Public.com vs Webull

Author: The Forex Geek | Published: June 29, 2026

Below is a detailed, side-by-side comparison of Public.com versus Webull, focused on practical features, strengths, limitations, and which kinds of investors or traders might prefer one over the other.

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Company Overview & Structure

Public.com

  • Public.com is a U.S. brokerage and social investing platform. Its brokerage arm is Open to the Public Investing, Inc., a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, and it offers SIPC protection (up to $500,000 for securities and cash, with $250,000 limit on cash) for eligible accounts.
  • Securities held by Public clients are custodied with Apex Clearing, a well-known clearing firm.
  • Public markets itself as a commission-free, accessible investing app with social features, fractional shares, and tools geared to retail users.
  • It emphasizes transparency and community features (e.g. ability to follow other investors, share trades).
  • It also offers a “Premium” subscription tier that unlocks more research, data, and fee waivers for certain nonstandard trades.

Webull

  • Webull is a U.S. financial services firm offering an electronic trading platform for stocks, ETFs, options, crypto, futures, and more. It operates as a broker-dealer under regulation (SEC, FINRA) with SIPC coverage for client accounts.
  • Webull began around 2016, has expanded globally, and supports trading across multiple asset types.
  • Its value proposition centers on commission-free trades (for many assets), robust tools and charting, fractional shares, margin trading, and advanced features for more active users.

Supported Asset Classes & Market Access

Public.com

  • Stocks and ETFs (U.S. listed)
  • Options
  • Bonds (Public launched a “Bond Account” presence, including fractional bonds)
  • Crypto (through partnering firms)
  • Treasuries and alternative assets (through its platform)
  • Public supports fractional shares, meaning you can invest small amounts across multiple names.
  • Public also supports multi-asset portfolios in one app (stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, etc.)

Webull

  • Stocks, ETFs (U.S. listed)
  • Options
  • Futures and micro-futures (for users with appropriate access)
  • Cryptocurrency trades (in supported jurisdictions)
  • Recently, Webull added fixed income / fractional bonds via Treasuries in some markets
  • Webull supports fractional shares for stocks and ETFs
  • It does not broadly support mutual funds or broad non-U.S. exchange access (depending on locale)

Trading Platforms, Tools & User Interface

Public.com

  • Primarily mobile and web-based application. Its interface is designed to be clean and intuitive, with social and community elements embedded (you can view what trades others are making, discussions, etc.).
  • Emphasis is on ease of use, guided flows for investing, and minimal friction.
  • For its “Premium” users, more advanced data, real-time analytics, and expanded tools are unlocked.
  • The platform includes educational guides, idea flows, and built-in research / commentary modules for users.

Webull

  • Offers a more complex platform toolkit: desktop, web, and mobile apps with advanced charting, technical analysis tools, indicators, drawing tools, and layout customization.
  • The interface supports active trading features: multi-leg option orders, watchlists, stock screener, alerts, extended hours, etc.
  • Paper trading mode is built in (simulated trading).
  • Webull also supports level-2 / depth-of-book data for subscribers, as well as real-time quote feeds (with data subscriptions).
  • The design balances usability with power — newer users may need some ramp-up, but active users get strong trade capability.

Costs, Commissions & Fees

Public.com

  • On many standard trades (U.S. listed equities / ETFs), Public is commission-free.
  • Public claims a negative transaction fee on options in some cases — meaning they rebate a portion of options revenue to users. (That is, users may receive credit rather than incur charge)
  • For nonstandard trades (OTC, after-hours, multi-asset plan trades, etc.), non-Premium users can incur fees ($0.49 to $1.99 depending on assets).
  • The Premium subscription costs $10/month (or $96 annually) and lifts many of those nonstandard trade charges.
  • Public may impose inactivity fees if accounts remain unused and balances are below a threshold.
  • Public does not charge custodial or account maintenance fees for standard accounts.

Webull

  • Commission-free trading for U.S. stocks, ETFs, and standard options.
  • On non-equity options (e.g. index options), Webull charges a per-contract fee (e.g. ~$0.55) in many cases.
  • There are no inactivity or account maintenance fees.
  • Some withdrawal or wire fees may apply (e.g. outgoing wire fee).
  • Webull offers a “Premium” tier that gives benefits like reduced margin rates and higher interest on uninvested cash.

Execution, Slippage & Reliability

Public.com

  • Execution is typically via standard market orders routed through its clearing/custody infrastructure (Apex Clearing).
  • Because Public is more retail / community oriented, it may not have as deep or optimized routing for high-frequency or algorithmic trades compared to brokers oriented for trading power.
  • In normal market conditions, execution is acceptable for most investors; but in volatile or fast-moving markets, delays or slippage may be more evident.
  • Public’s simplicity implies fewer execution controls or advanced order types compared to trading-centric platforms.

Webull

  • Has stronger infrastructure for active execution: deep order books, margin support, fast order routing, and ability to manage multiple types of orders with speed.
  • Slippage, while still possible under volatility, is managed reasonably well for many standard securities.
  • The platform supports advanced order controls, which help in managing execution risk.
  • For users leaning to more active, rapid trades, Webull’s execution environment typically offers better performance.

Research, Analytics & Education

Public.com

  • Provides built-in research insights, news, analytics, and an “ideas” feed.
  • Premium subscribers get access to more data (real-time metrics, expanded analytics).
  • The social layer — seeing what others invest in — acts as a form of crowd signals or idea generation.
  • Educational content, guides, and investing tips are integrated to help newer users learn.

Webull

  • Strong charting and technical tools, with numerous indicators, drawing tools, overlays, and customizable screens.
  • Alerts, screener filters, watchlists, market data, news feeds, and commentary are built in.
  • Paper trading is available for strategy testing.
  • Some data or advanced feeds (e.g. level-2) may require subscriptions.
  • For traders who rely on technical analysis, Webull offers more depth out of the box than Public.

Account Types, Requirements & Cash Management

Public.com

  • No (or very low) minimum deposit to open a standard account.
  • For Premium, there may be incentives (e.g. accounts above certain balances get Premium for free).
  • Cash in accounts may be placed into partner bank accounts for interest earnings.
  • Users can migrate existing portfolios from other brokers to Public via transfer.
  • Public does not require margin for basic stock/ETF investing, though margin capabilities may be added (depending on the account and region).

Webull

  • No minimum deposit for a basic cash account.
  • For margin accounts, a minimum equity requirement applies (e.g. $2,000 in U.S. accounts to enable margin).
  • Uninvested cash may earn interest, particularly for Webull Premium users (higher rates).
  • Webull allows fractional shares and trades of low units, lowering barriers to entry.
  • The broker supports margin trading, borrowing, and short-selling under respective rules.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Public.com — Strengths

  • Very user-friendly and accessible for new or casual investors
  • Commission-free trading for many core securities
  • Fractional shares support allows diversified small-capital investing
  • Social / community features (follow investors, comment, ideas) add engagement and idea flow
  • Premium option to unlock advanced data and reduce nonstandard fees
  • Integration of bonds, crypto, treasuries under one roof enhances diversified investing

Public.com — Weaknesses

  • Execution and routing sophistication are limited compared to full-feature trading brokers
  • In volatility or for fast trades, slippage and delays may be more noticeable
  • Features and data are gated behind the Premium tier
  • Some asset types (OTC, after-hours, complex orders) get additional fees for non-Premium users
  • For advanced or technical traders, tools may feel too simplistic

Webull — Strengths

  • Robust platform with strong charting, order types, customization, and active-trader tools
  • Commission-free trades for U.S. stocks, ETFs, and stock options
  • No account inactivity or maintenance fees
  • Paper trading, fractional shares, margin, and some fixed income support give flexibility
  • Transparent pricing and zero commissions in many core trades
  • Scales better for more active, intermediate, or technical users

Webull — Weaknesses

  • Some non-equity options (index options) carry contract fees
  • Advanced features or data (level-2, real-time feeds) may require paid subscriptions
  • For absolute beginners, the richness of tools may feel overwhelming
  • Withdrawal or wire costs may exist
  • Asset coverage is limited in some areas (e.g. mutual funds, international exchanges)

Which Type of Investor / Trader Suits Each

Choose Public.com if you:

  • Are a beginner or casual investor who prefers simplicity, minimal friction, and social/inspirational investing
  • Want to build a diversified portfolio with small amounts, using fractional shares
  • Value community, idea sharing, and social signals as part of your investing process
  • Prefer low cost for core stock and ETF trades and are okay paying for advanced data via Premium
  • Primarily invest rather than trade rapidly; you don’t need the highest execution speed

Choose Webull if you:

  • Are an active or intermediate trader who uses technical analysis, multiple order types, and trading tools
  • Want a more powerful platform with customization, alerts, screener filters, and deeper charting
  • Trade frequently or use margin — being able to execute fast and manage risk is important
  • Appreciate zero commissions on most trades but also need advanced features for bigger strategies
  • Want the flexibility to grow into more advanced trading while still having basic access

Balanced Summary

Public.com and Webull both aim to democratize access to markets, but their core DNA is different. Public leans toward social, intuitive, inclusive investing for people building portfolios and learning along the way. Webull leans toward giving more trading power, flexibility, and tooling for those who want to execute actively or use technical strategies.

If your priority is ease, exposure to multiple asset types, social suggestion flow, and comfortable cost structures, Public.com is compelling. If your priority is execution speed, analytical depth, order control, and scale, Webull is more appropriate. Some users may even begin with Public and later graduate to Webull as their trading sophistication grows.