Fee & Account Comparison
| Feature |
🔴 Webull |
🔵 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 — $5 minimum | Yes — $1 minimum |
| Margin Rate | ~6.99%+ | No margin trading available |
| IRA Match | Up to 3.5% with Webull Premium | No IRA match program |
Data as of May 2026. Sources: Webull Pricing · Webull Crypto · Webull IRA · Public.com Pricing · Public No PFOF · Public Crypto
Feature Comparison
| Feature |
🔴 Webull |
🔵 Public.com |
| Cryptocurrency | Yes — 50+ cryptocurrencies | Yes — 100+ cryptocurrencies (largest selection of the three) |
| Social Features | Basic community forums; not core product focus | Yes — core product; social feed, portfolio sharing, community posts, creator content |
| Payment for Order Flow | No — Webull does not accept PFOF | No — Public eliminated PFOF in 2021 |
| Research Tools | Advanced — 50+ technical indicators, Level II quotes, paper trading, screeners | Curated — analyst ratings, earnings data, social sentiment; less technical depth than Webull |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS & Android) + full desktop platform | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| Desktop Platform | Full-featured desktop platform (major differentiator) | Web app available |
| Account Types | Brokerage, IRA (Traditional/Roth/Rollover with up to 3.5% match) | Brokerage, Treasury accounts, high-yield cash |
| Best For | Active traders, technical analysts, intermediate-to-advanced investors | Social investors, ETF/bond/crypto buyers, community-driven learning |
🏆 Our Verdict
Webull wins for active and intermediate traders: advanced charting with 50+ technical indicators, Level II quotes, a full desktop platform, forex/futures access, and a higher IRA match (3.5%). Public wins for social investors who want community features, the largest crypto selection (100+ coins), and a no-PFOF brokerage that integrates high-yield cash accounts.
- Choose Webull if: You want advanced technical analysis tools, forex/futures trading, a full desktop platform, or the highest IRA match rate.
- Choose Public if: You want to invest alongside a community, access 100+ cryptocurrencies, or benefit from integrated high-yield Treasury accounts.
Webull — Pros & Cons
✅ PROS
- No PFOF — better order execution quality
- Advanced charting with 50+ technical indicators
- 50+ cryptocurrencies (vs Robinhood's 22+)
- Forex and futures trading available
- Full desktop platform
- Up to 3.5% IRA match with Premium
❌ CONS
- Steeper learning curve — complex interface vs Robinhood
- Founded 2017 — shorter track record
- No social/community features
- 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
Which is better for active traders — Webull or Public?
Webull is significantly better for active traders. It offers 50+ technical indicators, Level II quotes, paper trading, advanced screeners, a full desktop platform, and forex/futures access. Public is designed for longer-term, community-oriented investors.
Which has more cryptocurrencies — Webull or Public?
Public.com supports 100+ cryptocurrencies. Webull supports 50+. Both offer fractional crypto investing.
Do Webull and Public accept PFOF?
Neither Webull nor Public accepts payment for order flow — both route orders for best execution. Public eliminated PFOF in 2021; Webull has never accepted it. This differentiates both from Robinhood.
Does Webull or Public offer margin trading?
Webull offers margin trading for eligible accounts. Public.com does not offer margin trading. If you need leverage, Webull is the only option of the two.
Which offers a better IRA match — Webull or Public?
Webull Premium offers up to a 3.5% IRA match. Public.com does not offer an IRA match.
Can I use social features on Webull?
Webull has basic community forums, but social features are not the core product. Public.com is built around social investing — it has a dedicated feed, portfolio transparency tools, and a creator community that Webull lacks.
Which platform is better for ETF investing?
Both offer $0 commission ETF trading with fractional shares. Webull gives you more tools to research ETFs (screeners, technical charts). Public's social feed can show you what ETFs other investors hold.
Are Webull and Public SIPC insured?
Yes. Both Webull and Public.com are SIPC members, protecting securities accounts up to $500,000. 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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