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 April 2024, and these are the best options:
#1 - AvaTrade
Why We Chose AvaTrade
AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
- Platforms: WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Pros
- WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
- The broker’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform
- There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill
Cons
- It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
- There is no ECN account with raw spreads
- A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
#2 - 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
- The broker's API facilitates access to 25 years of deep historical data and rates from 200+ currencies
- 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
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
- 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
#3 - Deriv.com
Why We Chose Deriv.com
Deriv.com is a low cost, multi-asset broker with over 2.5 million global clients. With just a $5 minimum deposit, the firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside proprietary synthetic products which can't be found elsewhere. Deriv provides both its own in-house charting software and the hugely popular MetaTrader 5.
"Deriv.com will suit day traders looking to make fast-paced trades using CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock. "
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
- Regulator: MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC
- Platforms: Deriv Trader, MT5
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
Pros
- Traders can use multipliers between 1 and 30, with take profit, stop loss and deal cancellation parameters
- Deriv continues to offer fast and reliable 24/7 support and the WhatsApp service is particularly convenient
- The free demo account is ideal for practicing short-term trading strategies and no registration is required
Cons
- There are limited copy trading tools and analysis features compared to alternatives like IQ Cent
- There's no loyalty program or rebate scheme for high volume traders
- The range of 100+ assets trails some competitors such as Quotex which offers 400+
#4 - Pepperstone
Why We Chose Pepperstone
Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Pros
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
Cons
- There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
- Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets.
#5 - XM
Why We Chose XM
XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.
"XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Minimum Trade: 0.01 Lots
Pros
- The broker offers premium research including market sentiment, fundamental insights and strategy builders
- 1000+ instruments are available, including recently added thematic indices, providing exposure to emerging industries
- XM is a hugely respected broker authorized by tier-one regulators
Cons
- PayPal deposits are not supported
- There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
- There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
How Trading Software Works
Online trading software can be broken down into four categories:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Does it meet your needs? – There is no one-size-fits-all trading software. Different programs will suit different investors. Are you following a simple stock strategy such as moving average tracking? Alternatively, do you want to employ a more complicated multi-conditional strategy? Will you need a direct forex feed or real-time signals? Get a free software download trial and practice on it first to make sure it caters to your needs.
- Cost – How much does the trading software cost? It is all too easy to opt for the cheapest application. But while this may save money in the short term, you may be sacrificing essential features your strategy requires. Adding these options later may also cost you more than investing in comprehensive software to start with. Also, check to see if the program is available as part of the standard brokerage account, or does it come at an additional cost?
Technology
- Execution speed – Time is money, and nowhere is that truer than in the day trading world. Ensure your software will allow you to enter and exit positions swiftly. Check reviews for any execution red flags. A few seconds could be the difference between finishing in the red or black at the end of the day. For more information on execution speeds, see our guide.
- Accessibility – Is it a web-based software offering? If so, you will need just an internet connection to get online, plus you should have zero installation, update, and maintenance costs. This is the best option for beginners. However, if you want to employ complex algorithms, you may need computer-based installable software. This is usually a more expensive route to go down. Note, the top copy-trading software is normally available via web-based terminals.
- Features – Active traders often rely on short-term price movements to turn a profit. What does your strategy need to monitor these price fluctuations? Will you need charts, particular data feeds, news sources, and specific market access? If so, check whether these will be included as standard.
- Analytics – Does your strategy depend on technical indicators and pattern recognition technology? Will the program recognize arbitrage opportunities, for example? Comprehensive analysis software will provide you with all the features you need in one user-friendly bundle.
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:
- Trading platforms – These enable you to manage and execute forex trades.
- Signal generators – These provide recommended price levels for which to enter and exit positions.
- Technical analysis software – These offer historical and live charts with exchange rates, plus a wide range of technical indicators.
- Automated forex trading software – Once you have pre-programmed your rules and strategy, these programs will automatically execute positions on your behalf.
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:
- Market scanning – These programs scan the market for opportunities and draw your attention to potential stocks via push notifications and alerts
- Charting software – These help you decipher market conditions and trends, so look for an application that offers user-friendly and intuitive charts, plus customizability options. eSignal is a particularly popular solution.
- Portfolio tracking – These track previous trades and results, helping you identify mistakes and refine strategies.
- Backtesting – These back-test your trading systems against historical data, giving you an idea of how successful your strategy may be before you risk real capital.
Other Instruments & Markets
On top of the ones above, you can also get your hands on the following:
- Commodity trading software – There is a rich supply of international applications for the commodities markets. Plus, you can find some of the best free online trading and charting software around.
- Bitcoin day trading software – As the market is still expanding, there are new options popping up every month. You can also find some of the best trading simulator software that is normally free. eToro is a particularly good choice for crypto investors.
- Emini trading software – E-mini options continue to grow so you can choose between generic systems or specialist Emini software. Good scalping options are also available, with plenty of reviews on forums.
- Penny stocks software – There is healthy competition here. In particular, there are plenty of easy-to-use buy and sell signal software for penny stocks.
- Software for NSE – You can find free programs for Indian markets, or you can choose from the ever-growing list of paid options.
- Software for cryptocurrency – These include robots, prediction software, or you can find plenty of manual solutions. You can also now get your hands on useful virtual money management software to keep your online wallet heavy.
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:
- ZuluTrade – Automate trades and offers copy signals or traders to follow (particularly popular in the US)
- NinjaTrader – An advanced platform that also allows developers to build their own indicators
- MetaTrader – Market-leading multi-functional trading platform. Integrated with many top brokers
- AlgoTrader – This is ideal if you are looking for customizable, open-source software to implement automated strategies
- eSignal – Advanced charts and graphs to support short-term and long-term trading strategies. Extensive customization capabilities, plus custom indicators available
- TD Ameritrade – Some of the best live and virtual day trading software available, scoring particularly high in US reviews
- eToro – Leading social trading network. Copy profitable traders – or become a ‘leader’ and earn when other traders follow you
- TradingView – A leading charting package with a wealth of technical analysis tools and the ability to build and back-test strategies. The software can monitor price charts over 30-day changes, plus automate investments and copy trades
- Trading Station 2 – A cloud-based trading platform developed exclusively for the forex broker FXCM
- JSE software – Considered one of the best futures day trading software available
- Etrade software – Nifty trading software that is fast, reliable, and used by investors of all levels
- MCX day trading analysis software – One of Tim Sykes’s highly recommended systems
- Consors software – This German application offers some of the best trading simulation software for free
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.