Options screener for Interactive Brokers
If you trade with Interactive Brokers, Options Trader Pro can use TWS or IB Gateway as its live data source. The screener then shows live stock prices and option quotes with bid, ask, greeks and IV next to the score and the rule-based example setup. It never places orders.
What changes with IBKR connected
| Data | Without IBKR | With TWS or Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| Stock prices | Yahoo, about 15 min delayed | live from IBKR* |
| Option quotes | Yahoo chain or estimate | bid, ask, delta, theta, IV from IBKR* |
| History, indicators, news, earnings | Yahoo | Yahoo |
* Without IBKR market data subscriptions IBKR delivers delayed data; with subscriptions such as US stocks and OPRA for options you get real-time data.
Read only, by design
The connection is data only. The screener contains no order, position or account functions, and we recommend ticking Read-Only API in TWS. It works with live and paper accounts.
Setup in TWS
- In TWS open Settings, API, Settings.
- Tick Enable ActiveX and Socket Clients and Read-Only API.
- Keep the socket port: 7497 TWS paper, 7496 TWS live, 4002 or 4001 for IB Gateway paper or live. The screener tries these ports automatically.
- Restart TWS if you changed anything. The header then shows ⚡ IBKR.
Without TWS the screener simply uses Yahoo and connects automatically as soon as TWS starts.
What the score is based on
Trend, momentum, trend strength, IV rank, earnings and news, combined by fixed rules into one score from 1 to 5. Details: methodology. Runs on Mac and Windows.
Frequently asked questions
Can the screener place orders in my IBKR account?
No. It has no order, position or account functions and only reads market data.
Does it work with an IBKR paper account?
Yes. The screener tries the paper and live ports of TWS and IB Gateway automatically.
Do I need IBKR market data subscriptions?
No, but without them IBKR delivers delayed data. For real-time quotes you need the matching subscriptions, for example US stocks and OPRA for options.
Is Options Trader Pro affiliated with Interactive Brokers?
No. It is independent software that uses the TWS API. Interactive Brokers has not reviewed or endorsed it.