Fee & Account Comparison
| Feature |
🟢 Robinhood |
🔵 Public.com |
| Stock Commission | $0 | $0 |
| ETF Commission | $0 | $0 |
| Options / Contract | $0 per contract (regulatory fees apply) | $0 per leg (regulatory fees apply) |
| Account Minimum | $0 | $0 |
| Fractional Shares | Yes — $1 minimum | Yes — $1 minimum |
| Margin Rate | ~6.75% for Gold members | No margin trading available |
| IRA Match | 1% standard; 3% with Robinhood Gold ($5/month) | No IRA match program |
Data as of May 2026. Sources: Robinhood Pricing · Robinhood Gold · Robinhood IRA Match · Public.com Pricing · Public No PFOF · Public Crypto
Feature Comparison
| Feature |
🟢 Robinhood |
🔵 Public.com |
| Cryptocurrency | Yes — 22+ cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, DOGE, and others) | Yes — 100+ cryptocurrencies (largest selection of the three) |
| Social Features | No social feed; individual investing only | Yes — core product; social feed, portfolio sharing, community posts, creator content |
| Payment for Order Flow | Yes — Robinhood accepts PFOF | No — Public eliminated PFOF in 2021 |
| Research Tools | Basic — news feed, Robinhood Snacks, no screener depth | Curated — analyst ratings, earnings data, social sentiment; less technical depth than Webull |
| Mobile App | Yes — mobile-first (iOS & Android) | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| Desktop Platform | Web app available (limited vs mobile) | Web app available |
| Account Types | Brokerage, IRA (Traditional/Roth with 1–3% match) | Brokerage, Treasury accounts, high-yield cash |
| Best For | Beginners, mobile-first investors, commission-free trading, IRA match seekers | Social investors, ETF/bond/crypto buyers, community-driven learning |
🏆 Our Verdict
Public wins on community and execution: no PFOF since 2021, 100+ cryptocurrencies (largest of the three), a social investing feed where you can see what other investors are holding, and integrated high-yield Treasury accounts. Robinhood wins on IRA match (1–3% vs Public's none) and is still the simpler on-ramp for first-time investors.
- Choose Robinhood if: You want an IRA with a match bonus, are a first-time investor who wants a clean solo experience, or you don't care about social features.
- Choose Public if: You want a community investing experience, the widest crypto selection, no PFOF, or integrated high-yield cash accounts alongside your portfolio.
Robinhood — Pros & Cons
✅ PROS
- Pioneered commission-free trading
- Extremely simple, clean mobile app
- 1–3% IRA match (best with Gold plan)
- Fractional shares from $1
- No account minimum
❌ CONS
- Accepts PFOF — potential execution quality concerns
- Only 22+ crypto vs Webull's 50+ and Public's 100+
- Limited research tools vs Webull
- No social/community features vs Public
- No mutual funds
Public.com — Pros & Cons
✅ PROS
- Social investing feed — see what others are buying
- No PFOF — better execution quality
- 100+ cryptocurrencies — largest selection
- High-yield Treasury accounts integrated
- Strong educational content and creator community
- Fractional shares from $1
❌ CONS
- No margin trading
- No IRA match program
- Less advanced charting vs Webull
- Newer platform — fewer account types
- Social features not useful for private investors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Public.com's social investing feature?
Public.com has a social feed where investors can share their portfolios, post about their investment theses, follow other investors, and see what assets the community is trading. This makes it more transparent and educational than traditional brokers.
Does Public.com accept payment for order flow (PFOF)?
No. Public.com eliminated PFOF in 2021, making it one of the few commission-free brokers without it. Instead, Public uses a tipping model and generates revenue through premium subscriptions and interest. Robinhood still accepts PFOF.
Which has more cryptocurrencies — Robinhood or Public?
Public.com supports 100+ cryptocurrencies — the most of any comparison in this article. Robinhood supports 22+ cryptocurrencies. Both offer fractional crypto investing from $1.
Does Robinhood or Public offer an IRA match?
Robinhood offers a 1% IRA match on all contributions (3% with Robinhood Gold at $5/month). Public.com does not currently offer an IRA match program.
Which is better for beginner investors — Robinhood or Public?
Both are good for beginners, but for different reasons. Robinhood is simpler with a cleaner interface. Public is better for investors who learn by seeing what others are doing — its social feed and educational content make investing feel less intimidating.
Does Public offer margin trading?
No. Public.com does not offer margin trading. If you want leverage, Robinhood (or Webull) would be a better choice.
Can I buy Treasury bills and high-yield savings on Public?
Yes. Public offers integrated Treasury accounts (currently competitive APY) and a high-yield cash account alongside your investing account. Robinhood offers a similar cash sweep via Robinhood Gold.
Are Robinhood and Public SIPC insured?
Yes. Both Robinhood and Public.com are members of SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation), which protects securities accounts up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash). Note: cryptocurrency holdings are NOT covered by SIPC.
Data Sources & Accuracy
All data on this page is sourced directly from official brokerage websites and SEC/FINRA disclosures. We do not fabricate pricing or invent features.
Data as of May 2026. Always verify at the official brokerage website before making decisions. See our AI Disclaimer and Terms of Service.
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