Webull vs. Public: Which is the Better Trading App?

Today’s investors have many options for online brokerages and investing apps. With so many choices, knowing which one is right for you can be hard. In this Webull vs. Public.com comparison, we’ll look at two of the most popular trading platforms.

With commission-free trades and no account minimums, both Webull and Public.com are appropriate choices for new investors and experienced traders. However, they take different approaches and, as a result, are ideal for different types of retail investors.

Before we get into the detailed comparison, it’s important to point out that both Webull and Public.com offer signup bonuses for our readers.

Join Public to get up to $300 of free stock when you make a deposit.*

Webull currently offers new users up to 12 free stocks for trying the platform. You’ll get two free stocks (each worth $3 – $3,000) for signing up. Deposit any amount to get up to 10 more free stocks. Sign up for Webull through this link to be eligible for the bonus.

Webull Basics

Webull Financial LLC was founded in 2017 and the app launched in 2018. Investors can use Webull on a desktop or mobile device to place commission-free trades of stock, ETFs, and options, or buy and sell cryptocurrency. The most noteworthy feature of Webull is access to the data and research tools it provides.

Read our Webull Review for full details.

Public.com Basics

Public.com‘s investing app launched in late 2019 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best options for new investors. Users can trade stocks, funds, crypto, and alternative investments through the app. The user interface is clean and simple to use, providing an excellent experience for investors.

Read our Public.com Review for full details.

Webull vs. Public.com Overview

The main difference between Webull and Public is that Webull offers advanced tools for data and research, while Public offers a cleaner user experience and better community features. Investors who want a trading app that allows them to research possible investments will appreciate Webull. Those who want an app that’s easy to use and a supportive community for learning more about investing will prefer Public.

• Commission-free trades: Both platforms offer commission-free trades of stocks and ETFs.
• Fractional shares and account minimums: Both platforms support the buying and selling of fractional shares and no account minimums, allowing any investor to get started easily.
• Cryptocurrency: Both platforms offer about 25 cryptocurrencies by partnering with Apex Crypto.
• Alternative investments: Public.com offers NFTs, fine art, and collectibles. Webull does not offer alternative investments.
• Social features: Public.com offers many social features that allow users to connect with and learn from other investors. Webull does not include social features.
• Research: Both platforms help users to research and analyze, but they do it in different ways. Webull provides advanced research tools and Public.com offers themes that list stocks or funds by category. Public offers additional tools through an upgraded premium account.
• Safeguards: Public.com uses built-in safeguards to notify users about certain risks. For example, the user will see a warning or notification about volatility before purchasing cryptocurrency. These safeguards can help new investors recognize risky situations.
• Payment for Order Flow (PFOF): Public.com does not participate in the controversial (but common) practice of PFOF. Webull does make money through PFOF.
• Access: Webull can be used as a mobile app, desktop app, or through an internet browser. Public.com can be used as a mobile app or in a web browser.

Both Webull and Public.com are excellent online brokerages, but they target slightly different types of users.

Public.com is more suitable for new investors thanks to the learning opportunities through social features, investing themes, and built-in safeguards. The user interface is also very user-friendly.

While Webull can certainly be used by new investors, it’s more appropriate for those with experience. The interface isn’t quite as simple to use, and the advanced reporting and analysis tools will be appreciated by experienced investors.

Now, let’s look at the Webull vs. Public.com comparison in several specific areas and see which one comes out ahead in each area.

Pricing and Fees

Both Webull and Public.com are free to use with no fees to set up or maintain an account. You can trade stocks and ETFs commission-free on both platforms. In addition to purchasing full shares, Webull and Public.com both allow you to purchase fractional shares. Webull supports fractional shares for as little as $5, and Public.com also allows you to buy fractional shares (they refer to them as “slices”).

Of course, both Webull and Public.com do charge fees in some situations. However, neither trading platform currently offers a pro or premium account option.

Webull’s fee schedule:

• Domestic Wire Transfer (deposit) – $8
• Domestic Wire Transfer (withdrawal) – $25
• International Wire Transfer (deposit) – $12.5
• International Wire Transfer (withdrawal) – $45
• Transfer from Webull through Apex – $75 per outgoing stock transfer
• Paper Statements – $5
• Paper Confirms – $2
• Paper Prospectus – $2.50

Public.com’s fee schedule:

• Domestic Wire Transfer – $30
• Domestic Overnight Check Delivery – $35
• Returned Check, ACH, Wire & Recall/Stop Payments – $30
• ACAT – Outgoing – $75
• Paper Statements – $5
• Paper Confirms – $2
• Domestic Overnight Mail – $35
• International Overnight Mai – $50
• Restricted Accounts – $10 + commissions
• Worthless Securities Processing – $30 + other fees may apply
• Tender Offer Order – $50

All fees are subject to change and a current listing of fees can be found on their websites.

Winner: Tie

With commission-free trades available from both Webull and Public.com, we consider this area a tie.

Getting Started

Both Webull and Public.com make it very easy for new users to get started. You’ll create a free account and enter your personal details to create the account. The process will take only a few minutes regardless of which trading platform you choose.

Equally important, both brokerages allow you to get started regardless of how much money you have to invest. There are no account minimums, so even if you only have a small amount to invest, that’s not a problem. As a result, both Webull and Public.com are legit options for new investors.

Winner: Tie

Getting started with either of these brokerages is very easy and can be done at your convenience.

Investment Options

Webull allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency trading is handled by Apex Crypto, an industry leader. Currently, there are about 25 different crypto tokens that can be traded through Webull.

When Webull originally launched, it did not support the buying or selling of fractional shares. Thankfully, this feature was added later, and you can now buy or sell fractional shares of individual stocks and ETFs for as little as $5. That means if you want to purchase a share of Apple stock or your favorite S&P 500 ETF, you don’t have to buy a full share.

Public.com allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and alternative assets like NFTs, fine art, and collectibles. No other stock trading app that we’re aware of offers these types of alternative assets.

Like Webull, Public.com uses Apex Crypto to manage cryptocurrency trading. The crypto options are very similar with either trading platform (more options than you’ll get with Robinhood crypto).

Purchasing fractional shares is also an option for Public.com users.

Public.com offers automatic dividend reinvestment (DRIP), while Webull does not. DRIP allows you to automatically reinvest dividends, which is a great feature if you’re investing in stocks or funds that pay dividends. Within the Public investing settings, there’s an option to turn DRIP on or off at any time.

Neither platform currently allows you to purchase a mutual fund.

Webull supports paper trading, a demo account that doesn’t use real money and is helpful for practice.

Winner: Public.com

Public.com comes out ahead by offering alternative assets and DRIP, while Webull does not.

Account Types

Webull allows you to open a taxable individual brokerage account, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or rollover IRA (the IRAs are somewhat recent additions). Investors using IRAs can take advantage of commission-free trades and fractional shares, just like investors using a regular brokerage account.

Public.com currently only offers one account type, individual brokerage accounts. The option to invest in an IRA would be a welcomed addition, so hopefully, retirement accounts will be offered in the future.

Currently, neither trading platform offers joint accounts or custodial accounts. If you’re interested in a joint or custodial account, we recommend M1 Finance.

Winner: Webull

Webull is the winner here by offering IRAs.

Community and Social Features

One of the most significant differences between these two online brokerages is the social aspect of Public.com. Webull, like most brokerages, does not include social features. This is how Public.com stands out in a crowded market. The social features are both interesting and useful, especially for a new investor.

The social features of Public.com include:

• Connect with other investors and get involved in community discussions
• See the stocks and funds others are buying and selling
• Learn from the supportive community of users

Public.com users can follow others, connect with friends and family on the platform, and make new connections. When you open the app, you’ll see discussions and opportunities to learn or get involved.

Overall, the community of users is very supportive and welcoming. Many users are willing to help others and answer questions. Community members want others to succeed, and many people share.

One of the ways that Public.com encourages users to get involved is through “Town Halls,” which are discussions with founders or executives of publicly traded companies. The average investor typically doesn’t have access to executives of the companies they invest in or are considering investing in. Public.com changes this by allowing users to interact with executives and ask questions about their company. It’s a very valuable feature for those who get involved.

Winner: Public.com

Public.com is the obvious winner here. The social features are the main way that Public.com differentiates itself. If you’re interested in connecting with other investors or learning, you’ll appreciate the social aspect.

Desktop and App Options

Webull users can manage their accounts, place trades, and make deposits or withdrawals from the mobile app (for Android and iOS), a desktop app (for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux), or through an internet browser.

The three versions will naturally look and function slightly differently, but they all provide a similar user experience. For example, you’re not limited to what you can do on the mobile app. You can completely manage your account regardless of how you’re connecting to Webull.

Public.com users can manage their accounts, place trades, and make deposits or withdrawals through the mobile app (available for Android and iOS) or the internet browser.

Winner: Tie

Both platforms can be used on a mobile device or desktop.

Ease of Use

The Public.com user interface is very well-designed. It’s clean and very simple and logical to use. There’s a very little learning curve, and everything feels intuitive. Whether you’re a new or experienced investor, you’ll find Public.com easy to use.

Webull, on the other hand, is not as well-designed. A lot is going on, and the user interface feels a bit cluttered. This is partly because Webull offers more reporting and trading tools, but it’s also just a matter of Public.com having a better design than Webull.

Winner: Public.com

I wouldn’t say Webull is difficult to use or poorly designed, but it’s not as easy to use as Public.com. It’s clear that Public.com has gone to great lengths to make its platform as user-friendly as possible.

Beginner-Friendliness

Overall, Public.com is very well suited for beginners and new investors. Between the user-friendly interface, the social features that offer outstanding learning opportunities, and the proactive notifications that warn users of many risky investments, Public.com is the best option for beginners.

Webull is more appropriate for investors who have some experience. However, it’s still relatively beginner-friendly. Both platforms are suitable for beginners by offering accounts with no minimums and by offering fractional shares.

Winner: Public.com

Public.com comes out ahead here with several features that are extremely useful for new investors.

Data and Research

Both platforms provide some tools and data for research and analysis, but they do it in very different ways.

Webull offers tools like a stock screener (no screener for ETFs), charting functionality, fundamental data, and news. Users can get more information and do more research with Webull than with almost any other stock trading app. This is where Webull stands out for the active trader.

While Public.com does not provide the same tools for research and analysis, it does offer helpful investing themes. They have many themes that categorize stocks and funds so users can find the right investment opportunities.

You’ll find themes for things like dividend stocks, companies with female CEOs, e-commerce-based businesses, SaaS companies, green power energy companies, and much more. New investors are more likely to appreciate the themes than tools for technical research.

Winner: Tie

New investors will likely appreciate the data provided by Public.com, especially the investing themes. Investors with more experience may appreciate the advanced tools offered by Webull.

Support and Customer Service

Public.com offers customer support via email and in-app chat functionality. Support reps can answer questions via chat from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm ET Monday through Friday.

Webull customers can access customer service by phone (1-888-828-0618) or email. You can also submit a request for assistance directly through the app.

Winner: Webull

Both Public.com and Webull offer excellent support options compared to most stock trading and investing apps. However, Webull has a slight edge because they have support reps available 24 hours a day.

Free Stock Bonus

Both Webull and Public.com offer incentives for new users to sign up. If you sign up for Public.com through our referral link, you’ll get a free slice of stock worth up to $300.*

Webull’s promotions change from time to time, but the current promotion offers two free stocks when you sign up (each valued at $3 – $3,000), and up to 10 more free stocks for making an initial deposit of any amount.

Public.com allows you to choose the stock you want to receive, while Webull gives you stock at random. Still, there’s no reason not to sign up for both to get two bonuses. And if you like free stock, please see our article with many more ways to get free stock.

Webull Advantages

Now that we’ve covered a lot of details, let’s look at how Webull excels.

• Tools for advanced research and analysis. Intermediate and experienced traders will appreciate the data that’s available from Webull. This is the most significant way that Webull differs from most stock trading apps.
• Extended trading hours. Webull supports pre-market and after-hours trading (4:00 am – 8:00 pm), while Public.com allows trading during the normal stock market hours of 9:30 am – 4:00 pm.
• Desktop access in addition to the mobile app. You can manage your Webull account or trade from a desktop or mobile device, while Public.com currently only offers the mobile device.
• IRAs, Roth IRAs, and Rollover IRAs. In addition to taxable brokerage accounts, Webull offers IRAs, while Public.com currently does not.
• Options trading. In addition to stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency, Webull users can also trade options.
• 24/7 customer support. Customer support reps are available 24 hours per day instead of only during normal business hours.

Public.com Advantages

Of course, Public.com also offers several important advantages, including:

• Ease of use. The app is very well-designed and user-friendly, even for first-time investors.
• Social investing. Public.com’s social features are perfect for new investors who want to learn or anyone who enjoys connecting with other investors. It’s a very supportive community and a great place to learn.
• Investing themes. Public.com provides lists of investment options in various categories, which makes it easy to find the companies and funds you want to invest in.
• Built-in safeguards. Public.com will warn you if you’re about to make an investment that is deemed to be risky. Of course, this doesn’t prevent you from losing money, but it does show that Public.com is looking to protect the best interest of investors.
• Beginner-friendly. For all the reasons listed above, Public.com is an excellent option for new investors.
• Automatic dividend reinvestments. With Public.com, you’ll have the option to automatically revinest any dividends you receive from stocks or ETFs (this is not currently available with Webull).
• No payment for order flow. Payment for order flow (PFOF) allows brokerages to generate revenue by directing orders to different parties for trade execution. It’s a somewhat controversial practice, and Public.com made changes to stop generating revenue with PFOF. Instead, Public.com instituted an optional tipping functionality so users can leave a tip if they choose when placing a trade.

Final Thoughts on Webull vs. Public.com

Both Webull and Public.com are excellent options for investors looking to trade stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency. Many investors find these apps more convenient than traditional brokers like TD Ameritrade or Ally Invest. Webull and Public.com have slightly different approaches, and as a result, they’re ideally suited for different types of investors.

Our final Webull vs. Public.com verdict:

• We recommend Public.com for new investors, those who want to connect with and learn from other investors, and those who are looking for an easy, user-friendly experience.
• We recommend Webull for intermediate to experienced investors who will take advantage of the reporting and analysis tools that are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

*Public.com offer valid for U.S. residents 18+ and subject to account approval. This is not a recommendation. You can lose money with any investment. Open To The Public Investing is a member of FINRA & SIPC. Regulatory and firm fees apply. New customers receive free stock with value $3-300; 0.3% receive the max value. Cryptocurrency trading provided by Apex Crypto LLC (NMLS ID 1828849). Apex Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. See Public.com/disclosures/

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