TradeStation vs Tradier 2024
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 deciding between TradeStation and Tradier for online brokerage services, prospective investors should prioritize their specific investment needs. With a 4.5-star rating and a #5 ranking by StockBrokers.com among 18 brokers for investment options, TradeStation stands out for its extensive offerings, including stock, margin, mutual funds, futures, and options trading, while providing access to OTC Stocks. Meanwhile, Tradier, which holds a 4-star rating and is ranked #13, also offers a robust selection of investment options, encompassing stock, margin, mutual funds, and options trading. Despite some limitations, both brokers cater to traditional and Roth IRA accounts, maintaining their appeal to diverse investors.
TradeStation provides notable advantages such as futures trading and access to OTC Stocks, making it a suitable choice for investors seeking diversity in a brokerage platform. Though neither TradeStation nor Tradier offers fractional shares, forex, or crypto trading, TradeStation's wider array of investment products, particularly in niche areas, enhances its attractiveness. Investors focusing on these specific markets may find TradeStation aligns more closely with their investment strategies due to these unique provisions.
Tradier, while not offering futures or OTC Stocks, remains a viable option for investors concentrated primarily on stocks, options, and mutual funds. The absence of innovative features such as fractional shares trading, similar to TradeStation, might be a consideration for modern investors looking for new trading methodologies. It can be a more suitable choice for traders who value straightforward trading without requiring external advisor services, much like TradeStation.
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 | No |
Crypto Trading | No | No |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 0 |
Investment Options |
Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms & Brokers, 5 Best Futures Trading Platforms of 2024
When evaluating the trading platforms and tools offered by both TradeStation and Tradier, TradeStation emerges as the more robust choice, earning a rating of 4.5 stars compared to Tradier's 3.5 stars. TradeStation is ranked seventh out of 18 brokers by StockBrokers.com, while Tradier holds the tenth position. Despite Tradier offering some valuable tools, TradeStation provides a more comprehensive suite of features that cater to both novice and advanced traders, making it the preferred choice for a more dynamic trading experience.
TradeStation excels with its Windows desktop downloadable trading platform, offering a highly customizable and feature-rich experience that Tradier cannot match, as it lacks a downloadable option for both Windows and Mac. Both brokers provide browser-based platforms, but TradeStation shines with its extensive 294 technical indicators, 23 drawing tools, and the ability to adjust open orders directly on stock charts. Additionally, TradeStation supports the addition of index overlays, showing corporate events on charts, setting custom date ranges, and displaying automated technical analysis—features that are absent from Tradier’s offerings.
Though both platforms offer paper trading and the ability to add notes to charts and show historical trades, TradeStation's platform further distinguishes itself with the ability to save multiple chart profiles and create custom studies, offering traders a more tailored trading experience. TradeStation also provides a whopping 341 fields for watch lists, dwarfing Tradier's mere 3 columns, and grants 12 customization fields for SMA studies, compared to Tradier's 7. These advanced features and capabilities ensure that TradeStation stands out as the superior platform for traders seeking a comprehensive and customizable trading environment.
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 for 2024, Best Paper Trading Platforms of 2024
For beginner and investor education, TradeStation notably surpasses Tradier by offering a more comprehensive suite of learning tools and resources. TradeStation provides education on stock trading and options, featuring not only educational videos and webinars but also paper trading to help new investors practice and refine their skills. In contrast, Tradier offers a significantly more limited educational experience, lacking resources such as videos, webinars, or any instructional content on stocks or options trading. Both platforms provide paper trading, allowing users to simulate trades and strategies without financial risk, but TradeStation's enhanced educational offerings make it a more supportive choice for novices aiming to build a solid foundation in stock and options trading.
TradeStation is rated 3.5 out of 5 stars for its educational resources, earning it the 11th position out of 18 brokers according to StockBrokers.com, while Tradier lags behind with a 2-star rating and a rank of 17th. This ranking reflects TradeStation's better educational support, positioning it as a stronger contender for investors who prioritize learning and skill development. While neither broker covers ETF, mutual funds, or bonds education, TradeStation’s inclusion of several learning formats provides a richer experience that can significantly benefit beginners eager to establish themselves in the trading world.
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 2024
When comparing TradeStation to Tradier for stock trading app capabilities, TradeStation tends to offer a more feature-rich experience. Both brokers provide mobile apps for iPhone and Android users, but TradeStation has a clear advantage with features like after-hours stock trading and stock alerts, which Tradier lacks. Moreover, TradeStation supports custom watch lists with the option to customize columns, whereas Tradier does not. In terms of technical analysis, TradeStation offers 45 technical studies for charting, a significant edge over Tradier, which offers none. Ratings and rankings further underscore the differences, with TradeStation receiving a 4.5-star rating and ranking 8th out of 18 brokers, compared to Tradier's 4-star rating and 15th-place ranking.
Both TradeStation and Tradier excel in some key areas, such as offering mobile options trading, streaming quotes, and the ability to view multiple time frames for charting on their mobile apps. However, neither provides an Apple Watch app, streaming live TV, or videos on demand. A similar lack of functionality occurs with features like the ability to display stock comparisons on charts and view charts in landscape mode—features absent in both platforms.
TradeStation's extended features make it highly favorable for users seeking comprehensive technical tools and after-hours capabilities. While Tradier holds its ground with basic functionalities, it may not satisfy advanced traders who require more robust charting tools and alert systems. Users should assess their trading needs to choose the platform aligning best with their individual investment strategies. Overall, for a feature-rich trading app experience, 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 of 2024
When evaluating TradeStation versus Tradier, it becomes clear that both brokers offer excellent features without requiring a minimum deposit or charging any fees for regular stock trades. However, Tradier generally provides more cost-effective options for traders, particularly in options trading fees and margin rate structures. The overall cost efficiencies Tradier offers across these financial products may make it the more appealing choice for investors seeking to minimize their trading expenses.
TradeStation sets a higher cost benchmark with options contract fees set at $0.60, compared to Tradier's lower rate of $0.35 per contract. Additionally, for traders engaging in margin transactions, TradeStation charges notably higher interest rates at 13.5% for balances under $50,000, whereas Tradier offers a lower 9.5% interest rate across several balance tiers. Furthermore, TradeStation's IRA fees and closure costs are slightly less competitive with an annual IRA fee of $35 versus Tradier’s $30, although Tradier's IRA closure fee is higher at $60 compared to TradeStation's $50.
In terms of account transfer fees, TradeStation charges $125 for both partial and full transfers, whereas Tradier presents a more economical option with only $75 for the same services. Furthermore, TradeStation's $14.95 fee for options exercise and $5.95 for options assignment might be less attractive to frequent options traders compared to Tradier's standard $9 fee for both exercises and assignments. This comparative fee structure highlights Tradier as a potentially more cost-effective brokerage for traders particularly engaged in options and margin activities.
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 |
Commissions & Fees |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Free Stock Trading of 2024
When comparing TradeStation to Tradier for day trading capabilities, TradeStation emerges as the more feature-rich option. TradeStation offers streaming time and sales for stocks, direct market routing, ladder trading, and trading hotkeys for keyboard trade entry, which are crucial for effective day trading. Additionally, TradeStation provides level 2 quotes, basic and advanced strategy backtesting, a short locator tool for real-time availability of shares for shorting, and order liquidity rebates. These features collectively cater to professional traders seeking a comprehensive platform that enhances trading efficiency and decision-making.
In contrast, Tradier lacks many of these essential day trading features, such as streaming time and sales, direct market routing, ladder trading, and trading hotkeys. Moreover, Tradier does not offer level 2 quotes, strategy backtesting capabilities, a short locator tool, or order liquidity rebates, making it less suitable for those who rely on advanced tools and data to optimize their trading strategies. For active day traders looking for a robust platform with extensive tools and features, TradeStation stands out as the superior choice.
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 of 2024
When evaluating market research capabilities between TradeStation and Tradier, TradeStation emerges slightly ahead due to its broader range of offerings. While both platforms provide stock and ETF research, TradeStation extends its capabilities to include Pink Sheets/OTCBB research, a feature not available with Tradier. Additionally, TradeStation supports portfolio allocation views by asset class and offers a stock screener for trade ideas, adding to its comprehensive suite of tools for investors. Consequently, TradeStation garners a rating of three stars for market research as opposed to Tradier's 2.5 stars and holds a higher ranking (#10) compared to Tradier (#16) according to StockBrokers.com.
Both TradeStation and Tradier offer fundamental research support through stock and ETF analysis but fall short in other areas like mutual funds, bonds, and ESG research. Neither platform provides downloadable PDF research reports for their offered instruments, indicating limitations in accessible and customizable research documentation. The absence of these features denotes an area for improvement for both brokers, particularly in appealing to investors who prefer in-depth research reports.
Another key distinction is TradeStation's ability to visualize portfolio allocation by asset class, a feature unavailable in Tradier, offering users a clearer insight into their investment diversification. Despite both platforms lacking social media sentiment and ESG data research functionality, TradeStation's inclusion of a stock screener for trade ideas further elevates its market research offerings compared to Tradier. Overall, TradeStation presents a more advanced market research toolkit for users seeking specific investment analysis, albeit with room for enhancement in certain research dimensions.
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 considering the banking capabilities of online brokers TradeStation and Tradier, it becomes clear that neither platform provides traditional banking services. Both TradeStation and Tradier do not offer checking or savings accounts, nor do they provide debit or credit cards. Additionally, neither online broker offers mortgage loans or certificates of deposit (CDs). As a result, users looking for comprehensive banking features may need to explore other financial institutions, as TradeStation and Tradier focus solely on brokerage services without extending their offerings to include standard banking products.
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 Brokerages of 2024
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 81.7%, while Tradier finished with a score of 77.0%.
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 Crypto Trading Platforms of 2024
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 of 2024
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0 of 5Overall Rating | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Overall | |||
Commissions & Fees | |||
Investment Options | |||
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 | (Not offered) | |
Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $25 | $10 |
Margin Rates | TradeStation | Tradier | |
---|---|---|---|
Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 13.5% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 13.5% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 12.5% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 12.5% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 12.5% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 8% | 9.5% | |
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 8% | 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 | No | |
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 | |||
Investment Options | |||
Platforms & Tools | |||
Mobile Trading Apps | |||
Research | |||
Education | |||
Ease Of Use | |||
Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | TradeStation Review | Tradier Review |