Platform Comparison

eToro vs Public

Compare eToro and Public on fees, DRIP, fractional shares and research for dividend investing.

eT

eToro

3.6

A social investing platform where you can copy successful traders' portfolios automatically—but dividend investors face significant tax and DRIP limitations.

Higher Rated
PB

Public

4.4

A transparent, community-focused investing platform that rejects payment for order flow in favor of optional tipping—putting your interests first.

eToro vs Public: Fees, Minimums & DRIP Compared

FeatureeToroPublic
Our Rating3.6/54.4/5
Trading Commissions$0$0
Account Minimum$10$0
Fractional SharesN/A$1 minimum
DRIPNoFree
Research ToolsBasicBasic
Best ForCopy TradersTransparency-Focused Investors

eToro vs Public: Pros and Cons

eToro

Pros

  • + Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • + CopyTrader lets you automatically mirror successful investors
  • + Social features—see what others are buying and why
  • + Fractional shares starting at $10
  • + Access to stocks, ETFs, crypto, and CFDs

Cons

  • - NO DRIP—dividends cannot be automatically reinvested
  • - 30% dividend withholding tax (eToro is Ireland-based)
  • - US residents cannot reclaim withheld dividend taxes
  • - $5 withdrawal fee on all withdrawals

Public

Pros

  • + No payment for order flow—potentially better trade execution
  • + Commission-free stocks, ETFs, and options trading
  • + Fractional shares starting at just $1
  • + Free dividend reinvestment with fractional share support
  • + High interest rate on uninvested cash

Cons

  • - No mutual funds available
  • - Limited research and screening tools
  • - Extended hours trading costs $2.99 per order (non-Premium)
  • - Penny stocks cost $2.99 per trade (non-Premium)

Which Is Better for Dividend Investors: eToro or Public?

Choose eToro if you...

  • Are in eToro's core audience: copy traders

Choose Public if you...

  • Are in Public's core audience: transparency-focused investors
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Want the full breakdown of fees, DRIP, and research tools? Read our eToro review and Public review.

Investment Disclaimer

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.