Updated September 30, 2026 · BrokerCue Editorial Team
Simply Wall St vs The Motley Fool
What sets them apart
| Compare |  Simply Wall St | The Motley Fool ReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Tool type | Screener, Research, Portfolio trackerCovers more | Research, Portfolio tracker |
| Markets | Stocks | Stocks, ETFsCovers more |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Mobile |
| Money-back period | 14 days | 30 daysHigher |
| Free trial length | 7 days | Not confirmed |
Same on both: Free plan (Yes).
We earn a commission when you sign up through links on this site. Partner status can affect where a brand appears in our rankings.
Key differences
- The Motley Fool scores higher overall: 9.3 vs 8.7.
- Money-back period is higher at The Motley Fool: 30 days vs 14 days.
- Founded is lower at The Motley Fool: 1993 vs 2014.
- Markets: only The Motley Fool offers ETFs.
- Platforms: only Simply Wall St offers iOS, Android.
- Platforms: only The Motley Fool offers Mobile.
- Support channels: only The Motley Fool offers Phone.
- Tool type: only Simply Wall St offers Screener.
- Pricing model: only Simply Wall St offers Free trial.
Our verdict on each
Simply Wall St
Simply Wall St suits investors who want visual stock research plus a portfolio tracker across web and mobile, with support through email and help centre. You can start on the free plan and explore paid features during the trial lasting 7, backed by cover lasting 14.
The Motley Fool
The Motley Fool suits beginners who want ideas on stocks and ETFs plus tools for research and portfolio tracker you can use on web and mobile, with help through email, phone and help centre and a free plan to start.
Score breakdown
| Area | Simply Wall St | The Motley Fool |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.7Cost reflects trial access lasting 7 plus cover lasting 14. | 9.3HigherFree plan model free plan with refund cover of 30 days supports cost confidence. |
| Offer | 8.9Offer reflects screener and research depth shown in screener, research and portfolio tracker for stocks. | 9.2HigherResearch focus across stocks and ETFs with tools for research and portfolio tracker shapes the offer. |
| Trust | 8.5Trust reflects clear corporate identity in Simply Wall Street Pty Ltd based in AU. | 9.4HigherLong standing base in US since 1993 supports trust. |
How they place
| Ranking | Simply Wall St | The Motley Fool |
|---|---|---|
| Investing research tools | 2 of 34 | 5 of 34 |
Pick Simply Wall St if, pick The Motley Fool if
Pick Simply Wall St if tool type matter most.
Pick The Motley Fool if cost, offer, trust, markets, and money-back period matter most.
A third option
WealthFluent has money-back period at 60 days, against 14 days for Simply Wall St and 30 days for The Motley Fool.
WealthFluent reviewWhat we checked
Simply Wall St
- simplywall.st: 10 facts, checked September 28, 2026
- support.simplywall.st: 1 fact, checked September 28, 2026
The Motley Fool
- fool.com: 7 facts, checked September 30, 2026
- support.fool.com: 3 facts, checked September 30, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Simply Wall St | The Motley Fool |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free plan, Free trialCovers more | Free plan |
| Legal entity | Simply Wall Street Pty Ltd | The Motley Fool, LLC |
| Headquarters | Australia | United States |
| Founded | 2014 | 1993Lower |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre | Email, Phone, Help centreCovers more |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Simply Wall St | The Motley Fool | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free trial length | 7 dayslowest quarter | Not confirmed | 14 days |
| Money-back period | 14 dayslowest quarter | 30 daysat the median | 30 days |
Median across 9 listed brokers.
Pros and cons
Simply Wall St
Pros
- Keeps a free plan with trial access under free plan and free trial, useful for testing stock screens before paying.
- Covers screener, research and portfolio tracker for stocks, linking ideas, research notes and tracking in a single view.
- Works across web, iOS and Android, so research started on web stays visible on mobile.
Cons
- Coverage stays limited to stocks, so ETF or fund holders may need LemurTrade for stocks, ETFs and crypto.
- Support runs on email and help centre only, which may feel slow if you prefer live chat or calls.
- Trial access lasts 7, so evaluation time is short compared with tools that allow longer review.
The Motley Fool
Pros
- Covers stocks and ETFs, keeping equity research focused for share and ETF investors.
- Provides research and portfolio tracker to link ideas with ongoing holding reviews.
- Available on web and mobile for use at home and while away.
Cons
- Coverage stays within stocks and ETFs, while GeVestor spans stocks, ETFs and forex for wider asset choice.
- Tools centre on research and portfolio tracker, while LemurTrade adds scope through stocks, ETFs and crypto for varied interests.
- Support runs on email, phone and help centre only, without chat for quick queries during market hours.
Who each suits
Simply Wall St
Who it suits
- Choose Simply Wall St over WealthFluent if you want a free plan with trial access under free plan and free trial.
- Choose Simply Wall St over LemurTrade if you prefer focused equity depth in stocks rather than broad screening across stocks, ETFs and crypto.
- Choose Simply Wall St over GeVestor if you want screener led stock views rather than coverage across stocks, ETFs and forex.
Who should look elsewhere
- Choose GeVestor over Simply Wall St if you want broader multi asset coverage across stocks, ETFs and forex rather than stocks.
- Choose LemurTrade over Simply Wall St if you want ETF and fund screening within stocks, ETFs and crypto.
The Motley Fool
Who it suits
- You want stocks and ETFs ideas with research and portfolio tracker, rather than the narrower stocks focus of The Oxford Club.
- You prefer a guided research style on web and mobile, rather than the broader stocks, ETFs and forex mix at GeVestor.
- You value help through email, phone and help centre, compared with more limited contact routes elsewhere.
Who should look elsewhere
- You may prefer GeVestor over The Motley Fool if you want stocks, ETFs and forex rather than stocks and ETFs for multi asset ideas.
- You may prefer LemurTrade over The Motley Fool if you want crypto and fund coverage within stocks, ETFs and crypto.
Questions about each
Simply Wall St
Does Simply Wall St offer a free plan?+
Yes, Simply Wall St maintains a free plan aimed at stock research for everyday investors. The paid structure sits under free plan and free trial, so you can stay on the free tier or move up after review. The trial lasting 7 gives added room to compare limits before you decide.
How long is the free trial?+
The standard trial lasts 7, giving you short term access to paid research screens and portfolio views. Use that window to check watchlists, company pages and alerts. If the style does not suit your routine, you can return to the free plan without added steps.
The Motley Fool
Which markets does The Motley Fool cover?+
You can follow ideas across stocks and ETFs, which keeps the focus on listed equity and diversified equity baskets. That scope suits you if you prefer shares and ETFs rather than currency or derivatives. Broader asset coverage is available through GeVestor, which spans stocks, ETFs and forex.
What type of investing tool is it?+
You get tools for research and portfolio tracker, which combine written research with a way to monitor holdings in a structured view. That pairing helps you link ideas to your existing positions. If you want screening or charting as a core activity, consider how that mix fits your routine.