Kraken vs Public.com 2026: Which Broker is Better?
In the rapidly evolving world of online trading, Kraken and Public.com present distinct offerings tailored to different trader profiles. Kraken, established in 2011 and regulated by the FCA and CFTC, primarily appeals to seasoned cryptocurrency traders seeking strong regulatory compliance and diverse fiat on/off ramps, though its user interface may not be beginner-friendly. Conversely, Public.com, launched in 2019 and regulated by the SEC, targets novice investors with its commission-free stock and ETF trading, social investing features, and availability of fractional shares, albeit limited to mobile platforms. The key difference lies in their market focus and trading tools, with Kraken specialising in cryptocurrencies and offering limited leverage, while Public.com provides a broader asset range but lacks advanced trading features.
Kraken
Public.com
| Kraken | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.3/5 ✓ | 3.0/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0.2 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:5 ✓ | 1:1 |
| Regulation | FCA, CFTC ✓ | SEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Mobile |
Kraken is the better choice overall, scoring 4.3/5 vs 3.0/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Public.com offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowKraken vs Public.com: Key Differences
Kraken
Public.com
Still deciding between Kraken and Public.com?
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Fees Comparison
Kraken
Public.com
Lower feesBrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Kraken
4.3/5
Choose Kraken if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.3/5)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:5)
- More regulatory licences (2)
- More established (est. 2011)
Public.com
3.0/5
Choose Public.com if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- No per-trade commission
- More market types (2)
- Free withdrawals
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.
Both Kraken & Public.com are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Kraken better than Public.com?
Kraken scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Kraken holds a 4.3/5 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, Kraken or Public.com?
Kraken offers spreads from 0.2 pips, while Public.com starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Kraken vs Public.com?
Kraken requires a minimum deposit of $0. Public.com requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Kraken or Public.com?
Kraken is regulated by FCA, CFTC, while Public.com holds licences from SEC.
5What trading platforms do Kraken and Public.com support?
Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Public.com supports Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Kraken 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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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
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