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
IBD's research platform for growth stock investing with CAN SLIM methodology, pattern recognition, and institutional sponsorship tracking.
Scanz
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.
Our Analysis
MarketSmith and Scanz serve different trader archetypes at similar $150/month pricing. MarketSmith targets growth investors committed to the CAN SLIM framework, providing proprietary ratings, pattern recognition, and institutional sponsorship tracking. Scanz is built for active day traders, offering real-time scanning with 100+ filters, Level II data, and aggregated news from 100+ sources. MarketSmith excels at methodical stock selection; Scanz at rapid opportunity detection.
MarketSmith's edge is the IBD-backed CAN SLIM methodology—a decades-proven system that removes emotion from stock selection. Scanz differentiates through scanning velocity: sub-second filtering with bundled Level I/II data, no add-on fees, and unique dollar volume metrics. Scanz also includes pre-/after-hours scanning and news streaming from 100+ sources in one plan.
MarketSmith suits buy-and-hold growth investors willing to master a methodology. Scanz is for active day traders executing rapid entries. MarketSmith demands a learning curve; Scanz lacks backtesting for strategy validation. Both charge premium rates for US equities only—choose based on whether you need a proven framework (MarketSmith) or pure execution speed (Scanz).
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