Real-Time Stock Scanner
& Trading Alerts
Track RVOL spikes, trading halts, top movers, and EMA crossovers in real-time.
Built for day traders who need to see what's moving before everyone else.
No credit card required
What You Get
Four real-time scanners running simultaneously. Live data updates via WebSocket.
RVOL Scanner
Identifies stocks with volume 10x+ above their 20-day average. Catches momentum before it's obvious to everyone else.
Trading Halt Tracker
Live feed from Nasdaq's official halt data. Get notified the moment a stock halts or resumes, with reason codes and direction analysis.
Top Movers Detector
Tracks 15-minute rolling percentage changes across all symbols. See the biggest gainers and losers as they develop.
EMA Scanner
Monitors proximity to 200-day exponential moving average. Alerts when stocks cross or approach key technical levels.
How It Works
Technical infrastructure built for speed and accuracy
11,000+ Symbols
WebSocket connection to Polygon.io. Tick-by-tick updates for every NYSE, NASDAQ, and OTC stock.
Real-Time Analysis
Server-side calculations run continuously. Alerts generated within milliseconds of triggers.
Smart Filtering
Statistical analysis filters noise. Only significant events trigger alerts.
Get Started in 3 Steps
Start scanning stocks in under a minute
Create Account
Sign up free. No credit card required. Takes 30 seconds.
Watch Alerts
RVOL spikes, halts, and movers appear automatically. No setup needed.
Trade Faster
See opportunities before they hit mainstream scanners.
Stock Scanner Comparison
How we compare to other popular scanners
| Feature | TheDesperateTrader | TradingView | Finviz | Trade Ideas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-Time Data | ✓ WebSocket | ~ Delayed | ✗ 15min delay | ~ Premium only |
| RVOL Tracking | ✓ Built-in | ~ Manual setup | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trading Halt Alerts | ✓ Instant | ✗ | ✗ | ~ Limited |
| Pre-Market Scanning | ✓ 4AM-8PM ET | ✓ | ~ Limited | ✓ |
| Price (Early Access) | $0/mo | $15-60/mo | $40-200/mo | $118-228/mo |
| Setup Required | ✗ None | ~ Complex | ✗ Minimal | ~ Advanced |
Competitor pricing accurate as of October 2025. TheDesperateTrader is free during early access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about stock scanning and trading alerts
What is RVOL in stocks?
RVOL (Relative Volume) is a ratio comparing a stock's current trading volume to its historical average volume. An RVOL of 10 means the stock is trading at 10 times its normal volume. High RVOL indicates increased interest and potential price movement, making it valuable for day traders looking for momentum opportunities.
How do I find high volume stocks?
Use a real-time stock scanner that monitors volume across all symbols and compares it to historical averages. Look for RVOL ratios above 3-5x for significant activity. The best scanners track pre-market, regular hours, and after-hours sessions, alerting you the moment volume spikes occur across NYSE, NASDAQ, and OTC exchanges.
What are trading halts and why do they happen?
Trading halts temporarily pause trading on a stock due to significant price volatility (LULD halts), pending news announcements, or corporate actions. Halts typically last 5-10 minutes and are issued by exchanges to allow information to disseminate and prevent panic trading. Traders monitor halts because stocks often move significantly when trading resumes.
What is the best free stock scanner?
The best free stock scanner should offer real-time data updates (not 15-minute delayed), RVOL tracking to identify volume spikes, pre-market and after-hours coverage, and customizable alerts. Look for WebSocket-powered scanners with sub-second latency that track all major exchanges including NYSE, NASDAQ, and OTC markets without requiring a credit card.
How to use RVOL for day trading?
Day traders use RVOL to identify stocks with unusual volume activity. Look for RVOL above 3-5x during pre-market, then confirm with price action. High RVOL stocks often continue momentum during regular hours. Combine RVOL signals with technical patterns and news catalysts for best results. Set alerts for RVOL spikes above 10x to catch explosive moves early.
How do stock scanners work?
Stock scanners continuously monitor price, volume, and technical indicators across thousands of symbols in real-time. They use algorithms to filter stocks matching specific criteria (like RVOL thresholds or price changes), then send alerts when conditions are met. Advanced scanners use WebSocket connections for live data feeds, enabling sub-second alert delivery compared to traditional polling methods.
Can I scan stocks before market open?
Yes, pre-market scanning (4:00 AM - 9:30 AM ET) is crucial for day traders. Look for scanners that track pre-market volume and price movements separately from regular hours. Stocks with high RVOL in pre-market often continue momentum after the opening bell. The best pre-market scanners update every minute and include news catalysts.
Do I need to pay for stock alerts?
Not during early access. Many premium scanners charge $50-200/month for real-time alerts, but there are free alternatives with comparable features. Look for platforms offering free access during beta or early access phases. TheDesperateTrader is currently free with all features unlocked - RVOL tracking, halt alerts, top movers, and EMA analysis with no credit card required.
What Traders Are Looking For
All included. No feature gates. No premium tiers during early access.
Ready to see what's moving?
Create a free account. Takes 30 seconds. No payment required.
Start FreeJoin traders already using the platform. While in early access, everything is free.