Best Trading Platforms: 2024 Top Software for Day Trading

The best trading platforms for day trading that make our ranking list offer advanced features, fast execution, a large selection of research, low or zero costs, as well as mobile apps for day trading on the go. Below you will find our picks for the best day trading platforms in different trading categories. Don’t forget to check out the professional trading platform CScalp, the best trading terminal in our ranking.

Attention! This article is for informational purposes only and does not contain recommendations or calls to action.

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The Best Trading Platforms: Top Day Trading Software Picks

The official Binance apIn recent years, best trading platforms and brokers have reduced or eliminated stock trading commissions and other fees. Others added cryptocurrencies to the list of the supported assets. Some of our best day trading software picks even offer free professional trading platforms. That is why comparing best trading platform core features is so important, as trading platforms can be a true differentiator for many traders and brokers.
Below, our team of professional traders and experts have created a list of the best day trading platforms and brokers that will allow you to choose one based on your priorities. Our best trading platforms picks include:

• Best free trading platform: CScalp
• Best trading platform for advanced traders: Interactive Brokers
• Best day trading platform for new or intermediate traders: Webull

What Is a Trading Platform

A trading platform is software used for market analysis and trading on the exchange. Trading platforms can be divided into two general categories:

• Trading platforms – software for transmitting orders to a broker or exchange. Most terminals fall under this category, where the priority is functional trading capabilities. The analytical features vary depending on the specific program. Some platforms allow traders to study the market in great detail, while others offer just the basic tools.
• Analytical platforms – software focused on deep market analysis, without trading options. These programs are designed for technical, cluster, and fundamental analysis. The toolkit includes a wide range of technical indicators, charts, drawing tools, pattern recognition, footprints, and other aids. Analytical platforms are often supplemented with news feeds, signals, and reports, but they rarely include trading options.

Some sources on the Internet mistakenly equate the terms “trading platform” and “exchange.” An exchange is a marketplace where trades take place – where buyers and sellers’ orders meet, prices are determined, and assets are exchanged. A trading platform is software, a trader’s working tool. Best trading platforms do not organize trading; they simply transmit the trader’s commands to the exchange. Additionally, day trading platforms can work with multiple exchanges simultaneously. In metaphorical terms, an exchange is like a street market, and a trading platform is the taxi that takes the trader to the market.

Using trading software is not mandatory. Day trading software is essential for traders who engage with the market daily or regularly. For instance, scalpers and day traders “trade from dawn to dusk.” Using exchange-provided day trading software can be inconvenient for them due to a lack of tools, so they opt for specialized trading terminals. If a trader visits the exchange once a month, the exchange interface might suffice. The choice of software depends on the trader’s style, goals, and strategy.

What to Look for in the Best Day Trading Platform

When it comes to picking the best trading platform, traders have plenty of choices—mobile apps, web-based tools, and desktop trading software. The best day trading software stands out by offering easy access to premium research, fast trade execution, and a user-friendly interface. Top platform for trading should also provide innovative tools for building strategies and analyzing the market.

How We Test Brokers and Review the Best Online Trading Platforms

At CScalp, we take a deep dive into each day trading platform to give you a clear picture of what you can expect from each trading platform. First, our professional traders and experts test broker’s execution speed, the quality of third-party research tools. We also investigate whether the broker uses payment for order flow (PFOF = payment for order flow), which can cut trading costs but might affect how well trades are executed.

Next, our reviewers start testing features of the day trading platforms like real users. We add funds to the accounts, make trades, and dig into the platform’s analytical tools to see how they perform. This gives us a complete view of how the best day trading software works in practice.

Our reviews cover both the technical features of the professional trading platform and how smooth the overall experience is. A broker might have the best trading terminal on paper, but if it’s slow or hard to use, or if opening an account is a hassle, that’s going to impact the score. Ultimately, the best trading platforms should make the process seamless for traders.

Best Trading Platforms: 2024 Top Software for Day Trading

CScalp

Our Rating: 5/5
CScalp official website
Cost: Free
Fees: $0 terminal fees, varies by exchange
Account Minimum: No minimum

Why We Like the CScalp Professional Trading Software

CScalp is the best trading platform designed for day traders and scalpers who need fast, responsive day trading software. This free professional trading platform supports multiple cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Bybit, and OKX, allowing traders to place orders with a single click. CScalp offers features like Stop-Loss/Take-Profit settings and customizable trade volumes. Its dynamic order books, advanced charts, and trade feeds make it one of the best trading platforms for traders who need quick execution and detailed market insights.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with several crypto exchanges
• One-click order placement
• Customizable interface
• Advanced analytical tools
• Highly responsive interface

Cons:

• Limited to cryptocurrency markets

EasyScalp

Our Rating: 4.5/5
EasyScalp official website
Cost: Free
Fees: Varies by exchange
Account Minimum: No minimum

What Is Special About the EasyScalp Trading Platform

EasyScalp is tailored for crypto scalpers. It is a fast, responsive day trading software with a strong focus on efficiency. It connects directly to Binance via API and provides advanced market analysis tools like order books, clusters, and price feeds. EasyScalp also allows easy management of Stop-Loss and Take-Profit.

Pros:

• Direct API connection to Binance
• Real-time market data
• Easy management of Stop-Loss/Take-Profit
• Customizable clusters and order books

Cons:

• Limited to cryptocurrency trading
• Only works with Binance

TigerTrade

Our Rating: 4.7/5
TigerTrade official website
Cost: Free (crypto trading), $1500 (lifetime price for all connections)
Fees: Varies by exchange
Account Minimum: No minimum

What Is Special About the TigerTrade Day Trading Software

TigerTrade is a trading terminal for traders across both the cryptocurrency and stock markets. It offers market analysis tools, including candlestick and cluster charts, along with dynamic order books. One standout feature is the replay functionality, which allows users to simulate past market sessions to test strategies, making it one of the best trading platforms for those who value data-driven analysis and strategy refinement.

Pros:

• Advanced candlestick and cluster charts
• Replay functionality for strategy testing
• Supports both cryptocurrency and stock markets
• Dynamic order book

Cons:

• Slightly more complex for beginners

Learn more in our TigerTrade review.

QuanTower

Our Rating: 4.6/5
QuanTower official website
Cost: $1590 (lifetime)
Fees: Varies by exchange
Account Minimum: No minimum

What Is Special About the QuanTower Professional Trading Platform

QuanTower is a powerful and versatile trading platform that integrates advanced trading tools and features for cryptocurrency and stock markets. The platform includes customizable order books, detailed volume histograms, and high-level charting tools, making it one of the best day trading platforms for traders who need to closely track market movements. QuanTower also features historical trade data, perfect for traders who need to analyze past market behavior.

Pros:

• Advanced order book tracking
• Detailed volume histograms
• Customizable trading terminal
• Historical trade data

Cons:

• More suitable for advanced traders

Learn more in our QuanTower review.

ATAS

Our Rating: 4.8/5
ATAS official website
Cost: $1997 (lifetime)
Fees: Varies by exchange
Account Minimum: No minimum

What Is Special About the ATAS Trading Platform

ATAS is a professional trading platform that integrates advanced charting and trading features into a single, user-friendly interface. It allows users to trade directly from charts, with features like Fibonacci overlays, drawing tools, and Smart Tape for grouping order flows. This makes ATAS one of the best trading platforms for chart-based analysis and technical traders who value precision and ease of execution.

Pros:

• Trade directly from customizable charts
• Advanced technical analysis tools
• Smart Tape for order flow management
• Intuitive interface

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for new traders

Learn more in our ATAS review.

3commas

Our Rating: 4.6/5
3commas official website
Cost: $59/month (annual plan)
Fees: Depends on exchange and plan
Account Minimum: No minimum

What Is Special About the 3commas Trading Platform

3commas offers both manual and automated trading options, making it one of the best trading platforms for traders seeking flexibility. Its Smart Trade feature stands out, allowing users to manage trades with tools like Stop-Loss, Take-Profit, and Trailing Stop orders. The platform is connected to major cryptocurrency exchanges and supports both live and paper trading, allowing traders to practice strategies risk-free before going live.

Pros:

• Smart Trade management tools
• Paper trading for strategy testing
• Manual and automated trading support
• Direct integration with major crypto exchanges

Cons:

• Primarily focused on cryptocurrency trading

Learn more in our 3Commas review.

Charles Schwab

Our Rating: 4.9/5
Charles Schwab official website
Fees: $0 per online equity trade
Account Minimum: $0

What Is Special About the Charles Schwab Trading Platform

Charles Schwab is recognized for offering some of the best day trading software available today, providing a range of platforms that cater to both beginners and advanced traders. Its standout desktop trading software, StreetSmart Edge, and the highly regarded thinkorswim platform (acquired from TD Ameritrade) are considered some of the best trading terminals in the industry. These platforms support real-time monitoring, customizable charts, and extensive research tools, making them ideal for active day traders and long-term investors alike. Schwab’s mobile app also offers seamless navigation, making it easy to switch between research and trading without hassle. For those looking for a professional trading platform with powerful features, Schwab is a top pick.

Pros:

• Customizable and professional trading platforms
• Extensive research tools
• Seamless mobile app experience
• Commission-free trading

Cons:

• Low interest on uninvested cash

E*TRADE

Our Rating: 4.4/5
E*TRADE official website
Fees: $0 per trade (other fees may apply)
Account Minimum: $0

What Is Special About the E*TRADE Trading Platform

ETRADE shines with its highly regarded Power ETRADE platform, considered one of the best trading platforms for active traders. This day trading software provides real-time data, advanced charting with over 100 technical studies, and customizable options chains. E*TRADE offers flexibility through its extended market hours, giving users more opportunities to execute trades. Additionally, its mobile app provides a user-friendly experience, while the platform’s robust tools help traders make fast, informed decisions. It’s a powerful platform for trading, especially for those looking for both advanced features and ease of use.

Pros:

• Advanced mobile app
• Real-time data and analysis tools
• Extended market hours for trading flexibility
• No account minimums

Cons:

• Website can be challenging to navigate

Webull

Our Rating: 5.0/5
Webull official website
Fees: $0 per trade
Account Minimum: $0

What Is Special About the Webull Trading Platform

Webull is one of the best day trading platforms for beginners and intermediate traders, offering a clean, intuitive design that doesn’t sacrifice functionality. As a commission-free platform, Webull supports trading across multiple assets, including stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies, making it a versatile option for those seeking flexibility. Its desktop trading software and mobile platform offer access to real-time data, and the ability to trade IPOs—a feature that’s still relatively rare among brokers. Webull’s combination of a user-friendly interface and advanced trading tools make it a top contender for traders looking for the best day trading software that grows with their skills.

Pros:

• Commission-free trading across multiple asset classes
• User-friendly and easy-to-navigate interface
• Access to IPOs and cryptocurrencies
• High-quality trade execution

Cons:

• No support for mutual funds
• Limited educational resources

Interactive Brokers (IBKR Pro)

Our Rating: 5.0/5
Interactive Brokers official website
Fees: $0.005 per share; volume discounts available
Account Minimum: $0

What Is Special About the Interactive Brokers (IBKR Pro) Trading Platform

Interactive Brokers is renowned for its Trader Workstation (TWS), one of the most advanced professional trading platforms available. As a desktop trading software, TWS offers real-time monitoring, customizable dashboards, and advanced charting features that cater to serious day traders and investors. It also includes an options strategy lab and volatility lab, offering detailed tools for options trading and market analysis. With a wide range of tools and features like heat maps and paper trading for strategy testing, Interactive Brokers delivers one of the best day trading software experiences for advanced users.

Pros:

• Advanced charting and analytical tools
• Volume discounts for active traders
• Real-time monitoring and customizable interface
• Powerful desktop trading platform

Cons:

• Complex pricing structure

Zacks Trade

Our Rating: 3.5/5
Zacks Trade official website
Fees: $0.01 per share
Account Minimum: $250

What Is Special About the Zacks Trade Platform

Zacks Trade offers a high-level professional trading platform, Zacks Trade Pro, known for its advanced charting capabilities and customization options. It provides access to over 120 technical indicators, making it one of the best trading terminals for experienced traders who require in-depth market analysis. Zacks Trade also excels in offering access to international exchanges and OTC markets, although it does come with higher fees. Its real-time data and robust analytical tools make it a solid choice for traders focused on niche markets and looking for a professional-level platform for trading.

Pros:

• Access to international and OTC markets
• Advanced charting and analytical tools
• Real-time data for quick market insights
• Highly customizable platform

Cons:

• Higher fees for trades
• Low interest rates on uninvested cash

Best Trading Platforms Rating Methodology

At CScalp, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluating each trading platform to provide traders with an in-depth understanding of its performance. Our process begins with professional traders and experts testing essential features such as execution speed, the accuracy of third-party research tools, and any use of payment for order flow (PFOF).

Once we have gathered this data, our reviewers dive into hands-on testing of the trading platforms. They fund accounts, place trades, and explore the platform’s analytical tools to see how they perform under real trading conditions. This approach gives us a clear picture of how the best day trading software works in practice, from trade execution to the usability of charting tools and market analysis features.

Our reviews focus not only on the technical features of a professional trading platform but also on the overall user experience. It’s important for day trading platforms to not only provide robust tools but also ensure a seamless and user-friendly process. Even if a platform has the best trading terminal on paper, if it’s slow, hard to use, or cumbersome when setting up accounts, these issues will impact its overall score.

At CScalp, we believe that the best trading platforms should combine powerful analytical and trading tools with a smooth user experience. Whether you’re looking for professional desktop trading software or a fast, intuitive day trading platform, our methodology ensures that you’ll have the information you need to make the right choice.

Full list of brokerage accounts considered for this list: Tradestation, Zacks Trade, Ally Invest, Charles Schwab, Interactive Brokers, Firstrade, Fidelity, Merrill Edge, Vanguard, Robinhood, SoFi Active Investing, JP Morgan Self-Directed Investing, Webull, Axos Self-Directed Trading, M1 Finance, Public. Additional trading platforms reviewed include TradingView, GoCharting, SBPro, XTick, ScalpStation, VolFix, and more.

CScalp’s Best Trading Platforms: 2024 Top Software for Day Trading Rating

• CScalp: Best for overall trading platform
• Charles Schwab: Best for Variety of User-Friendly Platforms
• E*TRADE: Best for Extended Trading Hours
• Webull: Best for New Traders
• Interactive Brokers IBKR Pro: Best for Advanced Traders
• TradeStation: Best for Paper Trading
• Zacks Trade: Best for Over-the-Counter Access
• Fidelity: Best for Comprehensive Research and Low-Cost Trading