Ninjatrader vs. Tradovate – Which Futures Platform is Best?
Ninjatrader and Tradovate are two of the most well-known and best futures trading platforms. Both platforms offer the same highly competitive futures trading commissions, especially when compared to traditional stock trading brokers. Continue reading to learn more about these platforms to help decide which is best for you.
Ninjatrader vs Tradovate At a Glance
- NinjaTrader acquired Tradovate in 2022, allowing both platforms to share resources and technology, providing traders with enhanced features while maintaining separate branding and platform experiences.
- NinjaTrader offers advanced order flow tools and detailed technical analysis, making it ideal for more advanced futures traders.
- Tradovate integrates seamlessly with TradingView, making it great for traders focused on ease of use.
- Both platforms specialize in futures trading but cater to slightly different needs, with NinjaTrader excelling in automation and analysis, while Tradovate prioritizes simplicity.
- Best for automated trading
- Advanced order flow tools
- No TradingView integration
- Low futures commissions
- Integrate with TradingView
- Advanced charting tools
Overview of Ninjatrader
Ninjatrader
- ✓ Best for futures trading
- ✓ Advanced order flow tools
- ✓ Solid charting tools
NinjaTrader is a futures trading platform known for its advanced charting, trade simulation, and market analysis tools, targeting active traders who require detailed technical analysis capabilities and automated trading strategies. NinjaTrader has extremely competitive commissions for futures contracts, but doesn’t support many other assets. There is also a minimum account activity fee, so you must trade at least once per month to avoid this $25 fee.
Ninjatrader is Best For
NinjaTrader is best for those specifically looking to trade futures. It has much lower futures commissions than the bigger brokers, but it does not directly support equity trading.
Overview of Tradovate
Tradovate
- ✓ Low futures commissions
- ✓ Integrate with TradingView
- ✓ Advanced charting tools
Tradovate is a futures trading brokerage platform with competitive pricing and trading tools. You can buy commission plans to reduce your commission rates and trade micro contracts for less than a few hundred dollars. It also has decent charting tools with advanced indicators like the volume profile, but I would still prefer TradingView’s charting.
Tradovate is Best For
Tradovate is best for those looking to trade futures with low commissions, especially if you trade enough to justify a monthly fee to lower your rates. However, Tradovate is primarily only for futures, so it is not for those looking to branch out into other assets like stocks and ETFs.
Key Characteristics of Ninjatrader and Tradovate
| Provider | Platform Type | Tradeable Assets | Charting Features | Data | Premium Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninjatrader | Futures Brokerage Platform | Futures, Futures Options, Forex | Free charting platform + premium charting option including volume profile and footprint | Real-time data with funded account | $99 per month or $1,499 lifetime for reduced commissions |
| Tradovate | Futures Brokerage Platform | Futures, Futures Options, Forex | Charting platform with subscription fee including volume and market profile | Real-time data with funded account | $99 per month or $1,499 lifetime for reduced commissions |
Trading Costs and Commissions Compared
Ninjatrader owns Tradovate, and the trading commissions are exactly the same. However, here is a chart comparing them:
| Fee Type | Ninjatrader | Tradovate |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Commission | No equity | No equity |
| Option Commission | No equity options | No equity options |
| Futures Commission | $1.29 per contract, $0.35 micro | $1.29 per contract, $0.35 micro |
| Futures Options Commission | Not specified, likely the same as regular futures | Not specified, likely the same as regular futures |
| Option Exercise Fee | None | None |
Trading Features and Tools
| Provider | DRIP | Margin Trading | Insurance | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninjatrader | No equity | Yes | Not insured | Yes |
| Tradovate | No equity | Yes | Not insured | Yes |
Ninjatrader vs Tradovate – Bottom Line
Niinjatrader is best for quant traders who want to trade with automated strategies, while Tradovate is best for people who want TradingView integration. Both platforms offers identical commission plans, so there is no benefit to either platform in that sense. I would encourage you to try out both platforms and choose the one you prefer the most.
You can also get a funded account for Ninjatrader and Tradovate with Apex Trader Funding. When you use Apex Trader Funding, you can access large accounts without risking your own capital. You can also use my Apex Trader Funding discounted link to get 80% off Apex Trader Funding, so you can get a funded Ninjatrader or Tradovate account for much cheaper.
Related Comparison Articles
For more detailed reviews and comparisons, continue exploring our other articles on brokerage platform comparisons.
