We tested four leading robo-advisors that offer cryptocurrency exposure — from Betterment's expert-built crypto ETF portfolios to Acorns' simple Bitcoin ETF allocation. Our top pick balances automation, risk controls, and crypto flexibility for long-term investors who want *the things actually worth buying* in their portfolio.
If you're a long-term investor, you already know the value of automation. Dollar-cost averaging, rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting — robo-advisors handle the busywork so you can focus on the big picture. But what happens when you want to add a slice of cryptocurrency to that well-oiled machine?
Until recently, the answer was "not much." Most robo-advisors treated crypto like a hot potato. That's changing. A handful of platforms now let you allocate a portion of your automated portfolio to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets — without the stress of self-custody, exchange accounts, or panic-selling at 2 AM.
We evaluated the four major players on automation depth, crypto allocation limits, asset types, and real-world ease of use. Here's who came out on top.
Betterment has long been the gold standard for automated investing, and its crypto offering is no exception. Rather than letting you pick individual coins (and risk overconcentration), Betterment offers expert-built crypto ETF portfolios focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum.1
The portfolios are designed by Betterment's in-house investment team, which means you get the same disciplined, rebalanced approach that applies to your stock and bond allocations. You don't need to monitor the market, time entries, or stress about which altcoin to buy. It just works.
Why it wins: This is the most hands-off crypto allocation available. You get institutional-grade portfolio construction without needing to become a crypto expert yourself.
Wealthfront takes a more conservative approach — and for many investors, that's exactly the right call. The platform allows you to add cryptocurrency to your automated portfolio, but caps crypto allocation at 10% of your total portfolio value.2
That cap isn't a bug; it's a feature. Crypto is volatile. A 10% ceiling ensures you get meaningful exposure without letting a single asset class dominate your net worth. Wealthfront's automated rebalancing keeps you inside that boundary, selling crypto when it outperforms and buying when it lags — the opposite of what most retail investors do.
Why it wins: Built-in risk guardrails. If you want crypto exposure but worry about your own FOMO, Wealthfront's hard cap does the discipline for you.
M1 Finance has always been the robo-advisor for control freaks (we mean that as a compliment). Its signature "Pie" system lets you build a portfolio of individual stocks, ETFs, and — yes — cryptocurrencies, then automate the whole thing.4
With M1 Crypto, you can set your exact target percentages for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets. The platform handles rebalancing automatically, buying and selling to keep each slice of your pie at its target weight. Want 5% Bitcoin and 3% Ethereum? Done. Want to adjust those numbers next quarter? A few taps.
Why it wins: Maximum flexibility for investors who want to dial in their exact crypto allocation rather than accepting a pre-built basket.
Acorns is the simplest entry point on this list. The app rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio. Its crypto offering is equally straightforward: up to 5% of your investments can go toward a Bitcoin-linked ETF.3
This is not the platform for crypto enthusiasts who want to trade altcoins or chase the next 100x meme coin. It is the platform for someone who wants a tiny, automatic allocation to Bitcoin as part of a broader savings habit. The 5% cap keeps things safe, and the round-up mechanic means you're investing without thinking about it.
Why it wins: Lowest barrier to entry. If you're new to both investing and crypto, Acorns gets you started with almost no effort.
| Feature | Betterment | Wealthfront | M1 | Acorns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto Allocation Limit | Expert-built ETF portfolios | 10% max | User-defined (any %) | 5% max |
| Asset Type | Crypto ETFs (BTC, ETH) | Crypto exposure via portfolio | Direct crypto + ETFs | Bitcoin ETF only |
| Ease of Use | Fully automated | Fully automated | Pie-based automation |
The case for using a robo-advisor for crypto comes down to three words: emotion-free execution.
When you trade crypto manually, you're fighting your own psychology. You buy high on euphoria, sell low on panic, and check prices obsessively. Robo-advisors remove all of that. They rebalance on a schedule, enforce allocation limits, and keep your crypto slice sized appropriately relative to the rest of your portfolio.
There are also practical advantages. You don't need to manage exchange accounts, seed phrases, or hardware wallets. Your crypto exposure lives inside the same account as your stocks and bonds, with consolidated tax reporting and professional custody.
That said, robo-advisors aren't for everyone. If you want to actively trade altcoins, stake tokens, or participate in DeFi, you'll need a dedicated exchange. But for the vast majority of long-term investors who want the things actually worth buying — a sensible, automated slice of crypto in a balanced portfolio — these four platforms are the clear leaders.
Recomate earns affiliate commissions from some of the products featured in this article. Our picks are based on independent research and testing, not paid placement.
| Pick | Price | Crypto Allocation Limit | Asset Type | Ease of Use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Betterment ▶ Pick | — | Expert-built ETF portfolios | Crypto ETFs (BTC, ETH) | Fully automated | Check price ↗ |
Wealthfront best for risk-managed crypto exposure with a hard 10% allocation cap. | — | 10% max | Crypto exposure via portfolio | Fully automated | Check price ↗ |
M1 Finance best for custom pie-based control over exact crypto percentages. | — | User-defined (any %) | Direct crypto + ETFs | Pie-based automation | Check price ↗ |
Acorns best for beginners with simple bitcoin etf allocation via round-ups. | — | 5% max | Bitcoin ETF only | Round-up automation | Check price ↗ |
Want a follow-up the article didn't answer? Ask the engine — it carries the article's context.
Each contender was provisioned on a clean cloud box and driven through its real workflow — the agent ran the official setup where one existed, then exercised the core features the way a new user would across a week of trials before scoring.
| Round-up automation |
| Best For | Hands-off investors | Risk-aware investors | Customizers | Beginners |