Best Unusual Options Activity Scanners In 2025

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Top unusual options activity scanners 2025:

Market Chameleon — one of the best trading alert services for options.
Mindful Trader — one of the most comprehensive on this list and also suitable for beginners.
Black Box Stocks — one of the best activity tools on the market, scanning approximately 13k stocks and options.
Sky View Trading — mainly focused on providing trader education materials.
The Trading Analyst — one of the top options trading alert services on this list.

Options trading requires tools tailored to individual strategies, from basic charts to advanced analytics. One essential tool is an options flow scanner, which identifies trading opportunities by analyzing real-time market data. These scanners offer valuable insights into market orders and trade flows, helping traders refine their strategies. With numerous options available, choosing the right scanner can be challenging. To simplify your decision, we've curated a list of the best options flow scanners for 2025.

Best option flow scanners for 2025

Market Chameleon

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Market Chameleon

Market Chameleon is a platform for options traders. It offers tools to improve trading strategies and decisions. It is designed to support both beginners and experienced traders by providing insights into market trends and opportunities.

Key features

Options screeners. Market Chameleon offers screeners to filter options based on criteria like expiration dates, implied volatility, and trading volume. This helps identify opportunities across thousands of stocks and ETFs.
Unusual options volume scanner. Highlights stocks and indices with significant spikes in trading volume compared to their 90-day average, indicating increased market activity or events.
Earnings calendar and analysis. Includes an earnings calendar showing historical stock reactions, which helps traders predict movements during earnings season.
Watchlists and alerts. Users can set up watchlists and alerts for significant price movements or events to stay updated on selected stocks.

Wide range of research tools. Market Chameleon offers tools for different trading styles, including fundamental, technical, and options analysis.
Free trial available. Users can explore the platform’s features with a 7-day free trial before committing to a subscription.
Flexible subscription tiers. The platform provides options for different budgets, including a free plan with basic features.

Challenging interface. Some users find the interface challenging to navigate, particularly for beginners.
No mobile app. The lack of a mobile application limits access for traders who prefer on-the-go trading.
15-minute data delay. The platform experiences a delay in market data, which may be a drawback for traders requiring real-time information.

Pricing

Market Chameleon offers various subscription plans.

Starter. Free access with basic features.
Stock Trader. $39/month, includes stock and options research tools.
Options Trader. $69/month, offers advanced options analytics.
Earnings Trader. $79/month, focuses on earnings research tools.
Total Access. $99/month, includes all premium features.

Mindful Trader

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Mindful Trader

Mindful Trader is a stock and options trading alert service that focuses on swing trading strategies. Founded by Eric Ferguson, a Stanford-educated economist, the platform emphasizes data-driven and statistically backed trading methods.

Key features

Data-driven stock picks. All recommendations are based on historical probabilities and price movement tendencies, providing trades with a proven quantitative edge.
Real-time trade alerts. Subscribers receive notifications of Eric's trades, including stocks and options, allowing them to mirror his trading activities.
Educational resources. The platform offers tutorials explaining Eric's trading strategies, enabling users to understand and implement these methods independently.
Swing trading focus. Trades are typically held for about a week, offering a balance between active management and flexibility.

Historical data support. The service is built on years of statistical research, providing confidence in the strategies employed.
Live trading strategies. Subscribers can follow real-time trades and gain practical insights into swing trading execution.
Affordable subscription. At $47 per month, it offers a cost-effective way to access professional trading strategies.

No algorithmic signals. The service relies on manually executed, statistically backed strategies rather than algorithmic trading.

Pricing

Monthly subscription. $47 per month, granting access to all stock and options picks, educational materials, and real-time trade alerts.

Black Box Stocks

BlackBoxStocks is a comprehensive trading platform that provides real-time alerts and analytics for stocks and options. It uses advanced algorithms to monitor approximately 13,000 stocks and options, offering traders timely insights into market movements.

Key features

Real-time alerts. The platform delivers instantaneous notifications on unusual market activities, enabling traders to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
User-friendly interface. Designed with traders in mind, BlackBoxStocks offers an intuitive layout that simplifies navigation and analysis.
Options flow scanner. This tool tracks significant options trades, providing insights into market sentiment and potential price movements.
Social trading community. Users can engage with an active community of traders, sharing strategies and insights to enhance their trading knowledge.

Intuitive interface. The platform's design ensures ease of use, making it accessible to both novice and experienced traders.
Real-time options alerts. Immediate notifications allow traders to respond swiftly to market changes.
Active trader chatrooms. Engage with a vibrant community to discuss strategies and gain insights.

Subscription cost. The service is priced at $99.97 per month, with a discounted rate of $79.97 for the first month, which may be considered steep by some traders.
Alert volume. The high frequency of alerts can be overwhelming for some users, potentially leading to information overload.

Pricing

Monthly subscription. The monthly subscription is $99.97, with a promotional offer of $79.97 for the first month.

Sky View Trading

Sky View Trading is an educational platform specializing in options trading strategies. Founded in 2013 by Adam Thomas and Eli Grelecki, it aims to help traders generate consistent income through spread-based options strategies.

Key features

Comprehensive educational resources. Sky View Trading offers a range of materials, including online courses, training videos, and tutorials, designed to simplify complex trading concepts for traders of all experience levels.
Real-time trade alerts. Subscribers receive notifications of trade opportunities, allowing them to learn from real market scenarios and understand the application of different strategies.
Active trader chatrooms. The platform provides access to a community of traders where members can discuss strategies, share insights, and seek advice, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Real-time trade alerts. Immediate notifications help traders stay informed about potential opportunities and market movements.
Educational resources. The platform's extensive educational materials cater to both beginners and experienced traders, enhancing their understanding of options trading.
Active trader chatrooms. Engaging with a community of traders allows for the exchange of ideas and continuous learning.

High cost. The subscription fees are $199 per month or $1,999 per year, which may be a significant investment for some traders.
Pattern day trader (PDT) rule requirements. To actively participate in day trading, a minimum account balance of $25,000 is required, making it more suitable for traders with substantial capital.

Pricing

Monthly subscription. $199 per month.
Annual subscription. $1,999 per year.

Trading Analyst

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The Trading Analyst

The Trading Analyst is a trading alert service that delivers stock and options trades in real-time via text message, Telegram, and email.

Key features

Real-time trade alerts. Subscribers receive 2-5 trade alerts per week, with precise entry and exit points, delivered via SMS, email, and Telegram.
Educational resources. The platform offers comprehensive beginner and advanced options trading courses, including a 42-page stock chart patterns cheat sheet, to enhance traders' knowledge and skills.
Private community access. Members gain entry to private Telegram channels featuring trade alerts, daily pre-market briefs, and other important news, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Beginner-friendly platform. The service is designed to accommodate traders of all experience levels, providing clear and actionable trade alerts.
Affordable pricing. The Trading Analyst offers multiple subscription plans: $147 per month, $357 per quarter, and $787 per year, making it accessible to a wide range of traders.
Excellent educational materials. The platform's extensive educational resources support traders in developing their skills and understanding of the market.

Lack of in-depth reporting. The service may not provide the advanced analytics and complex reporting tools that some experienced traders might require.

Pricing

Monthly subscription. $147 per month.
Quarterly subscription. $357 per quarter.
Annual subscription. $787 per year.

TrendSpider

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TrendSpider

TrendSpider is an advanced charting and analysis platform designed for traders seeking to enhance their technical analysis capabilities. It offers a range of features, including automated technical analysis, customizable alerts, and predefined scans for Unusual Options Activity.

Key features

Automated technical analysis. TrendSpider automatically detects and draws trendlines, Fibonacci retracements, and chart patterns, reducing manual analysis time.
Customizable alerts. Users can set alerts on trendlines, indicators, and price levels, receiving real-time notifications when specific conditions are met.
Predefined and custom scans. The platform provides predefined scans for Unusual Options Activity and allows users to create custom scans to identify specific market conditions.

Advanced technical analysis tools. The platform's automated features streamline the analysis process, making it efficient for traders.
Customizable alerts. Real-time alerts keep traders informed of significant market movements based on their specified criteria.
Free trial available. TrendSpider offers a free trial, allowing users to explore its features before committing to a subscription.

Limited to browser use. TrendSpider operates as a web-based platform and does not offer a desktop application, which may be a limitation for some users.
Learning curve. Due to its advanced features, new users might require time to fully understand and utilize the platform effectively.

Pricing plans

Standard. $45.48 per month (first year $545.70). Includes 5 workspaces and 30 alerts.
Enhanced. $49.25 per month (first year $591). Includes 10 workspaces, 100 alerts, 30 trading bots, and AI tools.
Advanced. $64.82 per month (first year $777.78). Includes 20 workspaces, 400 alerts, 100 trading bots, AI tools, unlimited training, and priority support.

Optionsonar

Optionsonar is a web-based platform designed to help traders monitor Unusual Options Activity, providing insights into market movements and potential trading opportunities.

Key features

Options activity scanners. Optionsonar offers scanners that detect Unusual Options Activity, highlighting significant trades that may indicate institutional movements or market sentiment shifts.
Customizable alerts. Users can set personalized alerts based on specific criteria, receiving notifications when unusual options activities match their predefined parameters.
Visual data representation. The platform presents data through intuitive charts and graphs, making it easier for traders to interpret complex information.

Customizable alerts. Tailored notifications enable traders to focus on specific market activities relevant to their strategies.
Detailed options activity scanner. The platform's scanners provide in-depth analysis of options trades, assisting traders in identifying potential opportunities.
Free trial available. Optionsonar offers a free plan with delayed data, allowing users to explore its features before committing to a subscription.

Challenging for beginners. The platform's advanced features and data may present a learning curve for novice traders.
SMS/email alerts only for premium users. Real-time alerts via SMS or email are available only with higher-tier subscriptions.

Pricing plans

Basic plan. $35 per month.
Premium plan. $75 per month.
Premium with alerts. $105 per month.

Annual subscriptions are available at discounted rates.

What is an unusual options activity

Unusual Options Activity (UOA) refers to a noticeable increase in the trading volume of options contracts for a specific stock or asset compared to its usual daily volume. This activity can signal that traders expect a significant change in the price of the underlying asset.

Key indicators of UOA

Volume spikes. A sudden rise in the number of traded options contracts, especially when the volume surpasses the existing open interest, may suggest new positions are being taken.
Large block trades. Significant single trades can indicate the involvement of institutional investors, as they often execute large orders based on detailed research or insider knowledge.
Out-of-the-money (OTM) options. Increased trading in OTM options, which have strike prices far from the current market price, may reflect expectations of significant price movements.

Importance of UOA

UOA often represents the actions of experienced traders or institutional investors who may have access to more in-depth research or privileged information. For example, a sharp increase in call options activity might indicate positive sentiment, while higher put options volume could suggest a bearish outlook. This data can provide clues about potential market movements.

Risks and considerations

Although UOA can offer valuable insights, it is not always a reliable predictor of market trends. Options markets can be influenced by various factors, including speculative trading and hedging strategies. Traders should use UOA as one part of their overall analysis and combine it with other indicators and research to make informed decisions.

In summary, Unusual Options Activity highlights heightened interest or significant positioning in the options market. It can offer insights into potential market movements but should be used cautiously as part of a broader strategy.

How do option flow scanners work?

How options flow scanners work:

Data collection. These scanners continuously gather data from various exchanges, capturing every options trade executed in the market. This includes details such as the type of option (call or put), strike price, expiration date, trade size, and whether the trade was executed at the bid or ask price.
Identification of significant trades. The scanners filter through the vast amount of data to identify large or unusual trades that deviate from normal trading patterns. This process, known as detecting Unusual Options Activity (UOA), focuses on trades that are significantly larger than average or involve substantial premiums, as these may signal the intentions of institutional investors.
Classification of trades. Once significant trades are identified, the scanners classify them based on various criteria.

Trade type. Determining whether the trade is a single-leg option or part of a multi-leg strategy.
Execution type. Identifying if the trade was a sweep order, which indicates urgency and the desire to fill the order quickly across multiple exchanges, or a block trade, typically representing large institutional orders negotiated privately.
Buyer or seller initiated. Assessing whether the trade was initiated by the buyer or the seller, which can provide insights into market sentiment.

Analysis and interpretation. The collected and classified data is analyzed to discern patterns and trends. Traders use this information to gauge market sentiment, identify potential support and resistance levels, and anticipate possible price movements in the underlying assets.

How to use an options activity scanner

An options activity scanner monitors real-time trading volume and patterns in options contracts to identify unusual activity, which can signal potential market moves. Here’s how to use it effectively:

Choose a scanner. Select a platform like Thinkorswim, OptionStrat, or Benzinga Pro that suits your trading needs.
Set filters. Focus on key parameters such as:

Volume: Look for unusually high trading volumes.
Open interest: Check if new positions are being created.
Strike price: Monitor out-of-the-money options for potential big moves.
Expiration date: Pay attention to contracts nearing expiration.

Analyze context. Correlate unusual activity with market news, technical indicators, or broader trends to assess whether the activity reflects bullish or bearish sentiment.
Develop a strategy. Use findings to confirm trade signals, manage risk with defined stop-loss and take-profit levels, and position size appropriately.
Monitor trades. Stay updated on new activity or market changes and adjust your approach as needed.

Best brokers for options trading in 2025
	Min. deposit, $	Max. leverage	TU overall score	Regulation level	Open an account
Plus500	100	1:300	6.83	Tier-1	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
FOREX.com	100	1:50	6.95	Tier-1	Study review
Interactive Brokers		1:30	6.9	Tier-1	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
IG Markets	1	1:200	6.67	Tier-1	Study review
Thinkorswim	2000	1:100	6.14	Tier-1	Study review

Look for scanners that connect these trades to real-world events

When using an option flow scanner, focus on tools that help you understand whether large trades are strong bets or just insurance moves. Beginners should look for scanners that connect these trades to real-world events, like an upcoming announcement or a sudden shift in a specific industry. This way, you're not just staring at numbers — you’re seeing how they might actually matter.

Choose scanners that let you replay past market activity. This feature is like a practice ground where you can see how big trades moved stock prices during major events, all without putting your money on the line. It’s a great way to learn the patterns behind smart trading and build the confidence to take action when you see similar opportunities in real-time.

Summary

With so many choices available, it can be hard to choose the best flow scanner for your trading needs. However, by taking into account the features and benefits of each scanner, you can make an informed decision that can help you achieve your trading goals. The best flow scanner for you is one that fits your specific trading style and needs. By taking the time to research the various scanners available, you can find the perfect match for your needs.

FAQs

What are the best options of a flow scanner?

Market chameleon, Mindful Trader, Black Box Stocks, Sky View Trading, The Trading Analyst, TrendSpider, and Optionsonar are some of the best options flow scanners.

What does option flow mean?

Flow scanners help identify potential trading opportunities by scanning the amount of buying and selling activity taking place in traded options.

How do I track unusual options activity?

Unusual activity in options occurs when the volume of trading on an option contract is significantly higher than its average trading volume.

How do you find option flow on TOS?

In the "Time and option sales" tab, you can see the entire flow of option orders for the stock of interest.

Team that worked on the article

Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018. His primary specialties are analysis and prediction of price tendencies in the Forex, stock, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, as well as the development of trading strategies and individual risk management systems. He also analyzes nonstandard investing markets and studies trading psychology.

Also, Oleg became a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (membership card No. 4575, international certificate UKR4494).

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Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

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