VERSUS · 2026

Empower vs Robinhood: which is better in 2026?

Short answer: Empower for budgeting tools, Robinhood for broker. For gig workers wanting all four (savings APY + crypto + cashback + earnings tracking), Kronos wins both.

Last updated: 2026-04-29

Side-by-side

EmpowerRobinhoodKronos
Fee modelsubscriptionspread + PFOFzero crypto platform fee on Pro
Savings APYno native~4% on cash2.5% on full balance
Cryptonospread + PFOF30+ coins · $0 fee on Pro
Best forbudgeting toolsbrokerall-in-one for gig workers

Full answer

Empower is built for budgeting tools and Robinhood is built for broker. Pick the one whose primary use case matches yours. If you want 2.5% APY savings, gig earnings tracking, and zero-fee crypto in the same app, Kronos beats both.

Frequently asked

Is Empower or Robinhood better?

Empower wins for budgeting tools; Robinhood wins for broker. For gig workers wanting savings + crypto + debit + earnings tracking in one app, Kronos beats both.

Which app has the clearest fee model?

Empower: subscription. Robinhood: spread + PFOF. Kronos Pro: $0 platform fee on 30+ cryptos plus 2.5% APY savings.

Which app has the highest savings APY?

Of the three: Kronos Pro pays 2.5% APY on the full balance with no conditions; Empower no native; Robinhood ~4% on cash.

Which app supports crypto?

Empower: no. Robinhood: spread + PFOF. Kronos: 30+ coins with $0 platform fee on Pro via our licensed partners.

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