How to choose computer stock software? In-depth comparison and analysis of 5 applications [2025 Edition]

In this era where everyone has a device in hand, why do some investors still insist on using desktop applications to monitor the markets? Mainly because desktop applications offer advantages that mobile devices cannot match in terms of screen space, computing power, and stability. A larger screen allows for simultaneous monitoring of multiple markets, powerful hardware enables smooth execution of complex technical analyses, and there’s no need to worry about battery life or device loss. Especially for professional traders, choosing the right stock trading software can directly impact trading efficiency and decision quality.

This article will provide an in-depth introduction to five of the most practical desktop applications today, including their core features, target users, and usage limitations.

Tradingview: Industry Benchmark for Chart Analysis

Founded in 2011 in the United States, Tradingview has become the most trusted technical analysis platform among traders worldwide. Its charting capabilities are among the strongest in the industry, with over a hundred technical indicators and drawing tools that make analysis highly flexible. Many well-known financial websites use this platform for their charts.

Its database covers global markets, from Taiwan stocks, US stocks, forex, cryptocurrencies, to Indian markets. The platform includes built-in social features, allowing investors to browse stock discussions, read analysis reports, and follow the latest news. The interface is intuitive and clean, making it easy for beginners to get started.

However, Tradingview itself does not support trading; it requires integration with other brokers to place orders. Full features require a paid subscription, but the free version is sufficient for most retail investors.

Interactive Brokers: Gateway to Global Markets

Founded in 1977, Interactive Brokers is one of the largest electronic brokers in the world. Its desktop trading software, Trader Workstation (TWS), is incredibly powerful, supporting trading in over 120 markets worldwide, including stocks, options, futures, forex, and bonds.

For investors interested in exploring overseas markets, especially bond trading, this is the most comprehensive solution. The software offers highly customizable interfaces, multiple order types, algorithmic trading, and real-time chart analysis. It also provides extensive technical analysis tools and supports strategy backtesting.

The downside is that its extensive features make the interface complex and steepen the learning curve for beginners. The mobile app can also feel bulky due to its many functions.

Futu NiuNiu: Convenient Choice for Hong Kong and US Stocks

Futu NiuNiu has rapidly gained popularity in the Chinese-speaking investment community and successfully listed on NASDAQ in 2019 (ticker FUTU), holding securities licenses in Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore. It has become the preferred platform for many Asian investors to access Hong Kong and US markets.

The desktop interface is well-designed, integrating price charts, company financial data, options trading information, and order book data into one comprehensive view. Notably, in options trading, the software includes built-in pricing calculators to help investors quickly evaluate options values. It supports Windows and Mac versions, with real-time updates for Hong Kong, US, and A-shares.

Limitations include not accepting credit card deposits; only bank wire transfers and ACH transfers are supported, which may be less convenient for some users.

Sanduo Stock Market: Expert in Taiwan’s Local Stock Market

Since the 1990s, Sanduo Information has focused on developing Taiwan stock trading software, accumulating deep market experience. It provides real-time Taiwan stock quotes, 24 technical indicators (including RSI, KD, and other common tools), and 10 charting modes. Its stock screening and AI-powered stock selection features help investors identify targets. Post-market data is detailed and rich.

As the largest provider of mobile trading apps in Taiwan (serving 47 brokerages), Sanduo performs reliably in data processing and system stability. The interface is highly customizable, allowing users to adjust styles according to preferences.

Its main limitation is that the software does not support order placement directly; only in 2023 did it integrate order services with three brokerages—Yuan Fu, E.SUN, and Uni-President—making trading procedures somewhat more complex. International stock data is limited, with delays in US stocks and ADRs. It is more suitable for traders focusing on the Taiwan market.

Mitrade: All-in-One Platform for Cross-Asset Trading

Mitrade, established in Australia in 2011, is a fintech company specializing in CFDs and forex trading. Its desktop platform offers both web-based and downloadable applications, which can be used directly without installation.

The interface is simple and intuitive, ideal for beginners. It supports over a hundred assets, including US stocks, Australian stocks, international indices, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, and precious metals, providing broad coverage. A single account can handle all trading activities—monitoring and order placement—within the platform, eliminating the need to switch between tools. It offers fast trade execution, multiple order types, and automated trading. The platform emphasizes security, employing advanced encryption technologies. A demo account with up to 90 days is available for practice.

The main limitation is that its margin trading mode is not suitable for long-term holding; leverage features make it more appropriate for short-term trading strategies.

How to Choose Stock Software Based on Your Needs

For in-depth chart analysis: Tradingview’s drawing tools are unmatched, and its database is the most comprehensive.

For global market trading: Interactive Brokers offers the widest market access, suitable for experienced institutional investors.

Focusing on Hong Kong and US stocks: Futu NiuNiu provides the most convenient trading experience with full features and ease of use.

Specializing in Taiwan market: Sanduo Stock Market excels in local data and stability, with comprehensive technical indicators.

For quick cross-asset trading: Mitrade is ideal for traders who want to switch assets rapidly.

Summary

These five stock trading applications each have their strengths. Tradingview excels in charting capabilities, Interactive Brokers offers the most extensive market access, Futu NiuNiu provides the most convenient Hong Kong and US stock trading, Sanduo Stock Market is most friendly for Taiwanese investors, and Mitrade is known for simplicity and efficiency. Investors should select the desktop application that best fits their trading habits, market focus, and technical needs. Regardless of choice, the key is to leverage the advantages of desktop platforms—larger screens, stronger performance, and more tools—to enhance trading decision quality.