Public$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
Broker comparison
Public vs.
Robinhood
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Checked on 22 October 2026
See comparisonPublic
RobinhoodVS
Summary
Your goal decides
Public has a higher rating of 4/5 compared to Robinhood (3.9/5). Public offers 5 instrument types, while Robinhood offers 4. Oversight: Public: SEC/FINRA; Robinhood: SEC/FINRA. Public: Yes, commission-free, optional per-contract rebate. Robinhood: Yes, commission-free US options.
PublicUS broker for stocks, ETFs, options and crypto in one app
RobinhoodCommission-free US broker that revolutionized stock trading
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Public | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Public App, Public Web | Robinhood App, Robinhood Web |
| Product types | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Crypto | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto |
| Options trading | Yes, commission-free, optional per-contract rebate | Yes, commission-free US options |
| Fee model | $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee | $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options |
| Minimum deposit | 0 $ | 0 $ |
| Regulation | SEC/FINRA | SEC/FINRA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Platforms
Public
Public App, Public Web
Robinhood
Robinhood App, Robinhood Web
Product types
Public
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Crypto
Robinhood
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto
Options trading
Public
Yes, commission-free, optional per-contract rebate
Robinhood
Yes, commission-free US options
Fee model
Public
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee
Robinhood
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
Minimum deposit
Public
0 $
Robinhood
0 $
Regulation
Public
SEC/FINRA
Robinhood
SEC/FINRA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
PublicRobinhood$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Worked out
What does it actually cost?
Typical months at Public and Robinhood, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.
| Scenario | Public | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a month | US$0~$230 US ETF buy (Investment Plan): $0 commission | US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1 |
| 10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a month | US$0$0 per order × 10 (wholesale route); Smart/Lit routes $0.003/share | US$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders |
| 10 US option contracts a month | US$0$0 per stock/ETF contract × 10; opt-in rebate program pays $0.06–0.18 per contract | US$0No commission or contract fee on stock/ETF options; ~$0.04/contract exchange/regulatory pass-through excluded |
| One BTC purchase of ≈ €1,000 | US$14.38zerohash fee 1.25% × $1,150 (orders over $500) | US$10.93Exchange Routing tier $0–10K: 0.95% taker × $1,150; market-maker routing has no commission (spread instead) |
| Custody and account fee per year | US$0Account maintenance $0; $3.99/mo inactivity fee only if < $70 value and 6 months inactive | US$0No fees to open or maintain the account |
Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: public.com · robinhood.com · cdn.robinhood.com
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
PublicCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationRobinhoodCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
PublicStocksETFsOptionsBondsCrypto
RobinhoodStocksETFsOptionsCrypto
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
PublicPublic App · Public Web
US broker for stocks, ETFs, options and crypto in one app
Explore platformRobinhoodRobinhood App · Robinhood Web
Robinhood offers trading through the Robinhood App and Robinhood Web. The mobile app is the centerpiece of the offering, known for its intuitive, minimalist user interface. It enables quick trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies in just a few clicks. The web platform offers enhanced charting features and account management. Both platforms are designed for simplicity but offer fewer professional analysis tools than competitors.
Explore platformPublic
Open to the Public Investing, Inc. (broker-dealer); crypto via Zero Hash LLC
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA
Robinhood
Robinhood Financial LLC (introducing broker; clearing by Robinhood Securities, LLC); crypto: Robinhood Crypto, LLC
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA
Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
PublicFor US options traders who want a per-contract rebate, and investors who want bonds in the same app.
- Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options
- Optional rebate per options contract
- Bonds and crypto in the same app
- Only for US residents
- Comparatively high fee on crypto purchases
RobinhoodFor US investors who want the best-known commission-free app with cheaper crypto purchases than at Public.
- Completely commission-free trading
- Very user-friendly app
- Fractional shares from $1
- Only available for US customers
- Limited research and analysis tools
Find the broker that fits
Public oder Robinhood?
Side by side. Decided with knowledge.
See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.
VS
- Fees
- Platform
- Regulation
- Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Public and Robinhood do not earn the same way
The table shows what they cost. These lessons show how they earn, which is what the difference is made of.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
How do fees differ between Public and Robinhood?
Public: $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee. Robinhood: $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Public or Robinhood?
Public offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Crypto. Robinhood offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto.
How are Public and Robinhood regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Public and SEC/FINRA for Robinhood. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Public or Robinhood better for beginners?
Public lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Public App, Public Web. Robinhood lists 0 $ and offers Robinhood App, Robinhood Web. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Public vs Robinhood: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Public (4/5, 0 reviews) and Robinhood (3.9/5, 2500 reviews) depends on your needs. Public: US broker for stocks, ETFs, options and crypto in one app. Robinhood: Commission-free US broker that revolutionized stock trading.
Your next step
Your next step
PublicUS broker for stocks, ETFs, options and crypto in one app
Open accountRead reviewRobinhoodCommission-free US broker that revolutionized stock trading
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.