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Public.com vs eToro 2025

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

January 23, 2025

In this head to head comparison of Public.com vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

Public.com
3.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $20.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00 info
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00 info
eToro
3.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $50.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00

Investment options

When considering investment options between Public.com and eToro, Public.com may have a slight edge for those looking for more varied trading capabilities, earning a 3.5-star rating in contrast to eToro's 2.5 stars, according to StockBrokers.com. Ranking #15 out of 18 brokers, Public.com offers a broader selection in stock and options trading, as well as margin trading and OTC stocks, which eToro lacks. However, eToro, ranked #16, stands out for offering a larger number of cryptocurrencies for trade, covering 26 different coins against Public.com's 22. Ultimately, individual priorities such as access to specific trading options and types of investments will influence investor preferences between these two platforms.

Both Public.com and eToro provide the ability to trade stocks and fractional shares, offering flexibility and accessibility to investors with varying budgets. The availability of options trading on both platforms meets the needs of those looking to venture into more complex investment strategies. In terms of mutual funds, futures, forex trading, and traditional or Roth IRA accounts, neither platform provides these services, which might be a limitation for some investors seeking diversified portfolio options.

Public.com uniquely offers margin trading and the ability to trade OTC stocks, potentially appealing to traders interested in leveraging their investments and exploring a wider market. Conversely, eToro has carved a niche in cryptocurrency trading with a broader range of coins available. Both platforms notably lack advisor services, which might be a consideration for those looking for personalized investment guidance. Investors weighing these two brokers should assess their own investment goals and strategies to choose the platform that aligns best with their investing style.

Feature Public.com logoPublic.com
eToro logoeToro
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes No
Fractional Shares info Yes Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes No
Mutual Funds info No No
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Futures Trading info No No
Crypto Trading info Yes Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 22 26
Range of Investments 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025

Trading platforms and tools

When evaluating online brokers for their trading platforms and tools, eToro stands out slightly more than Public.com, yet neither platform reaches the top echelon of trading technologies. While both brokers provide browser-based platforms with no download requirements for Windows or Mac, eToro edges ahead with a broader array of charting tools and technical indicators. Despite both platforms receiving modest ratings from StockBrokers.com, at 2 stars for Public.com and 2.5 stars for eToro, eToro’s range of features offers a more comprehensive package overall.

Public.com and eToro both cater to users who prefer browser-based trading platforms, a modern choice for traders who value convenience and accessibility. However, the similarities largely end there. Public.com offers three columns for watch lists and allows index overlays on charts, yet doesn't provide paper trading or allow users to add notes to charts. By contrast, eToro offers a more robust toolkit with 46 technical indicators and 48 drawing tools. Additionally, eToro facilitates paper trading, and users can enhance their trading analysis by saving multiple chart profiles and applying index overlays.

Neither Public.com nor eToro supports the customization of open orders directly on stock charts, nor do they show historical trades or corporate events on charts. However, eToro allows for a degree of customization in studies, providing five fields when editing an SMA study, compared to Public.com's zero. Both platforms rank below the top 10 in StockBrokers.com's assessment out of 18 brokers, with Public.com at 15th place and eToro at 12th. These rankings reflect the platforms' strengths and limitations, particularly in advanced charting and customization capabilities.

Feature Public.com logoPublic.com
eToro logoeToro
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Trading Platform info No No
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No No
Paper Trading info No Yes
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 3 7
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 0 46
Charting - Drawing Tools info 0 48
Platforms & Tools 2/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Platforms for 2025

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Beginners and education

When it comes to beginner and investor education, both Public.com and eToro offer various resources, but their approaches and focuses differ. Public.com stands out for its comprehensive coverage, offering education on stocks, ETFs, and options, which positions it as a versatile choice for beginners seeking diverse learning materials. Additionally, Public.com enhances the learning experience with educational videos and interactive webinars, providing an interactive platform for users. However, it does not support paper trading or offer educational quizzes to help reinforce learning. Despite these limitations, Public.com is highly rated, scoring 3.5 stars out of 5 for education, and is ranked #12 out of 18 brokers by StockBrokers.com.

In comparison, eToro caters to beginners with a more focused approach, providing solid foundational stock education complemented by educational videos. Notably, eToro offers paper trading, which allows users to practice trading without financial risk—a valuable feature for novice investors. However, eToro’s educational offerings are more limited in scope, as it does not provide education on ETFs, options, or mutual funds, and lacks webinars or quizzes. With a 2.5-star rating for education and a #15 ranking by StockBrokers.com, eToro appeals to those who prioritize practice over breadth in their educational journey. Overall, Public.com offers a wider range of learning resources, whereas eToro provides practical learning experiences through paper trading.

Feature Public.com logoPublic.com
eToro logoeToro
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info Yes No
Education (Options) info Yes No
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Paper Trading info No Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes No
Education 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025

Stock trading apps

When weighing the stock trading app capabilities of Public.com and eToro, eToro stands out with a higher user rating of 4.5 stars compared to Public.com's 3.5 stars. eToro is also ranked more favorably by StockBrokers.com, landing in 11th place out of 18 brokers, while Public.com sits at 15th. Both platforms offer apps for iPhone and Android devices, but do not support Apple Watch functionality. Key distinctions include eToro's advanced features such as streaming quotes, videos on demand, stock alerts, and a robust 103 technical studies for charting, setting it apart as a more comprehensive option for mobile traders.

The mobile offerings of both Public.com and eToro are equipped with apps that provide after-hours stock trading and options trading. However, eToro has a clear edge with its ability to provide streaming quotes and after-hours charting, whereas Public.com does not offer these features. Additionally, eToro's app allows users to create and customize custom watchlists, a facility that is absent in Public.com's offering, though Public.com does allow watchlist column customization.

While both platforms give users the ability to view multiple time frames for charting and display stock comparisons on charts, eToro's more extensive charting functionalities include after-hours charting and a wider range of technical studies. Despite this, neither Public.com nor eToro supports viewing charts in landscape mode. Thus, for investors valuing a robust, feature-rich experience, eToro emerges as a more potent app-based broker compared to Public.com.

Feature Public.com logoPublic.com
eToro logoeToro
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No No
Stock Alerts info No info Yes
Charting - After-Hours info No Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 0 103
Mobile Trading Apps 3.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025

Fees

When comparing Public.com and eToro, it's important to consider both platforms' fees and charges, which appeal to different investor needs. Public.com requires a minimum deposit of $20, making it more accessible for new investors compared to eToro's $50. Both platforms offer commission-free stock trading and options contracts, which is a significant advantage for cost-conscious traders. However, Public.com charges for margin balances, while eToro does not offer margin accounts, which may influence your decision if margin trading is part of your strategy.

Both Public.com and eToro eliminate charges for options exercises and assignments, providing cost advantages for options traders. An identical fee of $75 applies to both partial and full Account Transfers (ACAT) on both platforms, ensuring their offerings are comparable in this area. While neither platform offers, nor charges fees related to IRA accounts and their closure, it's crucial to understand these details if future retirement investment capabilities are a consideration.

In summary, Public.com's competitive edge is seen in its lower minimum deposit requirement and its availability of margin accounts, albeit with fees. Meanwhile, eToro's straightforward approach without margin accounts may appeal to those seeking simplicity. Your choice between these platforms should be informed by your trading needs, especially focusing on minimum deposits and margin trading preferences.

Feature Public.com logoPublic.com
eToro logoeToro
Minimum Deposit info $20.00 $50.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 info $0.00
Options (Per Contract) info $0.00 info $0.00
Options Exercise Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $0.00 $0.00
IRA Annual Fee info
IRA Closure Fee info
Commissions & Fees N/A N/A

Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025

Day Trading

When evaluating the day trading capabilities of online brokers, Public.com and eToro, several key features are worth considering. Public.com does not support streaming time and sales for stocks, whereas eToro does offer this feature, giving traders real-time access to market data. However, both platforms are limited in some respects; neither offers streaming live TV, direct market routing for stocks, ladder trading, or trading hotkeys for keyboard trade entry. Such similarities may influence traders who rely heavily on these features for rapid decision-making.

In addition, both Public.com and eToro lack advanced tools for detailed market analysis and strategic planning. Neither platform provides level 2 quotes, basic or advanced strategy backtesting, or a short locator tool for real-time availability of shares to short. Moreover, neither broker incentivizes trades with order liquidity rebates (maker/taker). Consequently, both platforms may be less appealing to day traders seeking comprehensive tools and features tailored to high-frequency trading needs. Traders looking for more robust analytics and strategic flexibility may need to explore alternative options.

Feature Public.com logoPublic.com
eToro logoeToro
Streaming Time & Sales info No Yes
Streaming TV info No No
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info No No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info No No
Short Locator info No No

Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025

Market Research

When evaluating the market research capabilities of Public.com and eToro, Public.com emerges as a slightly stronger contender. Despite both platforms offering fundamental stock and ETF research, Public.com stands out with its inclusion of Pink Sheets / OTCBB research, a feature not available with eToro. However, neither broker caters to investors with interests in Mutual Funds or Bonds, nor do they provide downloadable PDF reports or screeners for trade ideas across various asset classes. In terms of social media sentiment and ESG research, eToro takes the lead, offering tools that Public.com lacks. Ultimately, Public.com is ranked higher on StockBrokers.com, securing the 12th spot out of 18 brokers compared to eToro's 14th place for market research capability.

Both Public.com and eToro provide basic researching capabilities for stocks and ETFs, lacking in more detailed analysis tools such as downloadable PDF reports and comprehensive screeners. While Public.com does not integrate social media sentiment data or ESG research, eToro fills this gap, offering insights that incorporate these modern research methodologies. This demonstrates eToro's attempt to align with evolving market trends, despite its absence of Pink Sheets / OTCBB research and lesser overall ranking for market research.

Despite their limitations, Public.com and eToro each present distinct advantages that may appeal to different investor needs. Public.com's stronger standing in offering Pink Sheets / OTCBB research is balanced by eToro’s advanced features like social media sentiment analysis and ESG data. Nevertheless, both are rated modestly for market research, with Public.com receiving a marginally higher rating of two stars over eToro’s 1.5 stars. Investors seeking more robust research tools may need to look beyond these platforms, but both offer a starting point for those entering the world of online brokerage.

Feature Public.com logoPublic.com
eToro logoeToro
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks info No No
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs info No No
Research - Mutual Funds info No No
Screener - Mutual Funds info No No
Research - Bonds info No No
Screener - Bonds info No No
Research 2/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars

Banking

When comparing the banking capabilities of online brokerages Public.com and eToro, it's important to note that both platforms lack traditional banking services. Neither Public.com nor eToro offer checking or savings accounts, which are essential components for managing everyday finances. Additionally, both brokerages do not provide debit or credit cards, limiting their utility for day-to-day transactions. For those considering home ownership, neither Public.com nor eToro extend mortgage loan services. Furthermore, certificates of deposit (CDs) are also unavailable through both platforms. Consequently, users seeking comprehensive banking features might need to explore dedicated financial institutions, as Public.com and eToro primarily focus on investment services rather than offering full-fledged banking solutions.

Feature Public.com logoPublic.com
eToro logoeToro
Checking Accounts info No No
Savings Accounts info No No
Debit Cards info No No
Credit Cards info No No
Mortgage Loans info No No
CDs info No No

Dive deeper: Best Bank Accounts for Trading Stocks for 2025

Winner

After opening live accounts and testing 18 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Public.com is better than eToro. Public.com finished with an overall score of 69.6%, while eToro finished with a score of 66.1%.

Public is easy to use and offers a fascinating array of investment options. Along with stocks, ETFs, and crypto, there are managed Treasury bill accounts and alternative investments, such as shares in comic books and Banksy art. On the downside, Public uses its refusal to accept payment for order flow as justification for some startlingly high fees and spreads.

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with Public.com or eToro?

Both Public.com and eToro offer crypto trading; however, Public.com provides access to 22 coins, while eToro allows trading in 26 coins.

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025

Does Public.com or eToro offer IRAs?

Both Public.com and eToro do not offer traditional or Roth IRA accounts, nor do they charge annual or closure fees for IRA accounts, providing cost-effective options for investors focused on standard brokerage services without retirement account features.

Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025

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Compare

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Overall Rating Public.com eToro
Overall 3.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees N/A N/A
Range of Investments 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 2/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 3.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 2/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars
Customer Service N/A N/A
Education 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Public.com Review eToro Review
Broker Screenshots Public.com eToro
Trading Platform & Tools Gallery (click to expand)
Research Gallery (click to expand)
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand)
Education Gallery (click to expand)
Trading Fees Public.com eToro
Minimum Deposit info $20.00 $50.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 info $0.00
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) info $2.99 N/A
Mutual Fund Trade Fee info n/a N/A
Options (Per Contract) info $0.00 info $0.00
Futures (Per Contract) info (Not offered) (Not offered)
Broker Assisted Trade Fee info n/a $0
Margin Rates Public.com eToro
Margin Rate Under $25,000 info 8.75% Not offered
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 info 8.75% Not offered
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 info 6.75% Not offered
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 info 6.75% Not offered
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 info 5.75% Not offered
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 info 5.75% Not offered
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 info 5.75% Not offered
Account Fees Public.com eToro
IRA Annual Fee info
IRA Closure Fee info
Account Transfer Out (Partial) info $75.00 $75.00
Account Transfer Out (Full) info $75.00 $75.00
Options Exercise Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Investment Options Public.com eToro
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes No
Fractional Shares info Yes Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes No
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Complex Options Max Legs info 0 0
Futures Trading info No No
Forex Trading info No No
Crypto Trading info Yes Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 22 26
Mutual Funds (No Load) info 0 0
Mutual Funds (Total) info 0 0
Bonds (US Treasury) info Yes No
Bonds (Corporate) info Yes No
Bonds (Municipal) info No No
Traditional IRAs info No No
Roth IRAs info No No
Advisor Services info No No
International Countries (Stocks) info 0 0
Order Types Public.com eToro
Order Type - Market info Yes Yes
Order Type - Limit info Yes No
Order Type - After Hours info Yes info No
Order Type - Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - Trailing Stop info No Yes
Order Type - OCO info No No
Order Type - OTO info No No
Order Type - Broker Assisted info No No
Beginners Public.com eToro
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info Yes No
Education (Options) info Yes No
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Education (Retirement) info Yes No
Retirement Calculator info No No
Investor Dictionary info Yes No
Paper Trading info No Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes No
Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Progress Tracking info No No
Interactive Learning - Quizzes info No No
Stock Trading Apps Public.com eToro
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No No
Trading - Stocks info Yes Yes
Trading - After-Hours info Yes No
Trading - Simple Options info Yes Yes
Trading - Complex Options info No No
Order Ticket RT Quotes info Yes Yes
Order Ticket SRT Quotes info No Yes
Stock App Features Public.com eToro
Market Movers (Top Gainers) info Yes Yes
Stream Live TV info No No
Videos on Demand info No Yes
Stock Alerts info No info Yes
Option Chains Viewable info Yes Yes
Watch List (Real-time) info Yes Yes
Watch List (Streaming) info No Yes
Watch Lists - Create & Manage info No Yes
Watch Lists - Column Customization info Yes No
Stock App Charting Public.com eToro
Charting - After-Hours info No Yes
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally info No No
Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 0 103
Charting - Study Customizations info No Yes
Charting - Stock Comparisons info Yes Yes
Trading Platforms Public.com eToro
Active Trading Platform info n/a N/A
Desktop Trading Platform info No No
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No No
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Paper Trading info No Yes
Trade Journal info No No
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 3 7
Stock Chart Features Public.com eToro
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart info No No
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 0 46
Charting - Drawing Tools info 0 48
Charting - Notes info No Yes
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes Yes
Charting - Historical Trades info No No
Charting - Corporate Events info No No
Charting - Custom Date Range info No No
Charting - Custom Time Bars info No No
Charting - Automated Analysis info No No
Charting - Save Profiles info No Yes
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis info No Yes
Charting - Study Customizations info 0 5
Charting - Custom Studies info No No
Day Trading Public.com eToro
Streaming Time & Sales info No Yes
Streaming TV info No No
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info No No
Ladder Trading info No No
Trade Hotkeys info No No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info No No
Short Locator info No No
Order Liquidity Rebates info No No
Research Overview Public.com eToro
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds info No No
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB info Yes No
Research - Bonds info No No
Screener - Stocks info No No
Screener - ETFs info No No
Screener - Mutual Funds info No No
Screener - Bonds info No No
Misc - Portfolio Allocation info No info No
Stock Research Public.com eToro
Stock Research - PDF Reports info 0 info 0
Stock Research - Earnings info Yes Yes
Stock Research - Insiders info No Yes
Stock Research - Social info No Yes
Stock Research - News info Yes Yes
Stock Research - ESG info No Yes
Stock Research - SEC Filings info No Yes
ETF Research Public.com eToro
ETFs - Strategy Overview info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date info Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio info Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets info Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings info No No
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings info No No
ETFs - Sector Exposure info No No
ETFs - Risk Analysis info No No
ETFs - Ratings info No Yes
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap info No No
ETFs - PDF Reports info No No
Mutual Fund Research Public.com eToro
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview info No No
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart info No No
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis info No No
Mutual Funds - Prospectus info No No
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings info No No
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown info No No
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings info No No
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation info No No
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation info No No
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation info No No
Mutual Funds - StyleMap info No No
Options Trading Public.com eToro
Option Chains - Basic View info No Yes
Option Chains - Strategy View info No No
Option Chains - Streaming info No No
Option Chains - Total Columns info 4 0
Option Chains - Greeks info 5 4
Option Chains - Quick Analysis info Yes Yes
Option Analysis - P&L Charts info Yes No
Option Probability Analysis info No No
Option Probability Analysis Adv info No No
Option Positions - Greeks info Yes No
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming info No No
Option Positions - Adv Analysis info No No
Option Positions - Rolling info No No
Option Positions - Grouping info No No
Banking Public.com eToro
Bank (Member FDIC) info No No
Checking Accounts info No No
Savings Accounts info No No
Credit Cards info No No
Debit Cards info No No
Mortgage Loans info No No
Customer Service Public.com eToro
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) info No No
Phone Support (Current Customers) info No No
Email Support info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Current Customers) info Yes Yes
24/7 Support info No No
Overall Public.com eToro
Overall 3.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees N/A N/A
Range of Investments 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 2/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 3.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 2/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars
Education 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Public.com Review eToro Review
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