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Trade Ideas vs. thinkorswim – A Detailed Comparison

Discover our detailed comparison of Trade Ideas and thinkorswim 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 Trade Ideas and thinkorswim across the internet and compiled it all in this article. 

Key Characteristics of Trade Ideas and thinkorswim

Provider Platform Type Tradeable Assets Charting Features Data Premium Pricing
Trade Ideas Get 15% Off Charting & AI Stock Scanner Not a broker, but you can chart stocks, ETFs, futures, crypto, and forex Advanced web-based charting platform + downloaded desktop version Real-time data included with paid subscription plans $89-$179 per month, get 15% off using my affiliate link
thinkorswim Learn More Trading Platform (Schwab) Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Index Options, Futures, Futures Options, Bonds Downloadable desktop platform and web app Real-time data with funded account No premium features

Overview of Trade Ideas

Trade Ideas is an advanced charting platform and stock screening software that provides real-time quotes, indicators, and heat maps. The dashboard seems overwhelming at first, but you can easily customize it to see only what you want, such as charting, screeners, or heatmaps. The platform is constantly scanning the stock market, and showing you which stocks are trending up, which is great for day traders.

Overview of thinkorswim

thinkorswim was founded by Tom Sosnoff in the late 90s, and is one of the most popular trading platforms today. thinkorswim allows you to use advanced charting tools, custom indicators, screeners, trade options, and more! thinkorswim itself is not a brokerage, but is compatible with Schwab and TD Ameritrade customers.

Who is Trade Ideas Best For?

Trade Ideas is best for day traders and swing traders who need a premium platform to help them track which stocks are making the biggest moves of the day. You can easily filter stocks by various metrics like daily volume %, gap %, change % from open, and many more.

Who is thinkorswim Best For?

thinkorswim is best for traders who already use Schwab or TD Ameritrade, and want an excellent trading platform for technical analysis, options trading, news, and more!

Trading Features and Tools

Provider DRIP Margin Trading Insurance Mobile App
Trade Ideas Get 15% Off Not a broker Not a broker Not a broker No
thinkorswim Learn More Yes, no fees Yes Not a broker Yes

Trading Costs and Commissions Compared

Fee Type Trade Ideas Get 15% Off thinkorswim Learn More
Equity Commission Not a broker Free
Option Commission Not a broker $0.65 per contract
Futures Commission Not a broker $2.25 per contract
Futures Options Commission Not a broker $2.25 per contract
Option Exercise Fee Not a broker None

Trade Ideas vs thinkorswim – Bottom Line

Choosing between Trade Ideas and thinkorswim 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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CLAIM YOUR FREE TRIAL

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. 

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