2025 Stock Market Monitoring App Desktop Version Selection Guide | In-Depth Comparison of Five Popular Software

In the world of investment trading, a craftsman needs the right tools to do a good job. Although mobile applications are becoming increasingly mature, for serious investors, desktop software still plays an irreplaceable role. Why is that?

Why You Need a Desktop Charting App

First, screen size directly affects analysis efficiency. On a large monitor, investors can monitor multiple markets simultaneously—Taiwan stocks, US stocks, futures, cryptocurrencies—each in its own window, making information comparison clear at a glance. Try viewing complex charts with MACD overlays on a 6-inch phone screen, and you’ll understand the advantage of the desktop version.

Second, computing power differences are significant. A powerful computer hardware can instantly process massive amounts of data, support real-time quotes refresh, multiple strategy backtesting simultaneously, and execute complex calculations without delay. Market changes are rapid; a one-second delay could lead to missed trades.

Finally, stability and security are incomparable. Computers won’t run out of power or be accidentally lost, and can operate 24/7—especially suitable for professional traders who need round-the-clock monitoring.

In-Depth Review of Five Popular Applications

Tradingview—The Pinnacle of Chart Analysis

When it comes to stock market charting apps, many investors first think of Tradingview. Founded in 2011 by a US tech team, after more than a decade of refinement, it has become a universally recognized charting tool among traders worldwide.

Its core strength lies in chart features. Tradingview offers over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools, supporting freehand lines, annotations, coloring, and trendline addition. Many financial websites (including well-known Yahoo Finance) embed Tradingview’s chart system.

Extensive database coverage. Whether it’s Taiwan stocks, US stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, or even Indian markets, Tradingview provides real-time quotes and historical data. For investors wanting to grasp global markets on one platform, this is a huge advantage.

Community features add interactivity. Users can view other traders’ opinions, stock analyses, and latest news, forming an active investment discussion community.

Drawbacks are also evident. Tradingview itself does not support order placement; trading requires pairing with other brokers. Also, full features require a paid subscription; free version has limitations (but is generally sufficient for beginners).

Interactive Brokers—Institutional-Grade Trading Platform

If Tradingview is a charting tool, then Interactive Brokers (IB) is a complete trading ecosystem. Founded in 1977, IB is one of the largest online brokers handling enormous trading volumes globally.

Its desktop trading software is called Trader Workstation (TWS), with astonishingly powerful features.

Tailored for professional traders. Highly customizable interface allows users to set up different windows and tool combinations based on trading habits; supports various order types and algorithmic trading; built-in powerful technical analysis tools, real-time charts, market scanners, and strategy backtesting. For high-frequency traders or institutional investors, TWS offers unparalleled control.

Deep and broad market access. As the world’s largest online broker, IB offers trading in over 120 markets, including stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and more. This is especially attractive for Taiwanese investors looking to expand into overseas markets, particularly bonds.

Steep learning curve. Its rich features also mean a complex interface; beginners may find it difficult to master quickly. Many users report cumbersome login verification processes that affect trading speed. Suitable for experienced investors; not recommended for beginners.

Mitrade—A Beginner-Friendly One-Stop Platform

Mitrade was established in 2011, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, mainly providing forex and CFD trading services. As an international broker, its desktop software design philosophy is entirely different.

Simple and intuitive interface is its biggest selling point. Even complete novices with no trading experience can quickly understand the layout—real-time quotes, chart analysis, trading history—all accessible without complex learning.

Rich and diverse trading assets. Mitrade allows trading forex, commodities, international stocks, cryptocurrencies, and hundreds of other assets, truly enabling global investment with one account. Especially for Taiwanese users, it supports NTD deposits and withdrawals, avoiding currency conversion costs.

Excellent execution speed and security. The platform uses advanced encryption technology and multi-layer protection; order execution is lag-free. Supports leverage trading, allowing investors to adjust multiples according to risk tolerance; offers a 90-day demo account (with $50,000 virtual funds), suitable for beginners to practice.

Limitations are inherent in leverage trading. Margin trading mechanics mean Mitrade is not suitable for long-term investors but more geared toward short-term traders.

Futu NiuNiu—A Balanced All-in-One Platform

Futu NiuNiu has rapidly gained influence in the Chinese-speaking investment community in recent years. Listed on NASDAQ in 2019 (stock code FUTU), it now holds securities licenses in Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore, making it a top choice for many Asian investors interested in Hong Kong and US stocks.

Clear interface design. The top-left price chart with trendlines and technical tools; top-right company info and valuation; bottom-left options trading; bottom-right order book—layout is comprehensive yet uncluttered.

Enhanced options trading features. Futu embeds an options pricing calculator, allowing investors to easily understand intrinsic and time value, saving the trouble of research. This is a major convenience for options traders.

Comprehensive market coverage. Real-time quotes and trading for Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, A-shares (Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect), with support for Windows and Mac versions, plus synchronized mobile and desktop operation.

Drawbacks. Deposit methods are limited (no credit card, only bank wire and ACH), which may inconvenience investors eager to open accounts quickly.

Sankyu Stock Market—A Local Powerhouse for Taiwan Investors

If the previous options are universal tools, Sankyu Stock Market is a local expert deeply rooted in Taiwan. Since its establishment in the 1990s, Sankyu Information has become the top charting software for Taiwanese investors trading Taiwan stocks.

Most comprehensive Taiwan stock data. Provides real-time quotes and rich technical analysis tools, including 24 indicators (like RSI, KD, etc.); ten charting modes; customizable interface styles in the top-right corner to suit different trading habits.

Professional stock selection tools. Built-in strategy stock pickers, AI intelligent selection, new stock winners, and more, helping investors systematically discover opportunities. Post-market data is very rich, ideal for those wanting in-depth fundamental research on Taiwanese companies.

Outstanding system reliability. Years of experience have resulted in minimal crashes or data errors, making it a dependable partner for Taiwan stock traders.

Clear limitations. Sankyu itself does not support order placement; in 2023, it launched a “multi-broker order” feature connecting to Yuanta, E.SUN, and Uni-President Securities, but the process is relatively cumbersome. Also, limited international stock assets, with delays in US stocks and ADR data, making it less suitable for investors wanting to track global markets simultaneously.

How to Choose Based on Your Needs

Want the strongest charting tools? → Tradingview
Seeking professional-grade features? → Interactive Brokers
Prefer a simple, beginner-friendly platform? → Mitrade
Looking for a comprehensive Hong Kong and US stock solution? → Futu NiuNiu
Focused on in-depth Taiwan stock research? → Sankyu Stock Market

Actual Differences Between Desktop and Mobile Versions

All five apps have mobile versions, but the experience differs fundamentally:

Sankyu Stock Market’s mobile app is the largest Taiwan market charting app (used by 47 brokerages), but compared to the desktop version, it lacks in corporate info display and chart fluidity.

Mitrade’s mobile version continues the desktop’s simplicity and ease of use, but professional technical analysis features are similarly limited.

Futu NiuNiu’s extensive features make mobile adaptation challenging, often requiring multiple taps to access certain functions.

Interactive Brokers also faces similar issues; combined with cumbersome security verification on mobile, it can impact trading speed.

Tradingview’s small screen experience is most limited; its powerful charting features are hard to fully utilize on mobile devices.

Advanced Option: Quantitative Traders’ Reference

For investors interested in quantitative trading and strategy backtesting, MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is a professional trading platform with built-in technical analysis, automated trading (EAs), and strategy testing. However, MT5 requires an account with a broker, and Mac users need to rely on virtual machines or web versions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right charting app is not about blindly following trends but about carefully selecting based on your trading style, market preferences, and technical level. Whether you are a novice just starting out or a seasoned veteran, there is a tool suited for you. It’s wise to first try out free versions to get a feel for the software and find the most comfortable one.