Planning for retirement used to involve hiring a personal financial advisor, scheduling multiple meetings, and paying hefty fees. Today, robo-advisors are revolutionizing how people invest for retirement. These digital platforms offer automated, low-cost investment management with retirement-focused tools that help investors reach their long-term goals effortlessly.
In this article, we’ll explore the top robo-advisors for retirement in 2025, comparing their features, fees, investment strategies, and suitability for different types of retirement savers.
📘 What Is a Robo-Advisor?
A robo-advisor is an online platform that provides automated, algorithm-driven financial planning services with little to no human supervision. Most robo-advisors collect information about your financial situation and goals through an online survey, then use the data to create and manage a diversified investment portfolio tailored to your needs.
✅ Why Use a Robo-Advisor for Retirement?
Robo-advisors are ideal for retirement investing for several reasons:
- Low Fees: Much lower than traditional financial advisors.
- Diversification: Broad exposure to ETFs, bonds, and stocks.
- Automatic Rebalancing: Keeps your portfolio aligned with your goals.
- Tax Optimization: Tax-loss harvesting to boost after-tax returns.
- Goal Tracking: Easy tools to track progress toward retirement.
🏆 Top Robo-Advisors for Retirement in 2025
Here’s a comparison of the best robo-advisors to consider for your retirement planning:
📊 Robo-Advisor Comparison Table
| Robo-Advisor | Fees (Annual) | Account Minimum | Retirement Tools | Tax-Loss Harvesting | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betterment | 0.25% – 0.40% | $0 | Yes | Yes | Beginners and passive investors |
| Wealthfront | 0.25% | $500 | Yes | Yes | Tech-savvy investors |
| Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | 0.00% | $5,000 | Yes | Yes (with Premium) | Investors wanting no fees |
| SoFi Automated Investing | 0.00% | $0 | Yes | No | Budget-conscious investors |
| Fidelity Go | 0.00%–0.35% | $10 | Yes | No | Fidelity customers |
| Vanguard Digital Advisor | 0.20% | $3,000 | Yes | No | Vanguard loyalists |
| Ellevest | $5–$9/month | $0 | Yes | No | Women and values-based investors |
🔍 1. Betterment: Best Overall for Retirement Planning
Betterment is one of the oldest and most trusted robo-advisors in the market. It offers two service tiers — Digital (0.25%) and Premium (0.40%) — with goal-based investing tools specifically designed for retirement.
Key Features:
- Retirement goal projection and planning
- Tax-efficient investing
- Automatic rebalancing
- Human advisor access (Premium plan)
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- No account minimum
- Strong retirement planning features
Cons:
- Premium plan requires a $100,000 minimum
💼 2. Wealthfront: Best for Customization and Planning Tools
Wealthfront is known for its highly customizable financial planning experience. It offers a Path planning tool, which lets users model multiple financial scenarios including retirement, home purchases, and education.
Key Features:
- Tax-loss harvesting
- Retirement planning with Social Security modeling
- Real-time goal tracking
- 529 plans and IRAs supported
Pros:
- Advanced tax features
- Tech-friendly interface
- Strong financial planning tools
Cons:
- $500 account minimum
🏦 3. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios: Best for No Management Fees
Schwab offers an entirely free robo-advisor (Schwab Intelligent Portfolios) with no advisory fees or commissions. It uses a diversified portfolio of ETFs and includes retirement-focused planning tools.
Key Features:
- No advisory fee
- Built-in retirement calculators
- Optional Schwab Intelligent Premium for $30/month
Pros:
- No fees for base plan
- Strong retirement features with Premium
- Backed by Schwab’s reputation
Cons:
- $5,000 minimum for free plan
- Premium plan requires $25,000
💰 4. SoFi Automated Investing: Best Free Plan with Retirement Focus
SoFi provides free robo-advisory services with retirement accounts like Roth and Traditional IRAs. Users get access to financial planners at no extra cost.
Key Features:
- Zero advisory fees
- Free access to CFPs
- Retirement goal tracking
Pros:
- No account minimum
- Good for young investors
- Includes career coaching and financial education
Cons:
- No tax-loss harvesting
🧾 5. Fidelity Go: Best for Fidelity Users
If you already use Fidelity for banking or brokerage services, Fidelity Go offers seamless integration with your financial life. It’s ideal for hands-off retirement investing.
Key Features:
- Actively managed mutual fund portfolios
- Retirement-focused investment allocation
- Gradually increasing fees based on balance
Pros:
- No fees for balances under $25,000
- Solid retirement planning tools
Cons:
- Limited tax features
- Uses Fidelity mutual funds only
🧑💼 6. Vanguard Digital Advisor: Best for Vanguard Fund Investors
Vanguard’s Digital Advisor is built around their world-renowned low-cost index funds. It’s a strong choice for those who prioritize long-term retirement growth with minimal fees.
Key Features:
- Focus on 401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA management
- Uses Vanguard ETFs and funds
- Supports Social Security planning
Pros:
- Extremely low fees (0.20%)
- Reputable fund family
- Automated rebalancing
Cons:
- $3,000 minimum investment
- No access to human advisors
👩 7. Ellevest: Best for Women and Impact-Focused Investing
Ellevest is designed specifically for women, with portfolios built to account for gender-specific salary curves, career breaks, and lifespan. It also offers impact investing options.
Key Features:
- Personalized retirement plans
- Goal setting for women’s life stages
- Career coaching and financial education
Pros:
- Gender-aware retirement planning
- Impact-focused portfolios
- Low monthly fees
Cons:
- No tax-loss harvesting
- Monthly subscription model
📈 Retirement Account Types Offered
| Robo-Advisor | Traditional IRA | Roth IRA | SEP IRA | 401(k) Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betterment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Wealthfront | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Schwab | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SoFi | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Fidelity Go | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vanguard | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ellevest | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
🤔 How to Choose the Right Robo-Advisor for Your Retirement
Here are some questions to ask when selecting the best robo-advisor:
- What are my retirement goals and time horizon?
- Do I want tax optimization (e.g., tax-loss harvesting)?
- Am I okay with paying a small fee for extra features?
- Do I need access to human advisors?
- Do I prefer ETFs, mutual funds, or impact investing?
Matching Table: Robo-Advisor by Investor Type
| Investor Profile | Recommended Robo-Advisor | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner, small budget | SoFi, Betterment | No/low minimum and fees |
| High income, tech-savvy | Wealthfront | Advanced planning tools |
| Fee-conscious retiree | Schwab | No advisory fees |
| Women or impact-focused | Ellevest | Gender-specific and social investing |
| Vanguard investor | Vanguard Digital Advisor | Access to low-cost funds |
💡 Tips for Maximizing Retirement with a Robo-Advisor
- Start Early – Compound interest grows over time.
- Contribute Consistently – Automate monthly IRA deposits.
- Review Annually – Adjust risk tolerance as you age.
- Understand Fees – Small differences can impact long-term returns.
- Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts – Max out your IRA or 401(k) when possible.
📊 The Growth of Robo-Advisors in Retirement Planning
- As of 2024, robo-advisors manage over $2 trillion in assets globally.
- Millennials and Gen Z are the fastest-growing users.
- Retirement accounts make up 40%+ of all robo-advisor assets.
This indicates growing trust in digital wealth management for long-term planning.
📝 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right robo-advisor for retirement depends on your investment preferences, budget, and goals. Platforms like Betterment and Wealthfront offer robust tools for hands-off investors, while others like Schwab and SoFi attract users with zero fees.
No matter which robo-advisor you choose, starting early and staying consistent are the keys to building a comfortable retirement. With technology on your side, securing your financial future has never been easier or more affordable.