ESG and impact investing apps make it easier than ever to align your portfolio with your values. We compared the top platforms — from automated robo-advisors to manual stock pickers — to find the best ESG investing apps for every type of investor.
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance — a framework for evaluating companies beyond just their financials. Impact investing takes this a step further, actively seeking companies that generate measurable positive outcomes alongside returns.
Not long ago, building a values-aligned portfolio meant digging through annual reports and manually screening funds. Today, a handful of apps put ESG investing within reach of anyone with a smartphone. They handle the screening, the portfolio construction, and the rebalancing — you just pick your values and fund your account.
We evaluated the top ESG investing apps across three categories: automated (robo-advisor-style), manual (pick your own stocks and ETFs), and advisor-led. Here's what we found.1
| Feature | SoFi Invest (Robo) | Public | SoFi Active Investing (Advisor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Automated ESG portfolios | Manual ESG stock/ETF picking | Guided advisor-led ESG investing |
| Minimum | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fee structure | 0% management fee (auto portfolios) | 0% commission trading | 0% management fee; advisor fee varies |
| ESG methodology | BlackRock ESG-aware ETFs | User-driven screening & research | Advisor-assisted ESG selection |
| Account types | Individual, IRA, crypto | Individual, crypto | Individual, IRA, crypto |
Best for: Investors who want a hands-off, automated portfolio with ESG-aware ETFs and zero management fees.
SoFi Invest's automated portfolios are built in partnership with BlackRock, giving you access to institutional-grade asset allocation. While SoFi doesn't exclusively market itself as an "ESG app," its automated portfolios can include ESG-aware ETFs that screen for environmental, social, and governance criteria.1
What makes SoFi stand out is the zero management fee on automated portfolios — most robo-advisors charge 0.25% or more. You get a diversified portfolio that can tilt toward ESG factors without eating into your returns.
Key specs:
Best for: Investors who want full control to hand-pick ESG stocks and ETFs with zero minimums and a social community.
Public is a commission-free investing app that lets you buy fractional shares of thousands of stocks and ETFs — including a wide range of ESG-focused ETFs like iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social (DSI), SPDR SSGA Gender Diversity Index (SHE), and iShares Global Clean Energy (ICLN).2
Because Public doesn't restrict you to a pre-built portfolio, you can construct your own values-aligned holdings. The app also includes social features where investors discuss ESG themes, making it a good fit for DIY impact investors who want to learn from a community.
Key specs:
Best for: Investors who want professional guidance to build and manage an ESG portfolio without high minimums.
SoFi Active Investing gives you access to certified financial planners (CFPs) who can help you select impact-driven assets aligned with your values. Unlike traditional wealth managers that require $100k+ minimums, SoFi's advisor services are available with no account minimum.1
This is the sweet spot for investors who want more than a robo-advisor but don't qualify for private wealth management. You get human advice on ESG allocation, tax-loss harvesting, and rebalancing — all within a modern app interface.
Key specs:
We evaluated platforms based on four criteria:
The three picks above cover the full spectrum: fully automated (SoFi Robo), fully manual (Public), and guided advisor-led (SoFi Active).1
ESG investing apps have democratized values-aligned investing. Whether you want a set-it-and-forget-it robo portfolio, the freedom to pick your own impact ETFs, or a human advisor to guide you, there's an option with zero minimums and competitive fees.
Our top pick for most investors: SoFi Invest (Robo) — because zero fees + BlackRock ESG ETFs is hard to beat for a hands-off approach.
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