Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
Public.com
4.3 / 5
Strongest modern multi-asset broker for self-directed investors who want stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, Treasuries, crypto, IRAs, and 3.30% APY cash in one AI-native app. Unique options rebate, 6.07% Bond Account, and Agents — the first agentic-AI brokerage.
Last reviewed May 13, 2026Data may be outdated — verify rates before acting
TradeStation
4.2 / 5
Best for systematic and futures traders who want EasyLanguage scripting, direct routing, deep back-testing, and active-trader margin rates. Less retail-friendly than thinkorswim but unmatched for strategy automation.
Last reviewed May 13, 2026Data may be outdated — verify rates before acting
Sub-rating overlap
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Detailed comparison
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
Metric
Public.com
TradeStation
Winner
OverallEditorial score
4.30 / 5
4.20 / 5
Public.com
Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees
4.70
3.80
Public.com
Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools
4.00
4.70
TradeStation
Sub-ratingsMobile app
4.70
3.80
Public.com
Sub-ratingsResearch
3.50
4.00
TradeStation
Sub-ratingsEducation
4.00
4.20
TradeStation
Sub-ratingsCustomer service
3.00
3.80
TradeStation
Sub-ratingsRange of investments
4.00
4.20
TradeStation
Sub-ratingsActive trading
3.50
4.80
TradeStation
PricingLowest margin rate
3.95%
4.25%
Public.com
PricingDefault cash sweep yield
3.30%
—
Public.com
PricingPFOF on equities
Accepts
Accepts
Tie
Where they differ on asset coverage
Asset class
Public.com
TradeStation
US stocks (NYSE/Nasdaq)
Yes
OTC stocks
Limited
Fractional shares
Yes
No
Equity / ETF options (single + multi-leg)
Yes
Index options (SPX, NDX, VIX, XSP, CBTX)
Yes
Mutual funds
No
Limited
Corporate bonds (Bond Account)
Yes
Forex
No
Yes
Futures
No
Crypto (direct)
Yes
Crypto IRA
Yes
International stocks
Limited
IPOs
Yes
Alternative assets (Otis)
Yes
Direct Indexing Account
Yes
24-hour overnight equity trading
No
Limited
US stocks
Yes
OTC / Pink Sheets
Yes
Options
Yes
Corporate bonds
Limited
Futures / futures options
Yes
Crypto
No
International stocks (US app)
Limited
Public.com strengths
Industry-low retail margin starter — 4.90% on debits under $50K; drops to 3.95% above $50M
Only options rebate program in US retail — $0.06–$0.18 per stock/ETF contract back (50% of PFOF revenue)
Bond Account: 6.07% yield-to-worst across 10 diversified corporate bonds, $1,000 minimum, monthly interest
Agents (launched March 31, 2026) — first agentic-AI brokerage with prompt-driven automated trading workflows
High-Yield Cash Account: 3.30% APY with no subscription, no minimum, $5M FDIC sweep across partner-bank network
Uncapped 1% match on portfolio transfers/IRA rollovers (5-year hold); 1% match on annual IRA contributions
TradeStation strengths
EasyLanguage scripting and back-testing — uncontested for systematic US strategies
Direct routing for advanced order execution
RadarScreen real-time scanning across thousands of symbols
OptionStation Pro for options analytics and back-testing
Active-trader margin rates as low as 4.25% (vs. 10%+ at Schwab/Fidelity)