Best Alternatives to TradingView: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you currently using TradingView but finding that it doesn’t quite meet all your needs?
Whether it’s the reliability of market orders, the cost, or simply a desire for a change to a more professional platform, it’s clear that TradingView isn’t for everyone. As many traders explore alternatives, you might also be considering what other tools are out there.
Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways
TradingView alternatives include three categories: pure trading platforms, broker-owned platforms, and comprehensive market analysis platforms, catering to various trading needs.
We recommend ProRealTime for its advanced charting, unlimited free paper trading account, and superior customer service.
Prices vary widely, from free limited versions to premium services costing up to $2,400 annually, depending on the depth of features and data provided.
Alternative #1: Pure Chart Trading Platforms
These platforms compete directly with TradingView, offering advanced charting, customization, and fast updates without being tied to specific brokers—giving traders the flexibility to switch providers easily.
Ideal for those seeking cutting-edge technology and greater control over their trading environment, these platforms minimize potential conflicts of interest between features and brokerage services, providing a trustworthy and efficient trading experience.
| Platform Name | Comparison to TradingView | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProRealTime | Offers a pro-level, chart-driven live trading experience with market replay, backtesting, and automation—delivering many of TradingView’s premium features for free without ads. | Ideal for traders looking for versatile charting tools, human customer support, and reliable market orders. | 100% free web simulator with subscription-based software version |
| MetaTrader 4/5 (Metatrader 4 has faced some restrictions in the U.S.) | Features an outdated user interface but offers extensive customization options and access to a large community of experienced algo-traders. | Ideal for Forex traders using Expert Advisors (EAs) who want automated trading on a platform with a large forum community support. | Free but won’t work without a third-party broker account. |
| cTrader (Not available in the US) | Enhanced order execution features. Less reputable brokers not as many symbols. | Suitable for Forex traders who prioritize advanced order execution capabilities for managing more complex trading strategies. | Free trial, subscription. |
| TrendSpider | Offers a different set of data and analysis tools compared to TradingView, with more limitations for live trading. | Automates technical analysis with advanced charting capabilities and AI-driven pattern recognition. More difficult to use and does not direct market access. | Subscription-based |
While each platform has strengths, we recommend and use our partner ProRealTime for our trading and training purposes.
The platform offers advanced charting, powerful backtesting tools, and real-time data across various financial products, including stocks, forex, and commodities. Additionally, its web version features an unlimited free paper trading account, ideal for training and testing strategies without financial risk or frequent upgrade prompts.
Unlike platforms that batch quotes, ProRealTime pushes every new price update instantly to your charts, providing a more accurate view of the market as it unfolds. It also offers fast order execution for day traders and integrates seamlessly with well-known brokers like Interactive Brokers or IG Markets. Designed to work smoothly on any device, you can trade directly from your charts, anywhere. Plus, reliable customer support ensures you can make the most of all its features.
Alternative #2 Broker-Owned Trading Platforms
Broker-owned trading platforms are designed to work smoothly with their brokerage services, offering features that match the broker’s unique offerings and enhance your trading experience within their system.
Many traders pair broker-owned platforms with standalone tools like TradingView or ProRealTime—platforms that specialize in charting and analysis while offering compatibility with multiple brokers. This setup combines the best of both worlds: broker-specific features alongside powerful, independent trading tools.
This section provides an overview of various broker-owned trading platforms.
| Platform | Key attributes | Geographical Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Trader Workstation (Interactive Brokers) | Advanced technical tools, professional look but user-friendly | Worldwide |
| Thinkorswim (by Charles Schwab) | Offers rich analytics and high-precision market data but lacks robust automated trading options. | Primarily USA, with some international options |
| NinjaTrader | Highly customizable with advanced analytics; offers a unique lifetime license model for a one-time fee. Platform integrates with other brokers | Worldwide, focus on USA |
| Power ETRADE | Features a streamlined interface ideal for beginners and active traders with robust tools without being overly complex. | USA |
| Merrill Edge MarketPro | Advanced tools and superior research for in-depth analysis. | USA |
| eToro | Pioneers social trading with an intuitive platform that simplifies following and copying other successful traders. | Over 140 countries, including the USA |
| Webull | Accessible charting tools and zero-commission trading. | USA, expanding internationally |
| SaxoTraderGO (Saxo Bank) | Delivers advanced trading tools with extensive international access, though some markets are restricted. | Worldwide, with notable exclusions in the USA |
| Active Trader Pro (Fidelity) | Offers deep customization and real-time analytics, ideal for detailed market analysis primarily focused on stock trading. | USA |
| Robinhood | Known for its simple, intuitive design catering to new traders seeking straightforward, commission-free trading. | USA |
| xStation 5 (XTB) | Advanced technical tools, professional look but user friendly | Europe, Latin America, Asia. |
| IG Markets | Extensive market access and professional-grade tools. | Focus on Europe and Australia. Available in the US only for Forex through TastyFx Brand. |
| AvaTrade | User-friendly with diverse trading instruments. | Focus on Europe and Australia. No US Clients |
| Admirals (formerly Admiral Markets) | Emphasizes technology and educational resources. | Europe, Australia |
| Bitpanda | Specializes in cryptocurrency and digital assets. | Europe |
| Plus500 | Straightforward platform with a focus on CFD trading. | Worldwide, excluding the USA |
Alternative #3: Comprehensive Market Analysis and Data Visualization Platforms
Beyond trading platforms, a range of specialized tools exists to provide deep market analysis and data visualization. These resources are crucial for traders and investors who need extensive data insights and trend analysis to inform their strategies. Although they do not facilitate direct trading, their powerful analytical capabilities are key for informed decision-making.
| Name | Unique Strengths | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barchart | Excellent for commodity and futures analysis with strong customizable charting tools. | Extensive data coverage; User-friendly interface. | Overwhelming for beginners; Ads in free version. |
| Investing.com | Ideal for global market followers with real-time updates and a comprehensive economic calendar. | Free access to many features, such as real-time data and updates. | Advertisement clutter; Varying accuracy of analysis. |
| Finviz | Best for U.S. stock market screening with advanced visual tools like heat maps. | Comprehensive tools; Free access for many features. | No direct trading integration; Can be overwhelming for beginners. |
| StockCharts | Suitable for technical traders needing detailed charting and historical data analysis. | Rich charting options; Educational resources. | Premium cost for advanced features. |
Different traders require different tools, depending on their focus areas and strategies.
Platforms like Barchart and Investing.com cater to those needing a wide market view with real-time updates and global coverage. They provide an alternative to TradingView’s broad but sometimes surface-level insights.
These platforms deliver targeted data and features that meet the needs of traders looking for depth and breadth in their market analysis. While TradingView offers a solid foundation in charting and technical analysis, platforms like Finviz and StockCharts take these capabilities further by specializing in specific types of data visualization and analysis.
Finviz’s advanced screening capabilities allow for precise filtering of stocks based on detailed criteria, and StockCharts’ customizable charting tools enable a deeper dive into technical patterns and trends.
These platforms provide solutions that are not only comprehensive but also customizable to the trader’s specific analytical preferences.
FAQs
What Features Should I Expect on a Charting Platform?
A great charting platform should offer a variety of chart types, such as candlesticks and Renko. To analyze market trends, you’ll also want technical indicators like MACD, RSI, and Bollinger Bands.
Look for real-time and historical data to keep your analysis sharp. Also, customization options for colors and templates are a must.
The platform should work well on both desktop and mobile. And don’t forget alerts and notifications, which keep you informed of key market movements.
Finally, make sure the platform has solid security to keep your money and data safe.
Common Pitfalls of Charting Platforms
Too many features can lead to information overload. This can make it hard to focus and result in analysis paralysis.
Real-time data might sometimes lag, which throws off your trading strategy. And while many tools are free, advanced features often come with hidden costs.
Mobile apps might lack functionality compared to desktop versions. Over-reliance on technical analysis is another trap, leading traders to miss big-picture trends.
Lastly, some platforms might not be optimized, which can result in performance issues.
What Is the Average Annual Cost of a Charting Platform?
The cost of a charting platform varies based on its features. Basic platforms might be free, but mid-range options can cost $120 to $600 per year.
For professional-grade tools, expect to pay between $600 and $2,400 annually. Most platforms like TradingView and StockCharts have tiered pricing plans for different users.
What Kind of Customer Support Should an Ideal Platform Provide?
The best platforms offer 24/7 support through live chat, email, and phone. Quick response times are critical, especially during trading hours.
Look for a platform with a solid knowledge base and tutorial videos. This helps you solve common issues without needing to reach out.
What Are the Upcoming Trends in Trading Platforms?
Artificial intelligence is becoming more common, offering predictive analytics and automated trading. This means better tools for identifying opportunities.
Blockchain is also shaking things up, making transactions more transparent. Some platforms are even starting to integrate DeFi features directly into their systems.
The demand for high-functionality mobile apps is growing too. Traders want to do more on the go without sacrificing features.
Othmane holds a Master's in Financial Analysis and has passed the Level 1 of the CFA Program. He brings several years of experience in reviewing and editing finance-related content.
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