TradeStation vs Tradier 2025
In this head to head comparison of TradeStation vs Tradier, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
In this head to head comparison of TradeStation vs Tradier, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
When comparing TradeStation and Tradier, TradeStation emerges as the more versatile online broker, particularly in its range of investment options. Offering a comprehensive suite of trading capabilities, TradeStation is rated 4.5 stars out of five by StockBrokers.com and ranks as the fifth best for investment options among 18 brokers. While both platforms allow stock, margin, mutual funds, and options trading, TradeStation leads in offering over-the-counter (OTC) stocks, which Tradier lacks. However, neither platform supports fractional shares, cryptocurrencies, or advisory services, and both provide access to futures trading and traditional or Roth IRA accounts.
For investors focusing on traditional securities like stocks, mutual funds, and options, both TradeStation and Tradier present solid choices, although Tradier falls slightly behind with a 4-star rating and an eleventh-place rank in investment options. Tradier's inability to trade OTC stocks may restrict certain investors, whereas TradeStation’s additional offerings could better serve those looking to expand their portfolios. Despite this shortcoming, Tradier and TradeStation share some common ground by forgoing fractional shares offerings and cryptocurrency trading, leaving room for improvement in expanding their digital asset trading repertoires.
In terms of account offerings, both platforms support traditional and Roth IRA accounts, catering to those interested in retirement planning. While neither service extends into individual advisor services, both cater well to self-directed investors. Ultimately, the choice between TradeStation and Tradier will depend on your specific investment needs and the importance you place on having access to OTC markets and a few additional features that TradeStation provides. With their competitive rankings and solid core offerings, each platform has its own niche that could appeal to different investors.
Feature |
TradeStation
|
Tradier
|
---|---|---|
Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
Fractional Shares | No | No |
OTC Stocks | Yes | No |
Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
Futures Trading | Yes | Yes |
Crypto Trading | No | No |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 0 |
Range of Investments |
Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025
When weighing your options between TradeStation and Tradier, it's important to consider your trading platform and tools preference. TradeStation stands out with high ratings for its extensive feature set, offering 4.5 stars. In contrast, Tradier's platform earns 2.5 stars. Notably, TradeStation is positioned as the third best out of 18 brokers for its trading tools, whereas Tradier holds the 14th spot. This indicates that TradeStation may provide a more comprehensive suite of tools for those who require advanced trading features.
TradeStation's edge is further affirmed through its Windows desktop platform, which Tradier lacks. Both brokers offer browser-based platforms and paper trading; however, TradeStation's range of features is broader, including the ability to adjust open orders directly from a stock chart and show corporate events on charts. With 341 fields for watch lists and 294 technical indicators, TradeStation caters to active traders seeking detailed market analysis. In contrast, Tradier offers only 3 watch list fields and 95 technical indicators, making it more suitable for users with modest needs.
Charting capabilities provide another point of differentiation. TradeStation supports custom studies, drawing tools, and the saving of multiple chart profiles, making it favorable for customization. Tradier does not offer these charting features. Furthermore, TradeStation enables adding notes and index overlays to charts, while Tradier lacks overlays and the ability to integrate automated technical analysis. This comparison highlights TradeStation as a more robust option for traders seeking detailed trading and charting features, while Tradier might appeal to those with simpler platform requirements.
Feature |
TradeStation
|
Tradier
|
---|---|---|
Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No |
Paper Trading | Yes | Yes |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 341 | 3 |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 294 | 95 |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 23 | 0 |
Platforms & Tools |
Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Platforms for 2025
When comparing the educational resources for beginner investors between TradeStation and Tradier, TradeStation clearly takes the lead. TradeStation offers a selection of stock and options education, complete with educational videos and webinars that help new investors get acquainted with the market. Their platform includes paper trading, allowing beginners to practice without real-world risk. However, TradeStation doesn't provide education on ETFs, mutual funds, or bonds. Despite some gaps, TradeStation earns a decent education rating of 3 out of 5 stars and ranks 14th among 18 brokers according to StockBrokers.com.
In contrast, Tradier offers far less in terms of educational support for beginners. Lacking stock, options, ETF, mutual fund, and bond education, Tradier also does not provide educational videos, webinars, or quizzes. Like TradeStation, Tradier does offer paper trading, but without the added benefit of learning resources. This limited educational offering results in Tradier receiving no educational stars and ranking 16th out of 18 brokers in education, according to StockBrokers.com. Overall, TradeStation provides a better educational environment for new investors than Tradier.
Feature |
TradeStation
|
Tradier
|
---|---|---|
Education (Stocks) | Yes | No |
Education (ETFs) | No | No |
Education (Options) | Yes | No |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
Education (Bonds) | No | No |
Paper Trading | Yes | Yes |
Videos | Yes | No |
Webinars | Yes | No |
Education |
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025
When comparing TradeStation and Tradier's stock trading app capabilities, TradeStation emerges as a more feature-rich option for most users, especially those interested in a comprehensive app experience. With higher user ratings, TradeStation is ranked #8 by StockBrokers.com, whereas Tradier follows at #14. This distinction is reflected in the variety of features TradeStation offers, making it a solid choice for traders seeking advanced functionalities.
Both TradeStation and Tradier provide iPhone and Android apps for seamless trading on-the-go. While neither supports Apple Watch apps or offers streaming live TV or videos on demand, both apps allow for mobile options trading and provide streaming quotes. For traders who want to create customized watch lists, both apps deliver; however, TradeStation allows for more personalization with customizable watch list columns.
When it comes to charting, TradeStation offers a significant edge, featuring after-hours charting and the ability to view multiple time frames, complemented by 45 technical studies. Tradier, in contrast, does not offer these features, making it less suited for traders interested in technical analysis. Additionally, only TradeStation supports stock alerts, providing users with real-time updates to stay on top of their trading activities. Overall, for those seeking a more robust array of tools and features in mobile stock trading, TradeStation stands out as the superior choice.
Feature |
TradeStation
|
Tradier
|
---|---|---|
iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
Android App | Yes | Yes |
Apple Watch App | No | No |
Stock Alerts | Yes | No |
Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No |
Charting - Technical Studies | 45 | 0 |
Mobile Trading Apps |
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
For traders and investors comparing online brokers, TradeStation and Tradier offer similar fee structures with notable differences for certain services. Both platforms require no minimum deposit and charge nothing for regular stock trades, making them attractive to beginners and casual investors alike. However, Tradier generally offers lower fees for options trading with a charge of $0.35 per contract compared to TradeStation's $0.60, which could be appealing to options traders seeking more economical trades. When considering margin rates on balances below $50,000, Tradier has a significantly lower rate of 9.5% compared to TradeStation's 13.0%, providing more cost-effective financing solutions for those using leverage.
Examining account management fees, Tradier edges out TradeStation on IRA-related costs with a $30 annual fee compared to TradeStation's $35. Yet, TradeStation offers a lower IRA closure fee at $50, while Tradier charges $60. For account transfers, Tradier is more budget-friendly with both partial and full ACAT fees set at $75, compared to $125 from TradeStation. The decision between these platforms may rest heavily on the types of transactions you frequently conduct and the cost-effectiveness required for your trading strategy.
In terms of options fees, an additional charge worth considering is the options exercise and assignment fees, where TradeStation charges $14.95 and $5.95, respectively, while Tradier maintains a flat rate of $9.00 for both. Potential investors should weigh these fees along with account transfer and maintenance costs when determining the right platform for their needs, ensuring they choose the online broker that aligns best with their investment strategies and budget preferences.
Feature |
TradeStation
|
Tradier
|
---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.60 | $0.35 |
Options Exercise Fee | $14.95 | $9.00 |
Options Assignment Fee | $5.95 | $9.00 |
IRA Annual Fee | $35.00 | $30.00 |
IRA Closure Fee | $50.00 | $60.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025
When it comes to day trading, TradeStation offers a more comprehensive platform compared to Tradier. TradeStation provides streaming time and sales for stocks, a feature not available with Tradier. While neither platform offers streaming live TV, TradeStation stands out with its direct market routing capabilities. Day traders will appreciate TradeStation’s support for ladder trading, trading hotkeys for swift keyboard trade entry, and level 2 quotes—features absent from Tradier’s offerings. Additionally, TradeStation excels in strategy testing, providing both basic and advanced backtesting options, which again are not available with Tradier.
TradeStation further enhances the day trading experience with a short locator tool, allowing traders to view the real-time availability of shares available to short, a tool you won’t find with Tradier. Moreover, TradeStation offers order liquidity rebates for those interested in maker/taker strategies, adding another layer of benefit for active traders. In summary, if day trading features are a priority, TradeStation clearly provides a richer suite of tools and options compared to Tradier, catering more effectively to the needs of serious traders.
Feature |
TradeStation
|
Tradier
|
---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No |
Streaming TV | No | No |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | Yes | No |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | Yes | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | Yes | No |
Short Locator | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025
When it comes to market research, both TradeStation and Tradier offer fundamental tools for investors, but with key differences that might tip the scales for users with specific needs. TradeStation provides research capabilities for stocks, ETFs, and Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) securities, giving it a broader reach for those interested in these areas. On the other hand, Tradier covers stocks and ETFs but lacks support for OTCBB research. Neither platform offers mutual funds or bonds research, nor do they provide downloadable PDF research reports for any asset types. Overall, TradeStation scores slightly higher with a 2-star rating, ranking it 11th out of 18 brokers, as opposed to Tradier's 1.5-star rating and 15th place ranking. This makes TradeStation a slightly better option for market research, especially if you need comprehensive portfolio allocation insights.
TradeStation offers users insights into portfolio allocation by asset class, a feature absent in Tradier, making it an attractive choice for those keen on analyzing their diversification strategies. However, investors interested in alternative insights such as social media sentiment and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors might find both platforms lacking, as neither provides these types of research. Additionally, stock screener tools for trade ideas are available on TradeStation but not on Tradier, allowing users of TradeStation to sift through potential investments more effectively.
For investors focused on detailed research capabilities, TradeStation's offerings in stock screeners and portfolio allocation provide a slight edge over Tradier. Nevertheless, both platforms share certain limitations, such as the absence of downloadable research reports and limited asset class research. While neither option caters comprehensively to all investment research needs, TradeStation stands out slightly for its ability to cover a broader range of securities and provide essential tools like the stock screener, making it the marginally better choice for users keen on a bit more depth in their research capabilities.
Feature |
TradeStation
|
Tradier
|
---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
Screener - Stocks | Yes | No |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
Screener - ETFs | No | No |
Research - Mutual Funds | No | No |
Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No |
Research - Bonds | No | No |
Screener - Bonds | No | No |
Research |
When comparing the banking services of online brokers TradeStation and Tradier, both platforms offer similar features in terms of traditional banking services. Neither TradeStation nor Tradier provides checking or savings accounts, and both are missing options for debit and credit cards. If you were hoping for mortgage loan services, CDs, or any typical retail banking service, you'll find that neither broker includes these offerings. While both TradeStation and Tradier focus on their brokerage capabilities, they do not extend their services to cover traditional banking needs.
Feature |
TradeStation
|
Tradier
|
---|---|---|
Checking Accounts | No | No |
Savings Accounts | No | No |
Debit Cards | No | No |
Credit Cards | No | No |
Mortgage Loans | No | No |
CDs | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Bank Accounts for Trading Stocks for 2025
After opening live accounts and testing 18 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that TradeStation is better than Tradier. TradeStation finished with an overall score of 80.2%, while Tradier finished with a score of 65.6%.
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.
Neither TradeStation nor Tradier offers crypto trading, and both platforms provide zero coins for cryptocurrency transactions.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025
Both TradeStation and Tradier offer traditional and Roth IRA accounts, but while TradeStation charges a $35 annual fee and a $50 closure fee, Tradier charges slightly lower fees at $30 annually but has a higher closure fee of $60.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025
Select Brokers
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0 of 5Overall Rating | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Overall | |||
Commissions & Fees | |||
Range of Investments | |||
Platforms & Tools | |||
Mobile Trading Apps | |||
Research | |||
Customer Service | |||
Education | |||
Ease Of Use | |||
Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | TradeStation Review | Tradier Review |
Broker Screenshots | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
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 | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $0.01 | N/A | |
Mutual Fund Trade Fee | $14.95 | $30 | |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.60 | $0.35 | |
Futures (Per Contract) | $1.50 | $1.50 | |
Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $25 | $10 |
Margin Rates | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 13.0% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 13.0% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 12.5% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 12.0% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 12.0% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 7.5% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 7.5% | 9.5% |
Account Fees | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
IRA Annual Fee | $35.00 | $30.00 | |
IRA Closure Fee | $50.00 | $60.00 | |
Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $125.00 | $75.00 | |
Account Transfer Out (Full) | $125.00 | $75.00 | |
Options Exercise Fee | $14.95 | $9.00 | |
Options Assignment Fee | $5.95 | $9.00 |
Investment Options | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Fractional Shares | No | No | |
OTC Stocks | Yes | No | |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 4 | |
Futures Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Forex Trading | No | No | |
Crypto Trading | No | No | |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 0 | |
Mutual Funds (No Load) | 800 | 0 | |
Mutual Funds (Total) | 4000 | 0 | |
Bonds (US Treasury) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Corporate) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Municipal) | Yes | No | |
Traditional IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
Roth IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
Advisor Services | No | No | |
International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
Order Types | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Limit | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - After Hours | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Trailing Stop | Yes | No | |
Order Type - OCO | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - OTO | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | Yes |
Beginners | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Education (Stocks) | Yes | No | |
Education (ETFs) | No | No | |
Education (Options) | Yes | No | |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
Education (Bonds) | No | No | |
Education (Retirement) | No | No | |
Retirement Calculator | No | No | |
Investor Dictionary | No | No | |
Paper Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Videos | Yes | No | |
Webinars | Yes | No | |
Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
Progress Tracking | No | No | |
Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
Stock Trading Apps | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
Apple Watch App | No | No | |
Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - After-Hours | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - Complex Options | Yes | Yes | |
Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
Order Ticket SRT Quotes | Yes | No |
Stock App Features | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Market Movers (Top Gainers) | Yes | Yes | |
Stream Live TV | No | No | |
Videos on Demand | No | No | |
Stock Alerts | Yes | No | |
Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Streaming) | Yes | No | |
Watch Lists - Create & Manage | Yes | Yes | |
Watch Lists - Column Customization | Yes | No |
Stock App Charting | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | No | No | |
Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Technical Studies | 45 | 0 | |
Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | No | |
Charting - Stock Comparisons | No | No |
Trading Platforms | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Active Trading Platform | TradeStation 10 | TradeHawk | |
Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No | |
Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
Paper Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Trade Journal | No | No | |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 341 | 3 |
Stock Chart Features | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | No | |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 294 | 95 | |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 23 | 0 | |
Charting - Notes | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | No | |
Charting - Historical Trades | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Corporate Events | Yes | No | |
Charting - Custom Date Range | Yes | No | |
Charting - Custom Time Bars | Yes | No | |
Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | No | |
Charting - Save Profiles | Yes | No | |
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | No | |
Charting - Study Customizations | 12 | 7 | |
Charting - Custom Studies | Yes | No |
Day Trading | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No | |
Streaming TV | No | No | |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | Yes | No | |
Ladder Trading | Yes | No | |
Trade Hotkeys | Yes | No | |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | Yes | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | Yes | No | |
Short Locator | Yes | No | |
Order Liquidity Rebates | Yes | No |
Research Overview | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
Research - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | No | |
Research - Bonds | No | No | |
Screener - Stocks | Yes | No | |
Screener - ETFs | No | No | |
Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
Screener - Bonds | No | No | |
Misc - Portfolio Allocation | Yes | No |
Stock Research | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Research - PDF Reports | 0 | 0 | |
Stock Research - Earnings | No | No | |
Stock Research - Insiders | No | No | |
Stock Research - Social | No | No | |
Stock Research - News | Yes | No | |
Stock Research - ESG | No | No | |
Stock Research - SEC Filings | No | No |
ETF Research | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
ETFs - Strategy Overview | No | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | No | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | No | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets | No | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | No | No | |
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | No | No | |
ETFs - Sector Exposure | No | No | |
ETFs - Risk Analysis | No | No | |
ETFs - Ratings | No | No | |
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | No | No | |
ETFs - PDF Reports | No | No |
Mutual Fund Research | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Prospectus | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - StyleMap | No | No |
Options Trading | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Option Chains - Basic View | Yes | Yes | |
Option Chains - Strategy View | Yes | No | |
Option Chains - Streaming | Yes | No | |
Option Chains - Total Columns | 29 | 8 | |
Option Chains - Greeks | 5 | 1 | |
Option Chains - Quick Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | No | |
Option Probability Analysis | Yes | No | |
Option Probability Analysis Adv | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Adv Analysis | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Rolling | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Grouping | Yes | No |
Banking | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Bank (Member FDIC) | No | No | |
Checking Accounts | No | No | |
Savings Accounts | No | No | |
Credit Cards | No | No | |
Debit Cards | No | No | |
Mortgage Loans | No | No |
Customer Service | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) | Yes | No | |
Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | No | |
24/7 Support | No | No |
Overall | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Overall | |||
Commissions & Fees | |||
Range of Investments | |||
Platforms & Tools | |||
Mobile Trading Apps | |||
Research | |||
Education | |||
Ease Of Use | |||
Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | TradeStation Review | Tradier Review |