Robinhood vs M1 Finance
Comprehensive comparison to help you choose the right option
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
M1 Finance takes the edge with a rating of 4.3/5. It's best for set-it-and-forget-it investors who want custom automated portfolios. However, Robinhood is the better choice if you're looking for beginners and casual investors who want a simple mobile experience.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Robinhood | M1 Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Mobile-First Broker | Automated Investing |
| Stock Commission | $0 | $0 |
| Options Per Contract | $0 | N/A |
| Account Minimum | $0 | $100 |
| Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Robo-Advisor | No | Yes |
| Robo-Advisor Fee | N/A | 0% (Plus at $3/mo) |
| Research Quality | Basic | Basic |
| Our Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
Robinhood: Pros & Cons
Robinhood Pros
- + Commission-free everything including options
- + Sleek mobile app
- + Crypto trading
- + Fractional shares
- + Cash card with boosts
Robinhood Cons
- - Limited research tools
- - No mutual funds
- - Basic charting
- - Customer service issues
- - Gamified interface
Best for: Beginners and casual investors who want a simple mobile experience
M1 Finance: Pros & Cons
M1 Finance Pros
- + Free automated investing
- + Fractional shares
- + Custom portfolio pies
- + Borrow and spend features
- + Great for DCA
M1 Finance Cons
- - One trade window per day (free)
- - No tax-loss harvesting
- - Limited research
- - No options trading
Best for: Set-it-and-forget-it investors who want custom automated portfolios
Detailed Analysis
Who Should Choose Robinhood?
Robinhood is the better choice if you're looking for beginners and casual investors who want a simple mobile experience. Its strongest advantages include commission-free everything including options and sleek mobile app. With a rating of 3.8/5, it offers decent value despite some drawbacks.
Who Should Choose M1 Finance?
M1 Finance is ideal for those who want set-it-and-forget-it investors who want custom automated portfolios. Key strengths include free automated investing and fractional shares. Rated 4.3/5, it delivers strong value for most users.
Final Verdict
Robinhood
M1 Finance
Both Robinhood and M1 Finance are legitimate investing platforms. Choose Robinhood if you value commission-free everything including options. Choose M1 Finance if you prioritize free automated investing.