★ BEST INVESTING TOOLS COMPARISON ★
VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
Tool details checked August 23, 2026
Tool Comparison
CommSec vs ETF Action
Pick CommSec if
CommSec
Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction · Web · Mobile
- You do a lot of your research from your phone
- You care about brokerage, options, and downloadable tax reports, things ETF Action doesn't offer
Pick ETF Action if
ETF Action
Free • From $29/mo · Web · API
- You'd rather start free and only pay if you outgrow it
- Delayed quotes won't cut it; you need real-time data
- You want an API so you can script or automate things
Skip both if: Neither one clicks with how you research; there are strong third options.
See alternativesOutbound links may include affiliate or sponsor codes.
Our take
The bottom line
CommSec and ETF Action cover a lot of the same ground (2 shared categories, portfolio and watchlist), so for the basics you won't go far wrong with either. ETF Action simply does more: 13 categories to CommSec's 5, including ETF analysis, ETF factors, and ETF overlap. CommSec counters by keeping things simpler.
What readers say
CommSec
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ETF Action
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Key differences at a glance
- Free plan
- ETF Action
- Broader coverage
- ETF Action13 vs 5 categories
- Mobile app
- CommSec
- API access
- ETF Action
- Real-time data
- ETF Action
- Asset coverage
- CommSecAdds options
See for yourself
How they stack up
The side-by-side table: pricing, platforms, data, and coverage at a glance.ShowHide
How they stack up
The side-by-side table: pricing, platforms, data, and coverage at a glance.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & plans | ||
Starting price | Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction | Free • From $29/mo |
Free tier | No | Yes |
Free trial | — | — |
| Platforms & access | ||
Web app | Yes | Yes |
Mobile app | Yes | No |
API access | No | Yes |
Broker sync | — | No |
Integrations | — | Polygon.io (pricing), Bridge (model trading integration) +1 more |
| Audience & fit | ||
Experience level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for | — | — |
Categories covered | 5 | 13 |
Regions | APAC, North America, Europe | North America, Europe, APAC, LatAm, Middle East, Africa |
| Data & capabilities | ||
Data quality | — | 4 signals: Latency: Real-time and End of Day, Granularity: EOD +2 more |
Capabilities | — | 5 signals: Universe builder, Factors: Value, Quality, Momentum, Growth, LowVol, and Size +3 more |
| Try it | Visit CommSec | Visit ETF Action |
Where each one shines
What CommSec and ETF Action each do best.ShowHide
Where each one shines
What CommSec and ETF Action each do best.What CommSec does best
- CHESS-sponsored Australian shares, ETFs and listed investments.
- International stocks across U.S., Canada, Europe and Asian markets.
- Domestic online brokerage from A$5 with eligible CDIA settlement.
- Custodian-supported international fractional and recurring orders.
- Exchange-traded options, research, screeners, and market tools.
What ETF Action does best
- Research ETFs by size and style, region, country, sector, industry, theme, fixed income, non-traditional assets, commodities, and crypto.
- Look-through holdings analytics to inspect factor, style, sector, industry, country, and concentration exposure inside funds and models.
- Comparison tools for ETF overlap across individual funds or full model portfolios to understand hidden duplication and concentration risk.
- Monitor ETF flows, trading volume, average daily volume, and daily data updates from platform dashboards.
- Screeners, watchlists, fund dashboards, Excel or CSV exports, and live indicative FMV quote context where plan limits allow.
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for CommSec and ETF Action, side by side.ShowHide
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for CommSec and ETF Action, side by side.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coverage & fit | ||
Asset types | StocksETFsOptions | ETFsStocks |
Experience | BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced | BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced |
Regions | APACNorth AmericaEurope | North AmericaEuropeAPACLatAmMiddle EastAfrica |
Coverage details | Countries: AUIdentifiers: Ticker | Exchanges: ARCX, XNAS, and BATSIdentifiers: Ticker |
| Data | ||
Data freshness | Not specified | Real-timeEnd of Day |
Data granularity | Not specified | EOD |
| Access & integrations | ||
Import methods | Not specified | CSV |
Integrations | Not specified | Polygon.io (pricing)Bridge (model trading integration)RiverFront (model marketplace/partnership) |
Export formats | CSVPDF | ExcelCSVPDF |
| Plans & trust | ||
Capability signals | Not specified | Universe builderFactors: Value, Quality, Momentum, Growth, LowVol, and SizeFactor exposureRebalancingPortfolio factor exposure |
Vendor & support | Commonwealth Securities LimitedCountry: AustraliaSupport: Phone and Email | ETF Action, Inc.Country: USFounded 2018Support: Email |
Curation ratings | Not specified | Methodology 3/5Reliability 4/5UX 4/5 |
Green tags are exclusive to that tool in this comparison.
What you'll actually pay
Plans, billing, trials, and per-month pricing for both tools.ShowHide
What you'll actually pay
Plans, billing, trials, and per-month pricing for both tools.| Tier | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | — | Free“Free / Basic” |
| Entry paid plan | — | $29/mo“DIY” |
| Tier 2 | — | $99/mo“Advisor Pro” |
| Top plan | — | $199/mo“Model Builder” |
| Custom / enterprise | — | Contact sales“Enterprise” |
Questions we keep getting
What's the difference between CommSec and ETF Action?
CommSec leans toward brokerage, portfolio, and watchlist, while ETF Action puts more weight on ETF analysis, ETF factors, and ETF overlap. They overlap in 2 categories, so for most people it comes down to workflow preference and price.
Is CommSec or ETF Action free to use?
ETF Action has a free tier, so you can get started without paying anything. CommSec is paid-only. If budget matters, start with ETF Action and see how far it takes you before opening your wallet.
Can I use CommSec or ETF Action on my phone?
CommSec lists a dedicated mobile app, so it travels better. ETF Action doesn't list a dedicated mobile app; its documented access is web and API.
Does CommSec or ETF Action have an API?
ETF Action has an API for programmatic access and custom integrations. CommSec doesn't, so you're working through its interface.
Should I choose CommSec or ETF Action?
It depends on what you're after. Pick CommSec if brokerage and options matter to you; go with ETF Action if you'd rather have ETF analysis and ETF factors. And if you only need the basics both share, let price decide.
What asset classes do CommSec and ETF Action cover?
Both cover stocks and ETFs. CommSec also handles options.
Does CommSec or ETF Action have real-time data?
ETF Action offers real-time data, which matters if you trade actively. CommSec runs on delayed or end-of-day data, which is perfectly fine for longer-term investors who don't live and die by the tick.
Can I export data from CommSec and ETF Action?
Yes, both export to spreadsheets (CSV), which is handy if you like running your own numbers.
Which has a better stock screener: CommSec or ETF Action?
ETF Action has a stock screener for surfacing ideas; CommSec doesn't, and focuses its energy elsewhere.
Can I track my portfolio with CommSec or ETF Action?
Yes, both do portfolio tracking: holdings, performance, and allocation in one place.
Keep researching
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Curation & Accuracy
This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).
Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.