Best App Stocks to Watch in 2024: Top Picks for Investors

Introduction

Imagine scrolling through your phone in the morning—checking your finances on PayPal, booking a cab with Uber, monitoring workouts on MyFitnessPal, or making a payment via Apple Pay. These apps have quietly become essential to daily life and, behind the scenes, they’re driving significant change for investors. The companies powering these apps influence billions of transactions, connect people worldwide, and are fostering innovative new business models.

This digital transformation is not just about convenience; it’s creating new investment opportunities. With more people relying on apps for banking, entertainment, shopping, and health, the companies behind these digital tools are attracting sharp attention in the stock market. Since 2020, downloads and daily usage of leading apps like WhatsApp, Spotify, and Zoom have surged, generating immense revenue growth and, in some cases, multi-billion-dollar valuations. For example, according to Statista, the Apple App Store facilitated over $85 billion in consumer spending in 2022—a powerful signal for investors hunting for growth trends.

This listicle shines a spotlight on some of the most promising app stocks to watch, based on market impact, growth potential, and actual user adoption. You’ll find clear criteria explaining why certain stocks stand out, plus practical insights into how these investments can fit a retail investor’s portfolio. Expect concrete examples—including actual trading platforms, app-based fintech disruptors, and standout Indian tech success stories—that demonstrate how digital applications are transforming investments from the ground up.

Beyond just the big names, you’ll also discover the main advantages of buying into app-related companies, from scalability and recurring revenue models to global user bases. To make the process beginner-friendly, a concise guide on how to invest in app stocks rounds out this feature, helping US investors—particularly those who are new or focused on the Indian market—navigate the world of app-driven opportunities with confidence.

Understanding the Opportunity: App Stocks Explained

What Are “App Stocks” and Why Should Investors Care?

The rise of smartphones has made mobile apps an essential part of daily life—shaping not just how we communicate, but also how we shop, bank, work, and invest. “App stocks” refer to publicly traded companies whose core business model revolves around mobile applications or software delivered primarily through app-based platforms.

The term covers a spectrum of firms: “best app stocks” and “top app stocks” typically point to market leaders such as Apple (which earns significant revenue from its App Store), and mature app-based businesses like Meta Platforms (home to apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram). "App-based companies stocks" also include emerging players focused exclusively on mobile-first services—the likes of Duolingo in education, or Robinhood in financial services.

Unlike traditional tech, which may emphasize hardware or enterprise software, app-driven businesses often enjoy recurring revenue through subscriptions, rapid scalability, and intimate daily engagement with their users. For instance, Netflix's transition from DVD rentals to its streaming app-based model catapulted its valuation and subscriber growth worldwide.

To get started with app stocks, retail investors can either buy shares of these companies directly or use accessible investment platforms. U.S.-based investors have a range of choices, such as the best stock apps for trading in 2025, including options like Webull, which caters to both beginners and advanced users with zero commissions and robust analysis tools.

Who Stands to Benefit from Investing in App-Based Companies?

The accessibility and high-growth potential of app stocks make them appealing across various investor profiles. Retail investors can participate in the same high-trajectory markets as institutional funds, sometimes even spotting trends earlier thanks to personal app usage insights. For example, individuals who recognized the early popularity of TikTok or Telegram before mass adoption could have benefited from following related app ecosystem stocks.

Emerging traders, especially those learning through app-based platforms like Webull or Robinhood, can start with small, fractional investments and actively track performance within user-friendly digital environments. This self-directed approach is particularly popular among U.S. and Indian investors, with platforms tailored to each region’s regulatory landscape.

Long-term growth seekers also find value in companies with dominant app footprints. For instance, investors who bought shares of Apple or Alphabet (parent of Google Play) over the past decade saw substantial returns—reflecting the deepening reliance on mobile ecosystems. Whether you’re in Silicon Valley or Mumbai, the rise of digital finance and mobile-first services ensures that the opportunity around app stocks is truly global.

Top App Stocks to Watch in 2024

Top App Stocks to Watch in 2024

App-focused stocks continue to dominate portfolios, capturing value as digital habits become central to work, shopping, and entertainment around the globe. In 2024, retail investors and traders are watching a blend of U.S. tech giants alongside fast-growing Asian disruptors, offering both stability and high-growth prospects.

The following app-centric companies stand out for their innovation, market penetration, and investor appeal. Each brings unique strengths, technical access requirements, and risks—making them noteworthy candidates for a diversified investment approach.

Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Apple remains a core holding for investors valuing reliability and ecosystem advantages. The company’s integrated platform—spanning iPhones, iPads, Macs, and its lucrative App Store—delivers a seamless experience for over 1.5 billion active devices worldwide.

Accessing AAPL shares is straightforward; nearly every U.S. and international brokerage allows purchase of full or fractional shares, with investment minimums often as low as $1. This accessibility is ideal for new investors.

User sentiment generally highlights Apple’s steady returns and ecosystem stickiness. However, a subset of investors is wary of slowing innovation in flagship product lines, such as the plateau in iPhone updates.

Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)

Alphabet, the parent of Google, powers the world’s most widely used digital services. Apps like Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Photos have billions of users, while the Google Play Store dominates Android app distribution—especially across emerging markets.

Investors can buy Alphabet stock or opt for tech ETFs. Performance is backed by dominant ad revenue: in 2023, YouTube ads alone generated $30 billion. The company is also expanding its cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) footprint globally.

Investors generally prize Google’s digital reach, though ongoing antitrust investigations are closely watched. The stock’s valuation ($120–$140 as of mid-2024) keeps it accessible to new investors seeking diversified tech exposure.

Meta Platforms, Inc. (META)

Meta is the parent of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—three of the world’s top five most-used social apps. With daily active users exceeding 2 billion across its platforms, Meta drives the digital conversations of billions.

Entry is simple: Meta shares trade on global brokerages and can also be accessed via large-cap tech ETFs. The company continues heavy investment in AI, content moderation tools, and virtual reality efforts like Meta Quest.

Investor outlooks differ: some laud Meta’s scale and innovation, while others point to youth demographic drift and reputational risks tied to platform content moderation.

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL)

PayPal, founded in 1998 and once led by Elon Musk, is a dominant force in digital payments. Its ecosystem—featuring PayPal, Venmo, and Braintree—serves more than 400 million active accounts as of 2024.

PayPal shares can be purchased directly or via fintech ETFs. The company’s strengths include robust fraud detection, integration with major e-commerce sites (like eBay), and consistent transaction growth, even as competition heats up.

• Key Features: Trusted global payments, quick app onboarding, in-depth reporting.
• Pros: Widely recognized brand, history of double-digit revenue growth through 2022, effective cross-border payment tools.
• Cons: Slower new user acquisition versus rivals such as Block (Square), increasing competition from Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Users appreciate PayPal’s convenience and app security, but investor sentiment is cautious given the slower pace of new account growth in 2023–2024 (down from 36% YoY in 2021 to below 10%).

Zomato Limited (ZOMATO.NS)

Zomato exemplifies India’s digital growth, leading the country’s online food delivery sector alongside strong players like Swiggy. It’s favored by investors seeking exposure to India’s burgeoning urban consumer market—especially in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.

International investors can access Zomato via Indian brokerages or select emerging market mutual funds. Its success is underpinned by rapid market penetration, strategic restaurant partnerships, and a tech-savvy youth customer base.

• Key Features: Urban-focused app delivery, wide restaurant tie-ups, seamless order tracking, and payment integrations.
• Pros: Early leadership in a market projected to exceed $20 billion in food delivery by 2025, high repeat user rates.
• Cons: Persistent net losses, profitability yet to be proven, fierce rivalry with Swiggy and smaller players.

Investor enthusiasm remains high, but caution persists about how soon Zomato can turn consistent profits. For many, it epitomizes “India’s digital decade.”

Sea Limited (SE)

Sea Limited, a Singapore-based tech conglomerate, anchors Southeast Asia’s internet economy via its Shopee (e-commerce), Garena (gaming), and SeaMoney (digital finance) platforms. In Q1 2024, Shopee reported over 2 billion orders—demonstrating massive regional scale.

Available on global brokerages, Sea’s shares may be subject to currency fluctuations and macroeconomic trends, so portfolio diversity is recommended for risk management.

• Key Features: Diverse app ecosystem, cross-vertical synergies, aggressive regional growth, unique partnership with Tencent in gaming.
• Pros: Market leadership, high e-commerce growth rates (Shopee’s GMV rose 26% YoY in early 2024), flexibility to pivot across markets.
• Cons: Still unprofitable in core verticals, short-term losses expected as investment continues, regionally sensitive to economic shifts.

Optimism abounds for Southeast Asia’s digital expansion, though volatility is common. Savvy investors may consider starting small or using Southeast Asia-focused ETFs for broader exposure to the region’s dynamic app market.

8 best stock market apps for trading in 2025

App Stock Recommendations: Matching Picks to Your Needs

Finding the right stock recommendations through investment apps depends largely on your financial goals and appetite for risk. Modern platforms let you tailor your watchlist, screen by sector or region, and discover top picks suited for diverse investment styles. Whether you value stability, are chasing growth, or want exposure to specific global regions, understanding which app-based stocks best align with your needs can build confidence and help target long-term success.

Stability and Global Reach: Apple and Alphabet

Investors prioritizing established growth and global exposure often turn to mega-cap tech giants. Apple (AAPL) and Alphabet (GOOGL) consistently deliver reliable returns due to their dominant market positions, robust cash flow, and innovative product ecosystems.

For example, Apple’s fiscal year 2023 saw over $383 billion in revenue, bolstered by the success of the iPhone and its expanding services segment, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud. Alphabet, as the parent company of Google, commands over 90% of global search engine share. Both companies weather market downturns with strong balance sheets and global reach.

Growth Opportunities: Meta Platforms

Those seeking high-growth potential will find Meta Platforms (META) compelling. The company has transformed from a pure social media play to a diversified tech leader exploring the metaverse, AI, and digital advertising innovation.

Meta’s ad revenue reached $131.9 billion in 2023, showing resilience despite industry-wide headwinds. New ventures such as Threads and advancements in virtual reality via Oculus have added to its growth prospects. Investors who believe in disruption within digital communication and advertising look to Meta as a core portfolio component.

Fintech Focus: PayPal

App users interested in the intersection of finance and technology often gravitate toward PayPal (PYPL), which blends maturity with digital innovation. The company remains a leader in online payments, processing 25.6 billion transactions in 2023 across over 430 million active accounts.

PayPal’s expansion into crypto trading and real-time payments via Venmo demonstrates its agility in adapting to new trends. Unlike newer fintech startups, PayPal offers app investors a track record of profitability while consistently rolling out new tech-driven features.

Emerging Market Play: Zomato

For investors drawn to India’s growth story, Zomato (NSE: ZOMATO) has become an attractive option. The food delivery app solidified its presence in over 1,000 Indian cities, recording a 70% year-over-year revenue increase in FY2023.

Zomato benefits from rising smartphone adoption and digital payments in India. Its recent expansion into grocery delivery and a focus on profitability make it a dynamic emerging market pick for those seeking regional upside.

Diversification & High Growth: Sea Limited

To achieve geographic diversity and capture high-growth sectors in Southeast Asia, investors frequently look to Sea Limited (NYSE: SE). The company operates in digital entertainment (Garena), e-commerce (Shopee), and fintech (SeaMoney).

In 2023, Shopee became the leading e-commerce platform in Indonesia with over 343 million orders in a single quarter. SeaMoney’s digital wallet processed over $5.3 billion in quarterly payments. Sea Limited stands out for app-based investors seeking exposure to high-growth digital economies outside the US and India.

For more on choosing the right platforms and stock picks for your needs, review this comprehensive comparison of the best stock trading apps for various investor profiles.

FAQ: Investing in App Stocks

1. Are app stocks suitable for beginners or only advanced investors?

Investing in app stocks can feel daunting, but they actually offer opportunities for both beginners and experienced investors. Many app-based companies are household names, while others are new entrants with room to grow. Your approach can vary based on risk tolerance and market knowledge.

If you prefer stability, consider established names such as Apple Inc. (AAPL) or Alphabet (Google’s parent company). Both have strong financials and consistent performance histories. On the other hand, emerging app stocks like Duolingo (DUOL) or Bumble (BMBL) offer higher growth potential with greater price swings. Typically, beginners might start with blue chips, gradually exploring riskier app stocks as their confidence and understanding grow.

2. Do I need an advanced trading account to buy app stocks?

Accessing app stocks doesn’t require specialized trading accounts for most U.S. and Indian investors. Stocks for major app companies are widely available on primary exchanges such as the NYSE and Nasdaq, making them easy to trade through standard brokerage platforms.

For instance, U.S. retail investors can use services like Charles Schwab or Robinhood, while Indian investors often use Zerodha or ICICI Direct. No premium or institutional account tier is needed to buy the likes of Meta Platforms (META), Uber (UBER), or Indian app-play stocks like Paytm (One97 Communications).

3. How can I manage risk when investing in app-based companies?

App stocks often experience higher volatility, especially those in growth phases or newly listed on exchanges. Effective risk management becomes crucial to avoid large losses from unexpected market swings.

Diversifying your portfolio is a strong first step; this means holding a mix of sectors and company sizes. Using stop-loss orders can also help, automatically selling shares if the price drops below a set threshold. For instance, setting a 15% stop-loss on an investment in Zomato allows you to lock in gains or limit losses. Limiting single-position exposure—keeping each app stock investment to less than 10% of your portfolio—spreads out risk as well.

4. Are dividends a factor when selecting the best app stocks?

Dividend income can be an attractive feature, but its importance varies across app-based stocks. Some established tech leaders pay dividends, while others reinvest all profits to fuel faster growth.

For example, Apple currently offers a dividend yield around 0.5%, rewarding shareholders with cash payouts. In contrast, top app companies like Meta and Roblox do not pay dividends, focusing instead on product expansion and market share. It’s important to review each stock’s dividend policy to align with your income needs and growth expectations.

5. Can I invest in non-U.S. app companies as a U.S. retail investor?

Many U.S. investors want exposure to international app innovators like India’s Paytm or China’s Tencent. Access is generally available via global brokers and through ETFs holding foreign-listed app stocks.

Platforms such as Interactive Brokers and Fidelity enable direct purchase of overseas companies listed on major stock exchanges. Alternatively, mutual funds and ETFs like the iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) provide diversified exposure to international app-focused businesses. These vehicles can simplify the process and help manage currency or regulatory risks.