Acorns vs Public
Complete comparison to help you choose the right app
A
Acorns
$3-5/month
P
Public
Free
Quick Summary
Choose Acorns if you want:
- Effortless investing
- Great for beginners
- Round-ups add up
Choose Public if you want:
- Social features
- No payment for order flow
- Good for learning
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Acorns | Public |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 (890.0K reviews) | 4.5/5 (165.0K reviews) |
| Pricing | $3-5/month | Free |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android, Web |
| Best For | first time investors, beginners | first time investors, students |
| Founded | 2012 | 2019 |
Features Overview
Acorns Features
- Round-up investing
- Recurring investments
- Retirement accounts
- Checking account
- Bonus investments
- Found Money rewards
- Educational content
Public Features
- Social investing
- Commission-free trades
- Crypto trading
- Fractional shares
- Community features
- News feed
- Treasury bills
Pros & Cons
Acorns
Pros
- Effortless investing
- Great for beginners
- Round-ups add up
- All-in-one financial app
- Educational resources
Cons
- Fees high for small balances
- Limited investment options
- Not for active traders
Public
Pros
- Social features
- No payment for order flow
- Good for learning
- Stocks and crypto
- Treasury bills
Cons
- Limited research tools
- No retirement accounts
- Social aspect distracting