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TradeStation vs tastytrade 2025

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

March 11, 2025

In this head to head comparison of TradeStation vs tastytrade, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

TradeStation
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.60
tastytrade
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.50 info

Range of investments

When evaluating online brokers TradeStation and tastytrade, it's clear that both platforms offer strong options for different types of investors. TradeStation ranks higher for the range of investments it offers, with a 4.5-star rating and a #5 ranking by StockBrokers.com, compared to tastytrade's 4-star rating and #10 ranking. For those seeking diversified options such as OTC stocks and mutual funds, TradeStation is the frontrunner. On the other hand, tastytrade is notable for offering fractional shares and cryptocurrency trading, making it appealing to investors interested in those specific markets.

TradeStation provides a comprehensive suite of investment options, including stock and margin trading, options, futures, and OTC stocks. Its offering extends to traditional and Roth IRA accounts, as well as mutual funds, though it doesn't cater to crypto trading or provide advisor services. This makes TradeStation a versatile choice for investors who want a wide selection of conventional investment products, especially those focused on long-term growth through diversified portfolios.

In contrast, tastytrade sets itself apart by supporting fractional share trading and cryptocurrencies, with four coins available for trading. It shares similarities with TradeStation in offering stock, margin, and options trading, alongside futures. However, tastytrade does not provide mutual funds or OTC stocks, which may limit its appeal for some. With both traditional and Roth IRA accounts available, tastytrade caters well to investors who are keen on modern investment practices, such as crypto and fractional shares trading, while not requiring advisor services.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
tastytrade logotastytrade
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes Yes
Fractional Shares info No Yes info
OTC Stocks info Yes No
Mutual Funds info Yes No
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Futures Trading info Yes Yes
Crypto Trading info No Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 0 4
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025

Trading platforms and tools

When considering the trading platforms and tools of TradeStation and tastytrade, TradeStation emerges as the slightly more advanced option overall, boasting a higher user rating and rank. With a 4.5-star rating and a #3 ranking from StockBrokers.com, it provides a comprehensive suite of features including a Windows desktop platform, extensive watch list customization, and advanced charting capabilities. tastytrade, holding a 4-star rating and an #8 ranking, offers some unique functionalities such as a downloadable trading platform for Mac users and a greater number of drawing tools, making it a noteworthy competitor in the realm of online trading.

TradeStation offers a wealth of features for technical analysis devotees with its impressive 294 technical indicators and 23 drawing tools for charting. Users can leverage the windows desktop platform, enjoy browser-based trading, and engage in paper trading - a feature not available with tastytrade. Although it lacks a Mac-compatible desktop platform, TradeStation makes up for it by allowing users to adjust open orders on charts and create custom studies. Traders can also benefit from features like the ability to display corporate events, automate technical analysis showings, and save multiple chart profiles, all adding to its edge in platform functionality.

Meanwhile, tastytrade appeals to traders with its notable Mac compatibility and a robust set of 308 technical indicators and 31 drawing tools. The platform supports download options on both Windows and Mac, providing seamless accessibility. While tastytrade does not feature paper trading or custom date range settings for charts, it shares significant functionalities with TradeStation like adding notes to charts, applying index overlays, and visualizing historical trades and corporate events on charts. Despite having fewer watch list columns and slightly reduced customization for SMA studies, tastytrade offers a reliable and user-friendly experience for traders.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
tastytrade logotastytrade
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No Yes
Paper Trading info Yes No
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 341 33
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 294 308
Charting - Drawing Tools info 23 31
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokerage Accounts for 2025, Best Paper Trading Platforms for 2025

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Beginners and education

When comparing TradeStation and tastytrade in terms of educational resources for beginners and investors, both platforms offer some valuable tools, yet differ in what they emphasize. TradeStation provides comprehensive education in stock and options trading, along with the practical advantage of paper trading for hands-on learning. This is complemented by a range of instructional videos and webinars, perfect for those who prefer visual learning methods. However, TradeStation lacks educational offerings for ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds, and doesn't include interactive quizzes or track learning progress, which might limit its appeal for those preferring a more structured learning path.

On the other hand, tastytrade holds a slightly higher reputation for its educational offerings. It extends its educational curriculum to include ETFs alongside stocks and options, although it does not cover bonds or mutual funds either. Despite missing some resources like educational videos and paper trading, tastytrade allows users to track their learning journey and engages them through informative webinars. With a 4-star rating and a better overall education ranking, tastytrade might be the more appealing choice for those seeking a broader educational scope with a focus on procedural learning and progress monitoring.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
tastytrade logotastytrade
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No Yes
Education (Options) info Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Paper Trading info Yes No
Videos info Yes No
Webinars info Yes Yes
Education 3/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025

Stock trading apps

When it comes to user-friendly stock trading apps, both TradeStation and tastytrade offer a strong set of features catering to traders' needs. While both platforms boast a solid 4.5-star rating for their trading apps, TradeStation edges slightly ahead with a ranking of eighth against tastytrade's tenth place in the StockBrokers.com rankings. Each platform excels in distinct areas, so your choice might depend on the features you prioritize for your trading activities.

Both TradeStation and tastytrade have iPhone and Android apps, ensuring accessibility across major mobile devices. TradeStation allows for after-hours trading, offers mobile options trading, and provides streaming quotes, giving traders flexibility and real-time updates on both Android and iPhone. However, users looking for more interactive features like stock alerts might find tastytrade lacking in that department. Conversely, tastytrade does stand out in offering the capability to view charts in landscape mode, which TradeStation does not provide.

TradeStation also distinguishes itself with its charting capabilities, offering 45 technical studies, a feature notably absent from tastytrade. Both apps allow for customization of watch lists and columns, enabling users to tailor their experience based on individual trading preferences. While neither platform offers streaming live TV or videos on demand, their comprehensive features support most essential trading needs, helping users make informed decisions. Ultimately, the choice between TradeStation and tastytrade hinges on specific features and personal preferences.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
tastytrade logotastytrade
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No No
Stock Alerts info Yes No
Charting - After-Hours info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 45 0
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025

Fees

When deciding between TradeStation and tastytrade, investors will find distinct differences in fees and charges that may influence their choice. Both platforms require no minimum deposit and offer commission-free regular stock trades, making them accessible to a broad audience. However, tastytrade generally provides more cost-effective options trading at $0.50 per contract, compared to TradeStation’s $0.60. Additionally, tastytrade offers more competitive rates on margin balances, which could lead to significant savings for investors using margin accounts.

When it comes to account-specific fees, tastytrade remains appealing with no IRA annual fees, whereas TradeStation imposes a $35 annual charge. Interestingly though, tastytrade charges a slightly higher IRA closure fee of $60 compared to TradeStation’s $50. For account transfers, tastytrade continues its advantage with lower fees of $75 for both partial and full ACAT transfers, while TradeStation charges a more substantial $125 across the board.

Investors focused on options trading will also note differences in fees related to options exercise and assignment. TradeStation charges $14.95 for options exercises and $5.95 for assignments, while tastytrade offers more affordable rates at $5 for both services. These variances highlight the importance of assessing individual trading habits to determine which broker is more cost-effective. Overall, tastytrade tends to foster savings for active traders, particularly those keen on options or employing margin, with its lower fee structure compared to TradeStation.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
tastytrade logotastytrade
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Options (Per Contract) info $0.60 $0.50 info
Options Exercise Fee info $14.95 $5.00
Options Assignment Fee info $5.95 $5.00
IRA Annual Fee info $35.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee info $50.00 $60.00

Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025

Day Trading

When comparing TradeStation and tastytrade for day trading, there are clear distinctions to consider. TradeStation shines with its advanced trading functionalities, offering tools crucial for active traders. It includes streaming time and sales for stocks, direct market routing, trading hotkeys, level 2 quotes, and both basic and advanced strategy backtesting. These features are essential for traders looking to execute precise and informed trades within the fast-paced environment of day trading. Additionally, TradeStation provides a short locator tool to view real-time share availability and order liquidity rebates, which can be advantageous for high-frequency traders.

On the other hand, tastytrade offers its own set of unique features. While it lacks some of the advanced trading tools found in TradeStation, such as direct market routing and trading hotkeys, it does offer streaming live TV, which can keep traders informed with real-time news. Both platforms support ladder trading and provide a short locator tool, ensuring traders have a basic foundation for executing trades. However, for those who prioritize a comprehensive suite of trading tools and strategy backtesting, TradeStation may be the more suitable choice.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
tastytrade logotastytrade
Streaming Time & Sales info Yes No
Streaming TV info No Yes
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info Yes No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info Yes No
Short Locator info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025

Market Research

When deciding between TradeStation and tastytrade for market research capabilities, TradeStation slightly edges ahead. While both platforms provide basic research tools for stocks and ETFs, TradeStation offers additional research for Pink Sheets/OTCBB, which tastytrade does not support. TradeStation also includes features like a stock screener for generating trade ideas, setting it apart from tastytrade, which lacks this offering. However, neither broker excels in mutual funds, bonds, or comprehensive downloadable research reports.

For investors interested in detailed portfolio insights, both brokers offer the ability to view portfolio allocation by asset class. However, neither broker provides advanced options such as ESG research or the use of social media sentiment data in their market analyses. This might limit their appeal to investors seeking cutting-edge research tools or highly detailed reporting.

In terms of user ratings, TradeStation garners a modest two stars for its market research capabilities, slightly ahead of tastytrade’s 1.5-star rating. According to StockBrokers.com rankings, TradeStation holds the 11th position out of 15 brokers, surpassing tastytrade's 13th place. For those prioritizing market research in their online brokerage choice, TradeStation may offer a marginally better experience. However, investors seeking more comprehensive research may wish to explore other brokers.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
tastytrade logotastytrade
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks info Yes No
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs info No No
Research - Mutual Funds info No No
Screener - Mutual Funds info No No
Research - Bonds info No No
Screener - Bonds info No No
Research 2/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars

Banking

When comparing the banking capabilities of online brokers TradeStation and tastytrade, neither offers traditional banking services such as checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, credit cards, mortgage loans, or certificates of deposit (CDs). This means that users looking for banking features will not find them with either TradeStation or tastytrade. These platforms are exclusively geared toward investing and trading, so if banking options are a requirement, you may need to consider additional financial institutions for those needs.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
tastytrade logotastytrade
Checking Accounts info No No
Savings Accounts info No No
Debit Cards info No No
Credit Cards info No No
Mortgage Loans info No No
CDs info No No

Dive deeper: Best Bank Accounts for Trading Stocks for 2025

Winner

After opening live accounts and testing 15 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that TradeStation is better than tastytrade. TradeStation finished with an overall score of 80.2%, while tastytrade finished with a score of 80.1%.

TradeStation supports casual traders through its web-based platform and active traders through its desktop platform. We like the web-based platform and mobile app, but the flagship desktop platform could use a refresh.

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with TradeStation or tastytrade?

While TradeStation does not offer crypto trading and provides no coins, tastytrade caters to crypto enthusiasts by offering trading options for four different coins.

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025

Does TradeStation or tastytrade offer IRAs?

Both TradeStation and tastytrade offer traditional and Roth IRA accounts, but while tastytrade provides these with no annual fee, TradeStation charges $35 annually. Additionally, closing an IRA account will incur a $50 fee with TradeStation compared to a $60 fee with tastytrade.

Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025

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Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating TradeStation tastytrade
Overall 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 2/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars
Customer Service 3.5/5 Stars 4.0/5 Stars
Education 3/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review TradeStation Review tastytrade Review
Broker Screenshots TradeStation tastytrade
Trading Platform & Tools Gallery (click to expand)
Research Gallery (click to expand)
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand)
Education Gallery (click to expand)
Trading Fees TradeStation tastytrade
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) info $0.01 info N/A
Mutual Fund Trade Fee info $14.95 N/A info
Options (Per Contract) info $0.60 $0.50 info
Futures (Per Contract) info $1.50 $1.25
Broker Assisted Trade Fee info $25 $0
Margin Rates TradeStation tastytrade
Margin Rate Under $25,000 info 13.0% 11%
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 info 13.0% 10.5%
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 info 12.5% 10%
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 info 12.0% 9.5%
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 info 12.0% 9%
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 info 7.5% info 8.5%
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 info 7.5% info 8%
Account Fees TradeStation tastytrade
IRA Annual Fee info $35.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee info $50.00 $60.00
Account Transfer Out (Partial) info $125.00 $75.00
Account Transfer Out (Full) info $125.00 $75.00
Options Exercise Fee info $14.95 $5.00
Options Assignment Fee info $5.95 $5.00
Investment Options TradeStation tastytrade
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes Yes
Fractional Shares info No Yes info
OTC Stocks info Yes No
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Complex Options Max Legs info 4 4
Futures Trading info Yes Yes
Forex Trading info No No
Crypto Trading info No Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 0 4
Mutual Funds (No Load) info 800 0
Mutual Funds (Total) info 4000 0
Bonds (US Treasury) info Yes No info
Bonds (Corporate) info Yes No
Bonds (Municipal) info Yes No
Traditional IRAs info Yes Yes
Roth IRAs info Yes Yes
Advisor Services info No No
International Countries (Stocks) info 0 0
Order Types TradeStation tastytrade
Order Type - Market info Yes Yes
Order Type - Limit info Yes Yes
Order Type - After Hours info Yes Yes
Order Type - Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - Trailing Stop info Yes No
Order Type - OCO info Yes Yes
Order Type - OTO info Yes Yes
Order Type - Broker Assisted info Yes Yes
Beginners TradeStation tastytrade
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No Yes
Education (Options) info Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Education (Retirement) info No No
Retirement Calculator info No No
Investor Dictionary info No Yes
Paper Trading info Yes No
Videos info Yes No
Webinars info Yes Yes
Webinars (Archived) info Yes Yes
Progress Tracking info No Yes
Interactive Learning - Quizzes info No No
Stock Trading Apps TradeStation tastytrade
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No No
Trading - Stocks info Yes Yes
Trading - After-Hours info Yes Yes
Trading - Simple Options info Yes Yes
Trading - Complex Options info Yes Yes
Order Ticket RT Quotes info Yes Yes
Order Ticket SRT Quotes info Yes Yes
Stock App Features TradeStation tastytrade
Market Movers (Top Gainers) info Yes Yes
Stream Live TV info No No
Videos on Demand info No No
Stock Alerts info Yes No
Option Chains Viewable info Yes Yes
Watch List (Real-time) info Yes Yes
Watch List (Streaming) info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Create & Manage info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Column Customization info Yes Yes
Stock App Charting TradeStation tastytrade
Charting - After-Hours info Yes Yes
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally info No Yes
Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 45 0
Charting - Study Customizations info Yes No
Charting - Stock Comparisons info No No
Trading Platforms TradeStation tastytrade
Active Trading Platform info TradeStation 10 tastytrade
Desktop Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No Yes
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Paper Trading info Yes No
Trade Journal info No No
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 341 33
Stock Chart Features TradeStation tastytrade
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 294 308
Charting - Drawing Tools info 23 31
Charting - Notes info Yes Yes
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes Yes
Charting - Historical Trades info Yes Yes
Charting - Corporate Events info Yes Yes
Charting - Custom Date Range info Yes No
Charting - Custom Time Bars info Yes No
Charting - Automated Analysis info Yes No
Charting - Save Profiles info Yes Yes
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis info Yes No
Charting - Study Customizations info 12 7
Charting - Custom Studies info Yes Yes
Day Trading TradeStation tastytrade
Streaming Time & Sales info Yes No
Streaming TV info No Yes
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info Yes No
Ladder Trading info Yes Yes
Trade Hotkeys info Yes No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info Yes No
Short Locator info Yes Yes
Order Liquidity Rebates info Yes No
Research Overview TradeStation tastytrade
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds info No No
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB info Yes No
Research - Bonds info No No
Screener - Stocks info Yes No
Screener - ETFs info No No
Screener - Mutual Funds info No No
Screener - Bonds info No No
Misc - Portfolio Allocation info Yes Yes
Stock Research TradeStation tastytrade
Stock Research - PDF Reports info 0 0
Stock Research - Earnings info No No
Stock Research - Insiders info No No
Stock Research - Social info No No
Stock Research - News info Yes Yes
Stock Research - ESG info No No
Stock Research - SEC Filings info No No
ETF Research TradeStation tastytrade
ETFs - Strategy Overview info No No
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date info No No
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio info No No
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets info No No
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings info No No
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings info No No
ETFs - Sector Exposure info No No
ETFs - Risk Analysis info No Yes
ETFs - Ratings info No No
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap info No No
ETFs - PDF Reports info No No
Mutual Fund Research TradeStation tastytrade
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview info No No
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart info No No
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis info No No
Mutual Funds - Prospectus info No No
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown info No No
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings info No No
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation info No No
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation info No No
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation info No No
Mutual Funds - StyleMap info No No
Options Trading TradeStation tastytrade
Option Chains - Basic View info Yes Yes
Option Chains - Strategy View info Yes Yes
Option Chains - Streaming info Yes Yes
Option Chains - Total Columns info 29 20
Option Chains - Greeks info 5 5
Option Chains - Quick Analysis info Yes Yes
Option Analysis - P&L Charts info Yes Yes
Option Probability Analysis info Yes Yes
Option Probability Analysis Adv info Yes Yes
Option Positions - Greeks info Yes Yes
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming info Yes Yes
Option Positions - Adv Analysis info Yes Yes
Option Positions - Rolling info Yes Yes
Option Positions - Grouping info Yes Yes
Banking TradeStation tastytrade
Bank (Member FDIC) info No No
Checking Accounts info No No
Savings Accounts info No No
Credit Cards info No No
Debit Cards info No No
Mortgage Loans info No No
Customer Service TradeStation tastytrade
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) info Yes Yes
Phone Support (Current Customers) info Yes Yes
Email Support info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Current Customers) info Yes Yes
24/7 Support info No No
Overall TradeStation tastytrade
Overall 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 2/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars
Education 3/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review TradeStation Review tastytrade Review
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