Lightyear vs Public.com 2026: Which Broker is Better?
In the competitive landscape of online brokerage services, Lightyear and Public.com offer distinct advantages tailored to different types of traders. Lightyear, with a rating of 2.74/5, is ideal for UK investors seeking commission-free trading in US and EU stocks, coupled with a simple and modern mobile interface. In contrast, Public.com, rated 3.01/5, appeals to US traders interested in a diverse range of assets, including crypto and ETFs, supported by a social investing platform. The key difference lies in their market offerings, with Lightyear focusing solely on stocks, while Public.com extends its reach to cryptocurrencies and alternative investments.
Lightyear
Public.com
| Lightyear | Public.com | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 2.7/5 | 3.0/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| Regulation | FCA | SEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Mobile |
Public.com is the better choice overall, scoring 3.0/5 vs 2.7/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Lightyear offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowLightyear vs Public.com: Key Differences
Still deciding between Lightyear and Public.com?
Skip the back-and-forth — answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to your best fit.
Fees Comparison
Lightyear
Public.com
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Lightyear
2.7/5
Choose Lightyear if you want…
Similar strengths to Public.com — compare below.
Public.com
3.0/5
Choose Public.com if you want…
- Higher overall rating (3.0/5)
- More market types (2)
- More established (est. 2019)
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 Lightyear better than Public.com?
Public.com scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Lightyear holds a 2.7/5 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, Lightyear or Public.com?
Lightyear 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 Lightyear vs Public.com?
Lightyear requires a minimum deposit of $0. Public.com requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Lightyear or Public.com?
Lightyear is regulated by FCA, while Public.com holds licences from SEC.
5What trading platforms do Lightyear and Public.com support?
Lightyear supports Proprietary Mobile. Public.com supports Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Lightyear 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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