Discover our detailed comparison of Ninjatrader and Tradovate 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 Tradovate across the internet and compiled it all in this article.
Key Characteristics of Ninjatrader and Tradovate
| 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 |
| Tradovate Get a Funded Account | Futures Brokerage Platform | Futures, Futures Options, Forex | Charting platform with subscription fee including volume and market profile | Real-time data with funded account | $99 per month or $1,499 lifetime for reduced commissions |
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 Tradovate
Tradovate is a futures trading brokerage platform with competitive pricing and trading tools. You can buy commission plans to reduce your commission rates and trade micro contracts for less than a few hundred dollars. It also has decent charting tools with advanced indicators like the volume profile, but I would still prefer TradingView’s charting.
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 Tradovate Best For?
Tradovate is best for those looking to trade futures with low commissions, especially if you trade enough to justify a monthly fee to lower your rates. However, Tradovate is primarily only for futures, so it is not for those looking to branch out into other assets like stocks and ETFs.
Trading Features and Tools
| Provider | DRIP | Margin Trading | Insurance | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninjatrader Get a Funded Account | No equity | Yes | Not insured | Yes |
| Tradovate Get a Funded Account | No equity | Yes | Not insured | Yes |
Trading Costs and Commissions Compared
| Fee Type | Ninjatrader Get a Funded Account | Tradovate Get a Funded Account |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Commission | No equity | No equity |
| Option Commission | No equity options | No equity options |
| Futures Commission | $1.29 per contract, $0.35 micro | $1.29 per contract, $0.35 micro |
| Futures Options Commission | Not specified, likely the same as regular futures | Not specified, likely the same as regular futures |
| Option Exercise Fee | None | None |
Ninjatrader vs Tradovate – Bottom Line
Choosing between Ninjatrader and Tradovate 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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