2025's Top 5 Popular Market Analysis Software for PC Comparison and Review | Which One Is Best for You?

Computer platforms remain the preferred choice for professional investors. Compared to mobile applications, desktop charting software inherently advantages data processing, chart display, multi-screen monitoring, and other aspects, making it an essential tool for in-depth trading analysis.

Why choose desktop charting software?

Large screens, high information density

Desktop screens can simultaneously display complex technical indicators, multiple market quotes, and capital flows, allowing investors to grasp information at a glance. Imagine the difficulty of viewing MACD, Bollinger Bands, and volume indicators on a 6-inch mobile screen—desktop versions completely solve this problem.

Stronger hardware performance

Multi-window synchronization, real-time data refresh, complex algorithm calculations—computing power on a computer far exceeds that of a mobile device. During intense market volatility, this advantage is crucial.

All-day stable monitoring

No worries about phone battery drain or loss. Investors can confidently conduct long-term charting without missing any trading opportunities.

Comprehensive comparison of five mainstream desktop charting software

Sankyo Stock｜Taiwan Stock Deep Player’s First Choice

Sankyo Stock is the most trusted charting tool among Taiwanese investors. Since the 1990s, this company has provided trading platform support for Taiwan’s stock market, now covering all 47 brokerages in Taiwan, with over 90% market coverage.

Core advantages:

• Free real-time Taiwan stock market quotes, built-in 24 technical indicators (RSI, KD, MACD, etc.)
• Ten charting modes available, customizable interface styles
• Embedded strategy-based stock screening tools and AI intelligent filtering
• Rich and comprehensive post-market stock data
• Extremely stable system operation, rarely crashes or reports data errors

Limitations:

• Does not offer order placement; trading requires using third-party broker order functions (Yuanta, E.SUN, Uni-President), making the process relatively complex
• Limited coverage of international stocks; US stock quotes may have delays

Suitable for: Local investors focused on Taiwan stocks and seeking system stability.

Mitrade｜One-stop international market trading platform

Mitrade was established in 2011, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, focusing on forex and CFD trading. Investors can directly trade forex, commodities, US stocks, cryptocurrencies, and other assets on its desktop platform.

Core advantages:

• Supports Web version (no download needed) and desktop application
• Simple, intuitive interface, quick onboarding for beginners
• Covers global markets: US stocks, Australian stocks, global indices, international ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, precious metals, and more—100 assets in total
• Well-localized for Taiwan, supports TWD deposits and withdrawals, eliminating currency exchange hassles
• Fast trade execution with no delays
• Offers multiple order types and automated trading features
• Comprehensive technical analysis tools (trend lines, moving averages, RSI, etc.)
• Advanced encryption ensures security, multi-layered safety measures
• Flexible leverage options
• Free 90-day demo trading for beginners (with $50,000 simulated funds); new users can also receive up to $100 in real trading bonuses

Limitations:

• Leverage trading mode not suitable for long-term investors holding positions

Suitable for: Investors seeking global market trading and multi-asset international allocation.

Futu NiuNiu｜Strong in Hong Kong and US stocks

Futu NiuNiu is a rising star broker in the Chinese-speaking world. It successfully listed on NASDAQ in 2019 (FUTU) and holds securities licenses in Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore.

Core advantages:

• Clean, practical desktop interface with a scientifically designed default layout
• Price trend chart in the top-left corner supports multiple trend lines and technical analysis tools
• Top-right displays company financials and valuation data
• Bottom-left shows options trading, bottom-right displays order book, providing comprehensive layout
• Built-in options price calculator for evaluating underlying value and time value
• Real-time quotes and trading for Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and A-shares (Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect)
• Windows and Mac desktop versions available, seamless sync between mobile and desktop

Limitations:

• Does not support credit card deposits; only bank wire transfer and ACH transfers are supported

Suitable for: Enthusiasts of Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and options trading.

Interactive Brokers (IB)｜The global market access king

Interactive Brokers was founded in 1977, headquartered in Connecticut, USA. As one of the largest electronic trading platforms worldwide, its trading volume is industry-leading. Its desktop platform is called Trader Workstation (TWS).

Core advantages:

• Highly customizable trading interface, configurable windows and tools according to personal habits
• Supports various order types and algorithmic trading, suitable for high-frequency trading
• Powerful technical analysis tools: real-time charts, over 100 indicators, market scanners, strategy backtesting
• Access to over 120 markets globally, trading a wide range of financial products
• Especially suitable for bond, options, and other advanced product investors

Limitations:

• The extensive features make the interface complex; beginners may find it difficult to master quickly
• Better suited for experienced traders or high-frequency/institutional investors

Suitable for: Experienced traders and investors seeking global multi-market deployment.

TradingView｜Chart analysis leader

TradingView was founded in 2011 in the US by technical experts and traders. It has become one of the top global financial charting and analysis platforms, used by many well-known brokerages and Yahoo Finance for their chart systems.

Core advantages:

• Industry-leading charting capabilities with over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools
• Supports freehand drawing, marking, coloring, trend lines, and a wealth of features
• Comprehensive database: Taiwan stocks, US stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, even Indian stocks
• Built-in social platform for viewing stock introductions, investor discussions, and related news
• User-friendly interface, easy for beginners to learn after brief training
• Available as Web and desktop versions

Limitations:

• Does not provide order placement; trading requires third-party broker integration
• Full features require paid subscription, but free version sufficiently covers daily charting needs

Suitable for: Investors emphasizing chart analysis and technical research.

How to choose the most suitable charting software?

Focus on Taiwan stocks and stability → Sankyo Stock

Need global assets trading and flexible leverage → Mitrade

Hong Kong and US stocks, options trading → Futu NiuNiu

Global markets, high-level trading → Interactive Brokers

Chart analysis and technical research → TradingView

Actual differences between desktop and mobile versions

Although each software offers mobile apps, user experience varies significantly:

• Sankyo Stock: Mobile app is popular in Taiwan but lacks some corporate info display features; price charts are less smooth than desktop
• Mitrade: Mobile version maintains simplicity but lacks advanced technical analysis tools
• Futu NiuNiu: Desktop features are comprehensive; on mobile, some functions require multiple taps, reducing operational convenience
• Interactive Brokers: Overly complex features make mobile design challenging; users report cumbersome login security verification, affecting trading speed
• TradingView: Desktop chart experience is excellent; small screens on mobile limit full functionality

Summary

By 2025, the charting software market has formed a landscape with distinct strengths. When choosing, clarify your needs:

• For ease of use: Mitrade’s interface is the most user-friendly
• For full features: TradingView and Interactive Brokers lead
• For market coverage: Interactive Brokers dominates with over 120 markets
• For deep Taiwan market focus: Sankyo Stock’s professionalism is unmatched
• For balanced overall performance: Futu NiuNiu offers a well-rounded experience

Regardless of your choice, desktop versions provide a superior trading experience compared to mobile. Make your decision based on your investment style and market preferences to truly leverage the advantages of desktop charting software.