Investing comparison
Public vs Robinhood
Updated
Data as of
Public checked Robinhood checked
I earn commissions from some links.
Public
Investing app
Visit site for Public (opens in a new tab)
Robinhood
Investing app
Visit site for Robinhood (opens in a new tab)
Before you compare: This compares features and fees from each company's own pages. It isn't investment advice, and investing involves risk, including loss of money.
Short answer
- Pick Public if you want the higher App Store rating (4.7, compared with 4.3).
- Pick Robinhood if you want a lower advisory fee on its managed portfolio (0.25% a year, compared with 0.49%), features for kids or teens, or a lower minimum for its managed portfolio ($50, compared with $1,000).
- The biggest difference is the managed portfolio fee: Robinhood lists 0.25% a year, and Public lists 0.49% a year.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Public vs Robinhood at a glance
- Public
- Rating
- 4.7 of 5App Store, 85,695 ratings
- Platforms
- 2Mobile app, Web
Robinhood
- Rating
- 4.3 of 5App Store, 4,901,225 ratings
- Platforms
- 2Robinhood app, Robinhood Legend
What it costs
- Public
Public's Generated Assets portfolios list a management fee of 0.49% a year (its Dividends portfolio page, for example).
Source
public.com/generated-assets/dividends-2f14c2d8, checked . - Robinhood
Robinhood Strategies has a 0.25% annual management fee. Eligible Robinhood Gold members ($5 monthly subscription) pay it on only the first $100,000 of assets in their account.
Source
robinhood.com/us/en/strategies, checked .
Bars show only when every app here lists a yearly price, so these prices sit side by side without them. Prices are list prices from each app's own page, before tax and any offer. Investing fees appear as each company states them. A yearly advisory fee is a percent of your balance, not a monthly price, so it never gets a bar or a price tag.
Public and Robinhood, side by side
| Detail | Public | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Account minimumDiffers | PublicPublic says the minimum investment for Generated Assets like its Dividends portfolio is $1,000. Sourcepublic.com/generated-assets/dividends-2f14c2d8, checked . | RobinhoodRobinhood Strategies has a minimum investment requirement of $50. Sourcerobinhood.com/us/en/strategies, checked . |
| Stock and ETF commissionsDiffers | PublicPublic says it offers $0 commission trading on self-directed individual cash brokerage accounts for US-listed securities placed online. Regulatory, subscription, wire transfer and paper statement fees may still apply. Sourcepublic.com/invest/stocks, checked . | RobinhoodRobinhood says investing with a Robinhood investing account is commission free for stocks, ETFs and their options, and it doesn't charge fees to open or maintain your account. Sourcerobinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/trading-fees-on-robinhood, checked . |
| Account typesDiffers | PublicPublic lists these account types: Traditional & Roth IRAs and Crypto IRAs. Sourcepublic.com, checked . | RobinhoodRobinhood lists these account types: Individual, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Smart Income account, Revocable trust and Custodial. Sourcerobinhood.com/us/en/strategies, checked . |
| Fractional sharesDiffers | PublicPublic says it supports fractional shares, so you can invest in any stock with any dollar amount. Sourcepublic.com/invest/stocks, checked . | RobinhoodRobinhood says you can invest in certain stocks and ETFs with as little as $1 through fractional shares. Sourcerobinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/fractional-shares, checked . |
| Automatic investingDiffers | PublicPublic says you can schedule recurring buys in any stock, ETF or crypto, for any amount, weekly, biweekly, monthly or on a custom cadence. Sourcepublic.com/invest/stocks, checked . | RobinhoodRobinhood lists Recurring Investment: add to your investments on a consistent basis, even when you forget to. Sourcerobinhood.com/us/en/invest, checked . |
| Managed portfolios (robo)Differs | PublicPublic offers Generated Assets portfolios, rebalanced quarterly (its Dividends portfolio, for example). Sourcepublic.com/generated-assets/dividends-2f14c2d8, checked . | RobinhoodRobinhood Strategies is Robinhood's managed portfolio service, with a $50 minimum investment. Sourcerobinhood.com/us/en/strategies, checked . |
| ProtectionDiffers | PublicPublic Investing is a member of SIPC. Securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. Sourcepublic.com, checked . | RobinhoodRobinhood Financial LLC and Robinhood Securities, LLC are registered broker dealers and members of SIPC. Sourcerobinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/trading-fees-on-robinhood, checked . |
| PlatformsDiffers | PublicPublic lists Mobile app and Web. | RobinhoodRobinhood lists Robinhood app and Robinhood Legend. Sourcerobinhood.com/us/en, checked . |
| App store ratingDiffers | PublicPublic has 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store from 85,695 ratings. SourceApp Store listing, checked . | RobinhoodRobinhood has 4.3 out of 5 on the App Store from 4,901,225 ratings. SourceApp Store listing, checked . |
Store ratings are a dated snapshot from each listing, not our score. A row shows only when both apps have a current official source for it. How we source and date this data. Spotted a change? Tell us if something changed.
Weighing a third option? Add up to two more apps and compare up to four side by side.
Screen by screen
Pick a task to see what each app shows for it. App Store and Google Play images are the apps' own marketing, so they can show sample data and staged layouts. Help center images come from the app's support articles. See every app's screens.
Home
Public
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Investing for those who take it seriously" under the top of a portfolio screen, with chips for Stocks, ETFs, Options, AI Agents and more.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe lower part of the Portfolio screen: $459,480.40 on Return, up $14,645.58 (+3.41%) today, a one-day line chart, buying power $31,840.39, asset chips and the tab bar with Portfolio, Markets, Trade, Inbox and Agents.App Store listing, as of
Robinhood
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Trade all in one place" showing a search bar, Now, Macro, Crypto and Sports tabs and a Market section.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe home screen: a Search Robinhood bar, Now, Macro, Crypto and Sports tabs, Market cards for the S&P 500 at 7,500.58 and Nasdaq 100 at 30,406.19, and Top movers chips.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageiPad App Store image with the headline "Trade all in one place" showing the market overview next to a stock detail.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe iPad layout: market cards and top movers on the left, and Lion Rock Inc. at $246.45 with a line chart, Stats and a Trade button on the right.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageMarket cards with small line charts: S&P 500 at 7,500.58 up 1.08% and Nasdaq 100 at 30,406.19 up 2.48%.App Store listing, as of
Accounts
Public
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Earn 3.3% APY. No fees or minimums." showing a High-Yield Cash Account.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe High-Yield Cash Account: $26,136.88, $857.22 estimated 2026 income, a bar chart by month, and Your investment at 3.30% APY with net contributions, total interest and accrued interest.App Store listing, as of
Robinhood
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Grow your cash with 3.6% APY" showing an Earn 3.6% APY screen with a Join Gold button.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageAn Earn 3.6% APY screen saying "Get 8x the national savings average on eligible uninvested brokerage cash" with a Join Gold button.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageiPad App Store image with the headline "Grow your cash with 3.6% APY" showing lifetime earnings and Robinhood Gold perks.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageLifetime earnings of $1,225.32 split into High-Yield Cash $1,000.32 and IRA match $225.00, next to a list of Robinhood Gold perks.App Store listing, as of 
From Robinhood's websiteThe Banking screen: $27,744.78 with "Next paycheck arrives Jun 15", Accounts with Checking $8,186.53 and Savings $19,558.25, and a Credit section with a Gold Card at $6,017.07, 3% Cash Back and autopay scheduled.robinhood.com, as of 
App Store marketing image$1,225.32 in lifetime earnings with a bar split into High-Yield Cash $1,000.32 and IRA match $225.00.App Store listing, as of
Reports and insights
Public
App Store marketing imageYour options trading rebates: total $9,026.28 over 50,146 trades, $0.18 per contract, a bar chart by symbol and an Options rebate tracker gauge at Tier 4 with 5,495 contracts this month.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing image$857.22 estimated 2026 income, $279.82 received to date and monthly bars with Next 12M, 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2023 filters.App Store listing, as of
Robinhood
No official screen found yet
Investments
Public
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Invest in thousands of stocks" showing a stock page with a price chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA stock page for ZipDish (ZPDS): $932.22, up $68.53 (3.21%) today, a line chart, Your position with ZPDS buying power $100,234.56 and a Trade button.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA Bitcoin page: $63,420.06, up $18,974.45 (42.71%) over five years, a line chart, an About section and a Trade button.App Store listing, as of
Robinhood
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Trade crypto at the lowest cost on average" showing a Crypto balance of $1,500.00 and a price chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Crypto screen: $1,500.00, up $0.2800 (26.47%) today, a line chart and LIVE, 1D, 1W, 1M, 3M, YTD and 1Y buttons.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Earn a yearly $225 retirement boost" showing IRA contributions and an IRA Match ring.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA retirement screen: Contributions $7,500.00 with "$0 until max" and a ring labeled IRA Match $225.00 with 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% marks.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Trade anytime, day or night" showing a 24 Hour Market list.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe 24 Hour Market list: a header graphic, a note that limit orders work 24 hours a day from Sunday 8 PM ET to Friday 8 PM ET, and In This List with 1,059 items.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Advanced mobile & desktop trading" showing a candlestick chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageAn advanced chart for HMNI at $122.10 with open, high, low, close and volume values, candlesticks and Options, Buy Stop and Sell Limit labels on the chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Get an expert managed portfolio" showing Managed investing at $13,417.02.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageRobinhood Strategies: Managed investing at $13,417.02 with a ring chart showing Growth 30% and slices of 5%, 18%, 20%, 22% and 30%.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageiPad App Store image with the headline "Trade crypto at the lowest cost on average" showing crypto holdings and a chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageInvesting, Retirement and Managed tabs with a Crypto list of BTC, ETH and DOGE at $6.45 each, next to a Crypto chart at $1,500.00 and a Trade button.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageiPad App Store image with the headline "Earn a yearly $225 retirement boost" showing contributions and an investing chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageContributions $7,500.00 with an IRA Match $225.00 ring and year buttons for 2024 to 2026, next to Investing $52,901.39 with a line chart and Buying Power $5,000.00.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageiPad App Store image with the headline "Advanced mobile & desktop trading" showing a full width candlestick chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA full width candlestick chart for RIVIN with volume bars from October to March and Buy MKT, 1 share and Sell MKT buttons.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA yellow ring with IRA Match $225.00 in the middle and 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% marks around it.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA portfolio ring with Growth 30% in the middle and slices labeled 5%, 18%, 20%, 22% and 30%.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA Crypto list with BTC 5 shares, ETH 100 shares and DOGE 6 shares, each with a small chart and a $6.45 price tag.App Store listing, as of
Transfer and send
Public
App Store marketing imageTransfers with Deposit funds, Withdraw funds and Transfer account buttons, a Boost your IRA with a 1% match banner and Account transfers in pending, complete and rejected states.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThree buttons: Deposit funds, Withdraw funds and Transfer account.App Store listing, as of
Robinhood
From Robinhood's websiteA $350 card reading "Logan sent $350" from Robinhood.com, under the message "This is for dinner. Thanks again!"robinhood.com, as of
Check deposit
Public
No official screen found yet
Robinhood
From Robinhood's websiteA menu with Deposit a check, Mail a check and Order a checkbook.robinhood.com, as of
AI assistant
Public
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Agentic investing. Fully native." showing a Build an agent screen.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageBuild an agent: "Create an agent for your portfolio" with Trading Strategies and Fund Management filters, agent cards such as Buy the close, Sell the open and Dividend reinvestment, and a Define a task for your agent field.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageGenerated Assets from the prompt "Large-cap stocks with low P/E ratios and high free cash flow": an index named Large Cap, High Cash Flow with 38 positions, return and drawdown against the S&P 500 and a Checkout button.App Store listing, as of
Robinhood
No official screen found yet
Other screens
Public
No official screen found yet
Robinhood
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Trade on real-world events" showing a Live Election Day Updates map.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA prediction markets screen with Midterms and All races filters, Live Election Day Updates, Senate, House and Governor tabs and a colored US map.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "24/7 support" showing a support chat about bank transfers.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA Bank Transfers support chat: a customer message about not being able to transfer money from a stock sale, and a reply from an agent named Remi.App Store listing, as of 
Google Play marketing imageGoogle Play image with the headline "Trade on real-world events" showing a Prediction markets screen.Google Play listing, as of 
Google Play marketing imagePrediction markets: Combo, Live and Elections filters, a "US gas prices tomorrow?" card with three price ranges and a Trade button, then Newly listed.Google Play listing, as of
Who it's for
Pick the tab that sounds like you. Every answer comes from the app's own pages, and its source opens from the Source link.
Just me
Budgeting on your own? These are the basics people ask about first.
Is there support from the app's makers if I need help?
Public: Yes. Email and in-app chat.
Source
In their words: “You can always reach us over email at support@public.com .” public.com/learn/how-to-reach-us, checked .Robinhood: Yes. Chat (24/7) and phone (call back).
Source
In their words: “When you contact us, you can request a call back to discuss your issue, and we'll call you as soon as an agent is available, typically in less than 30 minutes.” robinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/how-to-contact-support, checked .
Family
Bringing in more of the household? Here's what each app says about families and kids. See apps with custodial accounts for kids.
Does it have accounts or features for kids or teens?
Public: No.
Source
In their words: “Public does not offer custodial accounts at this time.” help.public.com/en/articles/4665737-does-public-offer-custodial-accounts, checked .Robinhood: Yes. It has accounts or features for kids or teens.
Source
In their words: “Custodial accounts let you invest on behalf of a minor, directly from your Robinhood app.” robinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/custodial-accounts-faq, checked .
Freelancer
Paid on an uneven schedule or running a side hustle? Here's what each app offers. See apps with a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k).
Can I export my transactions for tax prep?
Public: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “You can save time this tax season by uploading your 1099 tax statements directly into TurboTax.” help.public.com/tax-center/en/articles/8604544-how-do-i-import-my-tax-form-into-turbo-tax, checked .Robinhood: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “For this tax year, you can import your Consolidated Form 1099 into common online tax providers, such as TurboTax and H&R Block.” robinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/how-to-upload-your-1099-to-turbotax, checked .
Business
Running a small business? Here's what each app says about business money.
Can I export my transactions for tax prep?
Public: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “You can save time this tax season by uploading your 1099 tax statements directly into TurboTax.” help.public.com/tax-center/en/articles/8604544-how-do-i-import-my-tax-form-into-turbo-tax, checked .Robinhood: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “For this tax year, you can import your Consolidated Form 1099 into common online tax providers, such as TurboTax and H&R Block.” robinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/how-to-upload-your-1099-to-turbotax, checked .
A question shows only when every app here has a current official source that answers it. We only say no when the app's own page does.
Which fits your Money Type?
There are four Money Types: Strategist, Spender, Saver and Scrambler. Each card matches one type to what the sources say about these two apps.
StrategistNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Save the Raise.
SpenderNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Sleep on It.
SaverNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Put It to Work.
ScramblerNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Bills First.
Not sure which one you are? Take the free Money Types quiz. It takes about two minutes.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Another option: Fifecta
If neither Public nor Robinhood feels right, here is one more option to look at. Fifecta gives every paycheck a plan with FUNDS, and it starts from your Money Type, so the plan matches how you already handle money.
FAQ
How much does Public charge?
Public's Generated Assets portfolios list a management fee of 0.49% a year (its Dividends portfolio page, for example). We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.
How much does Robinhood charge?
Robinhood Strategies has a 0.25% annual management fee. Eligible Robinhood Gold members ($5 monthly subscription) pay it on only the first $100,000 of assets in their account. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.
What is Public's app store rating?
Public has 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store from 85,695 ratings. That's a snapshot from the store listing on Nov 3, 2026, not our score.
What is Robinhood's app store rating?
Robinhood has 4.3 out of 5 on the App Store from 4,901,225 ratings. That's a snapshot from the store listing on Nov 3, 2026, not our score.
More comparisons
Similar comparisons
Keep comparing
- See Public alternatives, closest category first.
- See Robinhood alternatives, closest category first.
- Browse our guide to the low-cost brokerage accounts.
- Want the bigger picture? Compare more money apps.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Want a plan built on your Money Type?
Fifecta gives every paycheck a plan with FUNDS, so you know where each dollar goes.
Sources and confidence
- Last checked
- Sourced facts
- 20 facts, each linked and dated
Public10 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026
- Management or subscription feepublic.com/generated-assets/dividends-2f14c2d8, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Account minimumpublic.com/generated-assets/dividends-2f14c2d8, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Stock and ETF commissionspublic.com/invest/stocks, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Account typespublic.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Fractional sharespublic.com/invest/stocks, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Automatic investingpublic.com/invest/stocks, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Managed portfolios (robo)public.com/generated-assets/dividends-2f14c2d8, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Protectionpublic.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Platformshelp.public.com/en/articles/5724380-explore-the-new-investing-experience-on-the-web, as of Nov 3, 2026
- App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026
Robinhood10 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026
- Management or subscription feerobinhood.com/us/en/strategies, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Account minimumrobinhood.com/us/en/strategies, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Stock and ETF commissionsrobinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/trading-fees-on-robinhood, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Account typesrobinhood.com/us/en/strategies, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Fractional sharesrobinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/fractional-shares, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Automatic investingrobinhood.com/us/en/invest, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Managed portfolios (robo)robinhood.com/us/en/strategies, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Protectionrobinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/trading-fees-on-robinhood, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Platformsrobinhood.com/us/en, as of Nov 3, 2026
- App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026
- Reference: sipc.org/for-investors/what-sipc-protects, checked Oct 24, 2026.
Each fact links to the official page it came from, with the date we checked it. Once a fact is older than 30 days, it comes off the page until we check it again. How we source, date and index this data.
This is education, not financial advice.
