Head-to-head · Robo-Advisor Apps
E*TRADE Core Portfolios vs Ally Invest Robo Portfolios
E*TRADE Core Portfolios leads on 2 checks, Ally Invest Robo Portfolios on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreE*TRADE Core Portfolios · 9.0/10
- Lowest starting priceAlly Invest Robo Portfolios · Free
- Most featuresE*TRADE Core Portfolios · 4 of 4
E*TRADE Core Portfolios scores higher on our rubric for robo-advisor apps: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
Ally Invest Robo Portfolios is cheaper to start at Free against $1.5/yr. E*TRADE Core Portfolios leads on minimum investment: 500 $ versus 100 $. E*TRADE Core Portfolios offers tax-loss harvesting; Ally Invest Robo Portfolios doesn't. On human advisor access, Ally Invest Robo Portfolios gives you Optional where E*TRADE Core Portfolios offers None.
E*TRADE Core Portfolios is the better fit for investors seeking rebalancing and taxable-account tax tools. Ally Invest Robo Portfolios is the better fit for ally customers seeking a no-fee portfolio option.
- E*TRADE Core Portfolios fits best
Investors seeking rebalancing and taxable-account tax tools
- Ally Invest Robo Portfolios fits best
Ally customers seeking a no-fee portfolio option
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Side by side
| Feature | E*TRADE Core Portfolios 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Ally Invest Robo Portfolios 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Robo-Advisor Apps | #4 in Robo-Advisor Apps |
| Best for | Investors seeking rebalancing and taxable-account tax tools | Ally customers seeking a no-fee portfolio option |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $1.5/yr | Free (best) |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Phone, Docs | Phone, Live chat, Email |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features E*TRADE Core Portfolios 4/4 · Ally Invest Robo Portfolios 3/4 | ||
| Tax-loss harvesting | ✓ (best) | — |
| Goal-based portfolios | ✓ | ✓ |
| Retirement accounts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Socially responsible option | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Minimum investment | 500 $ (best) | 100 $ |
| Human advisor access | None | Optional |
| Portfolio customization | Limited | Limited |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | E*TRADE Core Portfolios is an automated investment advisory program that recommends a diversified ETF portfolio from a questionnaire about goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. It is aimed at investors who want a managed portfolio and… Read the review → |
Ally Invest Robo Portfolios automates management of diversified ETF portfolios for investors seeking a hands-off approach. Investors answer questions about goals and risk preferences, then choose among Core, Income, Tax Optimized, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
E*TRADE Core Portfolios — where it wins
- Daily monitoring and automatic rebalancing help maintain portfolio allocations.
- Tax-loss harvesting is available for enrolled active taxable accounts.
- SRI/ESG and smart-beta ETF options add limited portfolio customization.
Where it doesn't
- A $500 minimum investment may put the service out of reach for some investors.
- The 0.30% annual advisory fee is separate from underlying ETF expenses.
- The program does not offer access to a human advisor.
Ally Invest Robo Portfolios — where it wins
- Automates portfolio monitoring and rebalancing
- Offers Core, Income, Tax Optimized, and Socially Responsible choices
- Supports individual, joint, custodial, and IRA account types
Where it doesn't
- Cash-enhanced portfolios allocate 30% to cash
- Market-focused portfolios charge a monthly advisory fee
- Tax-loss harvesting is limited to eligible non-qualified Personal Advice accounts
- E*TRADE Core Portfolios9.0/10 · From $1.50/yr
A managed ETF portfolio with daily monitoring, rebalancing, and optional tax-loss harvesting.
Visit E*TRADEFull verdict → - Ally Invest Robo Portfolios8.8/10 · From $0/yr
Automated ETF management with a no-advisory-fee option that keeps 30% in cash.
Visit Ally InvestFull verdict →
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All Robo-Advisor apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update