Discover our detailed comparison of ETrade 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 ETrade and Ninjatrader across the internet and compiled it all in this article.
Key Characteristics of ETrade and Ninjatrader
| Provider | Platform Type | Tradeable Assets | Charting Features | Data | Premium Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETrade Visit Site | Brokerage Platform | Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Futures, Futures Options, Crypto, Bonds | Power ETrade Platform | Real-time data with funded account | No premium features |
| 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 ETrade
Founded in 1982, ETRADE was one of the first companies to offer electronic trading to individual investors, making it easier for the general public to participate in the stock market without the need for traditional face-to-face transactions with brokers. ETrade offers competitive pricing for derivative trading and offers a trading platform for charting and analysis.
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 ETrade Best For?
ETrade is best for long-term investors and active traders alike, but it is just okay compared to other platforms. If you are a long-term investor, ETrade is great, but it doesn’t offer as much flexibility with fractional shares. It is also not the broker of choice for active traders, since much better platforms like tastytrade and thinkorswim are available.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETrade Visit Site | Yes, no fees in most cases | Yes | SIPC/FDIC Insured | Yes |
| Ninjatrader Get a Funded Account | No equity | Yes | Not insured | Yes |
Trading Costs and Commissions Compared
| Fee Type | ETrade Visit Site | Ninjatrader Get a Funded Account |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Commission | Free | No equity |
| Option Commission | $0.65 per contract | No equity options |
| Futures Commission | $1.50 per contract | $1.29 per contract, $0.35 micro |
| Futures Options Commission | Must call to activate futures options | Not specified, likely the same as regular futures |
| Option Exercise Fee | None | None |
ETrade vs Ninjatrader – Bottom Line
Choosing between ETrade 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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