Tapeboard vs Ortex — Short Interest Analytics Compared
// Ortex's intraday short-interest estimate is the institutional benchmark. Tapeboard doesn't replicate Ortex's real-time SI model — but offers a fully disclosed squeeze methodology, a broader terminal, and pricing that runs a fraction of Ortex's tiers.
// USE TAPEBOARD if Tapeboard is the disclosed-methodology, broader-terminal alternative for traders who don't need intraday SI estimates.
| capability | tapeboard | ortex |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time / intraday SI estimate | Not available — uses FINRA bi-monthly settlement | Proprietary intraday SI estimate from stock-loan modeling — the moat |
| Squeeze score methodology | Fully disclosed: 35/25/20/15/5 weights at /methodology/short-squeeze-score | Proprietary signals; methodology not fully disclosed |
| Cost-to-borrow estimates | Daily borrow fee from stock-loan feed | More granular CTB modeling with intraday updates |
| Stock-loan utilization data | Float utilization metric on squeeze board | Deeper stock-loan analytics — their core data |
| Reg-SHO threshold list | Daily T flag with volume context | Threshold list available |
| Beyond short-side: scanner, charts, EDGAR, FRED, sim | 12+ modules in one terminal | Analytics-only — not a full terminal |
| Free tier | $0, no card, full squeeze board access | No meaningful free tier |
| Typical cost | $39/mo Pro / $79/mo Terminal | ~$50-$500/mo across tiers |
- // You want a squeeze methodology you can audit and explain, not a proprietary signal.
- // You want short-side data alongside scanner, charts, EDGAR filings, FRED, and a paper-trading simulator in one tab.
- // Your trading horizon is days/weeks, not intraday — FINRA bi-monthly data is fit-for-purpose.
- // You're cost-sensitive — Tapeboard runs a fifth to a tenth of equivalent Ortex tiers.
- // You trade intraday short squeezes and need real-time SI estimates between FINRA settlements — Ortex is the category leader and Tapeboard does not have an equivalent.
- // You rely on granular stock-loan analytics and intraday cost-to-borrow updates.
- // You're a hedge fund or serious retail trader where Ortex pricing is justified by the SI estimate alone.
- // You want the deepest CTB modeling on the market.
// Does Tapeboard have a real-time short-interest estimate like Ortex?
No. Ortex's intraday SI estimate is their genuine moat — they model the gap between FINRA bi-monthly settlement reports using stock-loan flow data. Tapeboard uses the FINRA settlement data directly without an intraday estimate layer. If your edge depends on knowing the SI between settlements, Ortex is the right tool and Tapeboard is not a substitute on that specific dimension.
// How does Tapeboard's borrow fee data compare to Ortex?
Tapeboard's borrow fees update daily from a stock-loan feed and feed directly into the squeeze score weighting (25% of the composite). Ortex's CTB modeling is more sophisticated with intraday updates and historical CTB curves. For most swing-trading workflows the daily Tapeboard feed is sufficient; for intraday tactical work, Ortex is more granular.
// Is Tapeboard cheaper than Ortex?
Significantly. Ortex tiers run roughly $50 to $500 per month depending on plan. Tapeboard Pro is $39/mo and Terminal is $79/mo, with a real free tier. The price gap reflects the feature gap — Ortex's analytics depth in short interest is deeper, while Tapeboard covers a broader terminal at a fraction of the cost.
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