Top 5 Must-Have Desktop Software Tools for US Stock Market Analysis in 2025

In the current investment environment, many traders find that desktop charting software offers advantages over mobile apps. This is not only because of larger screen sizes and more detailed data display, but more importantly, because a computer’s computing power can handle multiple market data streams simultaneously, allowing investors to seize opportunities in rapidly changing markets.

Why Professional Investors Prefer Desktop Charting Software

The desktop version of US stock market charting software remains popular mainly for the following reasons:

First is the completeness of technical analysis. Viewing MACD, RSI, KD, and 24 other technical indicators on a 5-inch to 6-inch mobile screen can feel extremely crowded, whereas a large computer screen can clearly display complex charts and trend lines. Second is the ability to perform multi-tasking simultaneously; traders can monitor real-time data of Taiwan stocks, track US stocks, and observe commodities markets all at once, with the computer’s hardware capabilities fully supporting this. Additionally, there is no risk of mobile phone battery depletion or device loss, providing stable, all-day charting.

Because of these differentiated advantages, in the 2025 stock market software ecosystem, desktop applications will still be the standard tool for professional traders.

In-Depth Review of Five US Stock Market Charting Software for Desktop

SanTzu Stock Market: Taiwan’s Top Choice for Charting

SanTzu Information has been deeply involved in Taiwan’s stock software industry since the early 1990s. Its SanTzu Stock Market platform has become the most trusted charting platform among Taiwanese investors. According to market data, over 90% of Taiwanese brokerages rely on SanTzu for developing and maintaining mobile applications, demonstrating its market position.

Core Advantages:

SanTzu provides real-time Taiwan stock quotes with 24 professional technical indicators (including RSI, KD, etc.), meeting most investors’ analysis needs. The desktop version includes 10 charting modes, allowing users to customize interface styles for efficiency. The software also features AI-powered stock picking and new stock winners strategies, helping investors quickly filter targets. Post-market data is the most information-rich among similar software.

Usage Limitations:

SanTzu does not offer trading execution; users must complete transactions through affiliated brokerages (Yuan Fu Securities, E.SUN Securities, Uni-President Securities), making the process somewhat complex. Another limitation is limited international stock resources; real-time data for US stocks and ADRs may have delays.

SanTzu’s years of technical accumulation ensure excellent system stability, rarely crashing or displaying data errors, making it a reliable choice for Taiwanese investors.

Mitrade: Convenient Access to Multi-Asset International Trading

Mitrade was founded in 2011, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. It is a global fintech company focusing on forex and CFD trading. Through its desktop software, investors can trade CFDs on forex, commodities, US stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

Core Advantages:

Mitrade offers both web-based and desktop applications; the web version requires no download and is ready to use. Both modes feature a simple, intuitive interface suitable for beginners. It is ideal for international market traders, providing quotes for US, Australian, and other global markets. Besides individual stocks, it covers global indices, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, and precious metals, with free charting and direct order placement within the app.

Localized services in Taiwan are mature, allowing deposits and withdrawals in New Taiwan Dollars, avoiding currency exchange hassles. The desktop app supports high-speed trading execution, multiple order types, and automated trading. Technical analysis tools include trend lines, moving averages, RSI, etc. Funds are secured with advanced encryption and multi-layer protection. New users can register for a 90-day demo account (including $50,000 simulated funds) and receive up to $100 trading bonus. Mitrade supports leverage trading, allowing investors to choose leverage multiples based on their strategies.

Usage Limitations:

Margin trading mode is not suitable for long-term holders.

Futu NiuNiu: An All-in-One Platform for Hong Kong and US Stocks

Futu NiuNiu has rapidly risen in the Chinese-speaking investment community in recent years. It successfully listed on NASDAQ in 2019 (ticker FUTU), holding securities licenses in Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore, becoming a mainstream channel for Asian investors to access Hong Kong and US markets.

Core Advantages:

The desktop application features a clean, intuitive interface. The top-left displays a default price trend chart with options to add trend lines and technical analysis tools. The top-right shows company financials and valuation info. The bottom-left displays options trading, and the bottom-right shows bid-ask data, with a comprehensive overall layout. In options, Futu uniquely integrates an options pricing calculator, allowing users to easily understand the underlying value and time value of options. The platform covers real-time quotes and trading for Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and A-shares (Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect), with Windows and Mac desktop versions for synchronized mobile and desktop operation.

Usage Limitations:

Futu Securities does not support credit card deposits; deposits are limited to bank wire transfers and ACH. The desktop version offers rich features, but some complex functions require multiple clicks on the mobile app to access.

Interactive Brokers (IBKR): Professional Tools for Global Markets

Interactive Brokers was founded in 1977, headquartered in Connecticut, USA. Starting as an options market maker, it has grown into a leading global electronic trading platform, and by trading volume, one of the largest brokerages worldwide. Its desktop platform, Trader Workstation (TWS), is extremely powerful, designed for professional traders needing efficient, diverse trading tools.

Core Advantages:

TWS offers a highly customizable trading interface, allowing users to set up different windows and tools according to their preferences. It supports various order types and algorithmic trading, ideal for high-frequency traders. Technical analysis features include real-time charts, indicators, market scanners, and strategy backtesting. As the largest online broker, IBKR provides access to over 120 markets worldwide, covering a vast array of financial products. It is especially convenient for Taiwanese investors interested in overseas markets, particularly bonds.

Usage Limitations:

Due to its extensive features, the interface can be complex, and beginners may find it difficult to master quickly. For simple market tracking and trading, it is not recommended for novice investors. The platform is better suited for experienced traders, high-frequency traders, and institutional investors.

TradingView: The Market’s Most Powerful Charting Platform

TradingView was founded in 2011 in the US by technical experts and financial traders. After more than a decade of development, it has become a leading global platform for financial charts and analysis. Many mainstream brokerages (including Yahoo Finance) embed TradingView’s charting functions.

Core Advantages:

TradingView’s charting capabilities are among the strongest on the market. Users can draw, mark, color, and add trend lines freely, with over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools to assist analysis. Its database is extremely comprehensive, allowing access to quotes for Taiwan stocks, US stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and even Indian stocks, covering an astonishing range. The platform includes a social community feature, where users can view stock introductions, investment discussions, and latest news. Its interface is simple and user-friendly; beginners can learn all features after brief training. Available as both web and desktop versions.

Usage Limitations:

TradingView does not provide order execution; users must connect to a compatible broker to trade. Users need to open a separate brokerage account. Full features require a paid subscription, but the free version generally suffices for daily charting needs.

Practical Comparison of Five US Stock Market Charting Software

Different software emphasizes different aspects in actual use:

Ease of Operation: Mitrade’s interface is the most user-friendly, suitable for beginners to quickly get started. TradingView, while powerful, is also quite user-friendly. Futu NiuNiu is moderate in difficulty. Interactive Brokers, due to its extensive features, has the steepest learning curve. SanTzu Stock Market is of medium complexity.

Feature Completeness: TradingView’s chart tools are unmatched, with over 100 technical indicators. IBKR’s global market access is the most comprehensive (over 120 markets). Futu NiuNiu has a distinctive advantage in options features. SanTzu excels in depth for Taiwan stocks.

Market Coverage: IBKR offers access to global markets; Mitrade and TradingView cover main global assets. Futu NiuNiu focuses on Hong Kong and US stocks. SanTzu primarily concentrates on Taiwan stocks.

Desktop vs. Mobile Comparison: SanTzu’s mobile app is Taiwan’s largest charting app but has fewer features than the desktop version. Mitrade’s desktop and mobile are similarly streamlined, but professional analysis features are somewhat limited on both. Futu NiuNiu and IBKR face the same issue—desktop features are too rich to fully translate to small screens. TradingView’s chart experience is best on desktop; its mobile version cannot fully leverage its advantages.

Special Tip: An Alternative for Quant Traders

For investors focused on quantitative trading, MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is also worth considering. As a professional trading platform, MT5 includes built-in technical analysis tools, automated trading (EA), and strategy backtesting, making it especially suitable for advanced technical analysis users. However, MT5 requires login through a broker account, and some features are only available via virtual machine or web version on Mac.

Summary and Recommendations

In the 2025 stock market software ecosystem, different desktop US stock charting tools each have their strengths. Choose Mitrade for simplicity and beginner friendliness. For the strongest chart analysis, go with TradingView. For deep Taiwan stock market analysis, SanTzu Stock Market is ideal. For comprehensive Hong Kong and US stock needs, Futu NiuNiu is suitable. To explore global markets, choose IBKR.

Investors should select tools that match their trading style, market preferences, and technical level to maximize their advantages in rapidly changing markets.