I tried 6 TradingView alternatives. This is my honest review and thoughts.

Hey everyone. As someone who’s been trading for a while, I’ve spent countless hours exploring different tools to enhance my trading experience. TradingView has been a staple for many traders, including myself, but I’ve recently started looking for alternatives that might better suit my evolving needs. I thought it would be helpful to share my personal experiences with some of the platforms I’ve tried out this year.

Why I Started Looking Beyond TradingView

Don’t get me wrong — TradingView is a solid platform with a massive community and a plethora of features. However, like any tool, it has its limitations, and I found myself wanting more in certain areas:

• Backtesting limitations. TradingView’s backtesting capabilities are somewhat basic, especially if you’re trying to test complex strategies.
• Performance issues. I’ve experienced occasional lag during peak trading hours, which can be frustrating when timing is crucial.
• Customization constraints. For those who like to implement custom indicators or algorithms, TradingView can feel a bit restrictive.

These factors led me to explore other platforms that might offer solutions to these issues.

My Top TradingView Alternatives

After diving into various platforms, here are the ones that stood out to me:

1. Forex Tester Online (FTO)

I was fortunate to get early access to the Beta version of Forex Tester Online, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites.

What I Like About FTO:

• Advanced backtesting. FTO offers in-depth backtesting with high-quality tick data, allowing for detailed strategy testing.
• User-friendly interface. The platform is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for those new to backtesting.
• Cross-platform access: Since it’s web-based, I can use it on any device — Windows, MacOS, or even my phone.

While I was in the middle of writing this review, Forex Tester Online surprised me with a major update that packed in even more features. Now, FTO supports automated strategy testing — you can test Expert Advisors directly within the platform. They’ve also added support for custom indicators and EAs, giving you more freedom to tailor your trading strategies. You can find the list of more than 20 new features here.

FTO is free during the Beta stage, but this stage is about to end. So I recommend you to try it now while it’s still free.

My Experience:

Even though it’s still in Beta, FTO has impressed me with its speed and efficiency. It feels tailored for serious traders who need robust backtesting tools. If you’re into Forex trading and want a platform that’s both powerful and accessible, I’d highly recommend giving FTO a try.

2. TrendSpider

TrendSpider offers innovative automation features that can save time and potentially improve trading accuracy.

Features I Appreciate:

• Automated technical analysis. Automatically identifies trendlines, support and resistance levels, and chart patterns.
• Multi-timeframe analysis. Allows you to view multiple timeframes on a single chart.
• Dynamic alerts. Set up alerts based on complex technical conditions without coding.

Shortcomings:

• Limited asset classes. Mainly focused on stocks; limited support for forex and cryptocurrencies.
• No direct trading capabilities. You can’t execute trades directly through the platform.
• Subscription costs. The more advanced features require higher-tier subscriptions.

My Takeaway:

TrendSpider is excellent for technical traders who want to leverage automation to find trading opportunities. It’s particularly useful if you trade stocks and want to streamline your analysis process. However, you’ll need to use another platform for executing trades.

3. Trade Ideas

Trade Ideas piqued my interest with its AI-driven approach to trading.

Pros:

• AI-powered scanning. Their ‘Holly’ AI provides trade ideas based on real-time data, which can be a significant advantage.
• Customizable scans and alerts. You can tailor the platform to watch for specific trading setups that fit your style.
• Broker Integration. Works seamlessly with Interactive Brokers and E*Trade.

Cons:

• Price point. It’s on the expensive side, which might not suit everyone’s budget.
• Learning curve. The abundance of features can be overwhelming at first.
• Limited fundamental analysis. It’s more focused on technical analysis.

My Take:

If you’re an active trader looking for advanced scanning tools and don’t mind investing in a premium service, Trade Ideas is worth considering. The AI features can provide a unique edge, but be prepared to spend some time learning how to make the most of it.

4. Finviz

Finviz is a popular, web-based platform known for its powerful stock screener and market visualization tools.

Pros:

• User-friendly stock screener. Quickly filter stocks based on a wide range of fundamental and technical criteria.
• Visual market maps. Heat maps and other visual tools provide a quick snapshot of market performance.
• Free version available. Basic features are accessible without any subscription.

Cons:

• Delayed data. Real-time data and advanced features require a subscription.
• Basic charting. Charting tools are relatively simple and may not meet the needs of advanced technical analysts.
• No community interaction. Lacks social features for sharing ideas and strategies.

My Thoughts:

Finviz is great for initial stock research and getting a general sense of market conditions. It’s a useful supplemental tool but doesn’t offer the comprehensive features of a full-fledged trading platform.

5. TC2000

TC2000 has been around for years and offers a reliable set of tools for stock and options traders.

Highlights:

• Good charting tools. Offers a wide array of indicators and drawing tools to perform technical analysis.
• Easy stock scanning. The platform makes it straightforward to filter stocks based on various criteria.
• Options trading support. Integrated options analysis is a plus for options traders.

Drawbacks:

• Limited asset classes: Primarily focused on U.S. stocks and options, so not ideal if you’re trading forex or crypto.
• Desktop application: Less flexibility compared to web-based platforms, though they do offer a web version with fewer features.
• No automated technical analysis: Lacks some of the automation features found in other platforms.

My Experience:

TC2000 is dependable and gets the job done if you’re focused on U.S. markets. It’s user-friendly and efficient, but if you need global market access or more advanced features, you might need to look elsewhere.

6. MetaStock

MetaStock is a comprehensive platform that’s been a favorite among technical analysts.

What Stands Out:

• Extensive indicator library. Over 150 built-in indicators, plus the ability to create your own.
• Powerful backtesting and forecasting. Advanced tools for testing trading systems and forecasting market trends.
• Customizable strategies. You can develop and test custom trading strategies in detail.

Limitations:

• Complexity. There’s a steep learning curve, so it may not be suitable for beginners.
• No community features. Lacks the social and collaborative aspects found on platforms like TradingView.

My Opinion:

MetaStock is a powerhouse for those deeply invested in technical analysis and system development. If you’re willing to invest the time and money, it can be a valuable tool. However, for more casual traders or those on a budget, it might be more than you need.

Other Platforms Worth Mentioning

MetaTrader 4/5

• Pros: Widely used for forex trading; supports automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs).
• Cons: The interface feels dated, and it’s primarily focused on forex, with limited stock or commodity options.

StockCharts

• Pros: Good for swing traders and investors; offers educational resources and a range of charting tools.
• Cons: Charts aren’t interactive — you need to reload to make changes, which can be time-consuming.

FX Replay

• Pros: Simple and straightforward, making it suitable for beginners.
• Cons: Performance issues and a lack of advanced features make it less appealing for experienced traders.

By the way, read my FX Replay alternatives review here.

Final Thoughts

While TradingView remains a popular and useful platform, it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Depending on your specific trading needs — be it advanced backtesting, automation, or cost considerations — there are plenty of alternatives worth exploring.

For me, Forex Tester Online (FTO) stands out as a top choice, especially for serious backtesting and Forex trading. It’s user-friendly, powerful, and has a lot of potential with upcoming features.

Remember, the best platform for you depends on your individual trading style, the markets you trade, and the features you value most. I recommend trying out a few of these platforms to see which one aligns best with your needs.

Feel free to share your own experiences or ask any questions in the comments below. Happy trading!

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