Comparing TradeStation vs NinjaTrader vs TradersPost
TradeStation, NinjaTrader, and TradersPost are all popular platforms among active traders and investors looking to improve their trading strategy and execution. All three platforms offer advanced automation capabilities, but they differ in terms of their focus and target audience.
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Readers ask which brokers TradersPost supports and what futures commissions TradeStation and NinjaTrader charge, so the guidance now lists current connections and those fees and corrects TD Ameritrade's history.
Update: September 2026
TradersPost has significantly expanded its broker integrations since this article was originally published. TD Ameritrade is no longer available (Charles Schwab acquired it in 2020 and finished moving TD Ameritrade accounts to its own platform in May 2024). Current connections include:1
- Stocks/Options: TradeStation, Alpaca, Tradier, Robinhood (stocks only), E*TRADE, tastytrade, Webull (stocks only), Interactive Brokers (beta, stocks only), Public.com (beta)2
- Futures: Tradovate, TradeStation, NinjaTrader (via Tradovate), tastytrade, ProjectX
- Crypto: Coinbase, Kraken, Bybit, Binance, Alpaca, tastytrade, Crypto.com (beta), Public.com (beta)
For the complete list, see the TradersPost connections page.
TradeStation vs NinjaTrader vs TradersPost
TradeStation
TradeStation is a brokerage and trading platform that is suitable for a wide range of markets and asset classes like stocks, futures and options. It is known for its powerful charting and analysis tools, as well as its customizable trading strategies and advanced order management features. TradeStation's futures commissions are tiered by monthly volume, from $1.75 per contract per side for regular futures and $0.50 for micros at up to 500 contracts, down to $0.50 and $0.25 above 10,000 contracts, plus exchange fees and, below that top tier, a $0.10 clearing fee per contract per side. Your tier is upgraded during the month once your volume passes a threshold, and it applies for the rest of that month and the following one3.
Pros
- Comprehensive platform suitable for a wide range of markets and asset classes like stocks, futures and options
- Powerful charting and analysis tools
- Customizable trading strategies and advanced order management features
- Offers educational resources and support to help traders of all levels succeed in the markets
Cons
- Trade automation uses proprietary EasyLanguage for building strategies
- Cannot take advantage of TradingView community scripts
- Automated trading strategies require your computer to be online
NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader is a powerful trading platform that is often used for day trading. It provides advanced charting and analysis tools and includes features such as real-time market data, multiple order types, and strategy automation. NinjaTrader's Free plan has no plan fee and charges $0.39 per side for Micro contracts and $1.29 for Standard contracts; its Monthly plan costs $99 per month and charges $0.29 and $0.99; and its Lifetime plan costs $1,499 once and charges $0.09 and $0.59. Exchange, clearing and NFA fees are additional4.
Pros
- Advanced charting and analysis tools
- Real-time market data and multiple order types
- Strategy automation capabilities
- Available as a free download with the option to purchase a license for additional features and services
Cons
- Trade automation uses proprietary system for building strategies
- Cannot take advantage of TradingView community scripts
- Automated trading strategies require your computer to be online
TradersPost
TradersPost is a cloud-based platform that allows users to automate their trading strategies and execute trades without the need for their computer to be running. It connects to popular brokers like TradeStation, Alpaca, Robinhood, E-Trade, Interactive Brokers, Tradovate, and many others. Strategies from popular trading platforms such as TradingView and TrendSpider can be automated with TradersPost. It allows users to automate their trading strategies using simple webhooks rather than requiring low-level coding skills.
Pros
- Allows strategies to be automated without the need to write any code
- Cloud-based platform allows for trade execution without the need for the computer to be running
- Connects to popular trading platforms such as TradingView and TrendSpider
- Allows for automation of trading strategies using simple webhooks
- Accessible and user-friendly platform
Cons
- Not as comprehensive as integrating directly with brokers using low level code
- Execution speed may not be as fast as colocated code running a low level programming language
References
1 traderspost.io, TradersPost Connections
2 docs.traderspost.io, Public.com
3 tradestation.com, Pricing Commissions & Fees
4 ninjatrader.com, Powerful Futures Trading Platform, Low Commissions
