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eToro vs Public.com 2024

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

October 30, 2024

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

eToro
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $50.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00
Public.com
3.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $20.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00 info
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00 info

Investment options

When weighing the investment options provided by eToro and Public.com, potential investors will find that each platform comes with its unique strengths and limitations. Public.com slightly edges out eToro with a broader array of investment options, earning a 3-star rating compared to eToro's 2.5 stars from StockBrokers.com. Ranked 17th out of 18 brokers in investment options, eToro lags behind Public.com, which holds the 15th position, making Public.com the more versatile choice for diverse investing needs.

In terms of stock trading, both eToro and Public.com offer robust platforms that cater to regular and fractional shares. However, when it comes to other investment vehicles, their offerings diverge. Public.com provides users with access to margin trading and OTC stocks, areas where eToro does not compete. Meanwhile, both platforms allow for options trading and crypto trading, although eToro supports a slightly larger number of cryptocurrencies, with 26 coins compared to Public.com's 22. Despite these offerings, neither platform currently provides access to mutual funds, futures, forex, or IRA accounts.

For those especially interested in cryptocurrencies, eToro presents a more comprehensive selection of digital assets. However, Public.com’s inclusion of OTC stocks and margin trading might appeal to traders looking for speculative opportunities and leverage options. While neither platform offers traditional financial advisory services, they both support a straightforward, user-friendly experience tailored towards more hands-on investors. In summarizing their differences and overlaps, investors have the chance to weigh these factors based on their specific trading and investment priorities.

Feature eToro logoeToro
Public.com logoPublic.com
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading No Yes
Fractional Shares info Yes Yes
OTC Stocks info No Yes
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 26 22
Investment Options 2.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2024, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2024

Trading platforms and tools

When comparing eToro and Public.com for their trading platforms and tools, eToro emerges as the more robust option with a higher rating of 3.5 stars compared to Public.com's 2.5 stars. Ranked 12th out of 18 brokers by StockBrokers.com, eToro offers features like browser-based platforms, seven fields for watch lists, and extensive charting tools with 46 technical indicators and 48 drawing tools. Public.com, meanwhile, ranks 17th and lacks paper trading, with fewer customization options and zero technical indicators or drawing tools available.

Both eToro and Public.com do not provide Windows or Mac downloadable trading platforms, and instead offer browser-based platforms. Although neither broker allows adjusting open orders directly on stock charts, eToro stands out with the ability to add chart notes, index overlays, and save multiple chart profiles. Public.com does offer index overlays like eToro, but falls short on chart customization and data visualization capabilities.

eToro's platform further allows for a comprehensive chart experience by providing customization with five fields for the SMA study and supporting the addition of notes. Meanwhile, Public.com remains limited in charting functionality with only three fields available for watch lists and no customization fields for the SMA study. Both brokers lack the ability to show historical trades, display corporate events on charts, and provide automated technical analysis. However, eToro’s expanded offering settles it as the more versatile trading platform of the two.

Feature eToro logoeToro
Public.com logoPublic.com
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Trading Platform info No No
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No No
Paper Trading info Yes No
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 7 3
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 46 0
Charting - Drawing Tools info 48 0
Platforms & Tools 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2024, Best Paper Trading Platforms for 2024

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Beginners and education

When it comes to investor education, both eToro and Public.com provide valuable resources, though they differ in their offerings. eToro excels with its provision of stock education and unique paper trading capabilities, allowing newcomers to practice trades without financial risk. It also offers educational videos to aid learning, though it lacks webinars and options for tracking progress. On the other hand, Public.com enhances its educational resources by providing extensive content on stocks, ETFs, and options. It includes webinars that provide live interactive learning experiences, alongside educational videos. Despite these robust offerings, Public.com doesn’t offer paper trading, which could be a drawback for those looking to gain hands-on, risk-free experience. Both platforms do not support quizzes for educational reinforcement or tracking learning progress.

In the realm of beginner and investor education, eToro earns a rating of 2.5 stars while Public.com receives a slightly higher rating of 3 stars. According to StockBrokers.com, among 18 online brokers, eToro is ranked #16 for educational offerings, whereas Public.com is positioned at #15. This ranking reflects Public.com's broader educational scope in ETFs and options, as well as the interactive nature of its webinars. However, for beginners prioritizing simulated trading experiences, eToro's paper trading feature may be a significant advantage.

Feature eToro logoeToro
Public.com logoPublic.com
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No Yes
Education (Options) info No Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Paper Trading info Yes No
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info No Yes
Education 2.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2024

Stock trading apps

When comparing the mobile trading capabilities of eToro and Public.com, eToro emerges as the more feature-rich option, especially for users seeking comprehensive charting and trading functionalities. Rated at 4.5 stars, eToro ranks #11 out of 18 brokers, showcasing its robust appeal and rich feature set, such as 103 technical studies and the ability to create custom watch lists and stock alerts. Public.com, while still commendable with a 4-star rating and a #14 rank, lacks several advanced features that eToro provides, potentially making it less ideal for serious traders who prioritize extensive research tools and advanced chart analysis.

Both trading platforms offer iPhone and Android apps, catering to users across the most popular mobile ecosystems. However, neither supports an Apple Watch app, nor do they offer streaming live TV. For those interested in after-hours trading, it's noteworthy that Public.com lacks this capability on mobile. When it comes to charting, eToro offers after-hours charting, while Public.com does not, along with supporting multiple time frames and the ability to display stock comparisons on charts. eToro further distinguishes itself with video on demand, a feature absent from Public.com, allowing for a richer educational experience directly from the app.

In terms of customizability, eToro allows users to create custom watch lists, although it doesn't offer customizable watch list columns, a feature Public.com does provide. However, eToro makes up for this with a far superior number of technical studies for mobile charting, an impressive 103 compared to Public.com's zero. Both apps are designed for mobile trading, enabling users to access a plethora of core trading capabilities on-the-go, but eToro's broader range of tools and options makes it a more compelling choice for traders looking for a comprehensive mobile trading experience.

Feature eToro logoeToro
Public.com logoPublic.com
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No No
Stock Alerts info Yes No info
Charting - After-Hours info Yes No
Charting - Technical Studies info 103 0
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2024

Fees

When comparing eToro and Public.com for account fees and other financial charges, both platforms offer zero-cost stock trades and options trading, presenting a clear advantage for cost-sensitive investors. However, the minimum deposit requirements differ, with Public.com setting a lower entry point at $20 compared to eToro's $50. It's also essential to note that while Public.com provides margin trading with fees varying based on balance levels, eToro does not offer margin services. For account transfers, both platforms charge identical fees, ensuring no additional cost advantage in this area.

eToro sets itself apart from Public.com by not charging for options contracts, exercises, or assignments, aligning seamlessly with traders looking to minimize fees on derivatives trading. Alternatively, Public.com matches eToro's fee-free status for options-related transactions. However, the difference arises with margin trading as eToro does not cater to such services, potentially limiting options for investors interested in leveraging their positions. On the other hand, Public.com provides margin services, but fees do apply, including an 8.75% charge on balances below $50,000, which decreases to 6.75% for balances between $50,000 and $99,999.

Another important aspect to consider is the ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer) fees, where both eToro and Public.com charge $75 for either partial or full account transfers. This consistent fee structure confirms that transferring brokerage accounts will incur similar expenses regardless of the platform chosen. Ultimately, investors must weigh the significance of each fee category based on their trading style and needs to determine which platform aligns best with their financial strategies.

Feature eToro logoeToro
Public.com logoPublic.com
Minimum Deposit $50.00 $20.00
Stock Trades $0.00 $0.00 info
Options (Per Contract) $0.00 $0.00 info
Options Exercise Fee $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee $0.00 $0.00
IRA Annual Fee
IRA Closure Fee
Commissions & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2024

Day Trading

When evaluating the day trading capabilities of eToro and Public.com, it's important to note the nuanced differences and similarities between the two platforms. eToro stands out by offering streaming time and sales for stocks, a critical feature for traders focused on granular market data and timing their trades based on real-time information. In contrast, Public.com lacks this feature, potentially limiting the immediacy and depth of market insights available to its users. Both platforms, however, offer limited tools for more sophisticated trading strategies, as neither provides features such as direct market routing, ladder trading, trading hotkeys, or level 2 quotes, which are often essential for active day traders looking to optimize their trading speed and efficiency.

In addition to real-time data access, both eToro and Public.com share several constraints regarding advanced trading tools and analysis features. Neither platform supports basic or advanced strategy backtesting, and they do not offer a short locator tool or order liquidity (maker/taker) rebates, features that could significantly enhance a trader’s ability to strategize and execute trades effectively. Additionally, the absence of live TV streaming on both platforms means traders may need to look elsewhere for timely market news and insights. Overall, while eToro offers a slight edge with its time and sales streaming, both platforms may have limitations for traders seeking a comprehensive suite of day trading tools.

Feature eToro logoeToro
Public.com logoPublic.com
Streaming Time & Sales info Yes No
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 2024

Market Research

When evaluating the market research capabilities of eToro and Public.com, eToro generally outpaces its competitor despite neither platform providing comprehensive PDF or screener options. eToro garners a 3-star rating and ranks 12th out of 18 brokers for market research on StockBrokers.com, while Public.com holds a 2-star rating and ranks 17th. Both platforms offer stock and ETF research, yet eToro distinguishes itself with social media sentiment data and ESG research, features absent in Public.com's offerings.

eToro excels in integrating innovative market research tools, such as using social media sentiment data to aid investors in making informed decisions. This forward-thinking approach is complemented by its focus on ESG criteria, a crucial aspect for socially responsible investors. While eToro skips on downloadable PDF research reports and screeners, its use of unique data sources provides a modern edge for customers seeking to delve into stock and ETF markets.

Conversely, Public.com offers the ability to research Pink Sheets and OTCBB, an area where eToro falls short. However, Public.com lacks in enriching its research offerings with advanced tools like social media analysis or ESG resource integration. Neither brokerage provides options for mutual fund or bond research, nor do they support portfolio allocation by asset class. Ultimately, eToro's approach offers a slightly superior, albeit still limited, suite of research tools compared to Public.com.

Feature eToro logoeToro
Public.com logoPublic.com
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 3/5 Stars 2/5 Stars

Banking

When comparing the banking capabilities of online brokers eToro and Public.com, both platforms show limitations in this area. Neither eToro nor Public.com provides traditional banking services such as checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, credit cards, mortgage loans, or certificates of deposit (CDs). This makes them more specialized for investment purposes rather than comprehensive banking solutions. If you're seeking full-fledged banking offerings, you might want to explore other financial institutions that specialize in both investment and banking services.

Feature eToro logoeToro
Public.com logoPublic.com
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 2024

Winner

After opening live accounts and testing 18 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that eToro is better than Public.com. eToro finished with an overall score of 76.7%, while Public.com finished with a score of 72.9%.

Though its offerings have some limitations, eToro's approach will appeal to those interested in learning how to trade crypto or joining a crypto-focused community. The scope currently is limited in the U.S., so those looking for more advanced trading or trading a variety of underlyings will want to look elsewhere.

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with eToro or Public.com?

When comparing online brokers, eToro and Public.com both provide crypto trading; however, eToro offers a slightly wider selection with 26 coins, whereas Public.com provides 22 coins for trading.

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2024

Does eToro or Public.com offer IRAs?

Neither eToro nor Public.com offers traditional or Roth IRA accounts, ensuring no annual or closure fees are associated with IRA services on either platform.

Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2024

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Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating eToro Public.com
Overall 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Investment Options 2.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 3/5 Stars 2/5 Stars
Customer Service N/A N/A
Education 2.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review eToro Review Public.com Review
Broker Screenshots eToro Public.com
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 eToro Public.com
Minimum Deposit $50.00 $20.00
Stock Trades $0.00 $0.00 info
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) info N/A $2.99
Mutual Fund Trade Fee N/A n/a
Options (Per Contract) $0.00 $0.00 info
Futures (Per Contract) (Not offered) (Not offered)
Broker Assisted Trade Fee $0 n/a
Margin Rates eToro Public.com
Margin Rate Under $25,000 Not offered 8.75%
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 Not offered 8.75%
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 Not offered 6.75%
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 Not offered 6.75%
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 Not offered 5.75%
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 Not offered 5.75%
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 Not offered 5.75%
Account Fees eToro Public.com
IRA Annual Fee
IRA Closure Fee
Account Transfer Out (Partial) info $75.00 $75.00
Account Transfer Out (Full) info $75.00 $75.00
Options Exercise Fee $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee $0.00 $0.00
Investment Options eToro Public.com
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading No Yes
Fractional Shares info Yes Yes
OTC Stocks info No Yes
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 26 22
Mutual Funds (No Load) info 0 0
Mutual Funds (Total) info 0 0
Bonds (US Treasury) info No Yes
Bonds (Corporate) info No Yes
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 eToro Public.com
Order Type - Market info Yes Yes
Order Type - Limit info No Yes
Order Type - After Hours info No Yes info
Order Type - Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - Trailing Stop info Yes No
Order Type - OCO info No No
Order Type - OTO info No No
Order Type - Broker Assisted info No No
Beginners eToro Public.com
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No Yes
Education (Options) info No Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Education (Retirement) info No Yes
Retirement Calculator info No No
Investor Dictionary info No Yes
Paper Trading info Yes No
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info No Yes
Webinars (Archived) info No Yes
Progress Tracking info No No
Interactive Learning - Quizzes info No No
Stock Trading Apps eToro Public.com
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 No Yes
Trading - Simple Options info Yes Yes
Trading - Complex Options info No No
Order Ticket RT Quotes info Yes Yes
Order Ticket SRT Quotes info Yes No
Stock App Features eToro Public.com
Market Movers (Top Gainers) info Yes Yes
Stream Live TV info No No
Videos on Demand info Yes No
Stock Alerts info Yes No info
Option Chains Viewable info Yes Yes
Watch List (Real-time) info Yes Yes
Watch List (Streaming) info Yes No
Watch Lists - Create & Manage info Yes No
Watch Lists - Column Customization info No Yes
Stock App Charting eToro Public.com
Charting - After-Hours info Yes No
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally info No No
Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 103 0
Charting - Study Customizations info Yes No
Charting - Stock Comparisons info Yes Yes
Trading Platforms eToro Public.com
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 Yes No
Trade Journal info No No
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 7 3
Stock Chart Features eToro Public.com
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart info No No
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 46 0
Charting - Drawing Tools info 48 0
Charting - Notes info Yes No
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 Yes No
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis info Yes No
Charting - Study Customizations info 5 0
Charting - Custom Studies info No No
Day Trading eToro Public.com
Streaming Time & Sales info Yes No
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 eToro Public.com
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds info No No
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB info No Yes
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 No info
Stock Research eToro Public.com
Stock Research - PDF Reports info 0 0 info
Stock Research - Earnings info Yes Yes
Stock Research - Insiders info Yes No
Stock Research - Social info Yes No
Stock Research - News info Yes Yes
Stock Research - ESG info Yes No
Stock Research - SEC Filings info Yes No
ETF Research eToro Public.com
ETFs - Strategy Overview info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date info No Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio info No Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets info No Yes
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 Yes No
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap info No No
ETFs - PDF Reports info No No
Mutual Fund Research eToro Public.com
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 eToro Public.com
Option Chains - Basic View info Yes No
Option Chains - Strategy View info No No
Option Chains - Streaming info No No
Option Chains - Total Columns info 0 4
Option Chains - Greeks info 4 5
Option Chains - Quick Analysis info Yes Yes
Option Analysis - P&L Charts info No Yes
Option Probability Analysis info No No
Option Probability Analysis Adv info No No
Option Positions - Greeks info No Yes
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 eToro Public.com
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 eToro Public.com
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 eToro Public.com
Overall 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Investment Options 2.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 3/5 Stars 2/5 Stars
Education 2.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review eToro Review Public.com Review
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