TradingView vs NinjaTrader: The main difference is that TradingView excels in charting and social features, while NinjaTrader offers more active trading and futures tools.
TradingView and NinjaTrader are highly respected platforms in the trading community but cater to slightly different audiences. TradingView is well-known for its powerful charting capabilities and vibrant social trading community, making it a go-to for traders who prioritize technical analysis and collaboration. NinjaTrader, on the other hand, is favored by active traders and those focused on futures trading thanks to its advanced order types, fast execution, and comprehensive suite of trading tools. Let's break down how these two platforms stack up against each other.
TradingView Investing vs NinjaTrader: What’s the Difference?
When choosing between TradingView and NinjaTrader, understanding the differences in cost structure, supported brokers, order types, and other key features is crucial. Both platforms cater to traders but serve different needs based on the user’s trading style and market focus.
Cost Structure
TradingView offers a variety of plans, including a free basic plan and three paid tiers:
- Free Plan: Basic charting and limited indicators.
- Pro: $12.95/month – Additional charting features, more indicators, and an ad-free experience.
- Pro+: $24.95/month – Enhanced features, including up to four charts per tab and more saved chart layouts.
- Premium: $49.95/month – Full access to all features, including up to eight charts per tab, priority customer support, and real-time data from all major exchanges.
NinjaTrader offers a free plan for charting and analysis, but trading requires a paid license:
- Free Plan: Access to basic charting and analysis tools.
- Monthly Lease: $99/month – Includes access to advanced features like order types and strategy automation.
- Lifetime License: $1,499 one-time payment – Full access to all features, including lifetime updates and support.
The Better Platform: Tie. TradingView is more affordable for beginners and those primarily interested in charting. At the same time, NinjaTrader provides better value for active traders who require advanced tools and are willing to invest in a lifetime license.
Supported Brokers
TradingView integrates with a broad range of brokers across various markets:
- Stocks: TradeStation, Alpaca
- Futures: AMP Global, Tradovate
- Crypto: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken
- Forex: OANDA, Forex.com
NinjaTrader is primarily focused on futures and forex trading:
- Stocks: Not directly supported
- Futures: NinjaTrader Brokerage, Interactive Brokers
- Crypto: Limited support via third-party integrations
- Forex: FXCM, City Index
The Better Platform: TradingView. TradingView offers broader broker support across multiple asset classes, making it more versatile for traders exploring various markets.
Order Types
TradingView provides standard order types:
- Market
- Limit
- Stop
- Stop-Limit
NinjaTrader offers advanced order types:
- Market
- Limit
- Stop
- Stop-Limit
- OCO (One Cancels Other)
- Trailing Stops
- Automated Orders
The Better Platform: NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader’s advanced order types, particularly OCO and trailing stops, make it better suited for traders who require more sophisticated trading strategies.
Trade Execution
TradingView relies on the broker’s infrastructure for trade execution, which varies in speed and reliability depending on the broker.
NinjaTrader is known for its ultrafast trade execution, particularly in the futures market, where speed and reliability are crucial for day trading and scalping.
The Better Platform: NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader wins for its superior trade execution capabilities, especially for futures traders who need fast and reliable order processing.
Technical Indicators
TradingView offers over 100 built-in indicators and allows users to create custom indicators using Pine Script.
NinjaTrader also provides a wide array of indicators with deep customization options, using C# for more advanced scripting and automated strategies.
The Better Platform: Tie. Both platforms excel in offering a comprehensive range of technical indicators with customization capabilities, catering to different coding preferences.
Data Visualization
TradingView is renowned for its visually appealing and highly customizable charts that are user-friendly and accessible across multiple devices.
NinjaTrader provides powerful charting tools with advanced features like multi-timeframe analysis and extensive customization but with a steeper learning curve.
The Better Platform: TradingView. TradingView’s user-friendly interface and visually engaging charts make it the better choice for traders who prioritize ease of use and aesthetics.
Alerts Feature
TradingView offers an alert system with customizable conditions based on price, indicators, and drawing tools. Alerts can be received via app notifications, email, or SMS.
NinjaTrader also provides advanced alert features, but they require more setup and are geared toward technical conditions rather than broad-based alerts.
The Better Platform: TradingView. TradingView’s straightforward and highly customizable alerts make it more accessible and easier for traders of all levels.
Mobile App
TradingView offers a fully featured mobile app that seamlessly integrates with its desktop platform. The app allows traders to access charts, place trades, and set alerts on the go.
NinjaTrader does not have a dedicated mobile app but offers a mobile-friendly web interface with limited functionality compared to its desktop platform.
The Better Platform: TradingView. TradingView’s mobile app provides a comprehensive trading experience, making it the clear winner for traders who need full functionality on the go.
Ease of Use
TradingView has a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate, making it accessible to beginners and experienced traders alike.
NinjaTrader is more complex and has a steeper learning curve, which may be challenging for beginners but offers powerful tools for advanced traders.
The Better Platform: TradingView. TradingView’s simplicity and ease of use make it a better choice for traders who want a straightforward and accessible trading platform.
Customer Support
TradingView offers online support through a help center, community forums, and a ticket system, but it lacks direct phone or live chat support.
NinjaTrader provides comprehensive customer support, including live chat, email, and phone support, as well as an extensive knowledge base and user forums.
The Better Platform: NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader’s more comprehensive customer support options, including live chat and phone support, give it an edge for traders who need immediate assistance.
Educational Resources
TradingView offers rich educational content, including tutorials, webinars, and a community-driven idea section where users share strategies and analyses.
NinjaTrader also provides extensive educational resources, focusing on webinars, video tutorials, and in-depth guides for using its advanced features.
The Better Platform: Tie. Both platforms offer excellent educational resources, with TradingView leaning more toward community-driven content and NinjaTrader focusing on advanced trading education.
Safety and Security
TradingView operates on a cloud-based platform with SSL encryption and offers two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
NinjaTrader also prioritizes security with encrypted data transmission, secure brokerage integration, and infrastructure for handling sensitive financial information.
The Better Platform: Tie. Both platforms offer strong security measures, ensuring that traders’ data and funds are well-protected.
What Are Your Trading Needs?
TradingView and NinjaTrader have their strengths, making them suitable for different types of traders. If you’re looking for an intuitive platform with excellent charting and social features, TradingView is your best bet. If you’re an active trader, particularly in the futures market, who needs advanced order types, fast execution, and powerful trading tools, NinjaTrader is the clear winner. Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your trading style, experience level, and specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you connect NinjaTrader to TradingView?
Yes, you can connect NinjaTrader to TradingView via third-party applications or APIs to use TradingView’s charting capabilities alongside NinjaTrader’s execution features.
Can you trade on TradingView?
Yes, you can trade directly on TradingView by connecting it to supported brokers.
How much does TradingView cost?
TradingView offers plans ranging from free to $49.95 per month, depending on the features you need.
What is NinjaTrader used for?
NinjaTrader is primarily used for active trading, particularly in futures and forex. It offers advanced trading tools, order types, and fast execution.
Can I use NinjaTrader for free?
Yes, NinjaTrader can be used for free with its basic features, but trading requires a paid license.