Livevol

LiveVol, now operating under Cboe Global Markets after its acquisition, provides specialized options trading analytics software primarily targeting professional traders and institutional investors.

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Provides software for analyzing stock options trading activity and identifying market opportunities.

LiveVol, now operating under Cboe Global Markets after its acquisition, provides specialized options trading analytics software primarily targeting professional traders and institutional investors. Founded in the early 2000s, the company built its reputation on patented technology for real-time options market analysis, later expanding into web-based platforms. Its flagship products, LiveVol Pro and LiveVol Core, offer distinct tiers of functionality—Pro serves hedge funds and proprietary trading desks with advanced features like earnings analysis and trade tape monitoring, while Core caters to retail traders with essential scanning tools.

Pricing starts at $350/month for Pro users, with volume discounts available. The platform integrates directly with Excel via an add-on, a feature that has remained popular since its introduction. While Cboe does not break out LiveVol's financials separately, the parent company reported $1.2 billion in market data revenue for 2025, with LiveVol contributing to the analytics segment. The platform faces competition from Bloomberg's OPRA terminal and independent tools like OptionMetrics, but maintains a niche following for its historical data depth (back to 2011) and specialized earnings volatility modeling.

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Who buys this

  • Professional options traders at hedge funds
  • Proprietary trading firms
  • Retail traders using advanced analytics
  • Market makers monitoring flow
  • Institutional investors analyzing volatility

Strengths and what to watch

Strengths

  • Patented technology for real-time options flow analysis, validated by Cboe's acquisition
  • Deep historical data archive dating to 2011, uncommon among competitors
  • Tight Excel integration preferred by quantitative analysts

Watch for

  • Dependence on Cboe's infrastructure post-acquisition may slow innovation
  • Pricing starts at $350/month, limiting accessibility for smaller traders
  • Increasing competition from Bloomberg and free retail trading platforms adding options analytics

Key Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LiveVol used for in options trading?

LiveVol provides specialized software for analyzing stock options activity, identifying trading opportunities, and monitoring market flow. Its platforms cater to both professional and retail traders, offering real-time analytics, historical data back to 2011, and unique features like earnings volatility modeling. The tools help traders make data-driven decisions in fast-moving markets.

What's the difference between LiveVol Pro and Core?

LiveVol Pro serves hedge funds and trading desks with advanced features like earnings analysis and trade tape monitoring. Core offers essential scanning tools for retail traders. Pro includes deeper analytics and institutional-grade functionality, while Core provides accessible options scanning at a lower price point, reflecting different user needs and expertise levels.

How much does LiveVol cost for individual traders?

LiveVol's pricing starts at $350/month for Pro users, with volume discounts available. While exact Core pricing isn't specified, it's positioned as a more affordable alternative. The cost structure primarily targets professional traders, potentially limiting accessibility for smaller retail traders compared to free retail platforms with basic options analytics.

Does LiveVol work with Excel for options analysis?

Yes, LiveVol offers direct Excel integration via an add-on, a feature particularly valued by quantitative analysts. This allows traders to incorporate LiveVol's real-time options data and analytics directly into spreadsheets for custom modeling and analysis, blending proprietary algorithms with familiar spreadsheet workflows.

How does LiveVol compare to Bloomberg's options analytics?

LiveVol competes with Bloomberg's OPRA terminal by specializing in options analytics, offering deeper historical data (back to 2011) and patented volatility modeling. While Bloomberg provides broader financial data, LiveVol focuses exclusively on options trading workflows, with strengths in earnings analysis and niche functionality preferred by dedicated options traders.

What types of traders use LiveVol software?

LiveVol serves professional options traders at hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, and institutional investors needing advanced analytics. Its Core product also caters to retail traders using sophisticated tools. Key users include market makers monitoring flow and quantitative analysts valuing the Excel integration and historical data depth for backtesting strategies.

Sources

  1. www.livevol.com — Product details and pricing for LiveVol Pro
  2. www.livevol.com — LiveVol Core product specifications
  3. www.livevol.com — Platform comparison and feature sets
  4. www.sec.gov — Cboe's market data revenue context