Scanz vs thinkorswim Scanner (2026) — Which Is Better?
Compare Scanz and thinkorswim Scanner — features, pricing, pros and cons.
Quick Verdict
Higher Rated
thinkorswim Scanner (4.4)
More Affordable
Scanz ($169/mo)
Scanz
★★★★☆ 4.1/5
Professional real-time stock scanner with 100+ filters, best-in-class news streaming, and Level II data — all bundled into one all-inclusive plan for active day traders.
From: $169/mo
Full review →
thinkorswim Scanner
★★★★★ 4.4/5
Free professional-grade stock and options scanner bundled with Charles Schwab accounts, featuring ThinkScript customization, 400+ indicators, and real-time multi-market scanning.
From: Free
Full review →
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Scanz | thinkorswim Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.1 | ★ 4.4 |
| Starting Price | $169/mo | Free |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Markets | stocks, etfs | stocks, etfs, options, futures, forex, crypto |
| AI Analysis | ✗ | ✗ |
| Backtesting | ✗ | ✓ |
| Paper Trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Price Alerts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile App | ✗ | ✓ |
| API Access | ✗ | ✗ |
| Social Features | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broker Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automated Trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Trade Journaling | ✗ | ✗ |
| Performance Analytics | ✗ | ✓ |
| Risk Management | ✗ | ✓ |
| News Feed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Education Content | ✗ | ✓ |
Scanz: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Extremely fast real-time scanning with pre-market and after-hours coverage
- + Best-in-class news scanner aggregating 100+ sources including SEC filings
- + Level I and Level II data bundled — no add-on fees
- + All-inclusive single plan eliminates confusing tier upgrades
- + Unique dollar volume data not offered by most competitors
Cons
- - Expensive at $169/month with a strict no-refund policy
- - No backtesting capability — significant gap for strategy development
- - No mobile app and no API access
- - US equities only — no options, futures, forex, or crypto
thinkorswim Scanner: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Completely free with any Schwab account — no subscription, no platform fees, no data fees
- + Best-in-class options scanning with Option Hacker, Spread Hacker, and Sizzle Index
- + ThinkScript scripting language allows unlimited custom scan logic beyond preset filters
- + 400+ technical indicators and 30+ fundamental filters with up to 25 conditions per scan
- + PaperMoney simulator lets you test scan strategies with $100K virtual capital in live markets
- + Scans stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and forex in a single integrated platform
Cons
- - Steep learning curve with a dense, intimidating interface that takes weeks to navigate
- - No public API for external automation or programmatic integration
- - Mobile app uses a separate interface from desktop with reduced scanning capabilities
- - No AI-powered scanning or predictive signals — purely rule-based filtering
- - Complex scans can be slow during high-volume market hours
Guides & Tutorials
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