Platform Comparison

E*TRADE vs Public

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best platform for dividend investing

Higher Rated
ET

E*TRADE

★4.6

A full-service brokerage backed by Morgan Stanley, offering exceptional research, education, and five trading platforms for every skill level.

Full Review
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.

Full Review

Feature Comparison

FeatureE*TRADEPublic
Our Rating4.6/54.4/5
Trading Commissions$0$0
Account Minimum$0$0
Fractional SharesDRIP only$1 minimum
DRIPFreeFree
Research ToolsExcellentBasic
Best ForResearch-Focused InvestorsTransparency-Focused Investors

Pros & Cons

E*TRADE

Pros

  • + Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
  • + Industry-leading research from Morgan Stanley, Morningstar, and MarketEdge
  • + Free dividend reinvestment with fractional share support
  • + Five trading platforms from beginner-friendly to professional
  • + 5,000+ no-transaction-fee mutual funds

Cons

  • - No direct fractional share purchases (only through DRIP)
  • - Website navigation can be confusing
  • - Low interest rate on uninvested cash
  • - No cryptocurrency trading (coming 2026)

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 Platform is Right for You?

Choose E*TRADE if you...

  • Want research-focused investors focused features
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Choose Public if you...

  • Want transparency-focused investors focused features

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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.