Investing comparison
Vanguard vs Wealthfront
Updated
Data as of
Vanguard checked Wealthfront checked
I earn commissions from some links.
Vanguard
Investing app
Visit site for Vanguard (opens in a new tab)
Wealthfront
Investing app
Visit site for Wealthfront (opens in a new tab)
Before you compare: This compares features and fees from each company's own pages. It isn't investment advice, and investing involves risk, including loss of money.
Short answer
- Pick Vanguard if you want a lower minimum for its managed portfolio ($100, compared with $500).
- Pick Wealthfront if you want the higher App Store rating (4.8, compared with 4.6).
- The biggest difference is the managed portfolio minimum: Vanguard lists $100, and Wealthfront lists $500.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Vanguard vs Wealthfront at a glance
- Vanguard
- Rating
- 4.6 of 5App Store, 177,567 ratings
- Platforms
- 2iOS, Android
Wealthfront
- Rating
- 4.8 of 5App Store, 17,511 ratings
- Platforms
- 3Web, iOS, Android
What it costs
- Vanguard
Vanguard Digital Advisor charges an annual gross advisory fee of 0.20% for index portfolio options or 0.25% for an active portfolio option. That fee is reduced by a credit for revenue Vanguard keeps from the investments in your account.
Source
investor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor, checked . - Wealthfront
Wealthfront's advisory fee for The Wealthfront Portfolio is 0.25% annually.
Source
wealthfront.com/pricing, checked .
Bars show only when every app here lists a yearly price, so these prices sit side by side without them. Prices are list prices from each app's own page, before tax and any offer. Investing fees appear as each company states them. A yearly advisory fee is a percent of your balance, not a monthly price, so it never gets a bar or a price tag.
Vanguard and Wealthfront, side by side
| Detail | Vanguard | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| Account minimumDiffers | VanguardVanguard says there's no fee or minimum investment amount to open an account. Sourceinvestor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts, checked . | WealthfrontWealthfront says The Wealthfront Portfolio account lets you start investing for as little as $500. Sourcewealthfront.com/investing, checked . |
| Stock and ETF commissionsDiffers | VanguardVanguard lists $0 for online ETF and stock trades, and a $25 broker-assisted commission per trade placed with a representative. Sourceinvestor.vanguard.com/client-benefits/investment-fees, checked . | WealthfrontWealthfront's Brokerage Account lists zero commissions on stock and ETF trades. Sourcewealthfront.com/brokerage, checked . |
| Account typesDiffers | VanguardVanguard lists these account types: Brokerage accounts, Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Spousal IRAs, Custodial IRAs, UGMA/UTMA, 529 accounts, Trust accounts, Organization accounts, 403(b) services and Cash Plus Account. Sourceinvestor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans, checked . | WealthfrontWealthfront lists these account types: Taxable Accounts (Personal, Joint, Trust), Retirement Accounts (Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP) and 529 Education Savings Accounts. Sourcewealthfront.com, checked . |
| Fractional sharesDiffers | VanguardVanguard says dollar-based trading lets you buy a Vanguard ETF for as little as $1, regardless of the ETF's share price. | WealthfrontWealthfront says all of the stocks on its app are available as fractional shares, and you can start investing with as little as $1. Sourcewealthfront.com/brokerage, checked . |
| Automatic investingDiffers | VanguardVanguard says its robo-advisor uses an algorithm to automatically build and rebalance a portfolio. Sourceinvestor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor, checked . | WealthfrontWealthfront lists automatic trades and automatic rebalancing for The Wealthfront Portfolio. Sourcewealthfront.com/pricing, checked . |
| Managed portfolios (robo)Differs | VanguardVanguard Digital Advisor is Vanguard's all-digital robo-advisor. Enrolling requires at least $100 in each Vanguard Brokerage Account. Sourceinvestor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor, checked . | WealthfrontThe Wealthfront Portfolio uses expert-built portfolios managed by Wealthfront's software. Sourcewealthfront.com/pricing, checked . |
| ProtectionDiffers | VanguardVanguard says its accounts are protected by SIPC, which covers up to $500,000 in securities and up to $250,000 in cash if the firm fails. Sourceinvestor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts, checked . | WealthfrontWealthfront says that as a member of SIPC, your investments are insured up to $500K (including $250K for cash) if Wealthfront were to go under. Sourcewealthfront.com/investing, checked . |
| PlatformsDiffers | VanguardVanguard lists iOS and Android. Sourceinvestor.vanguard.com/client-benefits/mobile-apps, checked . | WealthfrontWealthfront lists Web, iOS and Android. |
| App store ratingDiffers | VanguardVanguard has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 177,567 ratings. SourceApp Store listing, checked . | WealthfrontWealthfront has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 17,511 ratings. SourceApp Store listing, checked . |
Store ratings are a dated snapshot from each listing, not our score. A row shows only when both apps have a current official source for it. How we source and date this data. Spotted a change? Tell us if something changed.
Weighing a third option? Add up to two more apps and compare up to four side by side.
Screen by screen
Pick a task to see what each app shows for it. App Store and Google Play images are the apps' own marketing, so they can show sample data and staged layouts. Help center images come from the app's support articles. See every app's screens.
Home
Vanguard
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Access your investments seamlessly all in one place" showing a real-time quote card and a watchlist card.App Store listing, as of
Wealthfront
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Money works better here." showing a tilted phone with a $331,949.65 net worth, cash and investment accounts.App Store listing, as of
Accounts
Vanguard
App Store marketing imageApp Store image showing the Portfolio tab with a total balance, a chart and an Accounts list, next to a Portfolio watch card.App Store listing, as of
Wealthfront
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Earn up to 4.45% APY on your cash." showing a tilted Cash Account screen with recent activity.App Store listing, as of
Goals
Vanguard
App Store marketing imageThe Explore tab on Browse: Browse by goal with Retirement and Short-term savings cards, and Browse by product type with ETFs and Mutual funds.App Store listing, as of
Wealthfront
No official screen found yet
Investments
Vanguard
App Store marketing imageA Real-time quote card for BLV, Vanguard Long Term Bond Index ETF, at $69.225 with last trade details and a Buy button.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageYour watchlists with Watchlist, Compare funds and Learn chips: Vanguard Total Market ETFs listing BND, BNDX and VTI with prices and daily changes.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imagePortfolio watch comparing your portfolio, 75% and 25%, with a target portfolio of 65%, 25% and 10%, a table of stocks, bonds, short-term and other, and Transaction history and Open orders links.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageBuy and sell with three round buttons: ETFs and stocks, Buy mutual funds and Sell mutual funds.App Store listing, as of
Wealthfront
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Invest like an expert. No expertise required." showing a trade notification and four investing products.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "The Wealthfront Portfolio" showing a portfolio at $316,897.50 with a performance chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe top of The Wealthfront Portfolio screen: $316,897.50, up 216.90% all time, $5,233.11 harvested tax losses, a 10-year line chart and a US stocks row at $142,603.88 with 45% current and target.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageS&P 500 Direct: a short description and a holdings table with company, symbol and shares for Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft and Alphabet.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Brokerage Account search: a Find investments field, Core ETFs tiles for VTI, IVV and SPDW, and Popular stocks such as NVIDIA, Microsoft and Amazon.App Store listing, as of 
From Wealthfront's websiteA Harvested tax losses screen showing $2,346.24 all time and $26.56 today, a chart with time range buttons, fees paid of $14.56 and a realized losses and gains row.wealthfront.com, as of 
App Store marketing imageA Wealthfront notification marked Now: "We made 4 trades to automatically invest your deposit of $500."App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA rising line chart with 10Y, 5Y and 1Y markers.App Store listing, as of
Transfer and send
Vanguard
App Store marketing imageThe Transact tab: S&P 500, DJIA and NASDAQ moves, Personal investor and Employer plan tabs, a Get quote search, Buy and sell buttons and Transfer money buttons for Deposit, Withdraw, Contribute and Roll over.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageTransfer money with four round buttons: Deposit, Withdraw, Contribute and Roll over.App Store listing, as of
Wealthfront
From Wealthfront's websiteA three-step list reading Keep $2,000 in Chase Checking, Then save up to $3,000 in a Cash Account, Then save all remaining cash in a Down Payment category.wealthfront.com, as of
Sharing with a partner
Vanguard
No official screen found yet
Wealthfront
From Wealthfront's websiteA card showing $78,500.00 combined net worth with Taylor and Mitch buttons.wealthfront.com, as of 
From Wealthfront's websiteA list with a joint Down Payment account at $70,000.00, Taylor's External 401k at $5,000.00 and Mitch's Checking at $3,500.00, each tagged with an owner initial.wealthfront.com, as of
Settings and security
Vanguard
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Tools to maximize your account security" showing a Security profile screen.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Security profile: a green gauge reading Security score Excellent and a Completed list with security questions, security codes, MFA frequency, email address, trusted contact, account alerts and biometrics.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA green half-circle gauge with the label Security score Excellent.App Store listing, as of
Wealthfront
No official screen found yet
Getting started
Vanguard
No official screen found yet
Wealthfront
From Wealthfront's websiteA Your personalized portfolio is ready! screen with Classic portfolio and Medium tax level rows, a risk level of 9 of 10 with minus and plus buttons, and an allocation bar for US and foreign stocks.wealthfront.com, as of
Other screens
Vanguard
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Resources to help make your goals a reality" showing the Explore tab on Learn.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Explore tab on Learn: a Vanguard's philosophy carousel with a Start with your goals card, Just added articles such as IRA withdrawal rules and Investing basics.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imagePlanning & advice with Naomi Davis CFP, Senior Financial Advisor, and buttons for Financial goals, Advice summary, Contact & appointments and Investor profile.App Store listing, as of
Wealthfront
No official screen found yet
Who it's for
Pick the tab that sounds like you. Every answer comes from the app's own pages, and its source opens from the Source link.
Just me
Budgeting on your own? These are the basics people ask about first.
Can I export my data?
Vanguard: Yes. You can export your data.
Source
In their words: “See answers to questions about our online services that help you consolidate outside accounts and download transactions to personal financial software.” investor.vanguard.com/technical-support, checked .Wealthfront: Yes. You can export your data.
Source
In their words: “Yes, we support Quicken integration.” support.wealthfront.com/hc/en-us/articles/209353346-Can-I-export-my-Wealthfront-account-data-to-another-personal-finance-tool-like-Quicken, checked .Is there support from the app's makers if I need help?
Vanguard: Yes. Phone.
Source
In their words: “Our Client Services team is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time” corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/contact-us.html, checked .Wealthfront: Yes. Phone and email.
Source
In their words: “Wealthfront’s team of client service specialists are available via phone or email in the event you can’t find your answer in our Help Center” support.wealthfront.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000073963-How-does-Wealthfront-s-client-support-work, checked .
Family
Bringing in more of the household? Here's what each app says about families and kids. See apps with custodial accounts for kids.
Does it have accounts or features for kids or teens?
Vanguard: Yes. It has accounts or features for kids or teens.
Source
In their words: “Any adult resident of the U.S. can open or contribute to an UGMA or UTMA.” investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/ugma-utma, checked .Wealthfront: Yes. It has accounts or features for kids or teens.
Source
In their words: “we offer an ability to open a taxable Wealthfront Portfolio for a minor!” support.wealthfront.com/hc/en-us/articles/209335586-Custodial-accounts, checked .
Freelancer
Paid on an uneven schedule or running a side hustle? Here's what each app offers. See apps with a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k).
Can I export my transactions for tax prep?
Vanguard: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “Yes, you'll be able to import Forms 1099-B, 1099-DIV, and 1099-R directly into your returns.” investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/taxes/tax-questions, checked .Wealthfront: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “Your Wealthfront tax details can be imported into TurboTax in a few easy steps.” support.wealthfront.com/hc/en-us/articles/209367786-How-do-I-import-my-tax-information-into-TurboTax-or-similar-applications, checked .
Business
Running a small business? Here's what each app says about business money.
Can I export my transactions for tax prep?
Vanguard: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “Yes, you'll be able to import Forms 1099-B, 1099-DIV, and 1099-R directly into your returns.” investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/taxes/tax-questions, checked .Wealthfront: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “Your Wealthfront tax details can be imported into TurboTax in a few easy steps.” support.wealthfront.com/hc/en-us/articles/209367786-How-do-I-import-my-tax-information-into-TurboTax-or-similar-applications, checked .Can I share my finances with my accountant?
Vanguard: Yes. You can export your data and send the file.
Source
In their words: “See answers to questions about our online services that help you consolidate outside accounts and download transactions to personal financial software.” investor.vanguard.com/technical-support, checked .Wealthfront: Yes. You can export your data and send the file.
Source
In their words: “Yes, we support Quicken integration.” support.wealthfront.com/hc/en-us/articles/209353346-Can-I-export-my-Wealthfront-account-data-to-another-personal-finance-tool-like-Quicken, checked .
A question shows only when every app here has a current official source that answers it. We only say no when the app's own page does.
Which fits your Money Type?
There are four Money Types: Strategist, Spender, Saver and Scrambler. Each card matches one type to what the sources say about these two apps.
StrategistNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Save the Raise.
SpenderNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Sleep on It.
SaverNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Put It to Work.
ScramblerNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Bills First.
Not sure which one you are? Take the free Money Types quiz. It takes about two minutes.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Another option: Fifecta
If neither Vanguard nor Wealthfront feels right, here is one more option to look at. Fifecta gives every paycheck a plan with FUNDS, and it starts from your Money Type, so the plan matches how you already handle money.
FAQ
How much does Vanguard charge?
Vanguard Digital Advisor charges an annual gross advisory fee of 0.20% for index portfolio options or 0.25% for an active portfolio option. That fee is reduced by a credit for revenue Vanguard keeps from the investments in your account. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.
How much does Wealthfront charge?
Wealthfront's advisory fee for The Wealthfront Portfolio is 0.25% annually. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.
What is Vanguard's app store rating?
Vanguard has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 177,567 ratings. That's a snapshot from the store listing on Nov 3, 2026, not our score.
What is Wealthfront's app store rating?
Wealthfront has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 17,511 ratings. That's a snapshot from the store listing on Nov 3, 2026, not our score.
More comparisons
Similar comparisons
Keep comparing
- See Vanguard alternatives, closest category first.
- See Wealthfront alternatives, closest category first.
- Browse our guide to the low-cost brokerage accounts.
- Want the bigger picture? Compare more money apps.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Want a plan built on your Money Type?
Fifecta gives every paycheck a plan with FUNDS, so you know where each dollar goes.
Sources and confidence
- Last checked
- Sourced facts
- 20 facts, each linked and dated
Vanguard10 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026
- Management or subscription feeinvestor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Account minimuminvestor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Stock and ETF commissionsinvestor.vanguard.com/client-benefits/investment-fees, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Account typesinvestor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Fractional sharesinvestor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/what-is-dollar-based-investing, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Automatic investinginvestor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Managed portfolios (robo)investor.vanguard.com/advice/robo-advisor, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Protectioninvestor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/brokerage-accounts, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Platformsinvestor.vanguard.com/client-benefits/mobile-apps, as of Nov 3, 2026
- App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026
Wealthfront10 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026
- Management or subscription feewealthfront.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Account minimumwealthfront.com/investing, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Stock and ETF commissionswealthfront.com/brokerage, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Account typeswealthfront.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Fractional shareswealthfront.com/brokerage, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Automatic investingwealthfront.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Managed portfolios (robo)wealthfront.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Protectionwealthfront.com/investing, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Platformssupport.wealthfront.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043848572-Open-a-Cash-Account, as of Nov 3, 2026
- App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Reference: sipc.org/for-investors/what-sipc-protects, checked Oct 24, 2026.
Each fact links to the official page it came from, with the date we checked it. Once a fact is older than 30 days, it comes off the page until we check it again. How we source, date and index this data.
This is education, not financial advice.
