Public is a social investing platform that combines commission-free stock and ETF trading with a social feed where users can share investment ideas and follow other investors. The app also supports cryptocurrency, treasuries, and alternative assets like fine art and collectibles. Public eliminated payment-for-order-flow (PFOF) in favor of an optional tipping model and premium subscriptions.
Public differentiates from Robinhood and Webull through its social investing features and transparent revenue model without PFOF. While smaller in user base than Robinhood, Public has carved a niche among investors who value community insights and ethical business practices. Its expansion into alternative assets broadens its appeal beyond traditional stock trading.
Largest commission-free trading platform with options, crypto, and cash management. Simpler interface and larger user base, but relies on PFOF revenue and lacks the social investing features Public offers.
Advanced charting and technical analysis tools for active traders. More sophisticated trading features than Public, but without the social community or alternative asset offerings.
Copy-trading feature lets users automatically mirror portfolios of successful investors. Larger global social trading community, but limited US product availability compared to Public's domestic focus.
Public eliminated payment-for-order-flow, differentiating itself on transparency. This resonates with investors concerned about hidden costs, but limits revenue streams compared to competitors who profit from order routing.
Public's expansion into treasuries, fine art, and collectibles diversifies beyond traditional stock trading. These alternative assets attract investors seeking portfolio diversification, though liquidity and regulatory complexity present challenges.
The social feed and community features create engagement beyond trading. Users share investment theses and learn from each other, building switching costs through social connections that pure trading platforms lack.
Public competes with Robinhood (commission-free trading), Webull (data-rich trading), and eToro (social copy-trading). Public differentiates through its social feed, PFOF-free model, and alternative asset offerings.
Both offer commission-free trading, but Public adds social investing features and eliminated payment-for-order-flow. Robinhood has a larger user base and offers options trading, while Public provides alternative assets like treasuries and fine art.
Public is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer with SIPC insurance protecting securities up to $500,000. Its elimination of PFOF means order execution is not influenced by payment from market makers.