Searching for the ultimate guide to stock scanning software? You just landed on the right page. I’ve spent years evaluating tools that help traders and investors zero in on market-moving opportunities, and Finviz consistently stands out as a powerful, user-friendly solution.

If you’re overwhelmed by candlesticks, filters, and mountains of data, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. That’s why I trust Finviz, a leader in market visualization since 2007 with millions of users worldwide and top industry awards for innovation. Ready to transform your market research? Get Started with Finviz for Free Today.

What is Finviz?

Finviz is a comprehensive stock scanning software platform designed to help day traders, swing traders, and long-term investors quickly pinpoint stocks that match their strategies. By combining intuitive visual tools, powerful screening filters, and real-time data, Finviz empowers you to discover new opportunities and manage risk effectively.

Finviz Overview

Finviz was founded in 2007 with a mission to simplify complex market data through powerful visualizations. Over more than a decade of growth, it has become the go-to platform for millions of traders and investors, from beginners to professionals. The team’s goal has always been to deliver cutting-edge features—real-time quotes, advanced charting, and backtesting—within a clean, ad-free interface.

Driven by feedback from its active user community, Finviz continuously enhances its capabilities. Milestones include the launch of Finviz Elite in 2014, the rollout of extended hours data coverage, and the introduction of proprietary correlation algorithms that uncover hidden relationships between stocks and sectors. Today, Finviz stands at the forefront of visual stock analysis.

Pros and Cons

✅ Real-time and extended hours data: Access live quotes including premarket and aftermarket sessions for accurate, up-to-the-second insights.

✅ Advanced charting tools: Intraday charts, technical overlays, interactive drawing tools, and performance comparison layouts for in-depth analysis.

✅ Powerful backtesting: Test strategies against 24 years of historical data and benchmark results versus the SPY ETF before risking capital.

✅ Correlation analysis: Identify correlated and inversely correlated stocks to diversify risk and discover alternative positions.

✅ Customizable screener: Build detailed filters, export results, and view key statistics to refine your watchlists and uncover hidden gems.

✅ Instant alerts and notifications: Get email and push alerts for news, price moves, portfolio changes, and when new tickers match your criteria.

❌ Elite plan cost: Premium features require a subscription starting at $39.50 per month.

❌ Learning curve: Mastering advanced filters, correlations, and backtesting may take time for beginners.

❌ Delayed data on free plan: Real-time quotes and extended hours are locked behind the Elite subscription.

Features

Finviz packs a suite of powerful features tailored for comprehensive market research and effective decision-making.

Completely Ad-Free Layout

Say goodbye to clutter and distracting ads. Elite users enjoy a clean, streamlined interface that keeps the focus on charts, maps, and screening results.

Real-Time & Extended Hours Data

Monitor market movements as they happen, including early premarket action from 4:00 AM and aftermarket trends. Real-time data feeds power multiple sections:

• Homepage heatmaps and sector maps
• Interactive charts and live quotes
• Stock screener results

Advanced Charts

Unlock in-depth technical analysis with:

• Intraday charts with selectable timeframes
• Custom overlays, indicators, and drawing tools
• Fullscreen layouts and side-by-side performance comparisons

Backtests

Evaluate your trading strategies before risking real capital. Finviz offers:

• 100 technical indicators for strategy development
• 24 years of historical data to test market conditions
• Benchmark comparisons versus SPY for relative performance

Correlations

Diversify or hedge positions by identifying relationships between securities:

• Proprietary algorithms for precise correlation scores
• Lists of correlated and inversely correlated stocks
• Tools to optimize portfolio risk through diversification

Advanced Screener

Filter stocks with granular criteria and export your results:

• Custom fields, advanced charts, and statistical views
• Data export to Excel or API integrations
• Expanded presets and items per page for deeper dives

Alerts & Notifications

Stay on top of market-moving events:

• Email and push alerts for news, ratings, and SEC filings
• Price threshold and portfolio performance triggers
• Notifications when new tickers meet your screener criteria

Finviz Pricing

Finviz offers a tiered approach to fit a range of budgets and needs.

Elite Plan

Price: $39.50 per month or $24.96 per month billed annually

Ideal for active traders and professionals who require real-time data and advanced tools.

• Real-time quotes, extended hours data, and no ads
• Intraday and multi-layout charts with technical studies
• Backtesting, correlations, advanced screener, and export capabilities
• Unlimited email and push notifications
• Start your 7-day free trial

Free Plan

Price: $0

Perfect for beginners or casual investors who need basic screening and delayed market data.

• Delayed quotes, charts, screener results, and maps
• Limited presets and items per page
• Standard charts without intraday data or overlays

Finviz Is Best For

Whether you’re just starting out or trading full time, Finviz tailors its tools to different audiences:

Day Traders

Intraday charts, real-time alerts, and premarket data help you catch fast-moving opportunities and manage positions throughout the trading day.

Swing Traders

Advanced screening filters and backtesting allow you to discover momentum and breakout candidates, then test strategies over historical cycles.

Long-Term Investors

Fundamental charts, correlation analysis, and extended backtests support research for buy-and-hold portfolios, sector rotation, and risk management.

Beginners

The free tier offers a no-cost introduction to screener basics and market visualization, helping new traders learn to refine criteria and interpret charts.

Benefits of Using Finviz

Integrating Finviz into your workflow delivers clear advantages that drive smarter decisions and better outcomes:

• Speed: Rapid screening and instant visual heatmaps ensure you never miss a market-moving event.
• Clarity: Clean, ad-free layouts eliminate distractions and highlight actionable data.
• Versatility: A single platform for technical, fundamental, and correlation analysis.
• Evidence-based strategies: Backtesting with decades of data gives confidence before you commit capital.
• Risk management: Correlation tools and alerts help you diversify and stay ahead of adverse moves.
• Customization: Tailor filters, charts, and notifications to your unique trading style.

Customer Support

Finviz offers responsive email support and a comprehensive help center covering everything from screener tutorials to troubleshooting technical issues. Response times average under 24 hours for Elite subscribers, ensuring you get quick assistance when it matters most.

In addition to direct support, Finviz maintains a detailed FAQ section and user guides that walk you through advanced features step by step. Whether you’re setting up your first filter or backtesting a complex strategy, help is always available.

External Reviews and Ratings

Finviz receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its intuitive interface, powerful screening capabilities, and robust charting tools. Users frequently praise the real-time data feeds and the depth of customization available in the Elite plan. Many note that the correlation feature has transformed their risk management approach.

Some users mention a learning curve when first diving into advanced filters and backtests. Others feel the Elite subscription is pricey compared to basic screeners. However, most agree that the time and capital saved by avoiding untested strategies and seizing timely opportunities more than justify the cost.

Educational Resources and Community

Finviz hosts a blog featuring market analysis, strategy breakdowns, and trade ideas from industry experts. Regular webinars and video tutorials guide users through powerful features step by step. The active online community on social media and trading forums shares screener setups, chart templates, and trade rationales—making it easy to learn from fellow traders.

Additionally, Finviz periodically publishes detailed whitepapers on correlation techniques, backtesting best practices, and sector rotation strategies. Engaging with these resources helps you sharpen your skills and maximize the value of the platform.

Conclusion

Mastering a stock scanning software tool is essential for any trader or investor looking to stay ahead of the market. Finviz combines speed, clarity, and depth—real-time data, advanced charts, backtesting, correlations, and custom alerts—in a single, powerful platform. Ready for a transformative edge? Mid-way through your research, you’ll appreciate why millions trust Finviz to refine their setups and manage risk.

Get Started with Finviz for Free Today and unlock your potential to find high-probability opportunities more efficiently.