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Investing » Zacks Premium vs. Zacks Ultimate : Should You Upgrade?

Zacks Premium vs. Zacks Ultimate : Should You Upgrade?

Compare Zacks Premium vs Ultimate plans. See which offers better tools for stock research, earnings plays, and expert-curated portfolios.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We do not provide personalized investment recommendations or act as financial advisors.

Trying to level up your stock game?

Zacks Premium gives you deep research tools, but Zacks Ultimate is where things really pop—curated picks, sector-focused portfolios, and advanced trading strategies.

Plan
Monthly Subscription
Promotion
Zacks Premium
Annual:
$249 ($20.75/month) No monthly plan
30-day free trial
Zacks Investor Collection
$59 $495 ($41.25 / month) if paid annually
30-day free trial
Zacks Ultimate
$299 $2,995 ($249.5 / month) if paid annually
30-day free trial

Let's explore what each of them actually provides:

What You'll Get On Both Plans?

Here are the main key features included in both Zacks Premium and Zacks Ultimate:

Both plans offer full access to the Zacks Rank system and Style Scores, helping investors quickly identify stocks rated as Strong Buy or Strong Sell.

Zacks Rank is updated daily based on analyst earnings revisions, while Style Scores grade stocks on value, growth, and momentum.

For example, if you’re targeting growth stocks with upward earnings momentum, you can screen for stocks rated #1 with an A in Growth Score.

alternative energy innovators list, Zacks Ultimate

Zacks Premium and Ultimate both include in-depth equity research reports on 1,000+ companies, making Zacks an excellent app for stock analysis.

These reports cover a stock’s earnings outlook, valuation metrics, industry performance, and analyst commentary.

For example, if you're analyzing Microsoft, the report might break down projected earnings growth, P/E comparisons to the sector, and expert analysis on future catalysts—making it easier to justify a buy or hold decision.

stock earnings overview, Zacks

Each plan unlocks over 45 predefined stock screens that filter by criteria such as Zacks Rank, VGM Score, price target upside, or earnings surprise potential. You can also customize screens to fit your strategy.

For instance, a dividend investor could screen for high-yield stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and an A in Value Score.

Zacks #1 rank by VGM score, Zacks Premium

Both plans allow users to access Zacks Industry Rank, which evaluates 250+ industry groups based on earnings estimate revisions.

Investors can identify sectors with strong momentum—for example, if the semiconductor industry ranks in the top 10%, you can explore top-rated stocks within that niche.

key metrics for banking sector, Zacks

Investors can use the Zacks Portfolio Tracker to monitor their watchlists and holdings. The dashboard includes Zacks Rank, Style Scores, and stock performance data.

You’ll receive email alerts when Zacks Ratings change or if important news breaks about stocks in your portfolio—such as an earnings beat or analyst upgrade, keeping you informed in real-time.

Every day, both plans spotlight two stocks: one with bullish momentum and one facing headwinds.

These daily picks include a short write-up and supporting metrics based on Zacks Rank, earnings trends, and price action.

It’s a simple way for active investors to discover potential trades or avoid risky positions.

Zacks Premium and Ultimate both offer ETFs and mutual funds screeners. You can filter by performance, expense ratio, fund type, and strategy.

For example, you might search for U.S. large-cap ETFs with low expense ratios and positive earnings momentum.

While mutual fund data is more limited than platforms like Morningstar, these tools still support basic fund comparison and analysis.

ETF screener results, Zacks Premium

In addition to the core tools, Zacks Premium and Ultimate share several smaller features that still add meaningful value for investors:

  • Profit from the Pros newsletter: Stay updated with daily stock picks, market trends, and analyst insights delivered straight to your inbox—ideal for quick daily reads.

  • Daily stock commentary and articles: Access free and premium-level writeups explaining stock moves, earnings surprises, or market shifts—useful for both research and education.

  • Economic and earnings calendars: Track major economic events, earnings reports, and company announcements in one place to help plan trades or portfolio adjustments.

  • Dividend stock highlights: View lists of dividend-paying stocks and recent increases, which can help income-focused investors identify reliable payout opportunities.

  • Basic charting via TradingView: Both plans integrate simplified charting tools, allowing users to overlay a few technical indicators like moving averages for trend analysis.

ETF news and commentary, Zacks Premium

What You'll Get If You Upgrade To The X Plan?

Zacks Ultimate includes several exclusive features tailored for active investors, providing advanced strategies, curated stock picks, and specialized research services:

Zacks Ultimate offers access to premium services like Surprise Trader, Insider Trader, and Black Box Trader.

These provide short-term trading ideas based on earnings beats, insider activity, and AI-driven models—tools not available in lower-tier plans, ideal for swing and momentum traders.

black box trader portfolio, Zacks Ultimate

Updated annually, this exclusive portfolio features 10 high-conviction stock picks selected by Zacks' top analysts.

Each stock is backed by deep research and chosen for long-term growth potential. The free plan lacks any curated list, while Premium doesn't include this elite selection.

Top movers, Zacks Ultimate

Subscribers receive private weekly insights from Zacks’ research team before they are publicly released.

These commentaries highlight macro trends, sector strategies, and upcoming opportunities, giving users early access to expert guidance not found in the free or Premium tiers.

Zacks Ultimate commentary

Zacks Ultimate is one of the best tools for themed stock picks in high-growth sectors like blockchain, renewable energy, and biotech.

These curated portfolios help growth investors gain targeted exposure to emerging industries, unlike the free plan which provides no sector-specific portfolios or strategy breakdowns.

technology innovators portfolio, Zacks Ultimate

With access to the Short Sell List and Options Trader service, investors can act on bearish signals or deploy hedging strategies.

These are designed for experienced traders seeking more complex trades, and aren't available in the free or Premium plans.

short sell list portfolio, Zacks Ultimate

Which Investor Types May Prefer the Zacks Premium Plan?

Zacks Premium is an excellent fit for investors who want strong research tools without diving into advanced or short-term trading strategies like the Ultimate plan.

  • Fundamental-Focused Investors: Those who rely on earnings estimates, valuation metrics, and stock rankings to guide long-term decisions.

  • Sector Rotation & Industry Trackers: Investors who analyze industry performance to shift exposure based on momentum and earnings trends.

  • Value & Growth Seekers: Users who look for undervalued or high-growth stocks using Zacks Rank, Style Scores, and the VGM Score.

  • DIY Portfolio Builders: Investors managing their own portfolios who want access to equity research reports, screeners, and tracking tools.

It offers a balance of depth and simplicity for strategic investors focused on long-term gains.

Plan
Monthly Subscription
Promotion
Zacks Premium
Annual:
$249 ($20.75/month) No monthly plan
30-day free trial
Zacks Investor Collection
$59 $495 ($41.25 / month) if paid annually
30-day free trial
Zacks Ultimate
$299 $2,995 ($249.5 / month) if paid annually
30-day free trial

Which Investor Types May Prefer the Zacks Ultimate Plan?

Zacks Ultimate is ideal for active traders and advanced investors who want curated picks, trading strategies, and sector-specific portfolios.

  • Short-Term Swing Traders: Those seeking earnings plays, insider activity, or algorithm-driven ideas like Surprise Trader and Black Box Trader.

  • Aggressive Growth Investors: Users targeting high-reward sectors like biotech, tech, or alternative energy using Innovator Portfolios.

  • Dividend & Value Strategists: Those using Income Investor or Value Investor services for curated income and long-term value opportunities.

  • Research-Driven Stock Pickers: Investors who want analyst-vetted stock selections like Zacks Top 10 and weekly Zacks Confidential insights.

This plan offers unmatched access to exclusive stock-picking tools and trading-focused research not found in lower tiers.

Zacks Premium vs Ultimate: Bottom Line

Zacks Premium is perfect for value, growth, and sector-focused investors who want solid research and flexible tools.

But if you want curated stock picks, exclusive trading strategies, and deeper insights from Zacks’ top analysts, Ultimate delivers a full-suite experience.

The jump in price makes sense only if you’ll use those premium services regularly.

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.