This article will explore my favorite charting software for stocks, and give you a basic overview of the various features offered. My favorite overall charting software for stocks is TradingView, as it offers free real-time data whenever possible, and allows you to track all assets from a single platform. You can read more in my full review of TradingView.
Summary of The Best Charting Software for Stocks
The table below lists all of the best charting software for stocks, and compares the features of all of them:
| Charting Software | Best for | Premium pricing (monthly) | Drawing tools | Real-time data | Custom indicators | Asset types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TradingView Free trial | Technical analysis | $12-$60 | Several extensive available free | Available free for most assets | Community-made with Pinescript | Stocks, crypto, forex |
| TrendSpider 25% discount | Automated analysis | $74-$149 | Automated and extensive tools available | Included in subscription | Yes | Stocks |
| Trade Ideas 15% discount | AI-driven analysis | $89-$179 | Available with subscription | Available with subscription | No | Stocks, ETFs, futures, crypto, and forex |
| TC2000 $25 discount | Advanced charting | $8-$50 | Several available for free | Available with subscription, 15-minute delayed free | Yes | Stocks, ETFs, & Options |
| Finviz Sign up for a free account | Quick stock overview | $24-$40 | Auto trend lines for free | Intraday only available with subscription | No | Stocks |
| Barchart Visit site | Historical data | $89-$140 | Basic available for free | Available with subscription | No | Stocks, options |
| StockCharts Visit site | Custom charts | $19-$50 | Basic available for free | Intraday only available with subscription | Yes | Stocks |
Reviews of the Best Charting Software for Stocks
1- TradingView
TradingView is the best charting software for stocks because it does everything for a great price. From advanced indicators like the volume profile to backtesting, TradingView has you covered. It also provides intraday charting for free, you just need to sign up for an account.
TradingView has several features, including:
- An extensive library of technical indicators
- Customizable charts and drawing tools
- Real-time data and alerts
- Community-made custom indicators
- Seamlessly draw on charts
- Stock screeners
- Heatmaps
- Supports stocks, crypto, forex
Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just getting started, TradingView has something for everyone. With real-time data and several indicators at your fingertips, you can confidently navigate the markets.
Drawing on charts is seamless, and you have every indicator you can imagine. New users can use our affiliate link to get a discount and a free trial of TradingView’s premium trading tools.
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- Advanced Charts
- Real-Time Data
- Track all Markets
2- TrendSpider
TrendSpider is another noteworthy charting software that caters to both novice and experienced traders.
Its unique selling point lies in its automated technical analysis tools, which help streamline the trading process by reducing the time spent on chart analysis.
Key features of TrendSpider include:
- Automated Technical Analysis: TrendSpider’s AI-driven system can automatically identify and draw trend lines, Fibonacci levels, and candlestick patterns, making it easier for traders to spot potential trading opportunities.
- Dynamic Price Alerts: Users can set alerts based on technical indicators or price movements, ensuring they never miss a key trading moment.
- Multi-Timeframe Analysis: This feature allows traders to overlay multiple timeframes on a single chart, providing a more comprehensive view of the market.
- Raindrop Charts: A unique feature to TrendSpider, Raindrop Charts are a novel way of visualizing volume and price action, offering insights that traditional candlestick charts may not provide.
- Backtesting Capabilities: Traders can test their strategies using historical data, which is crucial for refining trading approaches.
TrendSpider stands out for its emphasis on automation and innovation in charting technology. The platform is particularly beneficial for traders who rely heavily on technical analysis and seek to maximize their efficiency by utilizing automated tools.
Its user-friendly interface, combined with powerful analytical tools, makes it a strong competitor in the realm of charting software.
For traders considering TrendSpider, they offer a free trial, allowing potential users to explore its features before committing to a subscription. You can also get a discount on your subscription when you sign up using our TrendSpider affiliate link.
For a detailed comparison with other platforms like TradingView, check out our comprehensive review of TrendSpider vs. TradingView.
3- Finviz
Finviz is a great tool for its quick stock analysis capabilities. After typing in a ticker on Finviz, you will get a quick overview of its chart, fundamentals, and analyst coverage.
However, Finviz charges for intraday charting and isn’t a great choice for technical analysis. TradingView has much better charting and provides intraday charting for free. The bottom line is Finviz is great for a quick glance at a stock but not much for advanced technical analysis.
Key features include:
- Automatically draws trend lines
- Backtesting capabilities
- Stock screener
- Quick and efficient fundamental data
For a detailed comparison with TradingView, check out our article on TradingView vs. Finviz.
4- Barchart
Barchart excels with its historical data, which is created from its real-time data feeds, and its APIs make it easy to integrate the data into various applications and platforms. Barchart also offers historical data for technical indicators, bid-ask data, and depth of market.
Barchart also supports various indicators that can be used for free. Overall, Barchart is a solid platform, but TradingView still beats it when it comes to charting.
Key features include:
- Several free indicators
- Intraday charting
- Unusual options activity
- Option screener
For insights into Barchart’s strengths and how it compares to TradingView, read our article on Barchart vs. TradingView.
5- StockCharts
StockCharts allows users to create, annotate, save, and share their own custom charts with various indicators, overlays, and timeframes. However, the look feels dated, and it is lacking many charting features that TradingView has. It also does not have intraday chart data available for free.
StockCharts doesn’t seem to excel in either technical or fundamental analysis, but it gets the job done. If you enjoy a vintage feel, StockCharts may suit you. For those looking for a modern and efficient charting platform, consider one of the other tools on the list.
Key features include:
- Flexible chart types and overlays
- Annotated charts and technical scans
- Custom alerts and notifications
For a head-to-head comparison, see our article on TradingView vs. StockCharts.
Which Charting Platform is Best for You?
When it comes to charting software, the right choice depends on your trading style and needs. However, TradingView is by far the best for technical analysis.
If you are looking for fundamental data, Finviz and Barchart are your best bet. StockCharts is a bit lacking, in our opinion, but it will still get the job done.
Keep in mind that TradingView’s free trial is an excellent opportunity to try out premium features, including the volume profile, which isn’t available on most charting platforms.
Consider our article comparing Barcharts vs. StockCharts in your research.
This article contains affiliate links I may be compensated for if you click them.
