★ BEST INVESTING TOOLS COMPARISON ★
VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
Tool comparison edition
Tool Comparison
GuruFocus vs Value Line
GuruFocus
Best for ETF screeners and top analysts
Free • From $549/yr
Value Line
Best for screeners and stock ideas
Free • From $199/yr
GuruFocus
Best for ETF screeners and top analysts
Free • From $549/yr
Value Line
Best for screeners and stock ideas
Free • From $199/yr
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The verdict
The bottom line
GuruFocus and Value Line cover a lot of the same ground (12 shared categories, including stock ideas, screeners, and data visualizations), so for the basics you won't go far wrong with either. GuruFocus simply does more: 48 categories to Value Line's 12, including ETF screeners, top analysts, and stock comparison, plus a mobile app. Value Line counters by starting cheaper at $16.58/mo.
Key differences at a glance
- Mobile app
- GuruFocus
- Cheaper paid plan
- Value Line$16.58/mo vs $45.75/mo
- Broader coverage
- GuruFocus48 vs 12 categories
- API access
- GuruFocus
- Global coverage
- GuruFocus
- Asset coverage
- GuruFocusAdds bonds and funds
Choose
GuruFocus if…
- You do a lot of your research from your phone
- You want an API so you can script or automate things
- You care about ETF screeners, top analysts, and stock comparison, things Value Line doesn't offer
Choose
Value Line if…
- You want the cheaper way in: plans start at $16.58/mo instead of $45.75/mo
Comparison snapshot
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & plans | ||
Starting price | Free • From $549/yr | Free • From $199/yr |
Free tier | Yes | Yes |
Free trial | 7 days | 14 days |
Plan limits | 41 limits: Free: portfolio limit: Up to 3 portfolios with 25 stocks each for free members, Free: data api requests: 100/month included in the Free API package +39 more | 6 limits: Investment Survey - Smart Investor (Digital): saved screener searches: 10, Investment Survey - Smart Investor (Digital): watchlists: 3 +4 more |
| Platforms & access | ||
Web app | Yes | Yes |
Mobile app | Yes | No |
API access | Yes | No |
Broker sync | Yes | — |
Integrations | GuruFocus Data API, GuruFocus MCP Server +3 more | — |
| Audience & fit | ||
Experience level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for | Retail Traders, Pro Retail +9 more | Retail Traders, Pro Retail +3 more |
Categories covered | 48 | 12 |
Regions | North America, Europe, APAC, LatAm, Middle East, Africa | North America |
| Data & capabilities | ||
Data quality | 5 signals: Latency: End of Day, Granularity: EOD +3 more | — |
Data partners | 5 partners: QuoteMedia, Morningstar +3 more | — |
Capabilities | 8 signals: Custom formulas, Ranking backtests +6 more | Universe builder |
Security | Status page and Encryption in transit | — |
| Try it | Visit GuruFocus | Visit Value Line |
Standout features
What GuruFocus does best
- Research global stocks with long historical financials, valuation data, charts, comparisons, market valuation indicators, economic indicators, industry data, and company-level fundamentals.
- Use the All-in-One Screener with hundreds of filters across fundamentals, valuation, profitability, growth, dividends, guru holdings, insider trades, predefined value screens, custom filters, saved screens, and downloads.
- Backtest screener strategies across many countries with configurable stock count, ranking metric, sort order, date range, and rebalance frequency.
- Use GF Score to compare stocks through a 0-100 framework built around financial strength, profitability, growth, valuation, and momentum.
- Use GF Value to frame fair value from historical multiples, past returns, and analyst estimates, then classify stocks by valuation range.
What Value Line does best
- Use Value Line equity reports for current and historical financials, analyst commentary, 3- to 5-year projections, target ranges, and company context.
- Review proprietary Timeliness and Safety ranks as Value Line research inputs rather than standalone buy or sell instructions.
- Use digital equity package tools such as stock screeners, saved searches, watchlists, alerts, customizable templates, charting, and model portfolios where included.
- Choose among Smart Investor, Investor 600, Savvy Investor, and other equity services depending on coverage universe and tool needs.
- Use separate Fund Advisor, ETF, Options Survey, and selection-service products when fund, ETF, options, or newsletter-style recommendations are the focus.
Data & access details
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coverage & fit | ||
Asset types | StocksETFsBondsMutual FundsOptionsFundsOther | StocksETFsMutual FundsOptions |
Experience | BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced | BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced |
Target audience | Retail TradersPro RetailLong-term InvestorsValue InvestorsQuality InvestorsDividend InvestorsAnalystsQuants/Developers+3 more | Retail TradersPro RetailLong-term InvestorsValue InvestorsDividend Investors |
Regions | North AmericaEuropeAPACLatAmMiddle EastAfrica | North America |
Coverage details | Identifiers: Ticker and CIK | Identifiers: Ticker |
| Data | ||
Data freshness | End of Day | Not specified |
Data granularity | EOD | Not specified |
Pricing sources | ExchangeVendorModel | Not specified |
Data partners | QuoteMediaMorningstarRefinitivFREDSEC / local regulators | Not specified |
| Access & integrations | ||
API protocols | REST | Not specified |
API auth & delivery | Auth: APIKeySDKs: Python and GoDocs | Not specified |
Import methods | CSVBrokerOAuthManual | Not specified |
Integrations | GuruFocus Data APIGuruFocus MCP ServerGuruFocus Excel Add-inGuruFocus Google Sheets Add-onSnapTrade | Not specified |
Export formats | CSVExcelJSON | Not specified |
| Plans & trust | ||
Security & compliance | Status pageEncryption in transit | Not specified |
Capability signals | Custom formulasRanking backtestsUniverse builderFactors: Value, Quality, Momentum, and GrowthBroker syncMulti-currencyYield curvesAI summaries: Transcripts | Universe builder |
Vendor & support | GuruFocus.com, LLCCountry: United StatesFounded 2004Support: Email, Chat, Phone, and Forum | Value Line, Inc.Founded 1931 |
Green tags are exclusive to that tool in this comparison.
Pricing breakdown
$549/yr
Starting price
Plans & pricing
- portfolio limit: Up to 3 portfolios with 25 stocks each for free members
- data api requests: 100/month included in the Free API package
- +1 more
- billing: Annual only
- data api requests: 200/month included with Premium membership
- +2 more
- billing: Annual only
- data api requests: 500/month included with Premium Plus membership
- +2 more
- billing: Annual only
- data api requests: 2,000/month included with Professional membership
- requests: 100/month
- billing: Billed annually
- monthly request limit: No limit
- +10 more
- billing: Billed annually
- monthly request limit: No limit
- +1 more
- initial top up: $100 credit
- company profile: $0.10/request
- +10 more
$199/yr
Lower starting price
Plans & pricing
- saved screener searches: 10
- watchlists: 3
- +4 more
Coverage overlap
Shared categories
12Where the two tools cover the same ground.
GuruFocus strengths
36What you only get with GuruFocus.
Value Line strengths
0What you only get with Value Line.
No unique categories.
Community category leaders
Vote sentiment comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between GuruFocus and Value Line?
GuruFocus leans toward stock ideas, screeners, and ETF screeners, while Value Line puts more weight on screeners, stock ideas, and watchlist. They overlap in 12 categories, so for most people it comes down to workflow preference and price.
How much do GuruFocus and Value Line cost?
Good news: both GuruFocus and Value Line have free plans, so you can run them side by side and only pay if you hit a wall.
Can I use GuruFocus or Value Line on my phone?
GuruFocus lists a dedicated mobile app, so it travels better. Value Line doesn't list a dedicated mobile app; its documented access is web.
Does GuruFocus or Value Line have an API?
GuruFocus has an API for programmatic access and custom integrations. Value Line doesn't, so you're working through its interface.
Should I choose GuruFocus or Value Line?
It depends on what you're after. Pick GuruFocus if ETF screeners and top analysts matter to you; go with Value Line if you prefer its overall approach. And if you only need the basics both share, let price decide.
What asset classes do GuruFocus and Value Line cover?
Both cover stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options. GuruFocus also handles bonds, funds, and other.
Which covers international markets: GuruFocus or Value Line?
GuruFocus has documented international coverage (North America, Europe, APAC, LatAm, and more), so it's the safer bet if you hold non-US stocks. Value Line is more region-specific, mainly North America.
Can I export data from GuruFocus and Value Line?
GuruFocus exports to CSV and Excel. Value Line is stingier about getting data out.
Are GuruFocus and Value Line good for long-term investing?
Yes, both are aimed squarely at long-term investors. Compare their coverage, workflow, and price before assuming they solve the same long-term research job.
Which has a better stock screener: GuruFocus or Value Line?
Both GuruFocus and Value Line 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 GuruFocus or Value Line?
GuruFocus handles portfolio tracking. Value Line is really a research tool; you'd track your portfolio elsewhere.
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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.