Both eToro and Public.com offer unique features and cater to different investment preferences. eToro is better suited for users interested in social trading and a global platform with diverse assets like CFDs. Public.com is a strong choice for those seeking commission-free stock and ETF trading with a focus on social investing and a wider range of asset classes, including bonds and options, within the US market.
| Attribute | eToro | Public.com |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Options | Stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs. | Stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, U.S. Treasuries, and cryptocurrencies. |
| Fractional Shares Availability | Yes, minimum $10. | Yes, minimum $5. |
| Commission Fees for Trading | Commission-free for stocks and ETFs (in most countries). Crypto: 1% fee. Other fees apply. | No commissions for stock and ETF trades. Crypto fees range from $0.49 to $6.29 for trades up to $500, or 1.25% on larger trades. Bond commissions are 0.05% of the trade value, with a minimum of $100. Extended hours trading costs $2.99 per trade for non-premium members. |
| Account Minimums | Varies by region, $50-$200 for most, higher in some countries. Subsequent deposits can be as low as $10 in the US and UK. | $20 minimum first-time deposit. No account minimums required after the initial deposit. |
| Social Trading/Copy Trading Features | CopyTrader feature, minimum investment to copy a trader is $200. | Social trading features built-in. |
| Educational Resources and Tools | Webinars, tutorials, guides, and a demo account with $100,000 virtual funds. | Educational resources and tools within the app. AI-powered data insights and analysis. Premium members get access to Morningstar research and premium market news. |
| Mobile App Availability and User Experience | User-friendly mobile app available on both Android and iOS. | User-friendly mobile app with a clean and intuitive design. |
| Security and Regulation Compliance | Regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC. Employs 2FA, SSL encryption, and segregated accounts. | Registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Securities protected up to $500,000 (SIPC). FDIC insurance up to $5 million. AES 256-bit encryption and TLS 1.2 or newer. Offers two-factor authentication. |
| Customer Support Channels and Responsiveness | Customer support is available, with many users reporting positive experiences. | U.S.-based customer support via chat in the app or email. Premium members get prioritized customer service. |
| Portfolio Analysis Tools | Provides tools for tracking investment performance and asset allocation. | AI-powered fundamental data and analysis. Portfolio analysis tools to track investment performance and asset allocation. |
| Dividend Reinvestment Program (DRIP) | Not explicitly mentioned as a standard feature, but fractional shares do come with proportional dividends. | Automatic dividend reinvestment can be set up within the app. |
| Margin Trading Availability | eToro offers margin trading. | Margin investing is available. Margin rates range from 5.5% to 9.5%, depending on the account balance. Minimum deposit for margin accounts is $2,000. |