assetbest 
If you want to grow your money with automated investing, Wealthfront and M1 Finance are two popular choices. Both offer low-cost, hands-off options, but they suit different investor styles. This guide compares their features, fees, and use cases to help you choose.
Both platforms provide automated and self-directed investing, but they work differently.
Wealthfront started as a robo-advisor for people who want a fully managed experience. After a short questionnaire it builds a diversified portfolio based on your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. Wealthfront handles rebalancing, dividend reinvestment, and offers tax-loss harvesting to improve after-tax returns. It also lets you invest in individual stocks, ETFs, and themed portfolios.
M1 Finance gives access to thousands of ETFs and stocks and includes screening tools so you can design your own portfolio. It also offers expert model portfolios for retirement, income, global, ESG, conservative, and aggressive strategies. The platform will rebalance your portfolio to your target allocation when requested. M1 offers commission-free trading for accounts with a $10,000 balance (or an eligible loan); otherwise there’s a $3 monthly fee.
Choose Wealthfront if you want a hands-off, tax-efficient portfolio with minimal effort. Choose M1 if you prefer more control—build your own portfolio or pick a model and have the platform rebalance it. Both platforms are solid choices; your decision should come down to how involved you want to be. Wealthfront focuses on simplicity and tax features, while M1 emphasizes customization and integrated tools. Both also offer cash management and socially responsible investing options.
Both companies use bank-level security and protect cash deposits through partner banks with FDIC coverage. Investment assets are protected by SIPC against broker failure, though market risk and price volatility still apply. Their regulatory compliance and infrastructure help safeguard accounts and personal data.
