Trading Software

Trading software provides tools that help investors analyze markets and make trades. The best software includes advanced technical analysis and pattern recognition technology, signals and copy trading tools, plus automated robots. Importantly, leading software can help identify profitable trading opportunities and automate order execution in line with chosen strategies.

In this guide, we explain how trading software packages work before comparing the tools offered by the top forex, stock, commodity and crypto brokers. We also explore software demo accounts, computer equipment, and regional differences.

Best Trading Software 2024

We have tested the trading software at hundreds of brokers as of March 2024, and these are the best options:

#1 - FOREX.com

Why We Chose FOREX.com

Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Instruments: Forex, Spot Metals
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
  • Minimum Deposit: $100
  • Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
  • Leverage: 1:50

Pros

  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.

Cons

  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.

#2 - Interactive Brokers

Why We Chose Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage for experienced traders, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Instruments: Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
  • Regulator: FCA, SEC, FINRA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB
  • Platforms: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Minimum Trade: $100
  • Leverage: 1:50

Pros

  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
  • The TWS platform has clearly been built for intermediate and advanced traders and comes with over 100 order types and a reliable real-time market data feed that rarely goes offline.
  • There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.

Cons

  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.

#3 - NinjaTrader

Why We Chose NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Instruments: Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC
  • Platforms: NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
  • Leverage: 1:50

Pros

  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries

Cons

  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers

#4 - eToro USA

Why We Chose eToro USA

eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
  • Regulator: SEC, FINRA
  • Platforms: eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Minimum Trade: $10

Pros

  • Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
  • The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos
  • A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free

Cons

  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
  • Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders

#5 - OANDA US

Why We Chose OANDA US

OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.

"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • Instruments: Forex, Crypto
  • Regulator: NFA, CFTC
  • Platforms: OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
  • Leverage: 1:50

Pros

  • Beginners can get started easily with $0 minimum initial deposit
  • Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
  • OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC

Cons

  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported

How Trading Software Works

Online trading software can be broken down into four categories:

  1. Data – Before you start investing, you need to know the price of the stocks, futures, or currencies you want to trade. For stocks and futures, those prices will usually come from exchanges. Forex, however, doesn’t have a central exchange.
  2. Charting – Experienced traders will usually chart prices in graphing software. Many vendors will also offer data feeds. These charting packages usually offer basic technical analysis indicators. Opt for a more advanced package, and you can benefit from extra indicators and the ability to back-test strategies.
  3. Trade execution – With your data to hand and after analyzing it on a chart, at some point, you will want to open a position. For that, you will need some sort of trade execution software, such as an electronic trading platform. A lot of options today will also allow you to develop your own trading strategies with an application programming interface (API). They may also offer automated trading capabilities specifically for day trading.
  4. Broker vs. independent vendor – Many online brokers offer software directly linked to their in-house systems. You can also use third-party applications through independent software vendors with platforms that support integration. The benefit of third-party solutions is that they often have more advanced features and enable you to trade at several different brokers through a single interface.

Tools

Mac or Windows?

When choosing your software, you need something that works seamlessly with your desktop or laptop. Any crashes or technical issues could cost you profits.

Fortunately, retail investors are no longer constrained to Windows computers. Recent years have seen a surge in the popularity of day trading software for Mac devices, in particular. MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, for example, are the world’s most popular trading platforms. The Mac-compatible terminals are user-friendly and provide an easy-to-navigate interface, ideal for beginners and veterans. Signals, copy trading, plus Expert Advisors (EAs) are also available.

How does day trading software work?
MetaTrader 4 Investing Software

But regardless of whether you are looking for the best trading software for Mac or Windows, check reviews to ensure the technical tools, data feeds, portfolio trackers, back-testing capabilities, and any other features you require won’t run into compatibility hurdles.

In addition, make sure the initial download is free. Reputable brokers shouldn’t charge you for installation.

Mobile Trading Software

You can also get useful mobile trading software, normally in the form of an app on iOS or Android devices. These aren’t typically designed to replace desktop applications as they lack in the capabilities area. Instead, they are best used to supplement your normal, desktop-based system.

A key point…

Make sure when choosing your software that the mobile app is free.

A good application will provide succinct market updates, trends, and the usual stock price tickers. If it overloads you with information that pushes you towards impulsive decisions, stay clear.

Day trading analytical software linux and mobile
AvaTradeGO Investing Software

Comparing Trading Software

Online brokers will often offer standard software, but if you want additional features essential for your strategies, you may have to pay significantly more. So, conduct a thorough comparison before investing with your hard-earned capital.

The key points to consider include:

Cost & Need

Technology

Forex Trading Software

Which is the best forex trading software available in today’s market? Finding the right solution isn’t always a straightforward decision with hundreds of options to choose from.

The first question should be: ‘what information, resources, and tools do you need to enhance your forex trading strategy?’

Below are some of the most popular types of currency trading software available:

Fastest day trading software
cTrader Forex Trading Software

Stock Trading Software

With today’s volatile market trends, picking the right stock trading software is important. It is often said that there are very few stocks worth investing in each day. This means identifying opportunities before share prices make big moves will be what separates the profitable traders from the rest.

Before purchasing stock trading software, always check application reviews first. In addition, look for the following capabilities:

Day trading equipment and software
TD Ameritrade Stock Trading Software

Other Instruments & Markets

On top of the ones above, you can also get your hands on the following:

Journal Software

Day trading journal software allows you to keep online log books. Why would you want that? Because they maintain a detailed account of all your previous positions.

They usually record the instrument, date, price, entry, and exit points. This could allow you to fill in your tax returns with ease and analyze recent trade performance.

Importantly, it can help you identify mistakes, enabling you to invest smarter in the future. This makes it some of the most important intraday trading software available.

Where to Buy Day Trading Software

Make sure that when you compare programs, you check reviews first. Even those that proclaim to be one of the ‘top 10-day trading software’ can have some serious drawbacks. Also bear in mind that the easiest application won’t necessarily be the best.

Consider the popular and well-regarded options below:

Software Strategies

Choosing the right trading software is an important decision. It is also important that any solution integrates with your trading strategies. If you are investing in forex using a simple price action strategy, for example, you may have everything you need with your broker’s standard program.

However, tools such as TradingView can help you build and back-test more advanced strategies, including using your own code if desired. Complex trading systems may also require software with a wide range of indicators and technical tools at a few clicks’ notice to help make fast and accurate decisions.

Importantly, for advanced traders, strategy needs are likely to be greater, and may require optional advanced features that are often expensive.

Demo Accounts

If you want to test a specific software before committing to it, the best way to do so is through a demo account. A paper trading solution is essentially a practice account where you trade for free with virtual funds using the real program and its features. It is a great way to trial software, strategies, and develop your own skills. We list the top investing demo accounts here.

Regional Considerations

Tailored for Specific Markets

The best trading software for traders in Australia and Canada may fall short in Indian and South African markets. This is because the software in India may be be designed to analyze and take into account intricate Indian market dynamics. Spider Software, for example, provides technical analysis software specifically for Indian markets.

If you want to trade stocks in the West, you may find an application from far afield won’t give you access to all the data feeds and news resources you need to trade successfully.

There is also the question of cost. You can get plenty of free charting software for Indian markets. Still, the same powerful and comprehensive software in the UK, Europe, and the US, often comes with a price tag.

So, make sure your software comparison takes into account location and price.

Tax Considerations

The same principle applies to day trading tax software. Your accounting software needs to be able to accurately calculate how much tax is payable to your country’s specific body, the IRS or HMRC, for example.

Apart from wasting your time, any tax errors will fall on your lap, as will any fines.

Final Word On Location

If you’re British, do your homework and find out what the best application specifically for the UK is. If you are Canadian, check you won’t encounter any tax problems when you invest in accounting software from South Africa, for example.

Final Word On Trading Software

It is worth bearing in mind that your choice of broker can restrict the tools available.

Free day trading software may seem like a no-brainer to start with. However, if it comes with the sacrifice of technical tools that could enhance investment decisions, then it may cost you in the long run.

Also remember that the best trading software for forex may not be helpful for stocks, so do your research and consider all the tips in our guide above. And most importantly, you wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it first, and your trading software and application doesn’t need to be any different.

FAQs

Does Trading Software Work?

Yes, in fact you may use it without even realizing. All brokers offer some type of trading analytical software to display price charts, technical indicators, or even for keeping a journal.

How Day Trading Software Work?

There are many types of programs, with most of the popular solutions helping to facilitate informed trades. TradingView, for example, is useful for backtesting and planning strategies because it offers historical data and analytical tools.

Is Online Trading Training Software Useful?

Trading learning software, such as mock accounts, provide a cost-free space for novices to test their strategies and learn how to invest. See our list of top practice accounts here.

What Is The Best Day Trading Software?

Popular trading programs include eToro, TD Ameritrade, Interactive Brokers, and TradeStation. Importantly, you should choose a provider that suits your investing style and is user-friendly.

What Is The Best Free Trading Software?

There are many options, but one of the most popular forex and CFD software packages is free. MetaTrader is used by many brokers and is known for its reliability. Another free option is TradingView, they have charts spanning many assets, including cryptos, commodities, stocks, and indices.