Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Webull 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: Webull edges out Public.com for range of investments. Both are strong choices for stock and options traders, but Webull adds forex, futures, and a bigger crypto menu, earning 4 stars for Range of Investments (ranked #11 of 14 by StockBrokers.com) versus Public.com’s 3.5 stars (ranked #13 of 14). If you want the broadest set of trading choices in one app, Webull is the better fit; if you don’t need forex or futures, Public.com still covers the essentials.
Similarities are extensive. Webull and Public.com both offer stock trading, including OTC stocks, as well as margin trading and fractional shares. Options trading and crypto trading are available on both platforms. Each supports retirement savers with Traditional and Roth IRAs. Neither broker offers mutual funds or advisor services.
The main differences come down to product depth. Webull supports forex and futures trading, which Public.com does not. For crypto, Webull lists about 50 coins, while Public.com offers around 40. If you want access to more markets or a larger selection of cryptocurrencies, Webull has the edge; if you prefer a simpler lineup focused on stocks, options, and crypto, Public.com will feel familiar and straightforward.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | No | No |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | Yes | No |
| Crypto Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 50 | 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 it comes to evaluating trading platforms and tools, Webull stands out for offering a comprehensive suite of features that cater to both beginner and advanced traders, thereby securing a rating of 4 stars. It provides downloadable trading platforms for both Windows and Mac, an option that Public.com lacks entirely. Meanwhile, Public.com, which is rated 2 stars, does offer a browser-based platform but misses out on the depth and breadth of tools that Webull provides. For those seeking a feature-rich experience, Webull clearly comes out on top, being ranked #7 among 14 brokers by StockBrokers.com, while Public.com lags behind at #14.
Webull excels in several areas, notably offering a host of features designed to enhance user experience and trader capability. These include offerings like paper trading, a critical resource for new traders to practice risk-free, and the ability to directly adjust open orders on stock charts. Charting features are robust with 52 technical indicators and 19 drawing tools, along with the ability to show automated technical analysis and display corporate events. This range of customizability and tools can be tremendously appealing for active traders looking to analyze and execute trades efficiently.
In contrast, Public.com primarily serves those who may prefer a more straightforward, user-friendly experience without the need for intricate trading tools or charting features. Its browser-based platform is simple, but lacks crucial tools like paper trading, technical indicators, and drawing tools. This makes it less suitable for traders who require in-depth analysis and customization. Consequently, Public.com may be considered more of a gateway platform for those new to trading, rather than a deep analytical tool. Nonetheless, both platforms provide unique aspects that some users may find appealing based on their individual trading needs and experience levels.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 35 | 3 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 52 | 0 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 19 | 0 |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2025
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Webull and Public.com both cover the basics and more for beginner and experienced investors: each offers education on stocks, ETFs, options, and bonds, and neither teaches mutual funds. Both platforms include educational videos and webinars. Where they differ is in hands-on learning and structure. Webull offers paper trading to practice without risking money, plus quizzes and tools to track your learning progress. Public.com does not include paper trading, quizzes, or progress tracking.
For overall education, Webull earns 4 stars and Public.com scores 3.5 stars. In StockBrokers.com’s rankings of 14 brokers, Webull’s education comes in at #10, while Public.com’s education ranks #11. If you want practice and guided learning, Webull education has the edge; if you mainly want videos and webinars, Public.com education will cover the essentials.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No |
| Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025
When comparing the stock trading app capabilities of Webull and Public.com, Webull clearly takes the lead with its more comprehensive suite of features. Both platforms offer iPhone and Android apps, but Webull extends its usability with an Apple Watch app, which Public.com lacks. Webull is equipped with features such as mobile after-hours stock trading, streaming quotes, stock alerts, and the ability to create custom watch lists, making it a more powerful tool for active traders. With a higher rating of 4.5 stars compared to Public.com's 3.5 stars, and a higher ranking of #5 versus #14 by StockBrokers.com, Webull presents itself as the superior choice for those seeking a feature-rich trading experience.
Webull shows its strengths with robust charting capabilities, offering after-hours charting, landscape mode, and support for multiple time frames, along with an impressive collection of 56 technical studies. These tools are crucial for traders looking to conduct in-depth analysis on the go. Public.com, while providing the ability to customize watch list columns and display stock comparisons on charts, does not include after-hours charting or streaming quotes, which could be a limitation for some users.
While both platforms cover fundamental needs like mobile options trading and basic chart display capabilities, Webull’s extensive feature set, including stock alerts and the ability to view charts in various styles, makes it a more versatile choice. Public.com may appeal to users who prioritize simplicity over feature richness, but for those looking for an app packed with trading tools, market insights, and customization options, Webull proves to be the more effective trading companion.
| Feature |
Webull
|
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 | 56 | 0 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
Here’s the quick takeaway: both Webull and Public.com offer $0 commissions for stocks and options, but they differ on other costs. Webull stands out for a $0 minimum deposit and no IRA closure fee, which can make starting and exiting cheaper. Public.com generally wins on margin rates, which could save active margin users money, but it has a $20 minimum deposit, higher ACAT transfer fees, and a $150 IRA closure fee. In short, margin users may prefer Public.com for lower rates, while those prioritizing easy account setup, transfers, or IRA flexibility may find Webull more cost-friendly.
Fees at a glance: minimum deposit is $0 at Webull vs $20 at Public.com. Stock trades are $0 at both. Options trades are $0 per contract at both, and both charge $0 for options exercises and assignments. Margin rates: Webull is 8.74% for balances under $100,000; Public.com is 5.65% under $50,000 and 5.50% for $50,000–$99,999. IRA annual fees are $0 at both, but IRA closure is $0 at Webull vs $150 at Public.com. ACAT transfers: Webull charges $75 for partial and full transfers, while Public.com charges $100 for partial and full.
| Feature |
Webull
|
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 the day trading capabilities of Webull and Public.com, several distinctions become apparent. Webull supports day traders with features such as streaming time and sales for stocks and ladder trading, tools that are notably absent from Public.com. Webull also offers trading hotkeys for quick keyboard trade entry and provides detailed level 2 quotes, which can be essential for traders seeking deeper insight into market activities. On the other hand, Public.com lacks these specific functionalities, which could affect the ability of traders to make swift, informed decisions in a fast-moving environment.
Both platforms do not offer streaming live TV, direct market routing, or any form of backtesting for trading strategies. Additionally, neither Webull nor Public.com provides a short locator tool or offer liquidity rebates, which may limit certain strategy executions. For traders who prioritize advanced tools and features to enhance their day trading setups, Webull may present a more equipped platform compared to Public.com, emphasizing the importance of considering specific trading needs when selecting a brokerage.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No |
| Streaming TV | No | No |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | No |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | 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 comparing the market research offerings of Webull and Public.com, the two online brokers demonstrate several differences and similarities. While both provide basic research for stocks, ETFs, and OTC markets, neither offers in-depth research for mutual funds or bonds. Webull has a slight edge due to its inclusion of social media sentiment data and a stock screener for generating trade ideas. That said, both platforms lack downloadable PDF research reports and detailed portfolio analysis by asset class, resulting in comparable mid-range ratings of 2.5 and 2 stars, respectively.
Webull provides users with stock, ETF, and Pink Sheets/OTCBB research capabilities. Although it lacks research offerings for mutual funds and bonds, Webull stands out with features like social media sentiment data integration, which can be handy for more informed decision-making. It also offers a stock screener, though the absence of screens for ETFs and other asset classes limits its functionality. Despite its limitations, Webull is ranked #9 out of 14 brokers by StockBrokers.com, reflecting its moderate market research capabilities.
On the other hand, Public.com provides a simpler set of research tools largely similar to Webull—covering stocks, ETFs, and Pink Sheets/OTCBB. It does, however, miss certain unique features like social media sentiment analysis and a stock screener that Webull offers. Public.com's research capabilities have room for growth, specifically in enhancing features and diversifying research options. Consequently, it receives a slightly lower ranking of #12 out of 14 by StockBrokers.com. This simple approach may suit beginner investors who prefer straightforward research tools without overwhelming options.
| Feature |
Webull
|
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 it comes to the banking capabilities of online brokers Webull and Public.com, neither platform stands out in offering traditional banking services. Both Webull and Public.com do not provide checking accounts, savings accounts, or debit and credit cards, leaving users to look elsewhere for these basic financial products. Additionally, neither Webull nor Public.com offers mortgage loans or Certificates of Deposit (CDs). These limitations mean that individuals looking for a brokerage account with integrated banking features may need to consider other options. While they excel in digital trading, Webull and Public.com do not cater to users seeking a combined banking and investment experience.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Public.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | No | No |
| Savings Accounts | No | No |
| Debit Cards | No | No |
| Credit Cards | No | 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 Webull is better than Public.com. Webull finished with an overall score of 81.0%, while Public.com finished with a score of 69.6%.
Webull is an excellent choice for beginning and intermediate traders. The user experience is outstanding, and Webull has better charts than its natural competitor, Robinhood. Options contracts are commission-free, but crypto markups and markdowns are on the high side. Experienced investors may eventually miss the features, research, and investment choices available at leading brokers.
Both Webull and Public.com offer crypto trading, but Webull provides access to 50 cryptocurrencies compared to Public.com's 40. If coin variety matters, Webull offers a broader selection while Public.com still covers many popular assets.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025
Both online brokers Webull and Public.com offer Traditional and Roth IRA accounts with $0 annual fees; however, Webull has no IRA closure fee while Public.com charges $150, making Webull the more cost-effective option if you might close or transfer an IRA.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Webull | Public.com | |
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| Review | Webull Review | Public.com Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Webull | Public.com | |
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| Trading Fees | Webull | 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) | $1.25 | (Not offered) | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | N/A | n/a |
| Margin Rates | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 8.74% | 5.65% | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 8.74% | 5.65% | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 8.74% | 5.50% | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 8.74% | 5.25% | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 8.74% | 5.25% | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 8.74% | 5.25% | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 8.74% | 5.05% |
| Account Fees | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $150.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $75.00 | $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 | Webull | 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 | Yes | No | |
| Forex Trading | Yes | No | |
| Crypto Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 50 | 40 | |
| Fixed Income (Treasurys) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | No | No | |
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Roth IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Advisor Services | No | No | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
| Order Types | Webull | 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 | No | No |
| Beginners | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
| Retirement Calculator | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
| Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Progress Tracking | Yes | No | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | Yes | No |
| Stock Trading Apps | Webull | 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 | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Research - Market Movers | Yes | Yes | |
| Stream Live TV | No | No | |
| Videos on Demand | No | No | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | No | |
| Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Streaming) | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Create & Manage | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Column Customization | No | Yes |
| Stock App Charting | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 56 | 0 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | N/A | n/a | |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No | |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
| Trade Journal | No | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 35 | 3 |
| Stock Chart Features | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 52 | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 19 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Historical Trades | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Corporate Events | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Custom Date Range | No | No | |
| Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
| Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Save Profiles | Yes | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | 2 | 0 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | Yes | No |
| Day Trading | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No | |
| Streaming TV | No | No | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | No | |
| Ladder Trading | Yes | No | |
| Trade Hot Keys | Yes | No | |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No | |
| Short Locator | No | No | |
| Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
| Research Overview | Webull | 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 | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 0 | 0 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - Social | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | No | No | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | No |
| ETF Research | Webull | 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 | No | No | |
| ETFs - Ratings | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | No | No | |
| ETFs - PDF Reports | No | No |
| Mutual Fund Research | Webull | 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 | Yes | 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 | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 5 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | No | No | |
| Checking Accounts | No | No | |
| Savings Accounts | No | No | |
| Credit Cards | No | No | |
| Debit Cards | No | No | |
| Mortgage Loans | No | No |
| Customer Service | Webull | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | No | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | No | |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | No | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | No | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | No | No |
| Overall | Webull | Public.com | |
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| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Webull Review | Public.com Review |
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