Public.com vs eToro 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.
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.
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
|
eToro
|
---|---|---|
Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
Margin Trading | Yes | No |
Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes |
OTC Stocks | Yes | No |
Mutual Funds | No | No |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
Futures Trading | No | No |
Crypto Trading | Yes | Yes |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 22 | 26 |
Range of Investments |
Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025
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
|
eToro
|
---|---|---|
Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
Desktop Trading Platform | No | No |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No |
Paper Trading | No | Yes |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 3 | 7 |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 46 |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 48 |
Platforms & Tools |
Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Platforms for 2025
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
|
eToro
|
---|---|---|
Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
Education (ETFs) | Yes | No |
Education (Options) | Yes | No |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
Education (Bonds) | No | No |
Paper Trading | No | Yes |
Videos | Yes | Yes |
Webinars | Yes | No |
Education |
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025
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
|
eToro
|
---|---|---|
iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
Android App | Yes | Yes |
Apple Watch App | No | No |
Stock Alerts | No | Yes |
Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes |
Charting - Technical Studies | 0 | 103 |
Mobile Trading Apps |
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
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
|
eToro
|
---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $20.00 | $50.00 |
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 | ||
IRA Closure Fee | ||
Commissions & Fees | N/A | N/A |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025
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
|
eToro
|
---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | No | Yes |
Streaming TV | No | No |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | 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 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
|
eToro
|
---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
Screener - Stocks | No | No |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
Screener - ETFs | No | No |
Research - Mutual Funds | No | No |
Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No |
Research - Bonds | No | No |
Screener - Bonds | No | No |
Research |
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
|
eToro
|
---|---|---|
Checking Accounts | No | No |
Savings Accounts | No | No |
Debit Cards | No | No |
Credit Cards | No | No |
Mortgage Loans | No | No |
CDs | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Bank Accounts for Trading Stocks for 2025
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.
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
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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0 of 5Overall Rating | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Overall | |||
Commissions & Fees | N/A | N/A | |
Range of Investments | |||
Platforms & Tools | |||
Mobile Trading Apps | |||
Research | |||
Customer Service | N/A | N/A | |
Education | |||
Ease Of Use | |||
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 | $20.00 | $50.00 | |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $2.99 | N/A | |
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 | $0 |
Margin Rates | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 8.75% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 8.75% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 6.75% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 6.75% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 5.75% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 5.75% | Not offered | |
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 5.75% | Not offered |
Account Fees | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
IRA Annual Fee | |||
IRA Closure Fee | |||
Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $75.00 | $75.00 | |
Account Transfer Out (Full) | $75.00 | $75.00 | |
Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Investment Options | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Margin Trading | Yes | No | |
Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes | |
OTC Stocks | Yes | No | |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Complex Options Max Legs | 0 | 0 | |
Futures Trading | No | No | |
Forex Trading | No | No | |
Crypto Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 22 | 26 | |
Mutual Funds (No Load) | 0 | 0 | |
Mutual Funds (Total) | 0 | 0 | |
Bonds (US Treasury) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Corporate) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Municipal) | No | No | |
Traditional IRAs | No | No | |
Roth IRAs | No | No | |
Advisor Services | No | No | |
International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
Order Types | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Limit | Yes | No | |
Order Type - After Hours | Yes | No | |
Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Trailing Stop | No | Yes | |
Order Type - OCO | No | No | |
Order Type - OTO | No | No | |
Order Type - Broker Assisted | No | No |
Beginners | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (ETFs) | Yes | No | |
Education (Options) | Yes | No | |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
Education (Bonds) | No | No | |
Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
Retirement Calculator | No | No | |
Investor Dictionary | Yes | No | |
Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
Videos | Yes | Yes | |
Webinars | Yes | No | |
Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
Progress Tracking | No | No | |
Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
Stock Trading Apps | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
Apple Watch App | No | No | |
Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - Complex Options | No | No | |
Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
Order Ticket SRT Quotes | No | Yes |
Stock App Features | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Market Movers (Top Gainers) | Yes | Yes | |
Stream Live TV | No | No | |
Videos on Demand | No | Yes | |
Stock Alerts | No | Yes | |
Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Streaming) | No | Yes | |
Watch Lists - Create & Manage | No | Yes | |
Watch Lists - Column Customization | Yes | No |
Stock App Charting | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes | |
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | No | No | |
Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Technical Studies | 0 | 103 | |
Charting - Study Customizations | No | Yes | |
Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | Yes |
Trading Platforms | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Active Trading Platform | n/a | N/A | |
Desktop Trading Platform | No | No | |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No | |
Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
Trade Journal | No | No | |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 3 | 7 |
Stock Chart Features | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | No | No | |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 46 | |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 48 | |
Charting - Notes | No | Yes | |
Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Historical Trades | No | No | |
Charting - Corporate Events | No | No | |
Charting - Custom Date Range | No | No | |
Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
Charting - Automated Analysis | No | No | |
Charting - Save Profiles | No | Yes | |
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | No | Yes | |
Charting - Study Customizations | 0 | 5 | |
Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
Day Trading | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | No | Yes | |
Streaming TV | No | No | |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | No | No | |
Ladder Trading | No | No | |
Trade Hotkeys | 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 | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
Research - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | No | |
Research - Bonds | No | No | |
Screener - Stocks | No | No | |
Screener - ETFs | No | No | |
Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
Screener - Bonds | No | No | |
Misc - Portfolio Allocation | No | No |
Stock Research | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Research - PDF Reports | 0 | 0 | |
Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - Insiders | No | Yes | |
Stock Research - Social | No | Yes | |
Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - ESG | No | Yes | |
Stock Research - SEC Filings | No | Yes |
ETF Research | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
ETFs - Strategy Overview | Yes | Yes | |
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | No | No | |
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | No | No | |
ETFs - Sector Exposure | No | No | |
ETFs - Risk Analysis | No | No | |
ETFs - Ratings | No | Yes | |
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | No | No | |
ETFs - PDF Reports | No | No |
Mutual Fund Research | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview | 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 | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Option Chains - Basic View | No | Yes | |
Option Chains - Strategy View | No | No | |
Option Chains - Streaming | No | No | |
Option Chains - Total Columns | 4 | 0 | |
Option Chains - Greeks | 5 | 4 | |
Option Chains - Quick Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | No | |
Option Probability Analysis | No | No | |
Option Probability Analysis Adv | No | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming | No | No | |
Option Positions - Adv Analysis | No | No | |
Option Positions - Rolling | No | No | |
Option Positions - Grouping | No | No |
Banking | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
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 | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) | No | No | |
Phone Support (Current Customers) | No | No | |
Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
24/7 Support | No | No |
Overall | Public.com | eToro | |
---|---|---|---|
Overall | |||
Commissions & Fees | N/A | N/A | |
Range of Investments | |||
Platforms & Tools | |||
Mobile Trading Apps | |||
Research | |||
Education | |||
Ease Of Use | |||
Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | Public.com Review | eToro Review |