Table of Contents
Cheap stocks can be appealing to investors looking for potential buy-low, sell-high opportunities or to buy multiple stocks that may have significant room to grow. While “cheap” is subjective, many traders define it as companies with share prices under $10. These stocks may offer more substance than traditional penny stocks without the massive barrier to entry of blue-chip shares trading for hundreds of dollars.
Finding quality stocks at this price can sometimes be challenging, as market volatility can make a “bargain” become “just out of reach” overnight. However, several notable companies across sectors are trading in the single digits. Here’s a look at 10 top stocks currently priced under $10.
Key Points
• Cheap stocks trading under $10 provide accessible investment opportunities across a range of industries, from financial services to medical products to consumer goods.
• Evaluating stocks under ten dollars requires examining financial health metrics including revenue trends, cash flows, debt levels, company quality, and stock liquidity through SEC filings and reports.
• Cheap stocks may offer advantages including potential for significant future returns, low-priced entry points to diverse market segments, and the ability to build diversified portfolios with minimal investment capital.
• Cheap stocks may carry higher risks including speculative nature, vulnerability to market manipulation schemes like pump-and-dump operations, and tendency toward greater volatility compared to established companies.
• It’s important to assess stock liquidity before investing, as lower trading volumes in cheaper stocks may limit the ability to exit positions at a desired price point.
Top Stocks Under $10
These 10 cheap stocks represent companies in industries ranging from health care to financial services, food services, and security systems. This list includes stocks with market capitalizations of at least $1 billion, ranked by market performance as of September 2026.
Keep in mind that this list changes month-to-month and cheap stock prices tend to be more volatile. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. It’s important to research the financial health of any stock you’re interested in and ensure it aligns with your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance.
| Cheap Stocks Under $10 | Ticker | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1-Month Return | 1-Year Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Turbine Inc | APPS | $1.2 billion | 10.56 | 10.1% | 138.8% | |
| Arbutus Biopharma Corp | ABUS | $1.0 billion | 6.58 | 18.0% | 34.7% | |
| Nordic American Tankers Ltd | NAT | $1.5 billion | 15.20 | 15.61% | 7.6% | 155.9% |
| Vistance Networks Inc | VISN | $1.5 billion | 11.10 | 78.43% | -3.4% | 46.9% |
| BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc | BCRX | $2.6 billion | 10.95 | 13.5% | 20.6% | |
| Western Union Co/The | WU | $2.3 billion | 5.29 | 12.91% | 11.1% | -7.1% |
| Capitol Federal Financial Inc | CFFN | $1.1 billion | 13.46 | 3.89% | -2.9% | 43.5% |
| Newell Brands Inc | NWL | $2.6 billion | 11.95 | 4.62% | -3.6% | 10.9% |
| Cricut Inc | CRCT | $1.2 billion | 13.46 | 3.46% | 20.6% | 4.1% |
| ADT Inc | ADT | $5.5 billion | 8.65 | 2.93% | -4.8% | -10.0% |
Source: Data from SoFi and Bloomberg, as of September 2, 2026. Universe of stocks includes U.S.-based companies with market capitalization of at least $1B, share prices of less than $10, and positive price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios. Stocks ranked according to a blend of short-term and long-term performance, in addition to low valuation multiples.
Digital Turbine Inc (APPS)
Digital Turbine Inc is a company that operates in the digital advertising and user acquisition space – hence the ticker “APPS.” It was originally founded in 1998 in Austin, Texas as Mandalay Digital, but later changed its name. It now has 600 employees on five continents.
Arbutus Biopharma Corp (ABUS)
Arbutus Biopharama Corporation is a Canadian biotech company that trades under the “ABUS” ticker. It was founded in 2007 in Vancouver, and was spun-off from another company, Inex Pharmaceuticals, under a different name: Tekmira. It’s now headquartered in Pennsylvania.
Nordic American Tankers Ltd (NAT)
Trading under the “NAT” ticker, Nordic American Tankers operates a fleet of 20 tanker vessels, transporting oil and other commodities. It was founded in 2005 and incorporated in Bermuda.
Vistance Networks Inc (VISN)
Vistance Networks, which trades under the “VISN” ticker, was created in early 2026 following a rebranding of CommScope, after it sold off one of its segments. Its headquartered in Texas, and its operations focus on networking and communication services.
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc (BCRX)
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. trades under the “BCRX” ticker, and is a biotech company that works on developing drugs and treatments related to rare diseases. The company was founded in 1986 and went public in 1994, and is based in Durham, North Carolina.
Western Union Co (WU)
You’ve likely heard of Western Union, which trades under the “WU” ticker, and is a multinational financial services company. The company is an older institution, founded in 1851, and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, specializing in wire transfers, money orders, and similar services.
Capitol Federal Financial Inc (CFFN)
Capitol Federal Financial, trading under the “CFFN” ticker, is a Topeka, Kansas-based bank with dozens of locations in and around Kansas City. It was founded in the late 1800s, and offers a variety of banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, IRAs, mortgages, and insurance.
Newell Brands Inc (NWL)
Newell Brands trades under the “NWL” ticker, and is a Georgia-based conglomerate that produces various consumer products — its brands include Rubbermaid, Coleman, Elmer’s glue, and even Yankee Candle. The company was founded in 1903 in New York, and went public in 1972.
Cricut Inc (CRCT)
If you’re into crafting, you may be familiar with Cricut. The company, which trades under the “CRCT” ticker, is based in Utah, and makes various crafting tools and cutting machines. It was originally founded in 1969, and rebranded from Provo Craft & Novelty in 2018.
ADT Inc (ADT)
ADT may be a familiar name to some investors as it is a stalwart of the home security industry. It trades, conveniently, under the “ADT” ticker, and is headquartered in Florida. It was founded more than 150 years ago — so, for investors who are looking for a long track record, it doesn’t get much longer! It also has millions of customers across the country.
How to Evaluate Stocks Under $10
Evaluating low-priced stocks generally requires more diligence than analyzing bigger, well-established companies. Because many of these stocks belong to smaller or less stable businesses, it’s wise to do some careful research before diving in.
You might start by examining the company’s financial health. Look at revenue trends, profit margins, and debt levels. A company consistently losing money with rising debt may be riskier than one showing improving financials.
Next, consider the business model and industry position. Does the company operate in a growing sector? Does it have a competitive advantage? Stocks under $10 are often in emerging industries like clean energy, biotech, or tech startups.
Liquidity and trading volume are also critical. Stocks with low trading volume can be difficult to buy or sell without impacting the price, increasing your risk.
Finally, evaluate management quality and recent news. Leadership changes, earnings reports, or strategic partnerships can significantly impact small-cap stocks. Staying updated can help you make informed decisions rather than speculative guesses.
Pros and Cons of Investing in Stocks Under $10
As with any type of stock, there can be benefits and drawbacks to buying relatively cheap stocks. Here are some to keep in mind.
thumb_up
Pros:
• Low barrier to entry
• Potential for large percentage gains
• Diversification friendly
• Accessible to individual investors
thumb_down
Cons:
• High volatility
• Potential weakness in fundamentals
• Low liquidity
• Fraud risk
Pros
• Affordability: Stocks under $10 allow investors to enter the market with relatively little capital, making them accessible to those with smaller budgets or beginners wanting to test the waters with smaller amounts.
• High growth potential: Because of their low price, even small increases can result in large percentage gains, offering the possibility of significant returns.
• Diversification opportunities: Investors can spread their money across multiple low-priced stocks rather than concentrating on one or two expensive shares.
That said, investors solely seeking diversification may also consider different options available to them, such as exchange traded funds (ETFs) that provide access to fractional shares of multiple companies, rather than whole shares. A balanced diversification strategy may help mitigate overall portfolio risk, though it cannot fully protect it against losses or guarantee profits.
• Undervalued opportunities: Some stocks may be overlooked by large institutions. This may give individual investors a chance to discover hidden gems early.
Cons
• High volatility: These stocks often experience sharp price swings, which may lead to quick gains but also rapid losses.
• Weaker financial stability: Many companies in this category are unprofitable or carry significant debt, increasing the risk of failure.
• Liquidity risks: Low trading volume can make it difficult to buy or sell shares without affecting the stock price.
• Susceptibility to manipulation: Thinly traded stocks may be more vulnerable to schemes like pump-and-dump, which can mislead investors.
How to Invest in Stocks Under $10
Investing in stocks under $10 is a relatively simple process. Investors simply need to pick a platform or brokerage, decide what specific stocks they want to buy, and then make a trade.
Choose an Investment Platform
The first step is to choose a reliable brokerage platform. Look for one that offers zero or low commissions, user-friendly tools, and access to a wide range of stocks, including small-cap stocks and over-the-counter (OTC) markets where many lower-priced shares are traded.
Features like robust research tools, screeners, and educational resources can be especially helpful when evaluating the higher volatility often found in lower-priced stocks.
Select Your Stocks
Once your account is set up, focus on identifying stocks that align with your investment goals. Consider using stock screeners to filter companies under $10 based on criteria such as revenue growth, sector, or market capitalization.
Execute and Monitor
After selecting your stocks, place your trades. Double-check your details — specifically the number of shares and the order type (e.g., using a limit order to control your entry price).
The process doesn’t end after the purchase. Regularly monitor your holdings, track company performance, and stay informed on market news. Because lower-priced stocks can be more volatile, be prepared to adjust your portfolio if a company’s underlying fundamentals change.
Things to Avoid When Investing in Stocks Under $10
Some common mistakes investors make when buying cheap stocks include:
• Chasing hype: It’s important to avoid getting caught up in any internet or social media hype. Stocks that suddenly surge due to online buzz can drop just as quickly, leaving later investors with losses.
• Skipping research: Investing without reviewing a company’s financials, business model, and recent performance can increase your risk. It’s wise to always base decisions on data, rather than tips, rumors, or “gut feelings.”
• Overlooking liquidity: Stocks with low trading volume can be difficult to sell quickly or at a fair price. A lack of active buyers and sellers can leave you stuck in a position longer than expected.
• Equating price with value: A low share price doesn’t inherently mean a stock is a bargain. Evaluate the company’s fundamentals to determine if the price is justified or simply a reflection of a failing business.
• Reacting emotionally: Making decisions based on fear or excitement — such as panic selling or impulsive buying — can lead to poor outcomes. Success generally requires sticking to a disciplined investment strategy.
The Takeaway
Stocks under $10 can offer exciting opportunities, especially for investors seeking growth or working with limited capital. However, they require careful evaluation, disciplined research, and ongoing monitoring.
Investing strategies that include cheap stocks generally focus on value rather than price, diversifying investments, and avoiding speculative traps. With the right approach, low-priced stocks can play a key role in a well-balanced investment strategy — but they should always be approached with a clear understanding of the risks involved.
Invest in what matters most to you with SoFi Active Invest. In a self-directed account provided by SoFi Securities, you can trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, options, and more — all while paying $0 commission on every trade. Other fees may apply. Whether you want to trade after-hours or manage your portfolio using real-time stock insights and analyst ratings, you can invest your way in SoFi's easy-to-use mobile app.
Build your portfolio with SoFi Active Investing.
FAQ
What’s the difference between cheap stocks vs penny stocks?
Penny stocks are generally stocks that are trading for below five dollars, whereas cheap stocks are in a more malleable range of prices. Stocks trading for ten dollars may be cheap, but are not penny stocks, for example.
Should I hold cheap stocks long-term?
Some investors utilize a strategy that involves holding onto cheap stocks for the long-term, while others do not. A cheap stock would typically be held long-term if it demonstrates strong fundamentals, such as robust revenue growth and a transparent path to profitability. What you choose to do will generally depend on your strategy and your view on a stock.
Are stocks under $10 a good investment?
Stocks that trade for under $10 may be a good investment, but there’s no way to say for sure. It may depend on your strategy and the quality of the stock, which can generally be determined by researching its financial statements, history, and market performance. A cheap stock does not necessarily mean it’s a good value, however. In addition, cheap stocks are also vulnerable to the whims of the market. There are never any guarantees in investing.
Photo credit: iStock/MTStock Studio
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The products, services, or features discussed may not currently be available via the SoFi platform. Any references to third-party products, services, or companies do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or solicitation by SoFi. Readers should independently evaluate their options and consider their individual financial needs and circumstances before making any decisions. ©2026 SoFi Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOIN-Q326-134