Hargreaves Lansdown vs Public.com 2026: Which Broker is Better?
In this broker comparison, we delve into the distinct offerings of Hargreaves Lansdown and Public.com, two platforms catering to different investor needs. Hargreaves Lansdown, a stalwart in the UK with over £140 billion in assets under management, appeals primarily to long-term investors seeking comprehensive research tools and tax-efficient accounts like ISAs. In contrast, Public.com, a newer entrant from the US, targets younger, socially-driven investors with its commission-free stock and crypto trading, enhanced by a social investing feed. While Hargreaves Lansdown is ideal for UK-based, research-focused investors, Public.com attracts those interested in a user-friendly, community-driven investment experience.
Hargreaves Lansdown
Public.com
| Hargreaves Lansdown | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 2.8/5 | 3.0/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| Regulation | FCA | SEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Mobile |
Public.com is the better choice overall, scoring 3.0/5 vs 2.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Hargreaves Lansdown offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowHargreaves Lansdown vs Public.com: Key Differences
Hargreaves Lansdown
Public.com
WinnerStill deciding between Hargreaves Lansdown and Public.com?
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Fees Comparison
Hargreaves Lansdown
Public.com
Lower feesBrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Hargreaves Lansdown
2.8/5
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want…
- More established (est. 1981)
- More platforms (2 supported)
Public.com
3.0/5
Choose Public.com if you want…
- Higher overall rating (3.0/5)
- No per-trade commission
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Hargreaves Lansdown better than Public.com?
Public.com scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Hargreaves Lansdown holds a 2.8/5 rating vs Public.com's 3.0/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Hargreaves Lansdown or Public.com?
Hargreaves Lansdown offers spreads from 0 pips, while Public.com starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Hargreaves Lansdown vs Public.com?
Hargreaves Lansdown requires a minimum deposit of $0. Public.com requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Hargreaves Lansdown or Public.com?
Hargreaves Lansdown is regulated by FCA, while Public.com holds licences from SEC.
5What trading platforms do Hargreaves Lansdown and Public.com support?
Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Public.com supports Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Hargreaves Lansdown and Public.com?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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