2025 Stock Software Desktop Version In-Depth Comparison: Full Analysis of the Five Major Market Analysis Tools

In the digital age, although smartphones are convenient and portable, many professional investors still rely on desktop charting software to execute trading strategies. Why are desktop applications still irreplaceable? And what tools are worth paying attention to?

Why Investors Still Need Desktop Charting Software

Display Capabilities and Data Processing Advantages

Desktop or laptop screens are much larger than mobile phones, allowing multiple layers of market information to be displayed simultaneously. Investors can monitor real-time movements across multiple markets such as Taiwan stocks, Japanese stocks, commodities, and more within a single monitoring window, without frequently switching applications. Computers also have stronger computing power, enabling real-time calculations of complex technical indicators, allowing over 24 technical analysis tools like MACD, RSI, KD, etc., to be smoothly displayed on charts.

Multi-tasking and Trading Response

Markets change rapidly, and desktop charting software’s multi-window features enable traders to monitor market conditions, review company information, and execute orders simultaneously, significantly reducing reaction times. In contrast, mobile phones’ single-window mode often results in missed trading opportunities.

Stability and Security Assurance

Mobile phones are prone to being lost or running out of battery, whereas computers do not have these concerns, allowing investors to perform round-the-clock market monitoring with peace of mind. Data stored locally or in the cloud on desktop software is more stable and reliable compared to frequently synchronized mobile devices.

Five Desktop Charting Software Detailed Review

Tradingview — The Charting Expert

Founded in 2011, Tradingview has become a benchmark in global financial analysis platforms. Its biggest highlight is its powerful charting capabilities. Users can freely draw lines, mark, and color using support for over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools for in-depth technical analysis. Many well-known financial websites (such as Yahoo Finance) actually embed Tradingview’s chart modules.

Its database covers Taiwan stocks, US stocks, forex, cryptocurrencies, and even Indian markets, providing a one-stop charting experience. The platform includes a community feature where investors can browse stock introductions, investor discussions, and latest news, all with a clean and user-friendly interface.

The desktop version offers both web and desktop applications. The free version is sufficient for beginners, with advanced features requiring a paid subscription. However, Tradingview itself does not support order execution; trading must be done through partner brokers.

Interactive Brokers — The Hub for Global Market Trading

Founded in 1977, Interactive Brokers (IB) is a long-established electronic trading platform worldwide. Its desktop software, Trader Workstation (TWS), is highly powerful, supporting trading in over 120 global markets including stocks, options, futures, forex, and bonds.

TWS is highly customizable, allowing users to configure interfaces and tools according to trading habits. It supports various order types and algorithmic trading, making it especially suitable for high-frequency traders. Features like real-time charts, technical indicator scans, and strategy backtesting make it an ideal choice for quantitative traders.

The downside is its complexity; beginners face a steep learning curve, and the interface can be overwhelming for those only wanting simple market tracking. Additionally, the security verification process during login can be cumbersome, potentially affecting trading speed.

Mitrade — A User-Friendly International Platform

Founded in 2011, Mitrade is an Australian fintech company focusing on forex and CFD trading. Its desktop version offers both a web-based platform (no download needed, ready to use) and a desktop application, catering to different user preferences.

The interface is simple and intuitive, allowing beginners to get started quickly. The platform offers hundreds of assets including US stocks, Australian stocks, global indices, international ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, and precious metals. It supports NTD deposits and withdrawals, saving Taiwanese users from currency exchange hassles. Fast trade execution ensures orders are placed at optimal prices without delays.

The platform employs advanced encryption and multi-layer security protections. Leverage trading is supported, giving investors flexibility with their capital. New users can practice with a 90-day demo account with $50,000 simulated funds. The limitation is that margin trading is not suitable for investors seeking long-term holdings.

Futu NiuNiu — An All-in-One Platform for Hong Kong and US Stocks

Futu NiuNiu has rapidly risen in the Chinese-speaking investment community. In 2019, it successfully listed on NASDAQ (ticker: FUTU) and holds securities licenses in Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore. Its desktop interface is well-designed: the top left shows price charts and technical analysis tools, the top right displays company financials and valuation info, the bottom left covers options trading, and the bottom right shows order book data — a comprehensive and logical layout.

Features include an embedded options pricing calculator, allowing options traders to quickly evaluate underlying value and time value. The platform supports both Windows and Mac desktop versions, providing real-time quotes and trading for Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and A-shares (Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect). The mobile app can synchronize with the desktop.

Limitations include that Futu Securities does not support credit card deposits, only bank wire transfers and ACH transfers. Although the desktop features are comprehensive, some complex functions require multiple clicks on the mobile app.

Suntech Stock Market — The Top Choice for Localized Taiwan Market Monitoring

Suntech Stock Market, developed by Taiwan Suntech Information Co., Ltd. since the 1990s, has been tested over decades and is the preferred tool for Taiwan stock investors. The company currently services 47 brokerages, with over 90% of operators relying on Suntech for mobile charting apps, establishing an unshakable market position.

The software is highly stable, rarely crashing or showing data errors. The desktop version offers ten charting modes, with customizable interface styles in the top right corner to suit different investor preferences. It includes 24 technical indicators (including RSI, KD, and other professional tools), stock screening tools, AI intelligent stock picking, and the New Stock Winner feature to assist in smart decision-making. Post-market stock data is also rich and detailed.

The main limitation is that Suntech does not directly provide order placement; the new “Multi-Broker Order” feature launched in September 2023 only connects to Yuanta Securities, E.SUN Securities, and Union Securities, making the trading process somewhat cumbersome. Additionally, the software focuses on the Taiwan market, with limited international stock data; US stocks and ADRs may experience delays.

Differences Between Desktop and Mobile App Usage

While mobile apps are portable, there are significant differences in features and user experience.

Suntech’s mobile app is the largest in the industry but lacks some functions in enterprise information display compared to the desktop version, and the price trend charts are less smooth.

Mitrade’s mobile app maintains its simplicity, but both platforms lack advanced technical analysis tools, which should be improved in future versions.

Futu NiuNiu and Interactive Brokers’ desktop features are extensive, but on mobile, operation can become complex or certain functions hidden. IB’s app’s security verification process is overly cumbersome, affecting trading speed.

Tradingview’s powerful charting features are difficult to fully utilize on small screens.

Recommendations and Summary

Investors should choose charting software based on their own needs.

For beginners seeking simplicity and ease of use: Mitrade stands out with its friendly interface and quick onboarding.

For chart analysis enthusiasts: Tradingview’s over 100 technical tools and drawing features are unmatched.

For expanding into international markets: Interactive Brokers offers access to over 120 markets worldwide, suitable for advanced traders with overseas investment plans.

For deep local market engagement: Suntech Stock Market provides unparalleled data completeness and stability in Taiwan.

For balanced features: Futu NiuNiu offers a good balance of Hong Kong and US stock trading capabilities and user-friendliness.

Quant traders should also consider MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which includes built-in technical analysis tools, automated trading (EA), and strategy backtesting. It requires logging in through a broker account, and some Mac functionalities may need virtual machines or web versions.

Regardless of choice, desktop charting software provides investors with more powerful market insights and trading execution than mobile apps. The key is to find the tool that best fits your trading style and market preferences to enhance your investment decision quality.