Discover our detailed comparison of Barchart and Ninjatrader 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 Barchart and Ninjatrader across the internet and compiled it all in this article.
Key Characteristics of Barchart and Ninjatrader
| Provider | Platform Type | Tradeable Assets | Charting Features | Data | Premium Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barchart Visit Site | Charting Software | Not a broker, but you can chart stocks, ETFs, futures, & forex | Downloadable desktop platform and web app with access to indicators and drawing tools for free | Use any time frame for free, but real-time data requires a paid subscription | $89-$140 per month |
| Ninjatrader Get a Funded Account | 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 |
Overview of Barchart
Barchart is a charting platform that allows you to analyze stocks, ETFs, currencies, and futures. You get access to indicators, drawing tools, and all time frames for free, but you must pay for real-time data and other advanced features.
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.
Who is Barchart Best For?
Barchart is best for swing traders and investors who want free access to a decent charting platform. If you are an active trader, the pricing is quite expensive for real-time data, and the charting isn’t as good as competitors like TradingView and TrendSpider.
Who is Ninjatrader 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.
Trading Features and Tools
| Provider | DRIP | Margin Trading | Insurance | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barchart Visit Site | Not a broker | Not a broker | Not a broker | Yes |
| Ninjatrader Get a Funded Account | No equity | Yes | Not insured | Yes |
Trading Costs and Commissions Compared
| Fee Type | Barchart Visit Site | Ninjatrader Get a Funded Account |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Commission | Not a broker | No equity |
| Option Commission | Not a broker | No equity options |
| Futures Commission | Not a broker | $1.29 per contract, $0.35 micro |
| Futures Options Commission | Not a broker | Not specified, likely the same as regular futures |
| Option Exercise Fee | Not a broker | None |
Barchart vs Ninjatrader – Bottom Line
Choosing between Barchart and Ninjatrader 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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