Best Stock Screeners for Prop Firm Day Traders (2026)

Finding the right stock screener is critical for prop firm traders who need to identify high-momentum stocks quickly while meeting profit targets and respecting drawdown limits. The best stock screeners for prop trading combine real-time scanning, volatility filters, and volume analysis to help you find tradeable setups that align with prop firm rules.

Whether you’re taking a prop firm challenge or trading a funded account, you need scanners that can identify gappers, momentum stocks, and high-volume movers in seconds, not minutes. This guide covers the stock screeners prop traders actually use to pass challenges and stay profitable.

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Quick Comparison: Best Stock Scanners for Prop Traders

Scanner	Best For	Real-Time Data	Monthly Cost	Trial Available
Trade Ideas	Active day traders, AI scanning	✅ Included	$127+	✅ Yes
TradingView	Charts + screening combo	✅ Available	$14.95+	✅ 30 days free
Finviz	Pre-market prep, budget-conscious	⚠️ Delayed (free) / ✅ Elite	Free – $39.95	✅ Free plan
TrendSpider	Multi-asset traders (stocks + futures)	✅ Included	$107+	✅ 14 days
BlackBoxStocks	Options flow + stocks	✅ Included	$99.97	✅ $29.97/30 days

Our top pick: Trade Ideas for serious prop traders, TradingView for best value, Finviz for beginners on a budget.

Why Prop Firm Traders Need Specialized Stock Scanners

Trading a prop firm account isn’t like trading your own money. You’re operating under strict rules with time pressure to hit profit targets.

The Prop Trading Challenge

What you’re up against:

• Profit targets: $3,000-$6,000 within 30-60 days
• Daily loss limits: $500-$1,000 (breach = account loss)
• Consistency rules: Can’t make 50%+ of profit in single day
• Time pressure: Limited trading days to reach targets
• No room for “learning trades” or experimentation

The problem with generic screening:

• Delayed data means you’re always behind
• Too many results = analysis paralysis
• Missing pre-market movers = missing best setups
• No momentum filtering = wasting time on dead stocks

What You Actually Need in a Stock Scanner

Must-have features for prop traders:

✅ Real-time data – 15-minute delayed won’t cut it when you’re competing with other traders
✅ Pre-market gap scanners – The best setups happen at the open
✅ Volume filters – Need stocks with liquidity to get in/out quickly
✅ Volatility screening – Stocks that can move $1-$3 to hit profit targets
✅ Quick alerts – Can’t watch scanner all day without overtrading
✅ Speed – Scan 6,000+ stocks in seconds, not minutes

Nice-to-have features:

• Options flow data (shows institutional activity)
• Backtesting (validate your setups)
• Mobile apps (monitor while managing multiple prop accounts)
• Customizable scans (save your favorite filters)

Why This Matters for Your Challenge

Example scenario:

Without proper scanner:

• Spend 30 minutes manually finding stocks
• Miss the morning gap-and-go moves
• Take mediocre mid-day setups out of desperation
• 3 trades, 1 winner, 2 losers = -$150 day

With proper scanner:

• Pre-market scan identifies 5 high-quality gappers
• Alerts notify when setup triggers
• Execute 2 clean trades on momentum
• 2 trades, 2 winners = +$400 day

Over 30 days: That’s the difference between failing and passing your challenge.

Top 5 Stock Screeners for Prop Firm Traders

1. Trade Ideas – Best Overall for Prop Traders ⭐

Key Features:

• Lightning-fast scanning of all US stocks
• AI-powered trade signals (Holly AI)
• 100+ pre-configured scanners
• Real-time data included in all plans
• Extensive backtesting tools
• Custom scan creation
• Windows app + web version

Why Prop Traders Love It:

The AI scanning identifies momentum before it happens. You get alerts for your specific setups, Opening Range Breakouts, Bull Flags, VWAP touches, without staring at charts all day. This is critical for prop trading because it prevents overtrading (which kills most challenge attempts).

Prop Trader Strategy with Trade Ideas:

1. Pre-market (8:00-9:30 AM EST):
   • Run “Top Gap %” scanner
   • Filter for volume >2M, price >$5
   • Build watchlist of 5-8 stocks
   • Set alerts for key breakout levels
2. Market open (9:30-10:30 AM):
   • Monitor “Opening Range Breakout” scanner
   • Execute 1-2 high-probability setups
   • Use AI signals to confirm entries
3. Mid-day (10:30 AM-2:00 PM):
   • Switch to “Unusual Volume” scanner
   • Look for continuation or reversal plays
   • Maximum 1-2 additional trades

Result: 2-4 quality trades per day instead of 10+ mediocre trades. Perfect for meeting profit targets while respecting consistency rules.

Pricing:

• Basic: $127/month ($1,068/year – saves 30%)
• Standard: $237/month
• Premium: $337/month

All plans include US stock/ETF real-time data.

For Prop Traders:
The investment pays for itself. If Trade Ideas helps you pass even one $150 challenge you would have otherwise failed, it’s already ROI positive for a year. Most funded traders see this as essential infrastructure, not an expense.

Visit Trade Ideas | Read Full Trade Ideas Review

Expert Tip: Use the coupon code PROP15 for a 15% discount all year long, and also try PROP22, PROP28 and PROP30 during special sales events (sometimes the higher discounts work on any plan, but most of the time only on the Premium and annual plans).

2. TradingView – Best Value for Prop Traders

Key Features:

• World-class charting tools
• Stock screener with 150+ filters
• Custom alerts and notifications
• Multi-timeframe analysis
• 100+ technical indicators
• Paper trading mode
• Browser-based + mobile apps
• International markets access

Why Prop Traders Love It:

Most prop firm platforms (NinjaTrader, Rithmic, etc.) have basic charting. TradingView gives you institutional-grade analysis while your prop firm platform handles execution. The screener finds setups, the charts confirm them, then you execute on your funded account.

Prop Trader Strategy with TradingView:

Pre-Market Screening:

• Open Stock Screener
• Apply filters:
  • Market Cap: Mid to Large
  • Volume: Above 1M
  • % Change (pre-market): Above 3%
  • Price: $10 – $100
• Export 10-15 stocks to watchlist

During Trading:

• Chart these stocks on 5-min + 15-min timeframes
• Wait for your setup (breakout, pullback, etc.)
• Execute on prop firm platform
• Use TradingView for analysis, prop platform for execution

Mobile Monitoring:

• Set price alerts on key levels
• Monitor while managing multiple prop accounts
• Get notified without watching charts constantly

Why This Works:
You’re using TradingView’s strengths (screening + charting) while executing on your prop firm’s platform. Best of both worlds.

Pricing:

• Essential: $14.95/month ($155/year)
• Plus: $29.95/month ($299/year)
• Premium: $59.95/month ($599/year)

For Prop Traders:
Essential plan ($14.95/month) is sufficient for most challenge takers. Upgrade to Plus ($29.95) once funded for more indicators and chart layouts. Premium is overkill unless managing 5+ accounts.

Real-time data: US stock data costs extra (~$2/month per exchange). For prop trading, worth the investment.

Visit TradingView | Read Full TradingView Review

Expert tip: Start with the free 30-day trial on any paid plan, then cancel to receive a discount offer during the trial period.

3. Finviz – Best Free Option for Prop Traders

Key Features:

• Stock screener with 70+ filters (free)
• Real-time heat maps
• Basic charting
• News aggregation
• Portfolio tracking
• Market visualization tools
• No ads on free version (if registered)

Elite Plan adds:

• Real-time intraday data
• Advanced charts with more indicators
• Backtest screening criteria
• Correlation analysis
• Export functionality
• Priority support

Why Prop Traders Love It:

When you’re paying $150-$300 for a prop firm challenge, every dollar matters. Finviz free provides 80% of what you need for pre-market preparation. Once you’re funded and profitable, upgrade to Elite for real-time data.

Prop Trader Strategy with Finviz:

Pre-Market Routine (Free Plan):

1. Gap Scanner (8:00 AM EST):
   • Screener → All Stocks
   • Filters:
     • % Change: Over +3%
     • Average Volume: Over 500K
     • Price: Over $5
     • Market Cap: Mid to Large
   • Results: 20-30 gapping stocks
2. Refine with Technical:
   • Add: Relative Volume >2
   • Add: Pattern = Channel Up or Horizontal Channel
   • Results: 5-10 high-quality candidates
3. Check News:
   • Click each ticker
   • Review news catalyst (earnings, FDA, etc.)
   • Build final watchlist of 3-5 stocks
4. Chart on TradingView:
   • Switch to TradingView for detailed charts
   • Mark key levels
   • Set alerts

During Market Hours:

• Execute on prop firm platform
• Refresh Finviz periodically for new movers
• Use heat map to see sector rotation

When to Upgrade to Elite ($39.95/month):

• After passing your challenge
• When you’re consistently profitable
• When you need real-time intraday scanning
• When 15-min delayed data feels limiting

Pricing:

• Free: $0 (delayed data)
• Elite: $39.95/month ($299.50/year – saves 37%)

For Prop Traders:
Start free. Seriously. Use Finviz + TradingView Essential ($14.95) = $15/month total. That’s less than half the cost of Trade Ideas while giving you 70% of the functionality. Upgrade after you’re funded.

Budget Strategy:

• Challenge phase: Finviz Free
• First 3 months funded: Finviz Elite
• After consistent profitability: Consider Trade Ideas

Best Used With: Any prop firm. Platform-agnostic.

Visit Finviz | Read Full Finviz Review

Expert tip: Register with the email you’ll use for potential paid subscription to receive special offers.

4. TrendSpider – Best for Multi-Asset Prop Traders

Key Features:

• Automated trendline detection
• Multi-timeframe analysis
• Candlestick pattern recognition
• Dynamic alerts
• Backtesting engine
• Options analysis tools
• AI-powered trading models
• Supports stocks, futures, forex, crypto

Why Prop Traders Love It:

The automated technical analysis saves hours. TrendSpider automatically draws trendlines, support/resistance, and Fibonacci levels across multiple timeframes. This is invaluable when you’re managing 2-3 prop firm accounts and can’t manually chart 50 stocks.

Prop Trader Strategy with TrendSpider:

For Stock Prop Traders:

1. Use Market Scanner with filters:
   • Technical events: Trendline Break, Support Bounce
   • Volume: Above average
   • Price movement: >2% day
2. Auto-marked levels show you entries instantly
3. Set dynamic alerts (price + technical condition)
4. Execute on prop platform

For Multi-Asset Prop Traders: If you have both futures and stock prop accounts:

• Scan futures markets (ES, NQ) for TrendSpider
• Scan stocks simultaneously
• Correlation tools show when to trade what
• Single platform for all analysis

Backtesting for Challenge Prep:

• Test your scanner settings on historical data
• See which filters would have found profitable setups
• Refine before risking real challenge capital

Pricing:

• Essential: $107/month ($897/year – saves 30%)
• Elite: $167/month
• Professional: $287/month

All plans include real-time data for US stocks, futures, and forex.

For Prop Traders:
Essential plan is perfect. All plans have same features, only usage limits differ (number of alerts, scans, etc.). The 14-day trial at discounted price is perfect for testing during paper trading phase.

Visit TrendSpider | Read Full TrendSpider Review

Expert tip: All plans have identical features. Start with Essential and only upgrade if you hit usage limits.

5. BlackBoxStocks – Best for Options Flow + Stocks

Key Features:

• Real-time stock scanner
• Options flow analysis
• Dark pool print tracking
• Unusual options activity alerts
• Social trading community (Discord)
• Free trading education
• Mobile app (iOS/Android)
• Multi-timeframe scanning

Why Prop Traders Love It:

Options flow often predicts stock movement. When you see massive call buying on XYZ, the underlying stock often moves in the same direction. BlackBoxStocks shows you this institutional activity, giving you an edge in identifying which stocks are about to move.

Prop Trader Strategy with BlackBoxStocks:

For Stock-Only Prop Accounts: Even if your prop firm doesn’t allow options trading, options flow is valuable for stock selection:

1. Morning Routine:
   • Check “Unusual Options Activity” feed
   • Note stocks with heavy call buying
   • Add to stock watchlist for potential long setups
   • Heavy put buying? Potential short setups
2. During Trading:
   • Stock scanner finds momentum movers
   • Options flow confirms conviction
   • Dark pool prints show institutional accumulation
   • Execute stock trades on prop platform
3. Community Alerts:
   • Discord has many prop traders
   • Share setups and ideas
   • Learn from funded traders

For Prop Firms Allowing Options: Some equity prop firms allow options trading:

• Trade both stocks and options
• Use flow data for directional bias
• Swing trade options for profit targets
• Check if your prop firm permits options first

Real Example:

• See unusual call activity on NVDA (1,000 calls, $500 strike, 2 weeks out)
• Check stock scanner, NVDA breaking out on volume
• Options flow + technical breakout = high-conviction setup
• Execute stock trade on prop account

Pricing:

• Monthly: $99.97
• Annual: $959.76 (saves 20%)

Includes all features and real-time data.

For Prop Traders:
Best value is the $29.97 30-day trial (70% off). Test it during challenge preparation. If options flow improves your stock selection, keep it. If not, cancel after 30 days.

The Discord community alone is worth it, many prop traders share setups and strategies.

Visit BlackBoxStocks | Read Full BlackBoxStocks Review

Expert tip: Get the $29.97 30-day trial or annual plan with 20% discount.

How to Use Stock Screeners for Prop Firm Challenges

Now that you know the best scanners, here’s exactly how to use them to pass your challenge:

Pre-Challenge: Paper Trading with Your Scanner (Weeks 1-3)

Before paying for a challenge, practice this routine:

Step 1: Choose Your Scanner

• Budget: Finviz Free + TradingView Essential ($15/month)
• Serious: Trade Ideas Basic ($127/month)
• Multi-asset: TrendSpider Essential ($107/month)

Step 2: Develop Your Scanner Settings

Test different filter combinations:

Aggressive Momentum Scanner:

• Gap: >5%
• Volume: >3M
• Relative Volume: >3
• Price: $10-$50

Conservative Breakout Scanner:

• Gap: >2%
• Volume: >1M
• Near 52-week high
• Price: $20-$100

Intraday Momentum Scanner:

• % Change: >3% (intraday)
• Volume: >2M
• Price: Above VWAP
• RSI: 60-80 (momentum continuation)

Step 3: Track Results

For 20 trading days, document:

• How many stocks your scanner found
• How many met your entry criteria
• How many would have been profitable
• Win rate and average win/loss

Goal: Find scanner settings that produce 3-5 quality setups daily

During Your Challenge: The Daily Routine

Pre-Market (7:30-9:30 AM EST):

30 minutes before market open:

1. Run gap scanner
2. Review news on top results
3. Eliminate low-quality setups:
   • No news catalyst? Remove
   • Illiquid (volume <500K)? Remove
   • Penny stock (<$5)? Remove
4. Build watchlist of 5-8 stocks
5. Chart each on TradingView
6. Mark key levels (previous high/low, round numbers)
7. Set price alerts

Market Open (9:30-10:00 AM EST):

The Opening Range (First 15 minutes):

• Watch your watchlist ONLY
• Wait for setup confirmation
• Don’t force trades

9:45-10:00 AM:

• Execute your best 1-2 setups
• Use scanner alerts, not discretion
• Stick to your plan

Mid-Day (10:00 AM-2:00 PM EST):

If profit target hit:

• Stop trading for the day
• Protect your gains
• Journal your trades

If still below target:

• Switch to intraday momentum scanner
• Look for continuation plays
• Maximum 1-2 additional trades
• Don’t revenge trade

After Close (4:00-5:00 PM EST):

Review:

• Which scanner alerts worked?
• Which didn’t?
• Were you disciplined?
• Did you overtrade?

Prepare for tomorrow:

• Update scanner filters if needed
• Review economic calendar
• Check earnings announcements
• Get adequate sleep

Scanner Settings That Work for Prop Traders

Here are proven filter combinations used by funded traders:

Pre-Market Gap Scanner (Most Important)

Price: $5 - $100
Gap: >3%
Volume (pre-market): >500K
Average Volume: >1M
Market Cap: >$300M

Why these numbers:

• $5+ minimum: Avoid penny stock volatility
• $100 max: Higher prices = larger capital requirements
• Gap >3%: Enough movement to hit profit targets
• Volume filters: Ensure liquidity for entries/exits
• Market cap: Reduce pump-and-dump risk

Opening Range Breakout Scanner

Time: 9:30-9:45 AM
Price: Breaking above first 5-min high
Volume: >2x average
Relative Volume: >2.5

Why this works:

• Catches early momentum
• High volume confirms conviction
• Often the best trades of the day

Midday Momentum Continuation

% Change: >4% (current day)
Price: Above VWAP
Volume: >1.5M
RSI: 60-75

Why this works:

• Strong stocks stay strong
• Above VWAP = bullish bias confirmed
• RSI 60-75 = momentum without being overextended

Common Scanner Mistakes That Fail Challenges

Mistake #1: Too Many Results

Problem:

• Scanner returns 100+ stocks
• Analysis paralysis
• Miss the best setups while researching

Solution:

• Tighten filters until <20 results
• Focus on quality over quantity
• 5-10 high-conviction stocks > 100 maybes

Mistake #2: Trading Every Alert

Problem:

• Scanner alerts on marginal setups
• Overtrading to “use” the tool
• Violate prop firm rules

Solution:

• Alerts are suggestions, not commands
• Wait for your A+ setup
• Better to miss 5 trades than take 2 bad ones

Mistake #3: No Pre-Market Preparation

Problem:

• Running scanner at market open
• Chasing moves already in progress
• Late entries = larger risk

Solution:

• Pre-market preparation is mandatory
• Watchlist ready before 9:30 AM
• Know your levels before first trade

Mistake #4: Inconsistent Settings

Problem:

• Changing scanner filters daily
• Can’t build pattern recognition
• No data on what works

Solution:

• Lock in your filters for 20 days minimum
• Track results systematically
• Adjust based on data, not emotion

Mistake #5: Relying on Scanner Alone

Problem:

• Taking every scanner result without analysis
• No chart review
• No news check

Solution:

• Scanner finds candidates
• YOU decide which to trade
• Always confirm with chart + news

Scanner + Prop Firm Combinations

Different prop firms work better with different scanner strategies:

For Futures Prop Firms (But Trading Stocks)

Some futures-focused firms allow stock trading:

Best scanners:

• Trade Ideas (covers all assets)
• TrendSpider (stocks + futures in one platform)

Strategy:

• Trade ES/NQ futures in morning
• Switch to stock momentum mid-day
• Use scanner for both markets

Best firm:TradeDay

For Pure Stock/Equity Prop Firms

Best scanners:

• Trade Ideas (purpose-built for equities)
• TradingView (excellent stock screening)

Strategy:

• Focus 100% on stock momentum
• Perfect your equity scanner settings
• Build expertise in one market

For Small Account Challenges ($25k-$50k)

Best scanners:

• Finviz Free (minimize costs)
• TradingView Essential (affordable, powerful)

Strategy:

• Keep costs low during challenge
• Upgrade after funded
• Spend money on education, not tools

Challenge guides: Best $50k prop firm accounts, Best $100k accounts

For Large Account Trading ($100k+)

Best scanners:

• Trade Ideas Premium (AI scanning worth it at this level)
• TrendSpider Elite (advanced features useful)

Strategy:

• Invest in best tools
• Efficiency matters at scale
• Professional setup for professional capital

Scaling guide: Can you have multiple prop firm accounts?

Budget Guide: Scanner Costs vs Challenge Fees

Let’s look at the math:

Scenario 1: Budget Approach (Challenge Phase)

Monthly costs:

• Finviz Free: $0
• TradingView Essential: $14.95
• Total: $14.95/month

Plus one-time:

• Prop firm challenge: $150
• Total investment: $165

If you pass: Funded account, making $2,000-$5,000/month
ROI: 1,100%+ in month 1

Scenario 2: Professional Approach (Serious Trader)

Monthly costs:

• Trade Ideas Basic: $127
• TradingView Plus: $29.95
• Total: $157/month

Plus one-time:

• Prop firm challenge: $150
• Total first month: $307

If you pass: Funded account, making $3,000-$8,000/month
ROI: 900%+ in month 1

Scenario 3: Funded Trader (After Passing)

Monthly costs:

• Trade Ideas Premium: $337
• TradingView Premium: $59.95
• BlackBoxStocks: $99.97
• Total: $497/month

Income from 2 funded accounts: $6,000-$12,000/month
Scanner costs: 4-8% of income
Worth it? Absolutely, these tools helped you get and stay funded

The Calculator: Is It Worth It?

Question: Should I spend $127/month on Trade Ideas during my challenge?

Answer:

If Trade Ideas increases your pass rate from 10% to 20% (conservative):

• Challenge cost: $150
• Expected attempts without scanner: 10 attempts = $1,500
• Expected attempts with scanner: 5 attempts = $750
• Savings: $750

Over a year with Trade Ideas ($127/month = $1,524/year):

• Net benefit: $750 – $1,524 = -$774

But wait, you’re now funded:

• Funded trader income: $5,000/month average
• Annual income: $60,000
• Scanner cost: 2.5% of income
• Real ROI: Infinite (enabled the income)

The truth: Quality scanners don’t cost money, they make money by improving your edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use these scanners on my prop firm’s platform?

A: Most prop firms provide basic platforms (NinjaTrader, Rithmic, etc.) that don’t have advanced scanning. Use these scanners for ANALYSIS and your prop firm platform for EXECUTION. For example:

1. TradingView finds the stocks
2. Chart on TradingView
3. Execute on your prop firm platform

Q: Do I need real-time data?

A: For day trading prop accounts, YES. 15-minute delayed data means you’re seeing moves after they happen. However, you can start with Finviz free for pre-market prep, then use your prop firm’s platform for real-time execution during market hours.

Q: Which scanner should I get if I can only afford one?

A: TradingView Essential ($14.95/month). It gives you screening + professional charting. Add Finviz Free for pre-market gaps. Total cost: $15/month. Upgrade to Trade Ideas after you’re funded.

Q: Can I write off scanner costs on my taxes?

A: Consult a tax professional, but generally yes, trading tools are business expenses for prop traders. Keep receipts. Read our prop firm tax guide.

Q: What if my scanner isn’t finding good setups?

A: Either:

1. Your filters are wrong (too tight or too loose)
2. Market conditions aren’t favorable (low volatility days)
3. You’re trading the wrong time (best setups are 9:30-11 AM)

Solution: Paper trade your scanner settings for 20 days before using real capital.

Q: Should I use multiple scanners?

A: One primary scanner is enough. Using 3-4 scanners creates confusion and conflicting signals. Pick one, master it, then possibly add a second for different market conditions.

Essential Reading for Prop Traders

Before or after setting up your scanner, read these guides:

Challenge Preparation:

• How to Pass a Prop Firm Challenge First Try – Complete strategy
• What Happens When You Fail a Prop Firm Challenge – Risk management

Understanding Rules:

• Consistency Rule Explained – Critical for scanner strategy
• Trailing Drawdown Guide – Know your limits
• Prop Firm Fee Structure – Budget properly

After Getting Funded:

• Can You Have Multiple Prop Firm Accounts? – Scaling strategy
• Prop Firm Payouts Guide – Get paid efficiently

Finding the Right Firm:

• Best Futures Prop Firms – If you prefer futures
• Best Forex Prop Firms – Currency trading
• Best $150k Funded Accounts – Optimal starting size
• All Prop Firm Reviews – Complete comparison

Final Recommendations

If You’re Taking Your First Challenge:

Best setup:

• Scanner: Finviz Free + TradingView Essential ($15/month)
• Challenge: $50k account at beginner-friendly firm
• Focus: Master ONE scanner setup
• Expectation: 2-3 quality setups per day

Best firms for beginners:

• TradeDay – Trailing drawdown, flexible
• Apex Trader Funding – Forgiving rules, multiple resets
• Take Profit Trader – Good support

If You’ve Failed 1-2 Challenges:

Upgrade your tools:

• Scanner: TradingView Plus ($29.95) or Trade Ideas Basic ($127)
• Practice: 30 days paper trading with scanner
• Focus: Refine your scanner filters based on past failures
• Expectation: Pass rate doubles with proper tools

Read: What Happens When You Fail

If You’re Funded and Scaling:

Professional setup:

• Primary: Trade Ideas Premium ($337)
• Secondary: TradingView Premium ($60)
• Optional: BlackBoxStocks ($100) for options flow
• Total: ~$500/month (5-10% of funded trader income)

Scaling guide: Multiple Prop Firm Accounts

Key Takeaways

Best scanners for prop traders:

1. Trade Ideas – Best overall, worth the investment for serious traders
2. TradingView – Best value, excellent for most prop traders
3. Finviz – Best free option, perfect for challenge takers on budget
4. TrendSpider – Best for multi-asset traders (stocks + futures)
5. BlackBoxStocks – Best for options flow + stock momentum

Budget strategy:

• Challenge phase: Finviz Free + TradingView Essential ($15/month)
• First 3 months funded: TradingView Plus + consider Trade Ideas ($30-$160/month)
• Profitable and scaling: Trade Ideas Premium + TradingView Premium (~$400/month)

Critical success factors:

✅ Paper trade your scanner settings for 20 days minimum
✅ Focus on pre-market gap scanning (best setups of the day)
✅ Fewer, better trades > many mediocre trades
✅ Use scanner for analysis, prop platform for execution
✅ Upgrade tools as income grows, not before

The bottom line: A quality stock scanner is the difference between randomly searching for trades and systematically identifying high-probability setups. For prop traders under time pressure with strict rules, this difference determines whether you pass or fail.

The $15-$337/month you spend on scanning tools will either help you pass your $150 challenge (10x ROI) or help you stay funded (infinite ROI). It’s not an expense, it’s an investment in your edge.

Ready to start your prop trading journey?

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