Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Robinhood vs Public.com, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
When it comes to selecting an online broker, Robinhood and Public.com stand out as attractive options for modern investors, each with its own strengths and limitations. While both platforms offer stock, margin, and options trading, they shine in different areas. Robinhood, for instance, supports traditional and Roth IRA accounts, giving investors a chance to save for retirement with ease, while Public.com focuses on accessibility with OTC Stocks, which Robinhood does not offer. Both platforms provide users access to fractional shares and a solid range of 22 cryptocurrencies, reflecting their commitment to diversify investment opportunities in the digital age.
In more detailed comparisons, Robinhood and Public.com each have unique offerings that potential investors might find appealing. Both services present the same capabilities for options and crypto trading. However, Public.com distinguishes itself by allowing the trading of OTC Stocks—a feature missing from Robinhood's repertoire. Conversely, Robinhood appeals to retirement-savvy individuals, thanks to its support for both traditional and Roth IRA accounts, whereas Public.com does not offer these options. Both platforms have opted not to dive into forex and futures trading or mutual funds, creating a common ground in these investment areas.
Despite these differences, both Robinhood and Public.com receive the same rating of 3.5 stars for their range of investment options, placing them among the lower-tier in StockBrokers.com's ranking, with Robinhood at #12 and Public.com at #13 out of 14 brokers analyzed. This suggests that while they may excel in specific areas, there may be other platforms with broader or more comprehensive investment offerings for those seeking a more extensive range. As always, choosing the right platform should be contingent on individual financial goals and portfolio preferences.
| Feature |
Robinhood
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| OTC Stocks | No | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | No | No |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 22 | 22 |
| 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 deciding between Robinhood and Public.com as your online broker, it’s important to assess their trading platforms and tools based on ease of use and available features. Robinhood comes out ahead with a 3.5-star rating, making it a more favorable choice than Public.com, which has a 2-star rating. Ranked 9th among 14 brokers, Robinhood’s more extensive toolset may suit those seeking more functionality in their trading experience, while Public.com ranks 14th, indicating a more basic offering.
Both Robinhood and Public.com lack downloadable trading platforms for both Windows and Mac, but they do provide browser-based platforms, making them accessible from virtually any device with internet access. However, neither platform offers paper trading or a trading journal. For users focused on customizing their trading environment, Robinhood presents broader choices, particularly in charting capabilities, with 16 technical indicators, 23 drawing tools, and the ability to adjust open orders directly on stock charts, unlike Public.com, which offers none of these features.
Robinhood also scores higher in offering the ability to add notes and save multiple chart profiles, giving traders a more personalized approach to managing their investments. Though limited in some areas such as showing historical trades or corporate events on charts, Robinhood’s offerings are still more comprehensive than Public.com. For traders looking to customize their charting experience, Robinhood allows for setting custom date ranges and offers minimal customization for SMA studies, a feature that Public.com lacks entirely. This makes Robinhood a more attractive option for those who value these functionalities in their trading toolkit.
| Feature |
Robinhood
|
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 | 3 | 3 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 16 | 0 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 23 | 0 |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2025
Schwab Trading Powered by Ameritrade™.
A full-featured account for investing
Get up to $1K on new brokerage account*
When it comes to educating beginners and investors, both Robinhood and Public.com offer resources to help users understand stock and ETF trading, including options education. While both platforms lack resources for mutual funds and bonds, Robinhood and Public.com each provide webinars for those seeking more interactive learning experiences. However, Public.com stands out by offering educational videos, a feature not available on Robinhood. Unfortunately, neither platform includes educational quizzes or the ability to track learning progress, and also lack paper trading features.
Robinhood earns a slightly higher education rating with 4 stars compared to Public.com's 3.5 stars. According to StockBrokers.com, Robinhood ranks 8th out of 14 brokers for educational offerings, while Public.com places 11th. These rankings suggest that while both platforms provide valuable learning opportunities, Robinhood may have a marginal edge in its educational offerings for beginner investors.
| Feature |
Robinhood
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
| Education (Fixed Income) | No | No |
| Paper Trading | No | No |
| Videos | No | Yes |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025
When choosing between Robinhood and Public.com for stock trading, it's important to find a platform that fits your trading style and needs. Robinhood stands out with a ranking of #7 among 14 brokers for stock trading apps, with a solid 4.5-star rating. In contrast, Public.com is ranked #14, with a 3.5-star rating. This discrepancy highlights Robinhood's more comprehensive app features compared to Public.com, but it's important to dive deeper into the specific features offered by each to make an informed choice.
Robinhood and Public.com both provide iPhone and Android apps for their users, with Robinhood also extending its reach to Apple Watch, which Public.com does not. For traders interested in after-hours movements, both platforms allow mobile after-hours stock trading, although Robinhood also supports after-hours charting, giving it an edge for data analysis. While both apps facilitate options trading and allow viewing multiple time frames for charting, Robinhood adds more value with six technical studies available for chart analysis, compared to none offered by Public.com.
In terms of real-time data, Robinhood users benefit from streaming quotes and stock alerts, which are absent in Public.com's offerings. Additionally, Robinhood caters to personalized trading experiences by enabling custom watch lists, a feature not available on Public.com. However, Public.com provides a unique feature by allowing stock comparisons on charts, which is not found on Robinhood. While both apps cannot display charts in landscape mode or offer streaming live TV and videos on demand, their differences in features and technological capabilities make Robinhood a more feature-rich choice overall for mobile stock trading.
| Feature |
Robinhood
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch App | Yes | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | No |
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 6 | 0 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
When comparing Robinhood and Public.com, both online brokers shine in offering commission-free trading for stocks and options, making them attractive for cost-conscious investors. However, Public.com requires a $20 minimum deposit, unlike Robinhood, which has no minimum requirement. When it comes to margin balances, Robinhood generally offers more competitive rates, particularly for balances below $50,000. Additionally, if you’re considering Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Robinhood holds an edge by not charging any IRA closure fees, in contrast to Public.com's $150 charge.
Robinhood provides a more accessible entry for new investors with its $0 minimum deposit requirement, while Public.com sets the bar with a $20 minimum deposit. Both platforms share similar policies regarding stock and options trades, offering them at no cost. Yet, when exploring margin trading, Robinhood charges a consistent 5.75% for balances below $50,000 and decreases slightly for higher amounts. Public.com, on the other hand, starts at a higher 8.75% for balances under $50,000 but adjusts to a more competitive 6.75% for balances between $50,000 and $99,999.
Account transfer fees (ACAT) present no differentiation between the two platforms, as both charge $100 for partial and full transfers. While neither platform charges for options exercise and assignment, Robinhood gains an advantage in the realm of IRAs due to its absence of IRA closure fees, offering a smoother exit strategy for those who decide to move their retirement investments. Whether you prioritize lower fees for margin trading or the elimination of certain account movement and closure charges, both Robinhood and Public.com provide compelling choices depending on your specific investment needs and goals.
| Feature |
Robinhood
|
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 comparing Robinhood and Public.com for day trading, both platforms present some limitations for active traders. Neither Robinhood nor Public.com provides streaming time and sales for stocks or streaming live TV. Additionally, both platforms lack direct market routing and trading hotkeys for keyboard trade entry, which might be essential for some traders who seek speed and efficiency. While Robinhood does allow ladder trading, a feature not offered by Public.com, this might be a marginal benefit given the absence of level 2 quotes and more advanced trading tools on either platform.
For those particularly focused on strategy and analysis, neither Robinhood nor Public.com offers basic or advanced strategy backtesting, meaning traders cannot test their trading strategies on past data. Lastly, tools such as a short locator for real-time availability of shares to short or order liquidity rebates are also missing from both platforms. Overall, if you are prioritizing advanced day trading features, both Robinhood and Public.com might not fully meet your needs at present.
| Feature |
Robinhood
|
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 for 2025
When evaluating the market research capabilities of Robinhood and Public.com, it's evident that both platforms have room for improvement. They each offer some basic research tools like information on stocks and ETFs, but neither provides insight into mutual funds or bonds. Additionally, both platforms fall short regarding downloadable research reports for any investment type, limiting their options for users who prefer detailed PDF reports. Despite these limitations, Robinhood stands out slightly with its stock screener, giving it a slight edge in providing trade ideas over Public.com. However, both platforms receive a modest two-star rating for market research, with Robinhood ranking slightly higher at #10 compared to Public.com's #12 ranking according to StockBrokers.com.
Both Robinhood and Public.com allow users to research stocks and ETFs, including those within the Pink Sheets/OTCBB markets. However, they lack research options for mutual funds and bonds, which can be a significant drawback for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with these types of investments. Neither platform offers advanced features such as viewing portfolio allocation by asset class or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) research. Since these tools are becoming increasingly important for socially conscious investors, their absence might be a deterrent for some.
Social media sentiment data, an emerging area for stock research, is also missing from both Robinhood and Public.com's offerings, which could be a disadvantage in today’s social media-driven market landscape. Neither platform provides downloadable PDF research reports or screeners beyond stocks, with Robinhood being the only one to offer any type of screener—albeit just for stocks. In summary, while both platforms serve as basic entry points for individual investors, those seeking comprehensive market research tools might need to look elsewhere to supplement their trading strategies.
| Feature |
Robinhood
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - ETFs | No | No |
| Research - Mutual Funds | No | No |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No |
| Research - Fixed Income | No | No |
| Screener - Fixed Income | No | No |
| Research |
|
|
When comparing the banking capabilities of online brokers Robinhood and Public.com, there are some clear differences in their offerings. Both Robinhood and Public.com do not provide checking or savings accounts, nor do they offer CDs or mortgage loans. However, when it comes to card services, Robinhood holds an advantage. Robinhood offers both debit and credit cards to its users, which can enhance the convenience of managing your finances. On the other hand, Public.com does not provide either debit or credit cards. This distinction makes Robinhood a more versatile choice for those seeking some traditional banking-like features in an investment platform.
| Feature |
Robinhood
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | No | No |
| Savings Accounts | No | No |
| Debit Cards | Yes | No |
| Credit Cards | Yes | No |
| Mortgage Loans | No | No |
| Brokerage CDs | No | 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 Robinhood is better than Public.com. Robinhood finished with an overall score of 77.3%, while Public.com finished with a score of 69.6%.
Robinhood is very easy to use and its educational content is a joy to read. But, in today’s competitive market for your investing dollars, there are several more compelling options among brokerages.
Robinhood and Public.com both provide crypto trading, each offering 22 different coins for users to trade. Whether you choose Robinhood or Public.com, you'll have access to an identical selection of cryptocurrencies for diverse investment opportunities.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025
Robinhood and Public.com differ significantly in their IRA offerings; Robinhood provides both traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual or closure fees, while Public.com does not offer IRA accounts and charges a $150 closure fee.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Customer Service | N/A | N/A | |
| Education |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Robinhood Review | Public.com Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| Trading Fees | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $20.00 | |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | N/A | $2.99 | |
| Mutual Fund Trade Fee | N/A | n/a | |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Futures (Per Contract) | (Not offered) | (Not offered) | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | N/A | n/a |
| Margin Rates | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 5.75% | 8.75% | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 5.75% | 8.75% | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 5.55% | 6.75% | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 5.25% | 6.75% | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 5.25% | 5.75% | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 5.25% | 5.75% | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 5% | 5.75% |
| Account Fees | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $150.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $100.00 | $100.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Full) | $100.00 | $100.00 | |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Investment Options | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| OTC Stocks | No | Yes | |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 0 | |
| Futures Trading | No | No | |
| Forex Trading | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 22 | 22 | |
| Fixed Income (Treasurys) | No | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | No | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | No | No | |
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | No | |
| Roth IRAs | Yes | No | |
| Advisor Services | No | No | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
| Order Types | Robinhood | 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 | No | No | |
| Order Type - OTO | No | No | |
| Order Type - Broker Assisted | No | No |
| Beginners | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | No | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes | |
| Retirement Calculator | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | No | No | |
| Videos | No | Yes | |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Progress Tracking | No | No | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
| Stock Trading Apps | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple Watch App | Yes | 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 | Robinhood | 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 | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | No | No | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 6 | 0 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | Robinhood Legend | 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 | 3 | 3 |
| Stock Chart Features | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 16 | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 23 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Historical Trades | No | No | |
| Charting - Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Custom Date Range | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Custom Time Bars | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Automated Analysis | No | No | |
| Charting - Save Profiles | Yes | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | No | No | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | 1 | 0 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
| Day Trading | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | No | No | |
| Streaming TV | No | No | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | No | |
| Ladder Trading | Yes | 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 | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
| Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Fixed Income | No | No | |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Screener - ETFs | No | No | |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
| Screener - Fixed Income | No | No | |
| Portfolio Asset Allocation | No | No |
| Stock Research | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 0 | 0 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | No | No | |
| Stock Research - Social | No | No | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | No | No | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | No | No |
| ETF Research | Robinhood | 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 | No | |
| ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Risk Analysis | No | No | |
| ETFs - Ratings | No | No | |
| ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | No | No | |
| ETFs - PDF Reports | No | No |
| Mutual Fund Research | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds - Investment Objective | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Prospectus | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - StyleMap | No | No |
| Options Trading | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 5 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | No | No | |
| Checking Accounts | No | No | |
| Savings Accounts | No | No | |
| Credit Cards | Yes | No | |
| Debit Cards | Yes | No | |
| Mortgage Loans | No | No |
| Customer Service | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospect Customers) | No | No | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | No | |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Prospect Customers) | No | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | Yes | No |
| Overall | Robinhood | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Robinhood Review | Public.com Review |
Charles Schwab
Interactive Brokers
Fidelity
E*TRADE
Merrill Edge
Webull
TradeStation
tastytrade
eToro