Essential Computer Tools for Market Analysis in 2025! Comprehensive Review of the Top 5 Stock Software Tools

In the investment market, the choice of trading computer directly affects trading efficiency and decision quality. Compared to mobile applications, desktop software offers a wider screen space, stronger data processing capabilities, and convenient multi-window collaboration, making it the preferred choice for serious investors. This article reviews five of the most attention-grabbing trading computer tools in 2025 to help you find the most suitable platform.

Why do investors need trading computer tools?

Desktop trading software has inherent advantages over mobile apps. The larger screen allows for clearer technical indicator analysis—imagine how difficult it would be to read the MACD line on a 6-inch screen. The processors are more powerful, capable of monitoring multiple market dynamics simultaneously, such as real-time Taiwan stock quotes, daily stock movements, and commodity changes, which are hard to achieve on mobile. Plus, stability is assured—no worries about battery drain or device loss—allowing investors to monitor markets around the clock.

Comparative analysis of five trading computer tools

Sanchu Stock Market — The best partner for in-depth Taiwan stock research

Since its establishment in the 1990s, Sanchu Information has focused on developing tools for the Taiwan stock market and has become the standard for local investors’ trading computers. Its desktop version offers 24 technical indicators (including RSI, KD, and other common tools), ten trading modes, and customizable interface styles, with abundant post-market information. The software system is notably stable, rarely crashing.

However, Sanchu only provides trading monitoring functions; order placement requires integration with multiple brokers (Yuanta, E.SUN, Union), making the process somewhat cumbersome. Coverage of international stocks is limited, with delays in US stocks and ADRs. If your focus is Taiwan stock research, Sanchu is a reliable trading computer choice.

Mitrade — One-stop international asset trading

Founded in 2011, this Australian fintech company offers both web and desktop applications. The web version is ready to use without download, while the desktop version offers more complete features. The interface is simple and intuitive, allowing beginners to get started quickly without pressure.

Mitrade’s core advantage is broad asset coverage—US stocks, Australian stocks, global indices, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, and precious metals, totaling hundreds of categories. One account on the trading computer handles all transactions, eliminating platform switching hassles. It is well localized for Taiwan, supporting NTD deposits and withdrawals to reduce currency exchange costs. Fast execution, low order latency, and comprehensive technical analysis tools. Supports leverage trading, with a 90-day demo account (including $50,000 simulated funds) offered upon new registration.

The downside is that margin trading is more suitable for short-term trading rather than long-term holdings.

Futu NiuNiu — Hong Kong and US stock integrated trading platform

Listed on NASDAQ in 2019 (stock code FUTU), Futu’s influence in the Chinese-speaking world continues to grow. It holds licenses in Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore, attracting many Asian investors.

The desktop trading interface is well-designed—top left shows price charts with multiple technical lines, top right displays company fundamentals, bottom left covers options trading, and bottom right shows buy/sell orders. Notably, it has built-in options pricing calculations, saving options investors research time. It covers real-time quotes and trading for Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and A-shares (Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect), with both Windows and Mac desktop versions.

Deposit methods are limited—no credit card support, only bank wire transfers and ACH transfers.

Interactive Brokers — The ultimate weapon for professional traders

Founded in 1977, Interactive Brokers (IB) is the largest online broker globally. Its desktop trading platform, Trader Workstation (TWS), is powerful and tailored for professional traders.

The trading computer is highly customizable—users can freely configure windows and tools according to trading habits. Supports various order types and algorithmic trading, suitable for high-frequency trading. Offers comprehensive technical analysis tools and access to trading financial products across over 120 markets worldwide.

TWS’s extensive features result in a steep learning curve for beginners—its complex interface makes it difficult to master quickly, making it more suitable for experienced traders or professionals engaged in high-frequency trading.

Tradingview — The leader in chart analysis

Founded in 2011, Tradingview has become the world’s most powerful financial chart analysis platform, with mainstream platforms like Yahoo Finance integrating its charting features.

Its trading computer advantages are unmatched—over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools, with freehand drawing, marking, coloring, and trendline addition. The database covers Taiwan stocks, US stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and even Indian stocks. The social community features are rich—view stock introductions, investor discussions, and latest news. The interface is clean and easy to learn, even for beginners, who can grasp core functions after short training. Available as web and desktop versions.

Tradingview itself does not support order placement; trading requires linking with a broker, involving an additional subscription process. Full features require payment; the free version is sufficient for daily monitoring.

Differences in user experience between desktop and mobile versions

All five software have mobile apps, but the desktop experience is often superior:

Sanchu, as Taiwan’s largest mobile trading app (operated by 47 brokers), has weaker enterprise info display and less smooth price charts compared to the desktop version.

Mitrade maintains the simplicity of its desktop version, but its mobile app lacks some professional technical analysis features.

Futu NiuNiu and Interactive Brokers, due to their comprehensive desktop features, may experience multiple taps to access certain functions on small screens, reducing usability. IB’s mobile login verification is cumbersome and may affect trading speed.

Tradingview, as a professional charting software, offers excellent desktop experience but is less powerful on mobile due to screen size limitations.

Investor selection guide

Seeking simplicity and ease of use: Mitrade is known for its user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners and lazy traders.

Focusing on Taiwan stock research: Sanchu provides detailed Taiwan stock info, a traditional choice for Taiwanese investors.

Chart analysis enthusiast: Tradingview’s technical analysis tools are unbeatable, essential for professional analysts.

Seeking diversified assets: Mitrade and IB cover the widest range of categories, suitable for international investors.

Hong Kong and US stock focus: Futu NiuNiu offers the most balanced experience for Hong Kong and US stock trading.

High-frequency trading experts: IB’s TWS is the most powerful, with comprehensive algorithmic trading support.

In summary, the choice of trading computer tools should depend on individual investment styles. For simplicity, choose Mitrade; for Taiwan stock focus, Sanchu; for advanced analysis, Tradingview; for diversified assets, IB; for Hong Kong and US stocks, Futu. Regardless of your choice, desktop versions generally outperform mobile apps in supporting your trading decisions. Many platforms offer free demo accounts—try before you buy—to find the most suitable trading computer tool for you.