Discover our detailed comparison of Ninjatrader and Robinhood 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 Robinhood across the internet and compiled it all in this article.
Key Characteristics of Ninjatrader and Robinhood
| Provider | Platform Type | Tradeable Assets | Charting Features | Data | Premium Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Robinhood Get a Free Stock | Brokerage Platform | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto | Basic charting on mobile and web app | Real-time data with funded account | $5/mo for Gold |
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.
Overview of Robinhood
Robinhood is a popular commission-free brokerage platform that was founded in 2013. It gained significant attention for its user-friendly mobile app and the democratization of investing by eliminating traditional trading fees. Robinhood has attracted a large user base, primarily consisting of millennials and new investors seeking easy access to financial markets.
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.
Who is Robinhood Best For?
Robinhood is best for beginners who want easy access to stocks, options, and crypto. The mobile app has an amazingly simple design, allowing anybody to take control of their financial future. Robinhood is a great choice for all investors except active traders requiring more advanced charting and order placement tools.
Trading Features and Tools
| Provider | DRIP | Margin Trading | Insurance | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninjatrader Get a Funded Account | No equity | Yes | Not insured | Yes |
| Robinhood Get a Free Stock | Yes, no fees | Yes | SIPC Insured | Yes |
Trading Costs and Commissions Compared
| Fee Type | Ninjatrader Get a Funded Account | Robinhood Get a Free Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Commission | No equity | Free |
| Option Commission | No equity options | Free |
| Futures Commission | $1.29 per contract, $0.35 micro | No futures |
| Futures Options Commission | Not specified, likely the same as regular futures | No futures options |
| Option Exercise Fee | None | None |
Ninjatrader vs Robinhood – Bottom Line
Choosing between Ninjatrader and Robinhood 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
TradingView Limited Time Offer!
Exclusive Deal: 30-Day FREE Premium Access + Bonus Credit
Don’t Miss Out – Sign up for TradingView Now!
- Advanced Charts
- Real-Time Data
- Track all Markets
If you sign up for a TradingView account using my affiliate link, you can get a 30-day free trial of its premium features plus a $15 credit toward your subscription. However, signing up for a free trial is not required, and you can use nearly all of its features with a basic free account. You can read my full review of TradingView to learn more.
Related Trading Platform Comparisons
Ninjatrader vs StockCharts
MT4 vs thinkorswim
ETrade vs Schwab
Barchart vs Finviz
ETrade vs TC2000
