VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

★ BEST INVESTING TOOLS COMPARISON ★

NO ADVICE

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Tool Comparison

ETF Action vs Total Real Returns comparison

Compare pricing, supported platforms, categories, and standout capabilities to decide which tool fits your workflow.

ETF Action logo

ETF Action

etfaction.com

PricingFree, Subscription
PlatformsWeb, API
Total Real Returns logo

Total Real Returns

totalrealreturns.com

PricingFree
PlatformsWeb
Top 50 Investing ToolsThe global ranking of the best investing tools, ranked by community votes.

At a glance

Platforms
ETF ActionWeb, API
Total Real ReturnsWeb
Categories
ETF Action17
Total Real Returns2
Pricing details

Tool

ETF Action

$29/mo

Starting price

Free tierYes
Free trial14 days

Plans & pricing

Free / BasicFree
DIY$29/mo
Advisor Pro$99/mo
EnterpriseSubscription
Model Builder$199/mo

Tool

Total Real Returns

Starting price

Free tierNo
Free trial

Plans & pricing

Pricing not published

Category leaders
ScreenersETF Action
PortfolioETF Action
WatchlistETF Action
BacktestingETF Action
AlertsETF Action
Browse the #1 tool in 90+ categories

Vote sentiment comparison

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Platform details

AttributeETF ActionTotal Real Returns
Asset types
ETFsStocks
StocksETFsMutual FundsCurrencies
Experience
BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
BeginnerIntermediate
Regions
North AmericaEuropeAPACLatAmMiddle EastAfrica
Not specified
Data freshness
Real-timeEnd of Day
End of Day
API access
Not specifiedNot specified
Export formats
ExcelCSVPDF
Not specified

Coverage overlap

Shared categories1

Categories where both tools offer overlapping coverage.

Total Real Returns strengths1

Categories covered by Total Real Returns only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between ETF Action and Total Real Returns?

ETF Action focuses on ETF Overview, ETF Performance, and ETF Holdings while Total Real Returns specializes in Data Visualizations, and Risk Metrics. They overlap in 1 categories, so choose based on your preferred workflow and pricing.

How much do ETF Action and Total Real Returns cost?

Good news—both ETF Action and Total Real Returns offer free plans. You can try each platform without commitment and only pay when you need premium features.

Which is better for beginners—ETF Action or Total Real Returns?

Both platforms target experienced investors. If you're just starting out, expect a learning curve with either option.

Does ETF Action or Total Real Returns have an API?

ETF Action provides API access for programmatic data retrieval and custom integrations. Total Real Returns doesn't currently offer an API, so you'll need to use their web interface.

Should I choose ETF Action or Total Real Returns?

Choose ETF Action if you need Global ETF ‘Channels’ taxonomy with category reports and dashboards (Size & Style US/Global, Region & Country, Sector & Industry, Thematic, Fixed Income, Non‑Traditional, Commodities, Crypto)., and Look‑through analytics on fund holdings for factor/style, sector/industry, country, concentration; portfolio overlap analysis across funds or entire models.. Go with Total Real Returns if CPI-U inflation-adjusted "Total Real Return" charts with dividends reinvested (purchasing-power view)., and Toggle inflation adjustment on/off (real vs. nominal dollars) on chart pages. better fits how you invest.

What asset classes do ETF Action and Total Real Returns cover?

Both cover ETFs, and Stocks. Total Real Returns adds coverage for Mutual Funds, and Currencies.

Does ETF Action or Total Real Returns have real-time data?

ETF Action offers real-time data feeds, which is essential for active traders. Total Real Returns uses delayed or end-of-day data, which works fine for longer-term investors who don't need up-to-the-second quotes.

Can I export data from ETF Action and Total Real Returns?

ETF Action supports data exports to Excel, CSV, and PDF. Total Real Returns has more limited export options.

Which has a better stock screener—ETF Action or Total Real Returns?

ETF Action includes a stock screener for finding investment ideas. Total Real Returns focuses on other analytical tools.

Can I track my portfolio with ETF Action or Total Real Returns?

ETF Action offers portfolio tracking features. Total Real Returns is more focused on research and analysis.

Keep Exploring

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.