Monitoring option flow helps you see where large order flow concentrates, which can hint at short term sentiment, positioning shifts, and liquidity pockets. It does not predict the future, yet it can improve timing when combined with trend, volatility, and strict risk rules.
Why option flow matters
- •Detect potential catalysts early. Large sweeps and blocks reveal urgency and size that standard quotes may hide.
- •Context for risk. Flow near key strikes or expirations can signal pin pressure or hedging flows that affect gamma and intraday volatility.
- •Improve entries and exits. Align trades with active strikes, watch when flow and price agree, and avoid illiquid tails.
- •Combine with implied volatility. Track whether buyers lift offers in rising IV, or sellers hit bids in falling IV, then adapt strategy selection.
- •Build repeatable rules. Filter by ticker, side, premium, DTE, and route type, then log outcomes.
Quick comparison of option flow platforms
Unusual Whales
- •Entry price: $50 per month
- •Trial: no free trial
- •iOS app: yes
- •Watchlists: limited on entry tier
- •Dark pool: limited on entry tier
- •Flow access scope: limited on entry tier
- •Notable extras: community tools and scanners vary by tier
CheddarFlow
- •Entry price: $85 per month
- •Trial: no free trial
- •iOS app: no
- •Watchlists: not available on entry tier
- •Dark pool: not available on entry tier
- •Flow access scope: trimmed features on entry tier
- •Notable extras: web focused interface
FlowAlgo
- •Entry price: $149 per month
- •Trial: paid trial only
- •iOS app: no
- •Watchlists: full access
- •Dark pool: coverage varies by plan details
- •Flow access scope: full access at entry price
- •Notable extras: historical playback varies
ImpliedOptions
- •Entry price: $49 per month
- •Trial: full access at entry price
- •iOS app: yes
- •Watchlists: unlimited watchlists and filter presets
- •Dark pool: included
- •Flow access scope: full flow access
- •Notable extras: realtime P&L analysis, strategy builder, market insights, realtime P&L tracking and notifications
Prices and features are per the entry packages described in this post.
Platform notes
Unusual Whales
Entry package is $50 per month with limited access and no free trial. It has an iOS app. Good for getting started if you want a mobile companion, yet you may outgrow limits on flow scope and watchlists.
CheddarFlow
Entry package is $85 per month. No watchlist on entry, no dark pool on entry, and no free trial. No mobile app. Consider only if the specific web workflow fits your style despite trimmed features.
FlowAlgo
Entry package is $149 per month with full access. Trial is paid only, and there is no app. Higher cost can be fine if you want full scope right away and prefer a legacy style feed.
ImpliedOptions
Entry package is $49 per month with full flow access. Includes iOS app access, realtime P&L analysis, a strategy builder, market insights, realtime P&L tracking and notifications, plus unlimited watchlist and filter presets. Designed to connect flow with executable strategy math so you can simulate, size, and manage risk.
How to evaluate for your workflow
- •Signal quality: do filters catch the exact contracts you trade, including DTE buckets and premium thresholds.
- •Speed and stability: is the stream steady during peak hours, and are alerts timely.
- •Usability: can you save presets, sync devices, and quickly jump from flow to analytics.
- •Analytics depth: do you get IV context, expected move, and scenario P&L, not just tape prints.
- •Mobile readiness: if you monitor away from desk, an iOS app with synced watchlists can be decisive.
Practical flow checklist
- •Define tickers, strikes, and DTE lanes to watch before the open.
- •Require confluence. Price trend, IV direction, and tape character should agree.
- •Track premium size per order and cumulative premium by ticker and session.
- •Note whether buys lift the ask or sells hit the bid, then compare to IV change.
- •Log post trade outcomes. Keep a simple spreadsheet of alerts you acted on versus ignored.
Why many traders choose ImpliedOptions
- •Full flow at the entry price, so you do not hit a ceiling when you get serious.
- •Realtime P&L analysis connects tape to risk. You can simulate spreads or stock hedges instantly.
- •Strategy Builder lets you convert a flow idea into a position with defined risk.
- •Unlimited watchlists and filter presets help you standardize a routine.
- •iOS app keeps alerts and views in sync, useful during commutes or breaks.
Feature comparison by option flow platform
Coverage and access
- •Unusual Whales: limited on entry tier
- •CheddarFlow: trimmed on entry tier
- •FlowAlgo: full access at entry price
- •ImpliedOptions: full access at entry price
Mobile readiness
- •Unusual Whales: iOS app available
- •CheddarFlow: no app
- •FlowAlgo: no app
- •ImpliedOptions: iOS app available
Dark pool visibility
- •Unusual Whales: limited on entry tier
- •CheddarFlow: not on entry tier
- •FlowAlgo: varies by plan details
- •ImpliedOptions: included
Watchlist capacity
- •Unusual Whales: limited on entry tier
- •CheddarFlow: not available on entry tier
- •FlowAlgo: full
- •ImpliedOptions: unlimited watchlists and filter presets
Analysis depth
- •Unusual Whales: basic to moderate depending on tier
- •CheddarFlow: relies on external or manual analysis
- •FlowAlgo: limited beyond the tape
- •ImpliedOptions: built in realtime P&L analysis, strategy builder, market insights, notifications
FAQ
Is option flow a standalone signal
No. Treat it as a context layer. Combine with trend, IV, and risk rules.
Do I need dark pool data
It helps as context for large prints that do not hit lit exchanges. It is not a replacement for price and volatility analysis.
What if I only swing trade
Flow can still help you find clusters around monthly expirations and key strikes.
Analyze with ImpliedOptions
- •Strategy Builder: Our strategy builder tool for options
- •Profit Calculator: ImpliedOptions Profit Calculator tool
- •Option Flow: ImpliedOptions unusual options activity tool