★ BEST INVESTING TOOLS COMPARISON ★
VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
Source check: TradeLog checked July 22, 2026
Tool Comparison
StockCharts vs TradeLog
Pick StockCharts if
StockCharts
Free • From $19.95/mo · Web · Mobile
- You'd rather start free and only pay if you outgrow it
- Delayed quotes won't cut it; you need real-time data
- You do a lot of your research from your phone
Pick TradeLog if
TradeLog
From $219/yr · Desktop
- You want the cheaper way in: plans start at $18.25/mo instead of $19.95/mo
- You care about tax lots / lot optimization, wash sale detection, and downloadable tax reports, things StockCharts doesn't offer
- You trade often and need tooling built for speed
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
StockCharts and TradeLog cover a lot of the same ground (3 shared categories, data visualizations, portfolio, and broker connectors), so for the basics you won't go far wrong with either. StockCharts simply does more: 9 categories to TradeLog's 6, including screeners, alerts, and watchlist, plus a mobile app. TradeLog counters by starting cheaper at $18.25/mo.
What readers say
StockCharts
Vote once to reveal the community verdict.
TradeLog
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Key differences at a glance
- Free plan
- StockCharts
- Cheaper paid plan
- TradeLog$18.25/mo vs $19.95/mo
- Broader coverage
- StockCharts9 vs 6 categories
- Mobile app
- StockCharts
- Desktop app
- TradeLog
- Real-time data
- StockCharts
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 $19.95/mo | From $219/yr |
Free tier | Yes | No |
Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
Plan limits | 14 limits: Basic: chart lists: 1, Basic: custom scans: 1 +12 more | 9 limits: 30-Day Free Trial: finalized tax reports: 0, 30-Day Free Trial: duration days: 30 +7 more |
| Platforms & access | ||
Web app | Yes | No |
Desktop app | No | Yes |
Mobile app | Yes | No |
API access | No | No |
Broker sync | No | Yes |
Integrations | Tradier Brokerage and OptionsPlay | Supported broker file imports, BrokerConnect for selected brokers +3 more |
| Audience & fit | ||
Experience level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for | — | Retail Traders, Pro Retail +2 more |
Categories covered | 9 | 6 |
Regions | North America, Europe, APAC | North America |
| Data & capabilities | ||
Data quality | 5 signals: Latency: Real-time, 15-min Delayed, and End of Day, Granularity: Minute and EOD +3 more | — |
Capabilities | 3 signals: Custom formulas, Universe builder +1 more | 4 signals: Broker sync, Tax lots +2 more |
| Try it | Visit StockCharts | Visit TradeLog |
Where each one shines
What StockCharts and TradeLog each do best.ShowHide
Where each one shines
What StockCharts and TradeLog each do best.What StockCharts does best
- Tools for building technical workflows with SharpCharts, ACP, Point & Figure charts, Seasonality charts, Relative Rotation Graphs, PerfCharts, and saved layouts.
- ChartLists as watchlists or portfolios, with tier-based limits and support for importing symbols from CSV.
- Tools for running Advanced Scan Workbench filters with custom syntax on daily, weekly, and monthly bars, while planning around the lack of intraday scan execution.
- Tools for creating price alerts and advanced alerts that can notify through email, SMS, and in-platform messages during market hours.
- Free U.S.
What TradeLog does best
- Maintain one local TradeLog data file per taxpayer and tax year with trade history from multiple brokerage accounts, including IRAs.
- Import actual trade history through supported broker files, selected BrokerConnect connections, Excel-compatible files, or manual entry when the necessary transaction fields are available.
- Identify and adjust wash sales for stocks, options, and short sales across accounts, including IRA wash sales and deferrals carried into the next tax year.
- Generate Form 8949 details for Schedule D after required year-end holdings verification and gross-proceeds reconciliation against broker Forms 1099-B.
- Prepare Form 6781 details for supported Section 1256 contracts and, on Trader or Elite, Form 4797 and Section 481 details for eligible Section 475 mark-to-market traders.
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for StockCharts and TradeLog, side by side.ShowHide
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for StockCharts and TradeLog, side by side.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coverage & fit | ||
Asset types | StocksETFsMutual FundsOptionsCommoditiesCryptos | StocksETFsMutual FundsBondsOptionsFuturesCurrenciesCryptos |
Experience | BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced | IntermediateAdvanced |
Target audience | Not specified | Retail TradersPro RetailDay TradersSwing Traders |
Regions | North AmericaEuropeAPAC | North America |
Coverage details | 4 countries7 exchangesIdentifiers: Ticker | Countries: USIdentifiers: Ticker |
| Data | ||
Data freshness | Real-time15-min DelayedEnd of Day | Not specified |
Data granularity | MinuteEOD | Not specified |
| Access & integrations | ||
Import methods | CSVManual | CSVBrokerOAuthManual |
Integrations | Tradier BrokerageOptionsPlay | Supported broker file importsBrokerConnect for selected brokersTurboTaxTaxActH&R Block |
Export formats | CSVImage | PDF |
| Plans & trust | ||
Capability signals | Custom formulasUniverse builderGreeks | Broker syncTax lotsWash sale detectionCost basis: FIFO and SpecificLot |
Vendor & support | StockCharts.com, Inc.Country: USFounded 1999Support: Email | Cogenta Computing, Inc.Country: United StatesFounded 1999Support: Email and Phone |
Curation ratings | Methodology 3/5Reliability 4/5UX 4/5 | Not specified |
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 | — |
| Entry paid plan | $19.95/mo“Basic”chart lists: 1 · custom scans: 1 · +2 more | $219/yr≈ $18.25/mo“Investor”trade records: 1,500 · included file keys: 1 |
| Tier 2 | $29.95/mo“Extra”chart lists: 250 · custom scans: 200 · +3 more | $359/yr≈ $29.92/mo“Trader”trade records: 5,000 · included file keys: 1 |
| Top plan | $49.95/mo“PRO”chart lists: 500 · custom scans: 500 · +3 more | $459/yr≈ $38.25/mo“Elite”trade records: More than 5,000 · included file keys: 1 |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
Questions we keep getting
What's the difference between StockCharts and TradeLog?
StockCharts leans toward screeners, data visualizations, and alerts, while TradeLog puts more weight on portfolio, data visualizations, and tax lots / lot optimization. They overlap in 3 categories, so for most people it comes down to workflow preference and price.
Is StockCharts or TradeLog free to use?
StockCharts has a free tier, so you can get started without paying anything. TradeLog is paid-only. If budget matters, start with StockCharts and see how far it takes you before opening your wallet.
Which is better for beginners: StockCharts or TradeLog?
StockCharts is the friendlier place to start; its interface takes less getting used to. Both work fine once you're past the basics.
Can I use StockCharts or TradeLog on my phone?
StockCharts lists a dedicated mobile app, so it travels better. TradeLog doesn't list a dedicated mobile app; its documented access is desktop.
Should I choose StockCharts or TradeLog?
It depends on what you're after. Pick StockCharts if screeners and alerts matter to you; go with TradeLog if you'd rather have tax lots / lot optimization and wash sale detection. And if you only need the basics both share, let price decide.
What asset classes do StockCharts and TradeLog cover?
Both cover stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options. StockCharts also handles commodities. TradeLog adds bonds, futures, and currencies on top.
Does StockCharts or TradeLog have real-time data?
StockCharts offers real-time data, which matters if you trade actively. TradeLog 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.
Which covers international markets: StockCharts or TradeLog?
StockCharts has documented international coverage (North America, Europe, and APAC), so it's the safer bet if you hold non-US stocks. TradeLog is more region-specific, mainly North America.
Can I export data from StockCharts and TradeLog?
StockCharts exports to CSV. TradeLog is stingier about getting data out.
Can StockCharts or TradeLog connect to my broker?
TradeLog syncs with brokers automatically. With StockCharts, you're entering holdings by hand or importing files.
Is StockCharts or TradeLog better for day trading?
TradeLog is the one positioned more for active traders. StockCharts is the better fit if you care less about fast trading workflows and more about a calmer research process.
Which has a better stock screener: StockCharts or TradeLog?
StockCharts has a stock screener for surfacing ideas; TradeLog doesn't, and focuses its energy elsewhere.
Can I track my portfolio with StockCharts or TradeLog?
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.