2025 Computer Real-Time Market Monitoring Software Comparison | 5 Must-See Options for Investors

In this era where mobile devices are ubiquitous, many investors find that desktop charting software still cannot be replaced by mobile applications. There are very practical reasons behind this:

Why choose desktop real-time charting?

The advantage of a computer screen is primarily in information display. Compared to a 6-inch mobile screen, a computer can simultaneously present complex K-line charts, multiple technical indicators, and real-time market data, making details of tools like MACD, RSI, and others clearly visible. Secondly, there is performance—computer hardware can process data more quickly, supporting investors to monitor multiple markets such as Taiwan stocks, US stocks, commodities, and futures simultaneously, which is almost impossible on a mobile device. Lastly, stability considerations—compared to the easily lost and power-consuming mobile phones, computers can provide an uninterrupted, all-day charting experience.

For these reasons, desktop charting applications remain popular in the investment ecosystem of 2025. Here are five distinctive desktop charting software options.

Focused on the Taiwan Market: San-Tu Stock Market

San-Tu Stock Market has long dominated the Taiwan charting app scene, backed by decades of market experience. The software itself does not offer order placement but connects to brokers like Yuanta, E.SUN, and Uni-President for trading.

Core advantages:

• Free real-time Taiwan stock market charting, with 24 built-in professional technical indicators (including RSI, KD, and other common tools)
• Ten customizable charting modes and personalized interface styles
• AI stock selection, strategy filtering, and other intelligent tools to assist decision-making
• Comprehensive post-market information on individual stocks

Usage limitations:

• Order placement requires cross-broker transfer, making operations relatively cumbersome
• Limited coverage of international assets; delays exist for US stocks and ADRs
• More suitable for investors focused on Taiwan stocks

San-Tu’s reliability stems from years of stable system operation, with very few data errors or crashes, making it a solid tool for Taiwan stock investment.

All-in-One International Finance: Mitrade

Mitrade, established in 2011 in Australia, is a global fintech company specializing in CFD and forex trading services. Its desktop version supports both web browser and desktop application modes.

Core advantages:

• Intuitive, user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners
• Web version requires no download; desktop version offers more complete features
• Supports hundreds of assets including US stocks, Australian stocks, indices, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and more
• Mature localization in Taiwan—supports NTD deposits and withdrawals, eliminating currency exchange hassles
• Fast trade execution, multiple order types, and fully automated trading features
• Offers 100 technical indicators and trend analysis tools
• Free demo account with $50,000 simulated funds, up to 90 days of free practice
• Military-grade encryption ensures fund security
• Flexible leverage trading options

Usage limitations:

• Margin trading mode not suitable for long-term holding strategies

Mitrade’s standout feature is that a single account can handle the entire global trading process, making it especially suitable for Asian investors wanting to access international markets.

Hong Kong and US Stock Platform: Futu NiuNiu

Futu NiuNiu has rapidly risen in the Chinese-speaking investment community in recent years, successfully listing on NASDAQ in 2019 (FUTU), holding securities licenses in Hong Kong, the US, and Singapore.

Core advantages:

• Clean, intuitive desktop interface with a default four-grid layout covering price trends, financial data, options trading, and order book
• Excellent options trading features, including an embedded options calculator to help investors understand time value
• Real-time quotes and trading for Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and A-shares (Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect)
• Supports both Windows and Mac platforms, with seamless synchronization between mobile and desktop

Usage limitations:

• Only bank wire transfer and ACH deposits accepted; credit card deposits are not supported
• Some features require multiple clicks on mobile to access

Futu balances comprehensive functionality with market coverage, suitable for investors seeking Hong Kong and US stock trading.

Professional Traders’ First Choice: Interactive Brokers (IB)

Interactive Brokers, founded in 1977 and headquartered in the US, is one of the world’s largest electronic brokers by trading volume. Its desktop platform, Trader Workstation (TWS), is extremely powerful.

Core advantages:

• Highly customizable trading interface, allowing users to tailor window layouts
• Supports various order types and algorithmic trading, ideal for high-frequency traders
• Robust technical analysis tools, real-time chart scanning, and strategy backtesting
• Access to over 120 global markets with a wide range of financial products
• The top choice for Taiwanese investors engaging in overseas bonds

Usage limitations:

• The extensive features make the interface complex, with a steep learning curve for beginners
• Suitable for experienced traders or institutional investors
• Mobile login verification procedures can be cumbersome, affecting trading speed

Chart Analysis King: Tradingview

Tradingview, founded in 2011 in the US by technical experts and traders, has become a leading global financial chart platform over ten years.

Core advantages:

• The strongest charting capabilities, widely integrated by brokerages and financial websites
• Supports over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools, with powerful line drawing, marking, and coloring features
• Comprehensive data covering Taiwan stocks, US stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, Indian stocks, and more
• Built-in social community platform for stock discussions, investor opinions, and latest news
• User-friendly interface, easy for beginners to learn quickly
• Available as web and desktop versions

Usage limitations:

• Does not provide order execution; requires registration with third-party brokers
• Full features require a subscription; free version offers basic charting
• Small-screen mobile versions cannot fully replicate desktop experience

Selection Tips and Summary

Choosing the right desktop real-time charting software depends on your investment needs:

• Taiwan stock focus: San-Tu Stock Market offers the deepest local market support
• Beginner-friendly: Mitrade stands out with a simple interface and localized services
• Balanced all-rounder: Futu NiuNiu provides a good balance of features and ease of use
• Professional traders: Interactive Brokers and Tradingview cater to complex trading and advanced chart analysis
• Chart enthusiasts: Tradingview’s drawing tools are unmatched

Regardless of your choice, these five desktop charting applications have become indispensable tools in the 2025 investment ecosystem, far surpassing mobile apps in functionality depth and operational efficiency. Find the platform that best matches your trading style and market focus—this is the first step toward rational investing.