M1 Review (2026)
M1 blurs the line between robo and self-directed: you design the portfolio, M1 automates it. It is ideal for hands-on investors who want automation without giving up control — not for those who want decisions made for them.
By Wealthy Pot · Last updated September 2026
Pros
- Self-directed automation via customizable "pies"
- No advisory fee
- Fractional shares and scheduled auto-investing
Cons
- Not true managed advice — you build the portfolio
- A monthly platform fee applies under a balance threshold
- No tax-loss harvesting
Who M1 is for
Best for DIY investors who want to design a portfolio once and have M1 auto-invest and rebalance it, rather than have an advisor choose the holdings.
Fees & minimum
M1 charges $0 advisory (+ $3/mo platform fee, waived at $10k), with an account minimum of $100 ($500 for IRAs). Tax-loss harvesting: not offered.
The bottom line
M1 blurs the line between robo and self-directed: you design the portfolio, M1 automates it. It is ideal for hands-on investors who want automation without giving up control — not for those who want decisions made for them. Main drawback: not a true advice service; a $3/mo platform fee applies under $10k in assets.
Compare M1 with…
See how M1 stacks up 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 M1's official page. Some outbound links may be affiliate links — that never affects which services we include or how we rate them. Nothing here is investment advice.