Public vs Webull 2026: Low-Cost Options or Better Trading Tools?
Public and Webull both attract cost-conscious traders, but they are built for different habits. Public leans into simplicity and options rebates, while Webull gives traders stronger charting, better active-trading workflows, and more technical depth out of the box.
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Public is worth listing because it is FINRA-regulated, available to U.S. investors, covered by multiple top-tier review sources, and offers real listed options with a cost structure no other mainstream broker matches. I would not rank it above specialized options platforms, but for fee-sensitive beginners who want free options trading and a polished app, it is a credible option.
Webull delivers the best free options trading platform available. Zero commissions including on contracts, advanced charting, and extended hours access make it an exceptional value. The platform for cost-conscious active traders.
Side-by-Side Comparison
How we review: Our team opens real accounts and tests every platform hands-on. We evaluate on commissions, tools, and execution — never influenced by affiliate relationships. Editorial policy →
| Feature | Public | Webull |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 4 | 4.5 |
| Commissions | Free + rebates | Free |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Free to Close Options | No | No |
| Paper Trading | — | Yes |
| Account Types | Individual, Joint, IRA | Individual, IRA, Paper Trading |
| Regulated | FINRA / SIPC | FINRA / SIPC |
Public — Full Review
Public Investing launched in 2019, so it clears the seasoning threshold and is no longer a fresh startup. Tier 1 coverage from NerdWallet, Bankrate, and StockBrokers shows a consistent pattern: strong design, unusually attractive options economics, and weaker advanced tooling than the best dedicated trading platforms. That makes Public more of a low-cost beginner-to-intermediate options broker than a destination for heavy strategy traders, but that niche is still meaningful for The Option Stack audience.
Webull — Full Review
Webull emerged as a serious competitor by offering everything Robinhood does but with actual trading tools. The charting platform supports 50+ technical indicators, drawing tools, and multi-chart layouts that rival TradingView. Options trading is fully commission-free — not just on stocks but including the per-contract fee that Tastytrade and others charge. The paper trading mode is a standout feature, letting new traders practice with real market data without risking capital. Extended hours trading from 4am to 8pm ET gives active traders more flexibility than most platforms. The desktop app is powerful and the mobile app is among the most feature-complete in the industry.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Public if your priority is minimizing options costs, keeping the interface simple, and using a brokerage that blends options, bonds, and other assets in one beginner-friendly app.
Choose Webull if you need stronger charting, paper trading, richer active-trading tools, and a platform that still keeps stock and options commissions effectively at zero for retail traders.