Stock scanners and screeners are integral tools used to search the markets for specific criteria for trading. They are great for finding setups and stocks to trade. Stock screeners help narrow potential plays, save time, and create an edge or trading system.
It’s important to rely on something other than a scanner to make your trading decisions. We’ve provided a list of some of the most popular stock scanners below. Just click any of the links to read our reviews.
List of the Best Stock Scanners for 2026
We compared popular stock scanners and screeners based on features, market data, charting, news, research tools, and the types of traders they are built for.
| Scanner | Best suited for | Key strength | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Ideas | Active/day traders | Real-time scanning | Paid |
| FinViz | Beginners/budget users | Easy screening | Free and paid |
| Thinkorswim | Schwab users | Scanner & trading platform | Included with platform |
| TrendSpider | Technical traders | Multi-factor technical scanning | Paid |
| Benzinga Pro | News-driven traders | News and scanning | Paid |
| Stock Rover | Investors | Fundamental screening | Free and paid |
Stock Scanners Overview
Trade Ideas
Overview
Trade Ideas is one of the most popular stock scanners for day traders. Their scanning software allows you to search for stocks using many different filters and trading criteria.
You can create custom scans, use pre-built scans, set alerts, and backtest trading strategies. Their artificial intelligence tool, Holly, also scans the market for potential trading opportunities.
Trade Ideas has a lot of features, so there is a learning curve when you first start using it. However, once you learn how to set up your scans, it can be a powerful tool for finding stocks to trade.
Read our Trade Ideas review for a closer look at the platform.
FinViz
Overview
Finviz is one of the most popular free stock screeners available. Their screener allows you to search for stocks using technical, fundamental, and descriptive filters.
You can screen by price, volume, market cap, sector, patterns, moving averages, and many other criteria. Their website also includes charts, maps, news, insider trading information, and other market data.
The free version has plenty of features for many traders. Finviz Elite adds additional features and real-time data.
Read our Finviz review to learn more.
Thinkorswim
Overview
Thinkorswim has a powerful stock scanner built directly into the trading platform. You can create scans based on price, volume, technical indicators, fundamental data, and many other criteria.
One of the benefits of Thinkorswim is having your scanner, charts, watch lists, and trading tools together in one platform. When you find a stock with the scanner, you can quickly pull up the chart and analyze the setup.
Thinkorswim is now offered through Charles Schwab after its acquisition of TD Ameritrade.
Read our Charles Schwab review for more information.
TrendSpider
Overview
TrendSpider combines stock scanning with technical analysis and automated charting tools. You can build scans based on technical indicators, price action, candlestick patterns, and other conditions.
One of the things that makes TrendSpider different is its automated technical analysis. The platform can help identify trendlines, support and resistance levels, and other technical conditions.
It also includes alerts and backtesting tools that can be useful when building and testing trading setups.
Read our TrendSpider review for more information.
Benzinga Pro
Overview
Benzinga Pro is known primarily for its real-time stock market news, but it also includes scanning and market-moving tools for active traders.
Traders can use Benzinga Pro to find stocks that are moving and then look for the news or catalyst behind the move. This can be especially useful for day traders who trade momentum and news-driven stocks.
The platform also includes alerts, calendars, market data, and other tools for following stocks throughout the trading day.
Read our Benzinga Pro review for more information.
Stock Rover
Overview
Stock Rover is geared more toward investors and fundamental research than fast-paced day trading. Their screener allows you to filter and compare stocks using a large amount of fundamental data.
You can use Stock Rover to research companies, compare stocks, create watch lists, and screen for investments based on the criteria that matter to you.
It’s a better fit for investors looking for longer-term opportunities than traders looking for fast intraday momentum scans.
Read our Stock Rover review for more information.
What Does a Stock Scanner Do?
A stock scanner searches the market for stocks that meet specific criteria. Traders can use scanners to look for price, volume, technical patterns, breakouts, and other market conditions.
The goal is to narrow down a large number of stocks into a smaller list that matches the setups you want to trade.
Why Use a Stock Scanner?
There are several reasons why traders use stock scanners:
Save time: Stock scanners can help traders analyze large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, saving them time searching for trades.
Identify potential trade setups: They can help traders identify potential trading opportunities by narrowing down a vast list of stocks to a predefined selection based on the trader’s interests.
Confirm patterns and trends: Stock scanners can be used with other trading tools, such as charting software or indicators, to confirm patterns and trends.
Determining the best stock scanner is difficult because everyone has different setups they like to trade. Our trading goals are different.
Types of Stock Scanners
Many stock scanners are available, each with different criteria and features. Here are some examples:
Gap and go scanners: They allow traders to search for stocks that are gapping up and looking for potential continuation.
High-volume scanners: These scanners allow traders to scan for stocks that have high trading volume.
High-of-day scanners: These allow traders to scan for stocks reaching their highest intraday price. Day traders use these scanners to search for momentum.
Dark pool scanners: These allow traders to search for stocks traded in dark pools. These scanners are popular among options traders.
Unusual options activity scanners: These allow traders to search for options trades with unusual volume or open interest.
Options Scanners
Options scanners allow traders to search for options setups based on specific criteria such as strike prices, expiration dates, or implied volatility.
For example, an options trader might use a scanner to search for calls or puts with a certain expiration date and strike price. The same thing applies to debit and credit spreads.
Unusual options activity scanners allow traders to search for options with highly unusual trading volume or large open interest.
Final Thoughts on Stock Scanners
There are a lot of different scanners to use when trading. If you’re new or on a budget, use a free stock scanner like Finviz before upgrading to a paid scanner.
The Bullish Bears team uses stock scanners to trade and build our watch lists. A scanner can help you find stocks, but you still need to review the chart and decide whether the setup is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stock scanners are essential tools for traders to find stocks to trade, but they are only as good as the trader executing the trades. They can help you determine potential stocks to trade. It’s up to you to decide if the setup is right to trade, which requires technical analysis and fundamental analysis research.
TradingView, Barchart, Finviz, and Stock Rover offer free stock scanners with the ability to upgrade for more features.
Our editors independently research the products and services we cover. We may receive commissions from purchases made through links in our articles. All information is provided for educational purposes and is not investment advice or a buy or sell recommendation. Read our full disclaimer.
