What it does
IVolatility supplies options and futures data alongside browser-based analysis and backtesting. IVolLive combines chains, volatility views and calculators; the separate data API and IVolAI tools support programmable research. Dataset timing, request limits and licensing determine which route fits.
IVolatility has two different starting points. IVolLive is the browser workspace for reading option chains, comparing volatility and testing strategies without writing code. The data API is for applications and research code that need the underlying observations.
In IVolLive’s chat-based backtester, describe the ticker and strategy, then specify dates, contract selection and exit rules as prompted. Results include a trade list, profit and loss, an equity curve and summary statistics. Asking for a parameter sweep compares alternatives, but repeatedly searching for the best historical combination can produce a result that does not repeat.
Browser subscriptions
The annual billing view lists Advanced at $45 per month and Real-Time at $100 per month, both for individual use with a one-week trial. Advanced uses 15-minute delayed market data. Real-Time adds live data and the Spread Scanner. Professional company, advisory and accounting uses require a separate licence.
Programming and bulk research
The API plans separate data requests from the browser tools:
| API plan | Monthly equivalent, billed annually | Monthly requests |
|---|---|---|
| Builder | $63 | 20,000 |
| Quant | $159 | 100,000 |
| Lab | $239 | Unlimited |
All three retail tiers share a rate of one request per second with bursts of five. Unlimited monthly requests therefore does not mean unlimited throughput. Retail accounts are not intended to download the entire market; large data jobs need an agreed arrangement. IVolAI’s programming route requires an active API subscription and key. Its setup asks about entry signals, contracts, optimization, exits and the symbol universe.
Strengths
- Offers both a browser workspace and a separate programming route
- Returns individual trades as well as backtest summary statistics
- Publishes API request rates and bulk-download restrictions
Watch out for
- Advanced browser data is delayed by 15 minutes
- Retail API terms restrict whole-market downloading
- Professional uses require a separate licence
Best for
- Options analysts comparing explicit historical strategy assumptions
- Developers sourcing options observations for applications and research
Sources
- IVolLive tools, backtesting, trial and annual billing (Oct 27, 2026)
- IVolatility API tiers, limits and IVolAI requirements (Oct 27, 2026)