MarketSmith vs Scanz (2026) — Which Is Better?

Compare MarketSmith and Scanz — features, pricing, pros and cons.

Quick Verdict

Higher Rated

MarketSmith (4.2)

More Affordable

MarketSmith ($149.95/mo)

MarketSmith

★★★★☆ 4.2/5

IBD's research platform for growth stock investing with CAN SLIM methodology, pattern recognition, and institutional sponsorship tracking.

From: $149.95/mo
Full review →

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 →

Feature Comparison

Feature MarketSmith Scanz
Rating 4.2 4.1
Starting Price $149.95/mo $169/mo
Free Tier No No
Markets stocks stocks, etfs
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

MarketSmith: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • + CAN SLIM methodology is proven over decades
  • + Proprietary ratings simplify stock selection
  • + Automatic chart pattern recognition
  • + Institutional sponsorship tracking

Cons

  • - Very expensive at $149.95/month
  • - Only useful for CAN SLIM and growth investing
  • - US stocks only
  • - Steep learning curve for the methodology

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

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