Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Firstrade vs Public.com, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Bottom line: Firstrade offers a broader mix of traditional investments than Public.com, while Public.com stands out for crypto. Both let you trade stocks, options, fractional shares, OTC stocks, and use margin, and both offer Traditional and Roth IRAs. Neither supports forex, futures, or advisor services. Independent ratings back this up: Firstrade earns 4.5/5 stars for Range of Investments and ranks #6 of 14 on StockBrokers.com, while Public.com scores 3.5/5 and ranks #13.
Where these online brokers differ most is asset choice. Firstrade includes mutual funds, which Public.com does not. Public.com offers cryptocurrency trading with 40 coins, while Firstrade has no crypto. If you need mutual funds in a retirement or taxable account, Firstrade fits better; if you want to add crypto to your portfolio, Public.com is the one that supports it.
Feature-for-feature, both brokers cover the basics: stock trading, options trading, margin access, fractional share investing, and OTC stocks; and both lack forex and futures. For a wider traditional lineup and higher third-party ranking, choose Firstrade. For stock and options plus crypto under one roof, choose Public.com.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | Yes |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 40 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to an Advanced Market
When comparing Firstrade and Public.com, Firstrade edges ahead as the preferred choice for trading platforms and tools. Firstrade provides a solid browser-based trading platform with 102 technical indicators and eight drawing tools for charting, earning it a three-star rating from users and placing it at 11th among 14 brokers on StockBrokers.com. In contrast, Public.com offers fewer features, with no technical indicators or drawing tools and limited customization options, culminating in a two-star rating and a 14th place ranking.
Both Firstrade and Public.com do not offer downloadable trading platforms for Windows or Mac users, and neither provides paper trading or trading journals. Where they both stand out as similar is in offering efficient browser-based trading platforms, but Firstrade significantly surpasses Public.com in terms of watch list fields, offering 50 compared to Public's 3, which enhances the user experience for active traders.
In the realm of charting capabilities, Firstrade demonstrates superior technical analysis features including the ability to display automated chart patterns, which is absent in Public.com. While both platforms lack functionalities such as custom date ranges, historical trades on charts, and corporate event displays, Firstrade's offering of more detailed customization for SMA studies makes it a more compelling option for traders seeking slightly more advanced tools.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Trading Platform | No | No |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No |
| Paper Trading | No | No |
| Watch Lists - Total Fields | 50 | 3 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 102 | 0 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 8 | 0 |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2025
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Firstrade and Public.com are evenly matched for beginner investors who want straightforward learning tools. Both brokers offer stock and options education, plus educational videos and webinars. Neither platform includes paper trading, quizzes, or a way to track your learning progress. For overall education quality, each earns 3.5 out of 5 stars, and in StockBrokers.com’s 2025 rankings Public.com places 11th out of 14 brokers, while Firstrade comes in 12th.
The main differences show up in the topics covered. Public.com provides education on ETFs and bonds, while Firstrade does not. Both lack mutual fund education. If you want guidance on ETFs or bonds, Public.com has the edge. If your focus is primarily stocks and options, either Firstrade or Public.com can work for getting started with videos and webinars.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | No | Yes |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
| Education (Fixed Income) | No | Yes |
| Paper Trading | No | No |
| Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025
When comparing Firstrade to Public.com for stock trading app capabilities, Firstrade stands out with a higher overall rating, boasting 4.5 stars compared to Public.com's 3.5 stars. Firstrade ranks 9th out of 14 in StockBrokers.com's assessment, while Public.com finds itself at the 14th position. These rankings highlight Firstrade's stronger performance as a stock trading app, offering more advanced features and options for users.
Both brokers offer apps for iPhone and Android users, making them accessible across popular mobile devices. However, when it comes to app functionality and features, Firstrade provides users with advantages like after-hours mobile stock trading and options trading, which are also available on Public.com. Notably, Firstrade offers streaming quotes, the ability to create custom watch lists, and landscape mode charting, which are features not available on Public.com. With Firstrade supplying 81 technical studies for charting compared to Public.com's zero, the level of technical analysis provided by Firstrade is substantially more robust.
Both platforms allow the customization of watch list columns and support viewing multiple time frames on charts. Users interested in stock comparisons on charts will find both platforms accommodating, yet Firstrade excels in other charting aspects with more features that cater to dedicated traders. The lack of Apple Watch apps, streaming live TV, and videos on demand is a common ground between the two, but in terms of comprehensive trading tools and stock alerts, Firstrade provides a superior package to traders seeking detailed data and customization options.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch App | No | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | No |
| Charting - After-Hours | No | No |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 81 | 0 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
Bottom line: both Firstrade and Public.com offer $0 stock trades and $0 per-options-contract pricing, so the real differences are in funding needs, margin rates, and back-end fees. Public.com is the clear winner on margin interest, while Firstrade is friendlier for getting started and for closing or moving an IRA. Choose Public.com if you plan to use margin often; choose Firstrade if you want a $0 minimum and lower exit costs.
Account basics: Firstrade has a $0 minimum deposit, while Public.com requires $20. Stock trades cost $0 at both brokers. Options trades are $0 per contract at both, and there are no fees for options exercise or assignment at either platform.
Margin and other fees: Public.com’s margin rates are notably lower—5.65% below $25,000, 5.65% from $25,000–$49,999, and 5.50% from $50,000–$99,999—versus Firstrade at 12.75%, 12.50%, and 12.00% for those same tiers. For transfers, Firstrade charges $55 for partial and $75 for full ACAT moves, while Public.com is $100 for both partial and full. IRA fees are $0 annually at both; however, IRA closure is $0 at Firstrade and $150 at Public.com.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $20.00 |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $150.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025
When evaluating Firstrade and Public.com for day trading, neither firm provides specialized features often sought by active traders. Both platforms lack streaming time and sales for stocks, which can offer insights into market activity. They also don't provide streaming live TV, direct market routing, or ladder trading, which can be crucial for traders looking for market depth and various order execution options. Additionally, neither broker supports trading hotkeys, level 2 quotes, or basic and advanced strategy backtesting, all tools that can enhance a day trader's analysis and execution capabilities.
Furthermore, Firstrade and Public.com fall short in offering a short locator tool, which is useful for traders interested in short selling. Both platforms also do not offer order liquidity rebates, which could otherwise help in reducing trading costs for high-frequency traders. Given these limitations, traders who prioritize these specific tools and features for day trading might need to explore alternative platforms that cater more closely to their trading style and needs.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | No | No |
| Streaming TV | No | No |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | No |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | No |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No |
| Short Locator | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms of 2025 for Beginners and Active Traders
When it comes to market research capabilities, Firstrade clearly stands out compared to Public.com. Firstrade offers a comprehensive suite of research tools, including stock, ETF, mutual fund, and bond research, which is complemented by ESG and social media sentiment insights. Meanwhile, Public.com provides fundamental resources like stock and ETF research but lacks depth in areas such as mutual funds, bonds, and portfolio analysis, which might explain its lower market research rating of 2 stars compared to Firstrade’s 4.5 stars.
Firstrade shines by providing detailed download options for stock and ETF research reports, all from a single source, as well as portfolio allocation insights by asset class. In contrast, users on Public.com don’t have access to downloadable reports or portfolio allocation features. Additionally, Firstrade offers a range of screeners for generating trade ideas across various asset classes, a feature that is entirely absent from the platform offered by Public.com. This wide array of tools and resources underscores Firstrade’s capability to support a more informed investment strategy.
Lastly, while both brokers provide stock and ETF research, Firstrade distinguishes itself by offering comprehensive resources across other asset types, and the inclusion of innovative research methods like social sentiment analysis. Public.com, with its limited research options and lack of downloadable materials, caters more to users seeking basic research functionalities. The contrast in ranking by StockBrokers.com, with Firstrade at #6 and Public.com at #12 among 14 brokers, further highlights the superior market research capabilities found at Firstrade. These insights collectively make Firstrade a compelling choice for investors keen on in-depth research and comprehensive market insights.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | No |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | No |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | No |
| Research |
|
|
When comparing the banking capabilities of Firstrade and Public.com, it's clear that Firstrade provides more options for users seeking basic banking services alongside their investment needs. Firstrade offers checking accounts, which Public.com does not, providing an added layer of convenience for users who want to manage their transactions. Furthermore, Firstrade provides debit cards, allowing for easy access to funds, whereas Public.com does not. Both platforms do not offer savings accounts or credit cards, keeping their focus primarily on investment services. Additionally, neither offers mortgage loans, which can be a consideration for those looking to integrate a wider array of financial services. Notably, Firstrade offers certificates of deposit (CDs), which can be appealing for those looking for a secure savings option, unlike Public.com, which does not offer CDs. Overall, Firstrade outshines Public.com in terms of banking offerings, making it a more versatile choice for those interested in an online broker with added banking features.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | Yes | No |
| Savings Accounts | No | No |
| Debit Cards | Yes | No |
| Credit Cards | No | No |
| Mortgage Loans | No | No |
| Brokerage CDs | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2025
After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Firstrade is better than Public.com. Firstrade finished with an overall score of 81.8%, while Public.com finished with a score of 69.6%.
With steady innovation and a growing feature set, Firstrade is quickly climbing the ranks to earn its place among the best online brokers. Firstrade’s $0 contract fee, no exercise/assignment fees, and top-tier options trade ticket make it one of the most cost-effective and well-designed platforms for options trading.
When comparing online brokers, Firstrade offers no crypto trading (0 coins), while Public.com supports cryptocurrency trading with access to 40 coins.
Investors prioritizing crypto access may prefer Public.com, whereas Firstrade suits those not focused on digital assets.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025
Firstrade and Public.com both offer Traditional and Roth IRAs with $0 annual fees. However, Firstrade has a $0 IRA closure fee while Public.com charges $150, giving Firstrade the edge on exit costs.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Firstrade | Public.com | |
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| Review | Firstrade Review | Public.com Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Firstrade | Public.com | |
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| Trading Fees | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $20.00 | |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $0.00 | $2.99 | |
| Mutual Fund Trade Fee | $0 | n/a | |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Futures (Per Contract) | (Not offered) | (Not offered) | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $19.95 | n/a |
| Margin Rates | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 12.75% | 5.65% | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 12.50% | 5.65% | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 12.00% | 5.50% | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 11.50% | 5.25% | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 11.25% | 5.25% | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 9.35% | 5.25% | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 8.75% | 5.05% |
| Account Fees | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $150.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $55.00 | $100.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Full) | $75.00 | $100.00 | |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Investment Options | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 4 | |
| Futures Trading | No | No | |
| Forex Trading | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | Yes | |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 40 | |
| Fixed Income (Treasurys) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | Yes | No | |
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Roth IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Advisor Services | No | No | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
| Order Types | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Limit | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - After Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Trailing Stop | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - OCO | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - OTO | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | No |
| Beginners | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | No | Yes | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | No | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
| Retirement Calculator | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | No | No | |
| Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Progress Tracking | No | No | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
| Stock Trading Apps | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple Watch App | No | No | |
| Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - After-Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - Complex Options | Yes | No | |
| Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Ticket SRT Quotes | Yes | No |
| Stock App Features | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Movers (Top Gainers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Stream Live TV | No | No | |
| Videos on Demand | No | No | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | No | |
| Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
| Watch List (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
| Watch List (Streaming) | Yes | No | |
| Watch Lists - Create & Manage | Yes | No | |
| Watch Lists - Column Customization | Yes | Yes |
| Stock App Charting | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | No | No | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 81 | 0 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | N/A | n/a | |
| Desktop Trading Platform | No | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No | |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | No | No | |
| Trade Journal | No | No | |
| Watch Lists - Total Fields | 50 | 3 |
| Stock Chart Features | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | No | No | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 102 | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 8 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | No | No | |
| Charting - Historical Trades | No | No | |
| Charting - Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Custom Date Range | No | No | |
| Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
| Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Save Profiles | No | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | 6 | 0 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
| Day Trading | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | No | No | |
| Streaming TV | No | No | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | No | |
| Ladder Trading | No | No | |
| Trade Hot Keys | No | No | |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No | |
| Short Locator | No | No | |
| Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
| Research Overview | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
| Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | No | |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | No | |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | No | |
| Portfolio Asset Allocation | Yes | No |
| Stock Research | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 1 | 0 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - Social | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | No |
| ETF Research | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs - Investment Objective | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Risk Analysis | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Ratings | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - PDF Reports | Yes | No |
| Mutual Fund Research | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds - Investment Objective | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Prospectus | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - StyleMap | Yes | No |
| Options Trading | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 5 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | No | No | |
| Checking Accounts | Yes | No | |
| Savings Accounts | No | No | |
| Credit Cards | No | No | |
| Debit Cards | Yes | No | |
| Mortgage Loans | No | No |
| Customer Service | Firstrade | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | No | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | No | |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | No | No |
| Overall | Firstrade | Public.com | |
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| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Firstrade Review | Public.com Review |
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