Short Float Scanners: Best Tools for Real-Time Alerts
If you’re trading momentum stocks, short squeezes, or just tracking market sentiment, short float scanners can be your edge. These tools help you identify stocks with rising short float, unusual volume, and potential breakout setups—often before the big move happens.
Why Use a Short Float Scanner?
- Identify high-risk/high-reward setups early
- Monitor real-time short interest changes
- Spot short squeeze candidates fast
- Filter based on short float %, volume, price, and sector
Whether you’re a day trader or swing trader, these scanners help you act quickly and more confidently.
Best Short Float Scanner Tools (2025)
1. Fintel.io
- Features: Squeeze scores, short volume ratios, borrow rates
- Real-Time Alerts: Yes (premium only)
- Best For: Tracking institutional short data
- Pros: Updated frequently, squeeze leaderboard
- Website: fintel.io
2. Ortex
- Features: Real-time short float estimates, cost to borrow, utilization rate
- Real-Time Alerts: Yes
- Best For: Advanced traders
- Pros: Highly detailed; institutional-level insights
- Website: ortex.com
3. Finviz Screener
- Features: Short float filter, volume, price, sector
- Real-Time Alerts: No (delayed data)
- Best For: Quick screening of high short float stocks
- Pros: Free basic version
- Website: finviz.com
4. TradingView (with Plugin or API)
- Features: Alerts via webhook/API, volume spike tracking, float data via integration
- Real-Time Alerts: Yes (with customization)
- Best For: Technical traders who want float data + charting
- Website: tradingview.com
5. Benzinga Pro
- Features: Real-time news + short interest data
- Real-Time Alerts: Yes
- Best For: News-based momentum traders
- Website: benzinga.com/pro
Features to Look For in a Short Float Scanner
- Customizable Short Float Filters (e.g., >20%)
- Live Volume + Price Alerts
- Squeeze Score or Sentiment Score
- Real-Time Borrow Rate or Cost to Short
- Pre-market/after-hours support
Recommended Setup for Active Traders
Example:
- Use Finviz to screen for stocks with short float > 25%
- Use Ortex to track real-time borrow data
- Set TradingView alerts on breakout levels with volume confirmation
- Monitor Fintel’s squeeze leaderboard for daily movers
FAQs
Are short float scanners free?
Some like Finviz offer basic scanning for free. Real-time tools like Ortex or Fintel require subscriptions.
Do scanners show real-time short float?
Only estimate-based services (Ortex, Fintel) offer near real-time data. Official exchange updates are biweekly.
Can I create my own scanner?
Yes, using platforms like TradingView or ThinkorSwim with custom scripts or plugins.
What’s the best scanner for beginners?
Start with Finviz. It’s free, simple, and lets you screen by short float percentage.
Which scanner gives squeeze alerts?
Fintel and Ortex both offer dedicated squeeze risk scores and alert features.
