VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
BEST INVESTING TOOLS COMPARISON
Source checks: FactorsToday checked August 23, 2026 · Optuma checked September 5, 2026
Tool Comparison
FactorsToday vs Optuma
Start here
FactorsToday
Free · Web · API
- You'd rather start free and only pay if you outgrow it
- You want an API so you can script or automate things
- You care about performance attribution, risk metrics, and scenario & stress tests, things Optuma doesn't offer
Pick Optuma instead if
Optuma
From $810/yr · Desktop
- You care about ETF comparison and watchlist, things FactorsToday doesn't offer
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
FactorsToday and Optuma cover a lot of the same ground (8 shared categories, including screeners, quant, and data visualizations), so for the basics you won't go far wrong with either. FactorsToday simply does more: 13 categories to Optuma's 10, including performance attribution, risk metrics, and scenario & stress tests. Optuma counters by keeping things simpler.
What readers say
FactorsToday
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Optuma
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Key differences at a glance
- Free plan
- FactorsToday
- Free trial
- Optuma14 days
- Broader coverage
- FactorsToday13 vs 10 categories
- Desktop app
- Optuma
- API access
- FactorsToday
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 | Free | From $810/yr |
Free tier | Yes | No |
Free trial | — | 14 days |
| Platforms & access | ||
Web app | Yes | No |
Desktop app | No | Yes |
Mobile app | No | No |
API access | Yes | No |
Broker sync | No | No |
Integrations | — | Bloomberg |
| Audience & fit | ||
Experience level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for | Analysts and Quants/Developers | Pro Retail, Analysts +3 more |
Categories covered | 13 | 10 |
Regions | — | North America, Europe, APAC, LatAm, Middle East, Africa |
| Data & capabilities | ||
Data quality | 3 signals: Latency: Real-time and End of Day, Granularity: EOD and Minute +1 more | 3 signals: Latency: Real-time and End of Day, Granularity: Minute and EOD +1 more |
Data partners | — | RRG Research and Bloomberg |
Capabilities | 7 signals: Universe builder, Factors: Value, Quality, Momentum, Growth, LowVol, and Size +5 more | 9 signals: Custom formulas, Ranking backtests +7 more |
| Try it | Visit FactorsToday | Visit Optuma |
Where each one shines
What FactorsToday and Optuma each do best.ShowHide
Where each one shines
What FactorsToday and Optuma each do best.What FactorsToday does best
- Factor dashboards report intraday and multi-period returns, z-scores, pair relationships, correlations, seasonality, and valuations.
- Stock pages use ElasticNet regression with cross-validation to estimate exposures across four nested models.
- Portfolio analysis accepts holdings, compares exposures with a benchmark, and applies user-defined factor-return scenarios.
- Performance attribution applies rolling ordinary-least-squares regressions to uploaded or pasted returns and exports results to Excel.
- The factor builder searches for stocks matching target exposures and displays simulated historical results.
What Optuma does best
- Build static or animated RRGs for securities, indices, asset classes, custom lists, and portfolios.
- Change tail length, comparison index, history, and daily, weekly, or monthly timeframes in RRG Lite.
- Use price-weighted, cap-weighted, selected-index, or fixed annual-return comparisons.
- Higher service levels add one-minute intraday and Forex RRGs, scripting, filters, scans, quantitative tests, and quadrant-colored bars.
- Connect a real-time provider for live intraday RRGs or use included and optional end-of-day market data.
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for FactorsToday and Optuma, side by side.ShowHide
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for FactorsToday and Optuma, side by side.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coverage & fit | ||
Asset types | StocksETFsMutual FundsClosed-End Funds | StocksETFsMutual FundsCurrenciesCommoditiesFuturesCryptosOther |
Experience | IntermediateAdvanced | IntermediateAdvanced |
Target audience | AnalystsQuants/Developers | Pro RetailAnalystsQuants/DevelopersAsset ManagersHedge Funds |
Regions | Not specified | North AmericaEuropeAPACLatAmMiddle EastAfrica |
Coverage details | Identifiers: Ticker | Identifiers: Ticker |
| Data | ||
Data freshness | Real-timeEnd of Day | Real-timeEnd of Day |
Data granularity | EODMinute | MinuteEOD |
Data partners | Not specified | RRG ResearchBloomberg |
| Access & integrations | ||
API protocols | REST | Not specified |
API auth & delivery | Auth: None600 req/minDocs | Not specified |
Import methods | CSVManual | CSVManual |
Integrations | Not specified | Bloomberg |
Export formats | CSVExcelJSON | ImagePDF |
| Plans & trust | ||
Capability signals | Universe builderFactors: Value, Quality, Momentum, Growth, LowVol, and SizeFactor exposurePerformance attributionPortfolio attributionPortfolio factor exposureCorrelation | Custom formulasRanking backtestsUniverse builderFactors: Value, Quality, Momentum, Growth, LowVol, and SizeFactor exposurePerformance attributionPortfolio attributionPortfolio factor exposure+1 more |
Vendor & support | FactorsToday (operated by Lukasz R. Tomicki)Country: USSupport: Email | Optuma Pty LtdCountry: AUSupport: Email and Forum |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | — | $810/yr≈ $67.50/mo“Trader Services — annual renewal” |
| Tier 2 | — | $75/mo“Trader Services — monthly renewal” |
| Top plan | — | $995/yr“Trader Services — first 12 months” |
| Free trial | — | 14 days |
Questions we keep getting
What's the difference between FactorsToday and Optuma?
FactorsToday leans toward screeners, quant, and data visualizations, while Optuma puts more weight on data visualizations, stock comparison, and ETF comparison. They overlap in 8 categories, so for most people it comes down to workflow preference and price.
Is FactorsToday or Optuma free to use?
FactorsToday has a free tier, so you can get started without paying anything. Optuma is paid-only. If budget matters, start with FactorsToday and see how far it takes you before opening your wallet.
Does FactorsToday or Optuma have an API?
FactorsToday has an API for programmatic access and custom integrations. Optuma doesn't, so you're working through its interface.
Should I choose FactorsToday or Optuma?
It depends on what you're after. Pick FactorsToday if performance attribution and risk metrics matter to you; go with Optuma if you'd rather have ETF comparison and watchlist. And if you only need the basics both share, let price decide.
What asset classes do FactorsToday and Optuma cover?
Both cover stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. FactorsToday also handles closed-end funds. Optuma adds currencies, commodities, and futures on top.
Do FactorsToday and Optuma offer real-time data?
Yes, both serve real-time market data, so either works when timing matters.
Can I export data from FactorsToday and Optuma?
FactorsToday exports to CSV and Excel. Optuma is stingier about getting data out.
Which has a better stock screener: FactorsToday or Optuma?
Both FactorsToday and Optuma include stock screeners, and they differ more in interface than raw power; try both and see which one clicks for you.
Can I track my portfolio with FactorsToday or Optuma?
Yes, both do portfolio tracking: holdings, performance, and allocation in one place.
Feedback
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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.