TradeZella has been generally well-received for its clean user interface, its playbook-like journaling and analytics, but has been criticized by traders for being slow to update, buggy, and for having no free plan.
If you want some way to track trades that isn’t going to cost you $20 a month, there are some other good options that provide the same or better functionality.
1. Tradervue: Most Free Option for Reliable Analytics
Tradervue is one of the standards in trade journaling.
The free tier has solid import functions, accurate performance reporting, and supports multiple asset classes.
Its minimalist interface allows traders to automatically log their trades and tag their setups.
They can analyze their win rate, profit factor, and performance for a specific timeframe.
The paid plans provide more detailed reports, but the free plan is sufficient for most active traders.
Strengths
- Automatic imports for stocks, options, and futures
- Accurate trade data and time-based analysis
- Reliable performance reporting trusted by professionals
- Long track record and established reputation
Weaknesses
- Free plan limits advanced metrics and reporting depth
- Interface prioritizes function over design polish
- Updates arrive less frequently than newer platforms
Best for: Traders who want a dependable, established trading journal without subscription costs.
2. RizeTrade: Most Free Trading Journal for Day Traders
RizeTrade offers a great set of journaling tools for day traders.
For example, their free plan tracks per trading session, i.e., you can split your performance per pre-market, open, mid-day, and close.
RizeTrade is fast and easy to read. It’s built for day traders who want actionable information, not a lot of noise.
Some features are not yet complete; however, the free app is better suited to day-traders than other paid apps.
Strengths
- Built for day traders with intraday performance breakdowns
- Fast, intuitive interface and tagging system
- Streamlined journaling workflow
- Free access to core tracking tools
Weaknesses
- Smaller integration list than older journals
- Advanced reports and metrics are still being expanded
Best for: Day traders who want structured, real-time performance feedback without paying for premium tiers.
3. Trademetria: Best Overall Free Trading Journal
Trademetria also has one of the easiest-to-use free plans.
Traders can import trades, tag setups and results, and analyze all results from a clear-cut interface.
The website is user-friendly and provides a good balance of simplicity and functionality.
Although not as attractive as newer apps, its reports are reliable and accurate, making it a good option for traders with smaller budgets.
Strengths
- Genuine free plan with import capability
- Clean, easy-to-understand dashboards
- Supports multiple accounts and asset types
- Growing AI-based insight tools
Weaknesses
- Limited depth in advanced analytics
- Lacks customization compared to higher-end journals
Best for: Beginners or cost-conscious traders who want a long-term, free journaling solution.
4. Edgewonk (Free Trial): Best for Psychology and Self-Review
It may not be free forever, but Edgewonk is well worth trying out if you’re looking for one of the best psychologically aware trading journals around.
Edgewonk also allows you to track and analyze your emotional, discipline, and confidence levels for each trade, making it a self-coaching, performance tracking app and a must-have app for traders who need to keep track of their psychology.
Strengths
- Deep focus on trading psychology and discipline
- Insightful journaling prompts for self-review
- One-time payment model after trial (no recurring fees)
Weaknesses
- Limited free access period
- Desktop setup feels less modern than web-based tools
Best for: Traders testing structured journaling with a strong psychological framework before committing financially.
5. TradesViz: Most Freemium Alternative for Data Lovers
TradesViz also has free and paid versions, so it can be an alternative to TradeZella.
It has good in-built visualization tools, importing features, and performance metrics for the extra information traders need.
Customization is the platform’s biggest strength.
You can make dashboards, filter items, and create multi-faceted views.
An upgrade adds powerful analytics and AI-driven perceptions, but the free tier is enough for serious journaling.
Strengths
- Comprehensive analytics, even on the free plan
- Visual dashboards and performance charts
- Customizable filters and tags
- Reliable imports across multiple brokers
Weaknesses
- Setup and customization can take time
- The interface may feel overwhelming for beginners
Best for: Traders who want advanced analytics and visualization without paying upfront.
6. Google Sheets (Template-Based): Most for DIY Traders
A structured Google Sheets template can be an option for someone looking for an entirely manual process that provides complete control at no cost.
It is not automated, but can be tailored by someone who knows what they would like to track.
There are dozens of templates created by community members that you can use to match your strategies, risk tolerances, and analysis metrics.
Strengths
- 100% free and fully customizable
- Integrates easily with scripts or broker CSV exports
- Great for traders who enjoy hands-on data work
Weaknesses
- No automation or built-in analytics
- Requires manual data entry and formula setup
- No visual dashboards unless customized manually
Best for: Traders who want a free, flexible journaling system they can shape to their workflow.
7. Excel-Based Journals: Most Offline Free Option
If you prefer to keep everything offline, older Excel spreadsheets are another option for creating a personal journal.
By using a pre-made template, you can record your trades, determine your R-multiples, and graph your performance over time.
No cloud solution is needed.
Many traders still prefer Excel for its speed, security, and that it does not require subscriptions or internet access.
Strengths
- Completely offline and private
- No account or login required
- Fully customizable with formulas and macros
Weaknesses
- Manual entry required
- Lacks automation and broker syncing
- Can become cumbersome with large datasets
Best for: Traders who want an offline journaling solution with no subscriptions or data sharing.
Quick Comparison (Simplified for Word)
Tradervue
- Best for: Reliable analytics
- Strength: Proven performance tracking
- Weakness: Limited free metrics; slower updates
RizeTrade
- Best for: Day trading
- Strength: Session-based tracking and clarity
- Weakness: Limited integrations; smaller feature set
Trademetria
- Best for: Everyday free use
- Strength: Easy to use with solid analytics
- Weakness: Less customization and depth
Edgewonk
- Best for: Psychology and mindset
- Strength: Emotional and discipline tracking
- Weakness: Limited trial; older design
TradesViz
- Best for: Data and visualization
- Strength: Detailed dashboards and analytics
- Weakness: Complex setup; learning curve
Google Sheets
- Best for: DIY customization
- Strength: Free and fully editable
- Weakness: No automation or visuals by default
Excel Journals
- Best for: Offline use
- Strength: Private and flexible
- Weakness: Manual entry and setup time
Final Thoughts
TradeZella has a great look and feel.
That said, it’s not the only game in town, nor right for every trader.
If you’re a frustrated TradeZella user who dislikes its pricing, bugs, or absence of a free tier, you have entirely legitimate alternatives that’ll help you know your performance without costing you anything.
For free sites, we suggest using Tradervue or Trademetria.
If you’re seeking a structured, no-frills trading journal as a day trader, RizeTrade is your best option.
If you’re an analyzer who enjoys a data-rich experience, TradesViz is optimal.
The best tool is the one you use.
So, journal your trades.
Keep track of your results.
Adjust your approach.
Your edge is in your data, not your subscription.