★ BEST INVESTING TOOLS COMPARISON ★
VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
Tool details checked July 17, 2026
Tool Comparison
Pearler vs Public.com
Pick Pearler if
Pearler
Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction · Web · Mobile
Pick Public.com if
Public.com
Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction · Web · Mobile
- You care about options, something Pearler doesn't offer
- You've outgrown the basics and want pro-level depth
Skip both if: Neither one clicks with how you research; there are strong third options.
See alternativesOutbound links may include affiliate or sponsor codes.
Our take
The bottom line
Pearler and Public.com cover a lot of the same ground (4 shared categories, including brokerage, portfolio, and watchlist), so for the basics you won't go far wrong with either. On paper they're closely matched, so let pricing, platform fit, and the details below break the tie.
What readers say
Pearler
Vote once to reveal the community verdict.
Public.com
Vote once to reveal the community verdict.
Key differences at a glance
- Global coverage
- Pearler
- Asset coverage
- Public.comAdds options and bonds
See for yourself
How they stack up
The side-by-side table: pricing, platforms, data, and coverage at a glance.ShowHide
How they stack up
The side-by-side table: pricing, platforms, data, and coverage at a glance.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & plans | ||
Starting price | Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction | Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction |
Free tier | No | No |
Free trial | — | — |
| Platforms & access | ||
Web app | Yes | Yes |
Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
API access | No | No |
| Audience & fit | ||
Experience level | Beginner, Intermediate | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for | — | — |
Categories covered | 4 | 5 |
Regions | APAC, North America | North America |
| Try it | Visit Pearler | Visit Public.com |
Where each one shines
What Pearler and Public.com each do best.ShowHide
Where each one shines
What Pearler and Public.com each do best.What Pearler does best
- CHESS-sponsored ASX stocks and ETFs through Openmarkets.
- Whole and fractional U.S. stocks and ETFs through Alpaca Securities.
- A$6.50 per direct ASX or U.S. buy or sell.
- Automated investing and portfolio rebalancing workflows.
- Individual, joint, minor, trust, SMSF and company ASX accounts.
What Public.com does best
- Regular-hours U.S.-listed stock and ETF trades with $0 stated commission.
- Listed stock and ETF options with no base commission or standard contract fee.
- Eligible stock and ETF fractions from $5, with security and transfer limitations.
- Cash or margin brokerage plus Traditional and Roth IRA registrations.
- Recurring Investment Plans spanning up to 20 stock and ETF symbols per purchase.
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for Pearler and Public.com, side by side.ShowHide
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for Pearler and Public.com, side by side.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coverage & fit | ||
Asset types | StocksETFs | StocksETFsOptionsBonds |
Experience | BeginnerIntermediate | BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced |
Regions | APACNorth America | North America |
Coverage details | Countries: AUIdentifiers: Ticker | Identifiers: Ticker and CUSIP |
| Access & integrations | ||
Export formats | CSVPDF | CSVPDF |
| Plans & trust | ||
Vendor & support | Pearler Investments Pty LtdCountry: AustraliaSupport: Chat, Phone, and Email | Open to the Public Investing, Inc.Country: United StatesSupport: Chat and Email |
Green tags are exclusive to that tool in this comparison.
What you'll actually pay
Plans, billing, trials, and per-month pricing for both tools.ShowHide
What you'll actually pay
Plans, billing, trials, and per-month pricing for both tools.| Tier | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | — | Free“Standard” |
| Entry paid plan | — | $10/mo“Public Premium” |
Questions we keep getting
What's the difference between Pearler and Public.com?
Pearler leans toward brokerage, portfolio, and watchlist, while Public.com puts more weight on brokerage, portfolio, and watchlist. They overlap in 4 categories, so for most people it comes down to workflow preference and price.
How much do Pearler and Public.com cost?
Neither has a free plan; you'll need a paid subscription for the full feature set of either. Check each tool's current plan details before buying.
Which is better for beginners: Pearler or Public.com?
Honestly, neither is aimed at beginners. Expect a learning curve either way; that's the trade-off for the depth they offer.
Should I choose Pearler or Public.com?
It depends on what you're after. Pick Pearler if you prefer its overall approach; go with Public.com if you'd rather have options. And if you only need the basics both share, let price decide.
What asset classes do Pearler and Public.com cover?
Both cover stocks and ETFs. Public.com adds options and bonds on top.
Which covers international markets: Pearler or Public.com?
Pearler has documented international coverage (APAC and North America), so it's the safer bet if you hold non-US stocks. Public.com is more region-specific, mainly North America.
Can I export data from Pearler and Public.com?
Yes, both export to spreadsheets (CSV), which is handy if you like running your own numbers.
Can I track my portfolio with Pearler or Public.com?
Yes, both do portfolio tracking: holdings, performance, and allocation in one place.
Keep researching
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Curation & Accuracy
This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).
Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.