Outline of Fidelity and Public.com
Fidelity and Public are both good brokers, but if you are trying to decide which broker can best meet your expectations, there are several factors to consider. One of the main things to look at is the type of investing each broker supports.
Keep reading to see which broker is better.
Key Takeaways
• Both Fidelity and Public offer U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, fixed-income products, OTC-listed securities, cryptocurrencies, options, fractional-share trading, IPO access when available, and automated or recurring investment features.
• Fidelity is a full-service broker with a broader selection of traditional investment vehicles than Public, while Public offers newer products such as Generated Assets, direct indexing, and specialized cash and bond accounts.
• Fidelity and Public both offer $0 commission trading for many online U.S. stock and ETF trades, but Fidelity is more cost-effective overall for many investors.
• Public's mobile application is more streamlined than Fidelity’s product, making it easier to use, especially for mobile users.
Public Vs. Fidelity
Public and Fidelity are quite different in their approach to investing. Comparing them is a bit like comparing apples to oranges, but it is good to know how they are similar and how they differ if you are to choose the best one for your needs.
In short, Fidelity is a full-service broker offering low-cost trading, a wide range of investment vehicles, several account types, and multiple trading platforms to suit investors of all kinds.
Public also offers many investment options, including some newer and more specialized products. The broker has a fair pricing model and doesn’t pay for order flow. Public also provides features like automated investing, cash management, and a social platform that helps investors gauge public opinion about the available investment options.
Available Investments
Public and Fidelity offer a wide range of investment options, including mainstream options such as U.S.-listed stocks, ETFs, fixed-income products, options, and cryptocurrencies.
Public stands out for products such as Generated Assets, direct indexing, high-yield cash, bonds, and Treasuries, while Fidelity offers a
broad selection of mutual funds, international stocks, Pink Sheets, annuities, life-insurance and planning resources,
and CDs.
Account Types
Public and Fidelity differ significantly in terms of the account types they offer. Public takes a simpler approach, providing standard brokerage accounts, Traditional and Roth IRAs, Crypto IRA access, a High-Yield Cash Account, and cryptocurrency trading. As a full-service broker, Fidelity offers a broader variety of accounts, catering to retirement, education savings, general investing, cash management, and charity, along with wealth-management options.
Fees
Public and Fidelity both offer $0 commission trading for many online U.S. stock and ETF trades. However, Fidelity is the more cost-effective option overall for many investors. Public offers standard and Premium accounts, with Premium costing $10 per month or $96 annually when billed yearly. With a Premium membership, fees for extended-hours stock and ETF trades, OTC trades, and Investment Plan transactions are waived. However, transaction costs for Generated Assets, cryptocurrencies, and fixed-income products are not waived. Public also charges for several administrative services, like wire transfers, instant withdrawals, and foreign currency exchanges.
In contrast, Fidelity generally does not charge account minimums or annual fees for its retail brokerage accounts. Fidelity Crypto charges a 1% fee on cryptocurrency buy and sell transactions, and international-stock trading can involve foreign-exchange and other market-specific fees. Additionally, Fidelity does not charge for many common brokerage services like incoming account transfers.
Platform Choices
Both Public and Fidelity provide web and mobile platforms. Fidelity offers more variety, however.
Fidelity has a website, mobile app, browser-based trading tools, Active Trader Pro, and Fidelity Trader+ Desktop. Its lineup is ideal for investors who value a traditional approach to trading and for day traders looking for robust tools like advanced charting, customizable watchlists, and Level 2 price ladders.
Public presents a set of simple, streamlined platforms, perfect for users who prioritize ease of use and access to social sentiment. There is a web-based platform and a mobile app.
Ease of Use
While both Public and Fidelity are user-friendly, Public's mobile-first approach and intuitive design make it easier to use.
Fidelity has its own mobile app that provides a hassle-free investing experience, but Public’s approach is simpler, making it better for users newer to investing. Public’s simplicity also carries over to its website platform.
Public Vs. Fidelity: Which Broker is Better?
As is always the case, the better broker is the one that is best for you.
Public, with its user-friendly interface and no minimum deposit, offers newer investing products and features for automated investing, social interaction, and cash management. However, it has fewer account types than Fidelity, has less comprehensive research, and doesn't support mutual funds.
Fidelity offers a wide range of investments, extensive resources, a very good selection of account types, and support for international stocks and mutual funds. The broker is also one of the most cost-effective brokers in the industry. Despite all the good features, Fidelity’s features can overwhelm beginners since there are so many.
Broker Reviews
Go to Public Review
or to Fidelity Review
|
|
Updated on 9/4/2026.
I work in investment analytics and have been investing in the market since I was in high school. I enjoy anything that involves lots of strategy (i.e. a good game of chess), which is why I was naturally drawn to investing and researching companies. Outside of investing, I’m a big fan of the outdoors. In summer, you’re most likely to find me kayaking, camping, and hiking in the mountains.
|