As the landscape of automated investing continues to evolve, retail investors have more options than ever for platforms that manage their portfolios with minimal effort. While Autopilot has its strengths, there are other platforms offering unique features that could make them more appealing in 2024. Whether it’s lower fees, more customization, or specialized strategies, here are five top alternatives to consider.

1. E*TRADE Core Portfolios

• Why it’s great: E*TRADE is a one-stop shop for both automated and self-directed trading, making it ideal for investors who want to dabble in both worlds. With Core Portfolios, investors get a recommended portfolio tailored to their goals and risk tolerance, offering a similar experience to Autopilot but with more flexibility.

• Best for: Investors who want the option to switch between automated and manual trading seamlessly.

• Fees: $500 minimum to start; no commission fees for stock and ETF trades​

  

2. Betterment

• Why it’s great: Betterment stands out for its low fees, goal-based investing, and tax optimization strategies, including tax-loss harvesting. It’s particularly strong for retirement savers, offering a wide range of portfolios, including socially responsible and crypto options. Compared to Autopilot, Betterment offers more advanced tax management and a strong focus on long-term financial goals.

• Best for: Long-term investors looking for low-cost, personalized strategies.

• Fees: 0.25% annual fee for digital accounts, 0.40% for premium accounts​

3. Surmount

• Why it’s great: Surmount sets a new standard by allowing users to automate investments directly within their existing brokerage accounts, giving them full control over their assets while still benefiting from automated, rules-based strategies. But what truly makes Surmount a standout alternative is its extensive suite of strategy-building tools, designed for investors at every level. Whether you’re a novice using no-code options, an advanced investor working with full-code customization, or someone wanting to leverage AI-driven insights or ETF-focused strategies, Surmount has you covered.

  • In addition to these tools, Surmount offers a wide selection of pre-built, expert-crafted strategies. These strategies are developed and optimized by experienced traders, allowing investors to easily choose a proven strategy that aligns with their goals—whether that’s maximizing returns, managing risk, or pursuing specific investment themes. This variety and flexibility make it easy for any investor to get started and evolve their portfolio over time.

• Surmount’s focus on transparency, liquidity, and accessibility gives investors the freedom to manage their portfolios without the constraints typically found in other platforms, like Autopilot. The platform’s commitment to providing tested and optimized strategies ensures that you can enhance your investments while minimizing risk.

• Best for: Investors who want to automate strategies without moving funds to a new platform, and who value transparency and liquidity.

• Fees: No minimum account size. Affordable subscription model of $20/month or $120/year, making it accessible to a wide range of retail investors.

4. M1 Finance

• Why it’s great: M1 Finance offers an innovative blend of customization and automation. Its “Pies” feature allows investors to create custom portfolios by picking individual stocks and ETFs, or to choose from pre-built options. Like Autopilot, M1 Finance automates rebalancing, but with more flexibility for investors who want a say in their portfolio composition.

• Best for: Investors who want a hybrid approach to portfolio management.

• Fees: Free for basic accounts, $125/year for M1 Plus

5. Wealthsimple Invest

• Why it’s great: Wealthsimple Invest offers a simple, user-friendly experience, especially for beginner investors. With a focus on ethical investing and an expanding product lineup that includes crypto and high-interest savings options, it’s a direct competitor to Autopilot’s straightforward automation features.

• Best for: Beginners or those looking for an easy-to-use platform with strong ethical investing options.

• Fees: 0.4% - 0.5% management fee, plus additional ETF fees​

Conclusion

While Autopilot remains a solid option, platforms like Surmount, M1 Finance, and Betterment provide more customization, flexibility, or transparency, making them strong alternatives for retail investors in 2024. Whether you're looking for hands-off management or prefer a more tailored approach, one of these platforms will likely suit your investment style.

Ready to take your investing to the next level? Check out Surmount today and see how easy it is to automate your strategies without losing control of your assets!

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Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes only and not an offer or solicitation for any specific investments. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Consult with a financial adviser before making any investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.