Wealthy PotM1 vs Betterment (2026)
M1 is a self-directed automation tool — you build the portfolio and it invests and rebalances on autopilot — while Betterment is a true robo-advisor that picks and manages the portfolio for you. Choose M1 if you want control with automation, Betterment if you want the decisions made for you.
By Wealthy Pot · Last updated September 2026
| Feature | M1 | Betterment |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hybrid | Standalone |
| Advisory fee | $0 advisory (+ $3/mo platform fee, waived at $10k) | 0.25%/yr (or $5/mo under $24k without a $200+ recurring deposit) |
| Account minimum | $100 ($500 for IRAs) | $0 |
| Tax-loss harvesting | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Best for | DIY investors who want automated "pie" portfolios they design themselves | Hands-off investors who want goal-based automation with no minimum to start |
Where M1 wins
- Self-directed automation via customizable "pies"
- No advisory fee
- Fractional shares and scheduled auto-investing
Where Betterment wins
- Goal-based planning that is genuinely easy to use
- Automatic tax-loss harvesting
- No minimum to open
- Optional access to human CFPs on a premium tier
Which should you choose?
M1 is a self-directed automation tool — you build the portfolio and it invests and rebalances on autopilot — while Betterment is a true robo-advisor that picks and manages the portfolio for you. Choose M1 if you want control with automation, Betterment if you want the decisions made for you.
Compare these against every option in our robo-advisors comparison.
We summarize hands-on assessment, not user reviews. Advisory fees and account minimums change often and are re-checked against each provider's official page. Some outbound links may be affiliate links — that never affects our comparisons. Nothing here is investment advice.