment minimum keeps it accessible for goal-based savers

    Cons

    • − Digital tier does not include one-on-one human financial advice
    • − Focused on long-term goals with fewer short-term or active features
    • − Interface and onboarding are less polished than some newer robos
    Visit Vanguard Digital Advisor

Side-by-side

The Best Robo-Advisors — score by criterion for each product.
Product Management Fee Account Minimum Features & Account Types Human Advisor Access Overall
Betterment 8.6 9.5 9.0 8.0 8.9
Wealthfront 8.8 8.8 9.3 5.0 8.5
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios 9.6 6.4 8.2 7.2 8.1
Fidelity Go 8.6 9.0 7.4 5.8 8.0
Vanguard Digital Advisor 9.0 8.2 7.2 3.0 7.6
How we scored this

Each service is scored 0–10 on four weighted criteria: management fee (weight 3), account minimum (2), features and account types (2) and human advisor access (1), with the overall being the weighted average. Each provider operates through an SEC-registered investment adviser, and client assets are custodied at FINRA/SIPC-member broker-dealers. Ranks are our independent editorial verdict and are not influenced by any affiliate or referral payout. Nothing here is a recommendation; consider your own circumstances or a licensed adviser before investing.