If you’re into stocks but not into wasting hours scrolling Reddit or guessing trends, Zacks might be your research wingman.
Even the free version gives solid tools to find top-ranked stocks, but Premium and Ultimate go way deeper. With analyst reports, expert picks, and earnings-focused filters, you’re not just investing — you’re investing smarter.
Whether you're building a portfolio or trading earnings momentum, Zacks gives you data-backed direction. If you're serious about stock picking (or just tired of hype), it’s definitely worth exploring.
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 |
What You'll Get On All Zacks Research Plans?
Here are five features included in all Zacks plans — Free, Premium, Investor Collection and Ultimate.
Each one plays a distinct role in helping investors make informed decisions, but the Premium and above tiers may offer added functionality or depth.
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Stock Ratings with Zacks Rank
All Zacks plans provide access to Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock rating system that categorizes stocks from Strong Buy (Rank #1) to Strong Sell (Rank #5).
In the free plan, you can view Zacks Rank on individual stock pages, which helps you identify strong opportunities like growth stocks ranked #1.
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Basic Screening Tools for Stocks, ETFs, and Mutual Funds
Every plan includes a stock screener that allows you to filter investments by Zacks Rank, sector, performance, or Style Scores.
Free users get a simplified version—ideal for screening growth stocks or finding high-performing ETFs by expense ratio or sector, but this is one of the best free stock research tools available.
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Fundamental Research Data
Every plan includes a stock screener that allows you to filter investments by Zacks Rank, sector, performance, or Style Scores.
Free users get a simplified version—ideal for screening growth stocks or finding high-performing ETFs by expense ratio or sector.
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Style Scores (Value, Growth, Momentum)
Zacks assigns every stock a letter grade (A to F) in three areas: Value, Growth, and Momentum.
All plans include this grading system, which can help you narrow down stocks aligned with your strategy.
For example, if you’re a value investor, you can sort for stocks with an “A” in Value Score.
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Portfolio Tracker & Email Alerts
All tiers come with a portfolio tracking tool that helps monitor holdings and watchlists. You can input your stocks and instantly view changes in Zacks Rank or Style Scores.
For example, if one of your holdings drops from a Rank #2 to Rank #4, you'll get notified via email.
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Additional Free Features Worth Mentioning
All Zacks plans, including the free version, come with several helpful smaller features that support everyday stock research and market tracking.
Bull & Bear of the Day: A daily highlight of one bullish and one bearish stock based on Zacks analysis, helping spot trends fast.
Economic & Earnings Calendar: Stay on top of major events like Fed meetings or earnings reports that could impact the market.
Dividend Stock Research: View key dividend metrics such as yield and payout history — useful for income-focused investors.
Industry & Sector Rankings: Zacks ranks sectors and industries based on earnings estimate trends to help identify strong-performing areas of the market.
Stock Market Today Updates: Daily news summaries keep users informed about key stock movements, macro news, and analyst reactions — all in one spot.
These extras, though small, provide useful context and quick insights across all Zacks subscription levels.
What You'll Get If You Upgrade To Zacks Premium Plan?
Here are five standout features that make the Zacks Premium plan a major upgrade for serious investors.
Each tool offers deeper insights, exclusive access, or advanced screening capabilities not available in the free plan.
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Full Access to Zacks Rank #1 List
Unlike the free plan, which only shows stock rankings individually, Zacks Premium provides full access to the complete Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) list.
This allows investors to instantly scan all top-rated stocks daily, saving time and helping identify strong opportunities before they trend.
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Equity Research Reports
Zacks Premium unlocks full equity research reports for over 1,000 companies. These reports offer in-depth analysis of a stock’s valuation, growth outlook, risks, and competitive position.
While the free plan shows basic data, the premium version helps investors understand the “why” behind buy or sell ratings.
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Zacks VGM Score
The Premium plan combines Value, Growth, and Momentum metrics into a single VGM Score, streamlining stock selection.
Free users can only view each Style Score separately, but Premium subscribers can sort by the combined rating to quickly find stocks that check all boxes for long-term performance.
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Premium Stock Screeners
Zacks Premium includes 45+ expert-built stock screening strategies that go beyond basic filters. You can search for undervalued stocks with rising earnings or strong momentum.
Free users get simple filters, but Premium allows combining factors like price targets, Style Scores, and analyst revisions to customize your strategy.
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Focus List of Long-Term Stock Picks
Zacks’ research team curates this handpicked list of 50 high-conviction stocks based on strong fundamentals and earnings momentum. Each pick includes a detailed rationale and ongoing updates.
It’s ideal for investors who want expert guidance for building a long-term portfolio—something the free plan doesn’t include.
What You'll Get If You Upgrade To Zacks Ultimate Plan?
Here are five exclusive features that set the Zacks Ultimate plan apart for active investors and stock pickers seeking advanced tools and expert-curated strategies.
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Exclusive Trading Services and Portfolios
Zacks Ultimate includes access to premium portfolios like Surprise Trader, Insider Trader, and Black Box Trader.
These services offer short-term stock picks based on earnings trends, insider buying, and AI-driven signals.
Unlike free and Premium plans, Ultimate users get actionable trade ideas tailored to active trading styles.
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Zacks Top 10 Stocks
Each year, Zacks selects 10 high-conviction stocks with strong earnings momentum and growth potential. These picks are part of an exclusive portfolio only available in the Ultimate plan.
It’s ideal for long-term investors looking for a concentrated, research-backed list that goes beyond the Focus List in Premium.
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Innovators Portfolios for Emerging Sectors
Zacks Ultimate includes Innovator portfolios focused on fast-growing sectors like blockchain, alternative energy, and marijuana. These thematic lists help investors gain early exposure to disruptive trends.
The free and Premium plans don’t provide sector-specific growth portfolios, making this a unique edge for thematic investors.
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Zacks Confidential Weekly Commentary
Ultimate subscribers receive weekly insider-level insights from Zacks’ top analysts before they’re made public. These reports cover sector trends, macroeconomic shifts, and top stock picks.
While free users receive general articles, this commentary offers early signals and in-depth strategy briefings for active decision-makers.
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Comprehensive Short-Sell & Options Ideas
The Ultimate plan features a dedicated short-sell list and options strategy service. Traders can identify stocks likely to decline or capitalize on volatility using structured options plays.
These tools go far beyond the long-only stock ratings in the free and Premium plans, making them useful for hedging or tactical trading.
Which Investor Types May Want To Upgrade To Zacks Ultimate?
Zacks Ultimate is ideal for investors who want premium-level research plus exclusive trading strategies and high-conviction stock picks.
Active Traders & Short-Term Investors: Surprise Trader and Black Box Trader will benefit traders who trade around earnings, news, or price momentum.
Sector-Focused Investors: Users targeting blockchain, energy, tech, or healthcare sectors can use the Innovators portfolios to identify emerging winners early.
Income & Value Seekers: Services like Income Investor and Value Investor deliver stock picks based on dividends or undervaluation signals.
High-Convection Strategy Followers: Investors who prefer curated recommendations like Zacks Top 10 Stocks will find this plan worth the cost.
Who May Want To Upgrade To Zacks Premium?
Zacks Premium suits investors who want deeper stock analysis, advanced screeners, and full access to the Zacks Rank system.
Long-Term Growth Investors: Use the Zacks Focus List and premium research reports to build a solid, earnings-driven portfolio.
Value-Oriented Stock Pickers: Premium tools like VGM scores and equity reports help locate undervalued opportunities with growth potential.
DIY Fundamental Analysts: Those who prefer to research their own stocks will benefit from analyst insights, forecasts, and full Zacks Rank #1 access.
ETF & Mutual Fund Investors: Get enhanced screening tools to evaluate funds based on strategy, expenses, and performance trends.
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 Prefer Zacks Research Free Plan?
Zacks’ free plan is a solid fit for self-guided investors who want access to basic research tools and daily market insights.
Beginner Investors: Those just starting out will appreciate easy-to-use tools like Style Scores, rankings, and basic stock data.
Buy-and-Hold Investors: Long-term investors can use the Zacks Rank and screener to find high-quality stocks without the cost.
ETF & Mutual Fund Researchers: Free screeners help filter funds by expense ratio, performance, and category.
Newsletter Readers & Trend Followers: Daily “Profit from the Pros” emails and Bull & Bear of the Day picks keep investors informed without extra effort.
Bottom Line: Is Zacks Research Subscription Worth It?
If you’re into stocks but not into wasting hours scrolling Reddit or guessing trends, Zacks might be your research wingman.
Even the free version gives solid tools to find top-ranked stocks, but Premium and Ultimate go way deeper. With analyst reports, expert picks, and earnings-focused filters, you’re not just investing — you’re investing smarter.
