TradingView vs NinjaTrader

In the world of online trading platforms, two names stand out for their robust feature sets and strong user bases: TradingView and NinjaTrader. These platforms cater to a range of traders, from novices to those with years of experience in the markets. With a history spanning over a decade, both platforms have evolved, continuously adding new features and refining their user experience to meet the demands of a dynamic trading environment.

TradingView and NinjaTrader differ not only in their visual and functional appeal but also in the intricate details such as integration with brokers, cost structure, and the availability of trading tools. While TradingView is often praised for its intuitive design and strong social community features, NinjaTrader provides powerful trade management tools and extensive customisation options, appealing to traders focused on futures and stock markets. The choice between the two can hinge on specific trading needs, accessibility preferences, or even the availability of compatible brokerage services.

Key Takeaways

• Both TradingView and NinjaTrader offer distinctive features suited to different trading styles.
• Accessibility and customisation are pivotal factors when choosing a trading platform.
• Pricing structures and broker integration vary significantly between the two platforms.

Historical Evolution

When you delve into the trading platform landscape, TradingView and NinjaTrader are names that stand out due to their established histories and evolutionary paths in the financial technology sector.

TradingView’s Inception

2011 marked the founding year of TradingView, an innovative platform created with social networking features uniquely designed for traders and investors. Envisioned as a software-as-a-service (SaaS), TradingView quickly gained traction by offering users robust charting tools and real-time data visualisation.

The Rise of NinjaTrader

In contrast, NinjaTrader set its roots earlier in 2004, laying the groundwork for a platform that would evolve to be synonymous with advanced charting and trade simulation. Founded with the aim of providing traders with an integrated trading and research platform, NinjaTrader expanded its features to cater to both novice and professional traders alike.

Core Functionalities

In contrasting TradingView and NinjaTrader, you’ll discover that both platforms have honed their core functionalities to cater to active traders and analysts, each with a distinctive set of tools and resources.

Charting and Analysis

TradingView shines with its intuitive charting capabilities. You’re provided with a wealth of technical analysis tools that cater to all levels of trading experience. The platform supports real-time data feed, and comprehensive historical data, and offers a broad range of charting features that allow you to conduct thorough market analysis with ease.

NinjaTrader, on the other hand, is renowned for its advanced charting and analysis tools that are especially favourable to futures and forex traders. It provides a plethora of features for sophisticated technical analysis and drawing tools designed to support your trading decisions. You get the advantage of customisable charts and the ability to handle complex strategies.

Order Execution

NinjaTrader excels in comprehensive order execution features. You can execute trades directly through the charts, which can be a major advantage when trading futures contracts. The ‘Advanced Trade Management’ (ATM) system is pivotal for reducing risks and securing profits by automating the execution of the trades based on your strategies.

While TradingView doesn’t natively execute trades, it integrates with various brokers and offers tools for paper trading, which allows you to simulate order execution without financial risk. Its alerts and social trading features support your execution decisions by providing timely market insights.

Market Resources

TradingView provides a vast repository of market insights from its active user community. You’re granted access to an extensive library of published trading ideas and the flexibility to utilize various indicators and strategies contributed by other traders.

NinjaTrader is equipped with an extensive range of educational resources and support services, including free daily webinars and a comprehensive support forum. They provide you with ongoing educational and trading resources to refine your understanding of the markets and improve your trading strategy.

Platform Accessibility

When choosing a trading platform, accessibility can be as crucial as the platform’s technical features. You require a system that aligns with how and where you trade, whether that be on desktop, mobile or via a web browser.

Desktop and Mobile Platforms

TradingView offers a modern, user-friendly experience across various devices. You can access its services on:

• Desktop: Robust platform available for all major operating systems.
• Mobile Application: Available on iOS and Android. The apps retain the simple and intuitive user experience from the desktop version.

NinjaTrader, on the other hand, focuses primarily on desktop-based solutions with an emphasis on Windows compatibility. There is less emphasis on mobile access.

Operating System Compatibility

You’ll find that TradingView operates well on most operating systems, meaning whether you’re using Windows, Linux, or macOS, you can trade with minimal hassle. In contrast, NinjaTrader is specifically optimised for Windows, and running it on other operating systems might require additional software or configurations, such as a Windows emulator for Linux or macOS users.

Web-Based Access

TradingView excels with its web-based access, which lets you execute trades directly from a web browser on any computer or tablet, offering a flexible trading setup. The platform’s web version maintains a simple yet effective layout and ensures you’re not tied down to any single device.

NinjaTrader, however, is traditionally not as flexible with web-based access. As primarily a desktop application, it requires software installation and thus is less accommodating if you favour trading directly from a browser on various devices.

Remember, your choice should factor in not just what devices you use, but how you use them.

Customisation and Tools

In the realm of trading platforms, your ability to customise and access various tools can significantly influence your trading efficiency. Both TradingView and NinjaTrader offer a robust set of options, but they cater to different aspects of trading customisation and tools.

Technical Indicators and Drawing Tools

TradingView provides a comprehensive suite of technical indicators and drawing tools. You have access to over 5,000 custom indicators and can employ a multitude of drawing tools. These are particularly beneficial for conducting thorough technical analyses across multiple timeframes and instruments.

Customisable Charts:
With adjustable themes and layouts, you can tailor your charting experience to fit your preferences. This includes a broad variety of chart types and overlaying instruments for comparative analysis.

Drawing Tools Sync:
A notable functionality on NinjaTrader is the synchronisation of drawing tools. When you draw on one chart, it can reflect across all open charts featuring the same instrument, streamlining your analysis process.

Scripting Languages and Add-Ons

Pine Script:
TradingView’s native language, Pine Script, is a powerful toolkit that allows you to create and share custom studies and signals. Even if you’re new to scripting, Pine Script’s user-friendly nature makes it easier for you to contribute to the already vast library of indicators.

Add-Ons and Advanced Charting:
NinjaTrader excels with its C#-based proprietary programming environment. If you have proficiency in C#, this enables more advanced customisation and the ability to build comprehensive automatic trading strategies.

Customisation and Tools:
Both platforms allow for extensive add-ons and supplementary tools crafted by a community of developers. This ecosystem of third-party add-ons can significantly expand the functionality of the platforms and equip you with advanced charting capabilities.

Integration and Compatibility

When considering TradingView and NinjaTrader, it’s crucial to understand how each integrates with different brokers and supports various data feeds and third-party services. These aspects determine how easily you can link your brokerage account and whether the platforms can enhance your trading with additional tools.

Broker Connections

TradingView offers a broad array of broker integrations enabling you to execute trades directly within the platform. Noteworthy connections include:

• Interactive Brokers: Offers a seamless link to one of the largest online brokerages.
• OANDA: Provides access to a respected forex broker.
• TradeStation: A powerful option for accessing advanced trading features.
• FXCM: Suitable for forex traders looking to use TradingView’s charting capabilities.
• Dorman Trading: For those dealing with futures, Dorman’s connection allows for direct trading.

NinjaTrader, conversely, is more restrictive but provides deep integration with a handful of brokers:

• NinjaTrader Brokerage: Designed for seamless operations with its own brokerage.
• Interactive Brokers: Also integrated, catering to a wide range of instruments.
• FXCM: Alongside TradingView, grants access to forex markets.
• Optimus Futures: Focuses on futures and commodities with excellent support.
• Tradovate: An online brokerage that pairs well with NinjaTrader for futures trading.

Data Feeds and Third-Party Services

Regarding data feeds and external services, NinjaTrader and TradingView differ in their approaches:

• Kinetick: NinjaTrader’s preferred market data service, known for comprehensive coverage and speed.
• CQG: Compatible with NinjaTrader, it delivers reliable market data.
• TradingView: While not offering an exclusive data service, integrates various sources directly into its platform.

NinjaTrader also allows for significant third-party add-ons for enhanced functionality, whereas TradingView relies on built-in tools and a vast community for indicators and strategies. Keep in mind to verify the subscription models and commission fees that may apply when using these services to ensure they meet your needs.

Pricing and Accounts

When evaluating TradingView and NinjaTrader, it’s crucial for you to consider the distinct pricing structures and account options offered by each platform. Your decision might influence not only your initial outlay of funds but also the long-term return on investment (ROI) and the management of your risk capital.

Subscription Models

TradingView offers a tiered subscription model with multiple levels, each providing different features and tools. You can start with a free tier, which grants you basic tools and functionalities. For more advanced features, there are paid plans billed monthly or annually:

• Pro: Ideal for beginner traders who require more tools and functionalities.
• Pro+: Designed for semi-professional traders, offering more charts and customisation.
• Premium: Aimed at professional traders, providing all the tools and indicators at TradingView’s disposal.

The cost for the Premium plan might be higher, but the features included could potentially offer greater insights and capabilities in your trading.

Lifetime License and Other Costs

NinjaTrader, on the other hand, provides a different approach to accessing its platform. Apart from offering a free version with basic functionalities, you can also opt for a lifetime license. This one-time payment option ensures you have full access to NinjaTrader’s offerings:

• Lifetime License: A single payment of approximately $999.

The lifetime license can be a more cost-effective option if you plan to trade over an extended period. However, you should consider other costs that might be associated with NinjaTrader, such as additional costs for data feeds, commissions on trades or brokerage services, and what assets are traded since these can affect your account balance and funds needed for effective risk capital management.

Community and Support

When considering a trading platform, the vibrancy of the user community and the quality of customer service are crucial factors. They directly influence your trading experience by providing assistance and opportunities for social trading interactions.

User Community

The user community of a trading platform serves as a knowledge base and support network for traders. TradingView boasts a large, global community where you can share ideas and strategies using social trading features. You have the ability to follow other traders, publish your trading ideas, and discuss market trends openly.

NinjaTrader, on the other hand, has a smaller but still active user community. It includes forums that serve as a platform for you to exchange techniques and seek advice from fellow traders. While it may not have as extensive a social trading aspect as TradingView, it does provide a foundation for interaction and support among its users.

Customer Service

Customer service quality is fundamental in addressing your technical or account-related inquiries swiftly.

TradingView provides you with an extensive FAQ section and email support to resolve your queries. Direct customer support options are more limited compared to some other services, and you might rely more on community-driven assistance.

NinjaTrader shines with a dedicated support system for its users, offering email, phone, and even live chat options. You receive more direct contact methods with NinjaTrader, which could be indispensable if you encounter issues that require immediate assistance.

Advanced Features and Trading

In evaluating both TradingView and NinjaTrader for their advanced features and trading capabilities, you will find each platform has distinct offerings suited for different types of traders and their specific needs.

Simulation and Back-Testing

TradingView: You have access to robust paper trading features, allowing you to simulate trades across a variety of asset classes, including stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies, without risking real capital. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily test out strategies.

NinjaTrader: This platform excels in trade simulation and back-testing, especially for futures trading. NinjaTrader is a powerful tool for you if you require detailed analysis and the ability to test strategies extensively with historical data.

Support for Various Asset Classes

TradingView:

• Stocks & Forex: A comprehensive tool for forex trading, providing real-time data and a multitude of charting options.
• Cryptocurrency: You can track and trade a vast selection of digital coins, reflecting current market trends.

NinjaTrader:

• Futures & Stocks: With NinjaTrader, futures trading is where it truly shines, offering advanced charting and analysis tools. It also supports stocks, but the primary focus is on the futures market.
• Forex: Forex traders have essential tools at their disposal, but the platform is primarily designed with futures in mind.

Both platforms aim to provide you with the necessary tools to trade confidently in your chosen markets, be it through simulation, live trading, or rigorous back-testing. Choose the one that aligns best with your trading requirements and preferred assets.

Frequently Asked Questions