Best Public Alternatives

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Contributor, Benzinga
August 2, 2024

The best Public alternatives are Interactive Brokers, moomoo and Robinhood.

Looking for a fresh take on investing? If you feel like Public.com isn't quite hitting the mark for your trading needs, don't worry, we've got you covered. We'll dive into some of the best alternatives to Public.com, each with unique offerings that might just be the perfect fit for your financial goals. Let's cut through the noise and get straight to the action.

Quick Look at the Best Public Alternatives:

6 Best Alternatives to Public

So, you're considering jumping ship from Public.com? Let's explore some of the top contenders vying for your attention.

1. Best for Experienced Traders: Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is a heavyweight in the trading arena, offering a wide range of assets, including stocks, options, futures, and forex. With a robust platform that caters to professional traders, IBKR provides advanced tools for in-depth market analysis and trade execution. Their fee structure includes tiered and fixed pricing options, with commissions as low as $0.005 per share for stocks and ETFs with an IBKR Pro account and $0.25 per contract on options. This makes it highly cost-effective for active traders, especially those dealing in large volumes.

Why We Picked It: Interactive Brokers stands out for its low-margin rates and advanced trading tools. It's ideal for seasoned investors who need more than just the basics. While their fee structure can be complex, the cost savings on margin trading and access to international markets make it a top pick.

2. Best for Free Trading: moomoo

moomoo offers commission-free trading on U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options, making it an attractive alternative for budget-conscious investors. The platform also has a suite of research tools and real-time data, all wrapped up in a user-friendly interface. Despite being commission-free, moomoo has a few fees for specific services, such as a $0.50 fee per options contract and minimal fees for margin trading.

Why We Picked It: moomoo shines with its zero-commission trades and market data. Unlike Public, moomoo provides access to extended trading hours, which can be a game-changer for active traders. The community feature allows users to share insights and strategies, making it a social yet serious trading environment.

3. Best for Casual Investors: Robinhood

Robinhood has become synonymous with commission-free trading and user-friendly design. It offers an easy-to-navigate platform with instant access to stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies. Robinhood charges no commission fees for trades, but there are still some costs, such as a $5 monthly fee for Robinhood Gold, which offers additional features like margin trading and market data.

Why We Picked It: Robinhood's appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It's perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes into the stock market without getting overwhelmed. The platform's clean design and intuitive features make it easy to manage your portfolio on the go.

4. Best for Comprehensive Services: Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab offers a comprehensive suite of investment services, from traditional brokerage accounts to retirement planning and robo-advisory services. With a reputation for excellent customer service, Schwab provides a full-service experience. The fee structure includes $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades, and options trades cost $0.65 per contract.

Why We Picked It: Charles Schwab is a one-stop shop for all your financial needs. It offers a broad range of investment options, including mutual funds, bonds, and futures. Schwab's educational resources and research tools are top-notch, making it an excellent choice for investors looking to expand their knowledge and portfolio.

5. Best for Advanced Features: Webull

Webull offers a feature-rich platform with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and customizable layouts. It supports commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and options, making it a popular choice for tech-savvy traders. The platform charges $0 commissions but includes a fee of $0.55 per options contract. Other costs may include fees for data subscriptions and margin trading.

Why We Picked It: Webull is perfect for those who want to improve their trading skills. The platform's advanced tools and extended trading hours give users a competitive edge. Webull's paper trading feature allows newbies to practice without risking real money.

6. Best for Social Trading: eToro

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eToro is a unique platform that combines traditional trading with social features. It offers a wide range of assets, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and options. The platform's CopyTrader feature allows users to mimic the trades of successful investors. eToro charges no commissions on stock trades but has fees for other services, such as a $0.65 per options contract.

Why We Picked It: eToro's social trading features set it apart from other platforms. It's ideal for those who want to learn from experienced traders or diversify their strategies. eToro also offers a demo account, making it easier for beginners to get started without any financial risk.

What Is Public?

Public.com is a commission-free trading app that aims to make the stock market accessible to everyone. It offers a unique social experience, allowing users to follow friends, see their portfolios, and share investment insights. Public focuses on long-term investing and educational content, making it a solid choice for newbies.

Should You Invest in Public?

Investing in Public can be a great option for those who enjoy a social, community-driven approach to investing. The platform is user-friendly, offers fractional shares, and provides a space for users to discuss and learn about investing.

  • Community and Social Features: Public's social aspect allows you to follow friends and see their investment moves, fostering a sense of community.
  • Educational Resources: The app offers plenty of educational content, making it ideal for beginners.
  • Fractional Shares: This feature makes it easy to start investing with smaller amounts, offering accessibility to high-priced stocks.

However, there are some drawbacks:

  • Limited Asset Classes: Unlike some of its competitors, Public doesn't offer a wide range of asset classes, such as options or cryptocurrencies.
  • No Advanced Trading Tools: Public lacks advanced charting tools and technical indicators, which might be a deal-breaker for experienced traders.
  • Social Feature Overload: While the social features are a unique selling point, they can sometimes be distracting or overwhelming for serious investors.

How to Choose the Best Alternative to Public

When choosing the best alternative to Public, consider the following factors:

  • User interface and ease of use: Look for a platform with a clean, intuitive design that makes trading easy.
  • Available investment options: Ensure the platform offers the asset classes you're interested in, such as stocks, ETFs, options, or cryptocurrencies.
  • Fee and commission structure: Compare the fees associated with trading, account maintenance, and other services.
  • Account minimums and deposit requirements: Check if the platform has minimum balance requirements or specific deposit thresholds.
  • Mobile app functionality: Evaluate the app's features, speed, and overall user experience.
  • Educational resources and research tools: Consider the quality and availability of educational content and research tools.
  • Customer support quality: Ensure the platform offers reliable and accessible customer support.

Finding Your Perfect Fit in the Investing World

Choosing the right investment platform is crucial to your financial journey. While Public offers a unique social experience and educational resources, it may not best suit everyone. Whether you're an experienced trader or a beginner looking to dip your toes into the market, there's a platform out there that suits your needs. Explore these alternatives and find the one that aligns with your investment goals and trading style.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q

Does public.com have options?

A

Yes, Public.com offers commission-free options, where you can earn $0.06 –$0.18 per contract traded.

Q

Does public.com have an app?

A

Yes, Public.com offers a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices.

Q

Is public.com a good broker?

A

Public.com is a good broker for beginners and those who value social investing features, but it may not be ideal for advanced traders.

Q

Can public.com be trusted?

A

Yes, Public.com is a regulated broker and provides a secure platform for trading.

Q

Can I day trade on Public?

A

While you can technically day trade, Public.com limits the activities of accounts that engage in day trading.

Q

Does public.com have fees?

A

Public.com offers commission-free trading but may have other fees, such as for premium services or regulatory trading fees.

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