Our verdict
Public
4.2 4.2 out of 5- Best for
- Beginners who want commission-free investing in a real brokerage, with room to grow
- Fees
- No monthly fee for core investing; optional Premium ~$10/month
Our Public review looks at an investing app that feels more like a real brokerage than a starter toy — but without a monthly fee for core investing. You get commission-free stocks and ETFs, plus access to options, bonds and Treasuries, and a high-yield cash account, all in a clean, beginner-friendly app. That combination makes it one of the few starter apps you’re unlikely to outgrow quickly.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. This is educational information, not investment advice.
Our take
Where round-up apps charge a flat subscription, Public takes a different approach: no monthly fee for core commission-free investing, and a wider menu of assets you can grow into. For a beginner, that means you can start simple — a diversified ETF, say — and later add Treasuries or a high-yield cash account without switching apps. The trade-offs are that advanced data sits behind a Premium tier, and some products (like options) carry their own costs.
Who it’s best for
Public is best for beginners who want a no-fee, real brokerage with room to grow, and who like the idea of holding stocks, bonds, and cash in one place. It’s less ideal if you specifically want fully-automated round-ups (where Acorns shines) or spending rewards (where Stash does).
Pricing and fees
Core commission-free stock and ETF investing has no monthly subscription. There’s an optional Public Premium (around $10/month) for advanced data and metrics, and certain products such as options carry their own costs. (Pricing current as of mid-2026 — verify on public.com.)
No monthly fee is a meaningful advantage for small balances, where flat-fee apps quietly take a big percentage. See how costs compound over time with our Compound Interest Calculator.
Features
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs, with fractional shares
- More asset types — options, bonds, and Treasuries
- High-yield cash account alongside your investments
- Investment plans for recurring, automated investing
- A social/transparency layer and clear revenue disclosures
How it compares
If you want zero decisions, Acorns automates everything for a flat fee. If you want rewards on spending, Stash earns stock on purchases. See all three side by side in our best investing apps for beginners, and start with the basics in What Is an Index Fund?.
Bottom line
Public is a strong pick for beginners who want a genuinely no-fee brokerage with assets they can grow into — just budget for Premium or options costs only if you actually need them.
Pros
- No monthly subscription for core commission-free stock and ETF investing
- Broad asset access you can grow into — stocks, ETFs, options, bonds and Treasuries
- High-yield cash account alongside your investments
- Transparent about how it makes money
Cons
- Options and some products carry their own costs
- Retirement-account (IRA) availability is worth confirming for your needs
- The most advanced data sits behind Public Premium
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is Public free?
Is Public safe and SIPC-insured?
Is Public good for beginners?
How does Public make money without a monthly fee?
Sources
Related guides
What Is Compound Interest?
Compound interest means you earn interest on your interest — and it's one of the most powerful forces in saving and investing. Here's how it works, with examples.
401(k) vs. IRA: What's the Difference (and Can You Have Both)?
A 401(k) is your employer's retirement plan; an IRA is one you open yourself. Here's how they differ on limits, matching, and choice — and why you can use both.
How to Invest in Index Funds: A Beginner's Guide
Index funds are the simplest, lowest-cost way most people build wealth. Here's how to actually buy one — step by step — plus how to pick a fund and avoid beginner mistakes.
