How to choose the 2025 desktop trading software? 5 recommended software comparisons and evaluations

Many investors share a common concern: the small screen size makes it hard to see technical indicators, trading delays cause frustration, and battery life is a worry. These pain points have made desktop charting software the standard for serious investors. Compared to mobile apps, why are desktop applications more popular? Simply put, it’s three words: Big, Fast, Stable.

Why Use Desktop Charting Software

The advantages of a large screen are undeniable

On a computer, opening multiple windows to monitor different markets is routine—Taiwan stock charts, US stock options quotes, commodity futures prices—all clearly visible at a glance. Try viewing 24 technical indicators on a 6-inch mobile screen—it’s extremely difficult. That’s the charm of desktop charting software.

Performance and responsiveness determine trading success

Market fluctuations are unpredictable—delays of just one second can mean missing the best entry point. Computers have far greater processing power than phones, supporting complex real-time data updates and multitasking. When market conditions change suddenly, quick reaction often determines investment returns.

Stability and security

No worries about losing your phone, battery draining, or sudden freezes. Desktop charting software provides 24/7 stable service, allowing investors to monitor markets with peace of mind.

Based on these advantages, choosing the right desktop application becomes crucial. The following five charting tools represent different usage scenarios to help investors find the most suitable one.

Detailed Comparison of 5 Charting Software

Focused on Taiwan Stock Investment—SanTzu Stock Market

SanTzu Stock Market has been deeply rooted in Taiwan’s market for years and is the preferred tool for many Taiwan stock investors. The software integrates real-time quotes for Taiwanese stocks, 24 technical indicators (RSI, KD, and other common tools), strategy-based stock selection, AI-powered stock picking, and more.

The desktop version offers 10 charting modes, fully customizable interface—adding trend lines and technical analysis tools to the top left, displaying company fundamentals and valuation info at the top right, effectively turning your desktop into a complete analysis toolbox.

Core advantages:

• Free Taiwan stock market monitoring with industry-leading data accuracy
• Rich options for chart modes and customizable interfaces
• Detailed post-market data, ideal for in-depth Taiwan stock research

Note: SanTzu itself does not provide order placement; investors must connect to one of three brokerages (Yuanta, E.SUN, Uni-President) within the app for trading, which is somewhat cumbersome. US stock data has delays, making it more suitable for focusing on Taiwan’s market.

For global asset allocation—Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IB), founded in 1977, is one of the world’s largest online brokers. Its desktop platform Trader Workstation (TWS) is incredibly powerful, supporting trading in over 120 markets worldwide—including stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, ETFs, and more.

For investors interested in overseas assets, especially bonds, IB is almost the only choice. TWS supports highly customizable trading interfaces, allowing users to configure windows and tools according to their habits. It supports various order types and algorithmic trading, with real-time charts, technical indicators, and market scanners.

Core advantages:

• Broadest global market coverage and most comprehensive financial products
• Supports automated trading and strategy backtesting—ideal for quantitative investors
• One-stop trading solution for global markets

Note: Due to its extensive features, TWS’s interface is quite complex, making it challenging for beginners. If you only want to track stock prices or place occasional trades, this software might be overkill. Better suited for experienced or high-frequency traders.

For beginners in international stock trading—Mitrade

Mitrade, established in 2011, is an international fintech company offering forex and CFD trading. The desktop version supports both web (no download needed, open in browser) and desktop apps, providing users with great flexibility.

Its biggest feature is exceptional ease of use. The interface is simple and intuitive—newcomers with no trading experience can quickly get started. It supports trading in US stocks, Australian stocks, global indices, international ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, precious metals, and hundreds of other assets—all with one account.

Taiwan users can deposit and withdraw in New Taiwan Dollars, avoiding currency exchange hassles. The platform is fast, with no order delays, and offers various technical analysis tools (trend lines, moving averages, RSI, etc.) to help identify buy/sell points. Security is ensured through advanced encryption and multi-layer protection.

Great perks for newcomers: Register and get 50,000 USD virtual funds for up to 90 days of demo trading. Real trading offers up to 100 USD cashback. Leverage trading is supported, allowing small capital to amplify gains.

Core advantages:

• Simplest interface, most friendly for beginners
• Rich variety of international assets, suitable for diversified investment
• Localized service in Taiwan, easy deposits and withdrawals
• Attractive demo accounts and newbie packages

Note: Margin trading is not suitable for long-term investors; better for short-term trading strategies.

The favorite for Hong Kong and US stock investors—Futu NiuNiu

Futu NiuNiu has become extremely popular in the Chinese-speaking investment community in recent years. Listed on NASDAQ in 2019 (stock code FUTU), it holds securities licenses in Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore. The desktop interface is cleverly designed: top left shows price charts (with trend lines and analysis tools), top right displays company fundamentals and valuation info, bottom left is options trading, and bottom right shows order book data.

It features a dedicated options pricing module, saving users from much of the homework. Covers real-time quotes and trading for Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and A-shares (Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect). Available on Windows and Mac, with seamless sync between mobile and desktop.

Core advantages:

• Most comprehensive Hong Kong and US stock market data
• Excellent options trading features—great for options investors
• Cross-platform design with consistent experience

Note: Does not support credit card deposits; only bank wire transfers and ACH are available, making the deposit process somewhat complex.

Unbeatable technical analysis—Tradingview

Tradingview, founded in 2011 by technical experts and traders, is a leading global financial chart analysis platform. Over a decade, its charting features have become industry standard—many Yahoo Finance charts are actually powered by Tradingview.

On Tradingview, you can draw lines, mark, color, add trend lines, and more—over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools are available. Its database is astonishing: Taiwan stocks, US stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies—all covered, even Indian stocks.

It also has built-in social features: view stock introductions, investor discussions, and latest news, forming a complete analysis ecosystem. Despite its comprehensive features, the interface is surprisingly simple—new users can learn quickly. Available as web and desktop versions.

Core advantages:

• Market’s strongest charting tools, highest drawing freedom
• Extensive global data coverage, unbeatable query functions
• Robust social ecosystem, rich information resources
• Simple, user-friendly interface

Note: Tradingview does not support order placement itself; you need to connect to a broker for trading, requiring a separate account. Full features require a paid subscription, but the free version is sufficient for daily monitoring and analysis.

Quick Guide to Choosing Among the 5 Charting Software

If you invest in Taiwan stocks: SanTzu Stock Market is the most professional, with the most accurate data and targeted features.

If you want to trade global assets: Interactive Brokers is unbeatable, but be prepared for a steep learning curve.

If you’re new to international markets: Mitrade is the most friendly, with the best newcomer perks ($50,000 demo + $100 USD cashback), allowing stress-free practice before real trading.

If you focus on Hong Kong and US stocks: Futu NiuNiu offers the most balanced overall experience, with especially strong options features.

If you love technical analysis: Tradingview’s chart tools are unmatched; pairing it with other platforms for order execution is ideal.

Desktop vs Mobile App: What You Need to Know

How big is the difference in experience between the same software on different devices?

SanTzu Stock Market’s mobile app has the highest market share (47 brokerages, over 90% outsourced), but in terms of displaying company info, it’s still less comprehensive than the desktop version, and price charts can be somewhat laggy.

Mitrade’s mobile app continues its simple style but lacks advanced technical analysis features; both versions need improvement.

Futu NiuNiu’s mobile app, ported from desktop, requires multiple taps to access some functions, and some complex features are hard to use.

Interactive Brokers’ mobile app is even more complicated—Trader Workstation’s extensive features become a maze on mobile, and login security verification is cumbersome, affecting trading speed.

Tradingview’s mobile app isn’t bad, but the small screen limits the powerful charting and drawing capabilities; for full experience, desktop is recommended.

Conclusion

Choosing desktop charting software depends on your investment strategy and market focus. For simplicity and ease of use—Mitrade; for deep Taiwan stock research—SanTzu Stock Market; for global asset allocation—Interactive Brokers; for balanced Hong Kong and US stock investing—Futu NiuNiu; for dedicated technical analysis—Tradingview.

There’s no absolute best—only what’s most suitable. Find the tool that fits your needs and feels comfortable—that’s the first step toward successful investing.