InvestEngine vs Public.com: Full Broker Comparison for 2026

Based on our independent research and rating methodology, InvestEngine scores higher overall at 3.2/5 compared to Public.com's 3.0/5. InvestEngine's FCA regulation, free ISA account, dual-platform access, and focused ETF investing model give it a meaningful edge for most retail investors — particularly those based in the UK. That said, Public.com may be the better fit for US-based investors who want crypto access and a socially engaging mobile-first experience. The best choice ultimately depends on your location, investment goals, and preferred platform style.

Neither InvestEngine nor Public.com charges trading commissions on their core investing products, and both platforms report spreads from 0 pips. Additionally, neither broker levies deposit or withdrawal fees, making both genuinely low-cost options for retail investors. InvestEngine goes a step further by offering a completely free Stocks and Shares ISA, which is a tax-efficient account wrapper that most competitors charge an annual management fee for. For pure cost minimization, InvestEngine's overall fee structure provides slightly greater value, especially for UK investors who can benefit from the ISA tax shelter.

InvestEngine is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, which is widely considered one of the world's most rigorous financial regulators. FCA regulation includes access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which protects eligible UK investors for up to £85,000 in the event of firm failure. Public.com is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States, which provides credible and well-established oversight for US retail investors. Both regulatory bodies are respected, but the FCA's direct compensation scheme gives InvestEngine a slight safety edge — particularly for UK-based users.

Both InvestEngine and Public.com have set their minimum deposit requirement at $0, meaning there is no financial barrier to opening and funding an account on either platform. This makes both brokers highly accessible to first-time investors or those starting with small amounts. InvestEngine's zero minimum applies across all account types, including its managed portfolio and ISA accounts. Public.com's zero minimum similarly applies to its standard brokerage accounts for both stock and crypto investing. If you are starting with a very small initial investment, both platforms accommodate you equally on this metric.

Yes, Public.com supports cryptocurrency investing alongside its stock offering, making it a multi-asset platform for investors who want exposure to digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum without needing a separate crypto exchange account. InvestEngine, by contrast, does not currently offer cryptocurrency investing — its platform is focused exclusively on Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). If crypto access is a priority for your investment strategy, Public.com is the clear choice between these two platforms. However, if you prefer a regulated, tax-efficient ETF-based approach, InvestEngine's focused model may be more aligned with your goals.

InvestEngine supports two proprietary platforms: a web-based interface accessible from any desktop or laptop browser, and a dedicated mobile application. This dual-platform approach gives investors the flexibility to manage their portfolios from whichever device suits them best. Public.com, by contrast, is primarily a mobile-first platform with a proprietary app as its main interface, and it does not currently offer a fully featured web trading platform. For investors who regularly conduct portfolio reviews or make investment decisions on a desktop computer, InvestEngine's web platform provides a distinct usability advantage that Public.com does not currently match.

Neither InvestEngine nor Public.com is designed for professional or active traders. Both platforms are capped at a maximum leverage of 1:1, meaning no margin or leveraged trading is available on either platform. Both are explicitly built for long-term, buy-and-hold retail investors rather than short-term speculators or high-frequency traders. InvestEngine's ETF-only model further narrows its appeal for active traders who need access to individual equities, derivatives, or complex instruments. Public.com offers slightly more versatility with crypto, but it too lacks the advanced charting, order types, and execution tools that professional traders require. Investors seeking active trading capabilities should consider specialist brokers with broader instrument coverage.

Absolutely — there is no restriction on holding accounts at multiple brokers at the same time, and many experienced investors deliberately spread their assets across two or more platforms to access different markets, tools, and account types. For example, a UK-based investor might use InvestEngine for their tax-efficient ISA and ETF portfolio while maintaining a Public.com account for crypto exposure. Diversifying across platforms can also reduce single-platform risk. Just be mindful of keeping track of your total portfolio allocation and any tax reporting obligations that arise from holding investments across multiple accounts.

Both platforms are designed with accessibility in mind and are well-suited to beginner investors. InvestEngine's managed portfolio option is particularly valuable for complete beginners who want a professionally constructed, diversified ETF portfolio without needing to make individual investment decisions. The clean web and mobile interface make navigation straightforward, and the free ISA simplifies tax planning. Public.com appeals to beginners through its social investing features, which allow new investors to see what experienced community members are investing in and learn by observation. Both are strong choices for beginners, but InvestEngine's managed portfolio and ISA combination gives it a slight structural advantage for UK-based first-time investors.

InvestEngine focuses exclusively on Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), offering a curated library of funds covering global equities, bonds, commodities, and sector-specific indexes. While this makes InvestEngine highly specialized, it does mean investors cannot access individual stocks, crypto, or alternative assets on the platform. Public.com offers a broader asset mix, covering both individual stocks and cryptocurrency, giving investors more flexibility to construct a multi-asset portfolio. For investors who value asset diversity and want to hold both equities and digital currencies in one place, Public.com has a clear advantage. For investors committed to passive, diversified ETF investing, InvestEngine's specialized model is actually a feature rather than a limitation.