Ninjatrader vs. thinkorswim – A Detailed Comparison
Discover our detailed comparison of Ninjatrader and thinkorswim to help determine which is best for you. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting out, choosing the right platform can significantly impact your trading experience.
To make your research easier, we manually found key data for Ninjatrader and thinkorswim across the internet and compiled it all in this article.
- Best for futures trading
- Advanced order flow tools
- Solid charting tools
Overview of Ninjatrader
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.
✓ Best for futures trading
✓ Advanced order flow tools
✓ Solid charting tools
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 thinkorswim
thinkorswim was founded by Tom Sosnoff in the late 90s, and is one of the most popular trading platforms today. thinkorswim allows you to use advanced charting tools, custom indicators, screeners, trade options, and more! thinkorswim itself is not a brokerage, but is compatible with Schwab and TD Ameritrade customers.
✓ Customizable charting tools
✓ Paper trading features
✓ Free for Schwab accounts
thinkorswim is Best For
thinkorswim is best for traders who already use Schwab or TD Ameritrade, and want an excellent trading platform for technical analysis, options trading, news, and more!
Key Characteristics of Ninjatrader and thinkorswim
| Platform | 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 |
| thinkorswim | Trading Platform (Schwab) | Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Index Options, Futures, Futures Options, Bonds | Downloadable desktop platform and web app | Real-time data with funded account | No premium features |
Trading Features and Tools
| Platform | DRIP | Margin Trading | Insurance | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninjatrader | No equity | Yes | Not insured | Yes |
| thinkorswim | Yes, no fees | Yes | Not a broker | Yes |
Trading Costs and Commissions Compared
| Fee Type | Ninjatrader | thinkorswim |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Commission | No equity | Free |
| Option Commission | No equity options | $0.65 per contract |
| Futures Commission | $1.29 per contract, $0.35 micro | $2.25 per contract |
| Futures Options Commission | Not specified, likely the same as regular futures | $2.25 per contract |
| Option Exercise Fee | None | None |
Ninjatrader vs thinkorswim – Bottom Line
Choosing between Ninjatrader and thinkorswim depends on your specific trading needs, preferred trading tools, and the type of assets you’re interested in.
Both platforms offer distinct advantages, but by considering the detailed comparison above, you can select the one that aligns best with your trading strategy and goals.
For more detailed reviews and comparisons, continue exploring our other articles on brokerage platform comparisons.
What is the Overall Best Charting Software?
I have reviewed and used nearly every trading platform available, and I believe that TradingView is the best overall charting software available. Here are some reasons why:
- All of TradingView’s key features are free to use
- TradingView provides real-time data for free whenever possible
- You are not tied to a single broker and can use whichever you want while charting on TradingView
- You can track all markets on a single platform, including stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and futures.
- TradingView has an excellent economic calendar and various screeners
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