Micro-Investing Apps Are Exploding in 2025 — But Are They Worth It?

The Rise of Micro-Investing Apps in Australia: Are They Worth It in 2025?

The world of investing has changed — and it’s now in the palm of your hand. Micro-investing apps like Raiz, Spaceship, and Comm-Sec Pocket have exploded in popularity across Australia, making it easier than ever to start investing with just a few dollars.

But in 2025, with higher living costs, shifting markets, and new fin-tech players entering the scene — are micro-investing apps still worth it?

Let’s break it down.

💸 What Is Micro-Investing?

Micro-investing lets you invest small amounts of money, often just a few dollars at a time. Instead of saving up hundreds to buy shares, these apps round up your everyday purchases (like coffee runs or Uber rides) and automatically invest the spare change into diversified portfolios or ETFs.

It’s designed to remove the barriers that stop many Australians from investing — lack of money, knowledge, or confidence.

📱 The Most Popular Apps in 2025

Australia’s micro-investing scene is thriving. Here are a few key players leading the way:

• Raiz: The OG of micro-investing in Australia, known for its “round-up” feature and simple ETF portfolios.

• Spaceship Voyager: Popular among younger investors, focusing on global tech and innovation-driven funds.

• CommSec Pocket: Backed by one of the big banks, offering access to themed ETFs like sustainability and healthcare.

• Sharesies & Stake: These platforms blur the line between micro-investing and traditional investing — offering fractional shares and broader market access.

⚖️ The Pros: Why Aussies Love Them

1. Accessibility:
You can start investing with as little as $5. No big upfront costs, no intimidating stock screens.

2. Automation:
Round-ups and recurring deposits make investing effortless — ideal for those who want to “set and forget.”

3. Education:
Many apps offer in-app learning tools, performance insights, and transparent fees — helping users build long-term confidence.

4. Diversification:
Even small investors can get access to diversified portfolios, spreading risk across multiple companies and sectors.

🚨 The Cons: What You Should Watch Out For

1. Fees Can Eat Into Returns:
Flat monthly fees (even small ones) can take a big bite out of small portfolios. Paying $3.50/month on a $200 balance? That’s expensive.

2. Limited Customisation:
Most micro-investing apps keep things simple — which means you can’t always pick individual stocks or tweak portfolio weightings.

3. Market Risk Still Applies:
Micro-investing doesn’t protect you from market volatility. If markets drop, so does your portfolio.

🔮 Are They Worth It in 2025?

For most Australians, yes — but with realistic expectations.

Micro-investing apps are perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes into the investing world. They encourage good habits like consistency and long-term thinking, even if the dollar returns start small.

However, once your portfolio grows beyond a few thousand dollars, it’s worth exploring traditional brokerage platforms or managed funds to get better fee efficiency and more control over your investments.

Think of micro-investing as the training wheels of your financial journey — a great start, but not the whole ride.

💬 Final Thoughts

In 2025, micro-investing apps remain one of the most accessible ways for everyday Australians to build wealth, learn about markets, and develop positive money habits.

If you’re new to investing, they’re an excellent first step. Just remember — the key isn’t how much you start with, but that you start at all.