Stock Scanners: Stox.io vs. Trade Ideas – Which One is Right for You?

If you are a stock trader who day trades or swing trades, a stock scanner is a very crucial tool that helps you choose the right stocks for your trading strategies.

Many famous traders have emphasized the importance of premarket trade planning, including Lance Breitstein, Mike Bellafiore, Steven Dux, and many more.

With the help of a stock scanner, traders can become more efficient in their stock research process and more accurate in choosing stocks that fit the criteria of their strategies.

In this article, we’re diving into a detailed comparison of two popular stock scanners: Stox.io and Trade Ideas. Both have their strengths, but one might just fit your trading style—and budget—a bit better.

Whether you’re a day trader hunting for momentum stocks, a swing trader looking for consistent setups, or just someone dipping their toes into the stock market, this breakdown will provide everything you need to know to make an informed choice about your stock scanner.

Let’s dive into the details and figure out which one might be right for you.

What Is a Stock Scanner?

But first, what exactly are Stox.io and Trade Ideas?

Both are stock scanners, which means they’re tools designed to help you filter through thousands of stocks to find the ones that match your trading strategy.

Whether it’s a stock gapping up pre-market, a stock breaking out, or if you’re looking for a stock specific to your criteria to execute your strategies, scanners like these make sure you’re not wasting time scrolling through endless tickers.

Now, let’s start breaking down their features.

Stox.io vs Trade Ideas: Pricing

Trade Ideas Pricing

Trade Ideas offers two main plans:

Standard Plan: $127 a month or $1,068 if you go yearly.
Premium Plan: $254 a month or $2,136 annually. This plan includes extra features like AI and auto-trading capabilities, which we’ll cover later.

Stox.io Pricing

On the other hand, Stox keeps it simple with just one plan:

Single Plan: $70 monthly or $699 if you pay annually.

If you’re just starting out or trading on a budget, Stox.io definitely has an edge on pricing, offering essential features at a more accessible price point. However, Trade Ideas may have some premium features that experienced traders might think are worth the investment.

Stox.io vs Trade Ideas: Accessibility and User Interface

Stox.io Interface and Accessibility

Stox.io is fully web-based, meaning you can log in from any device: your PC, laptop, or even your phone!

No downloads are required, making it perfect for traders on the go.
The interface is clean and simple, making it easy to navigate whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting out.

Trade Ideas Interface and Accessibility

Trade Ideas offers both desktop and web-based platforms:

The desktop version is powerful and highly customizable but is notoriously complex, especially for new users.
The mobile platform, however, has limited functionality and doesn’t include all the features of their desktop version.

Stox.io’s mobile-friendly design makes it ideal for traders on the go, while Trade Ideas works well for those trading primarily on a desktop.

Stox.io vs Trade Ideas: Market Coverage and Data Accuracy

Stox.io Market Coverage

Stox.io offers real-time data during extended trading hours, from 4 AM to 8 PM EST.

This includes live Level 1 data for U.S. equities, including stocks, ETFs, and ADRs.

Trade Ideas Market Coverage

Trade Ideas provides live data for both U.S. and Canadian markets:

This can be beneficial if you’re interested in trading securities from both countries.
The premium plan offers Level 2 data, which includes multiple bid and ask levels for deeper market insights.
However, their premarket and aftermarket hours are not as extensive as those of Stox.io.

Both platforms use real-time data feeds directly from exchanges, ensuring accurate and up-to-date data.

Stox.io vs Trade Ideas: Scanning and Chart Integration

Scanning Capabilities

Both tools allow filtering through thousands of stocks using specific criteria like:

Price
Volume
Market cap
Float
Gap percentage

Stox.io Scanning Tools

Stox.io’s scanning interface is user-friendly:

It allows filtering based on a variety of criteria, including sectors and industries, which is great if you’re focusing on specific market segments.
It’s simple to use, making it quick to set up scans and start finding stocks that match your trading strategy.
Integrated with TradingView, traders benefit from advanced charting tools without needing to switch platforms.

Trade Ideas Scanning Tools

Trade Ideas provides highly customizable scans for more experienced traders:

It offers deep customization options and a wide range of filters.
However, this complexity means a steeper learning curve.

Chart Integration

Both platforms offer charting tools, but they differ in execution:

Stox.io: Leverages TradingView for advanced charting and custom technical indicators.
Trade Ideas: Provides built-in charts and offers the option to trade directly through the platform via the “Brokerage Plus” feature on the premium plan.

Stox.io vs Trade Ideas: Alerts and Notifications

Trade Ideas Alerts

Trade Ideas offers real-time, customizable alerts to keep you informed when specific market conditions are met.

Stox.io Alerts

Stox.io is currently developing an alert feature. Developers have promised an innovative and beginner-friendly design in future updates, which is highly anticipated.

Stox.io vs Trade Ideas: Education and Community Support

Trade Ideas Educational Resources

Trade Ideas provides extensive educational content:

Trade Ideas University: Webinars, tutorials, and a live trading room to interact with other traders.

Stox.io Community Support

Stox.io doesn’t offer in-house educational content but supports traders through:

Humbled Trader YouTube Channel: Free crash courses, strategy lessons, and market insights by Stox’s co-founder Shay.
Discord Community: Connect with other traders, watch tutorials, and directly suggest features to developers.

Unique Features of Trade Ideas

AI Integration: The premium plan includes “Holly,” an AI assistant that generates trade ideas.
Backtesting Tools: Analyze strategies with the “OddsMaker” tool.
Automated and Simulated Trading: Enables testing and implementing strategies directly on the platform.

While these features are powerful, they come at a higher cost and require a steeper learning curve.

Stox.io vs. Trade Ideas: Pros and Cons Comparison

Pros and Cons of Stox.io

Pros:

Affordable pricing with essential features.
Clean and intuitive design.
Accessible from any device.
Integration with TradingView for advanced charting.

Cons:

Limited to U.S. equities.
Missing premium features like AI, backtesting, and automation.

Pros and Cons of Trade Ideas