Best Free Day Trading Tools And Software



Editorial Note: While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for How We Make Money. None of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer.
Best free day trading tools and software include:
You can do better in day trading as there are hundreds of tools for day traders. However, some are fee-based, whereas others are free to use. But it is crucially the trader's responsibility to identify and research the best day trading tools. As you choose these tools, keep in mind that a trader's primary goal is to double the amount they trade, which necessitates making wise trading decisions.
Here are free day trading tools and programs that can help traders improve their chances during day trading.
Types of trading tools and how to use them
Day trading requires the use of a variety of resources, including tools and services. These tools are essential because modern trading is electronic.
Manually analyzing trades, spotting market shifts, determining your level of risk, and reviewing trading performance will be challenging. But with the help of some top tools for day traders, you can simultaneously carry out the above tasks while you trade.
You are already using trading tools on a fundamental level if you have a laptop and internet access. Other day trading tools to integrate to make trading productive are:
Best day trading platforms
As a trader, you should prioritize finding the best day trading platforms and brokers. Trading on sophisticated platforms is satisfying, as they provide a wealth of free trading tools for real-time Forex market analysis. Some factors you must look out for in some of the tools for trading include speed, dependability, costs, and customer service.
Letβs see some examples of the best trading platforms.
Metatrader 4/Metatrader 5
The platform developed by MetaQuotes Software Corp. enjoys great popularity among traders all across the world and it is the most widely used platform for Forex trading. The platform offers many additional services, such as trading robots market, trading strategy developer exchange, copy trading service and lease of VPS (virtual private server).
- Pros
- Cons
- High performance with customizable interfaces.
- Support for third-party indicators and automated trading.
- Built-in strategy tester and market depth window.
- Compatibility with multiple operating systems and devices.
- Extensive range of financial instruments and account types.
- Comprehensive customer support.
- There are certain issues with accrual/charging of swaps.
Ninjatrader
NinjaTrader is your universal platform, as you can easily connect a trading account of practically any Forex broker to the software. In terms of the features, there is a possibility of cluster chart analysis, which allows traders to obtain accurate data on the market sentiment.
- Pros
- Cons
- Robust functionality with multiple indicators and automated strategies.
- Excellent customer support from NinjaTrader LLC.
- Unlimited trial period on demo accounts.
- Comprehensive strategy tester.
- Two versions: Lite (free) and Pro (paid).
- Compatibility with numerous Forex brokers.
- Possible data handling issues with large volumes.
- Potential chart update delays.
- Limited financial instruments offered by some brokers.
- Pro version is paid; Lite version lacks certain features.
- Potential conflicts with firewalls and antivirus software.
Technical analysis tools for day traders
If you understand the technical analysis process, it will be easy to decipher complex data to facilitate decision-making. Technical analysis is a skill that gets better with practice and study. But to see the progress, you need certain programs for day trading. These tools for day traders assist traders in forecasting future prices based on historical price trends.
Indicators
Indicators are statistical tools used by traders to forecast financial or economic trends. Generally speaking, indicators are technical chart patterns that are based on a security's price, volume, or open interest. In the current market environment, these indicators help to make the market more understandable and make it simpler to spot patterns and buy or sell signals.
Types of indicators:
Trend indicators. Identify market direction and trend strength (e.g., Moving Averages, MACD).
Channel indicators. Use price volatility to highlight trading ranges (e.g., Bollinger Bands).
Oscillators. Indicate potential trend reversals when the market is overbought or oversold (e.g., RSI, Stochastic Oscillator).
Forecast indicators. Project future price trends based on historical data (e.g., Linear Regression).
Trade advisors
Trading advisors can execute trades for you following the instructions you've previously programmed in them. This system, which monitors the foreign exchange markets, automatically generates signals when trading opportunities are present. Trade advisors are unpredictable, but they can be helpful if you comprehend their various uses and methods of application.
Types of trade advisors:
Grid Trading Advisors:
These advisors create two independent trading grids for long and short positions.
They excel in ranging markets by capitalizing on frequent price fluctuations within a defined range.
Example: A Grid Trader EA generates buy/sell orders at predetermined intervals, balancing exposure across both sides of the market.
Trend-Following Advisors:
Designed to trade in the direction of the prevailing market trend.
They open fewer trades but aim for larger profits by riding extended market movements.
Example: A Trend EA opens positions during confirmed uptrends or downtrends, minimizing exposure during sideways movements.
Scalping Advisors:
Specialized in capturing small price movements with high-frequency trades.
They operate best in volatile, liquid markets with tight spreads.
Example: A Scalper EA executes rapid trades to accumulate small, consistent gains while managing risk through stop-loss orders.
Scripts
The script can perform analytical and trading tasks, and you can use it to close out all of your positions at once, speed up your process, and become a variable spread broker. To determine the spread and minimum distance allowed by your broker for the specific pair, you can use specialized scripts and dashboards.
They assist you in determining whether a chart is trending or stationary by drawing attention to all swing highs and lows.
Key functions of trading scripts:
Automating Trade Execution:
Scripts can place buy/sell orders, close multiple positions, and adjust stop-loss or take-profit levels automatically.
Example: A βClose All Positionsβ script can instantly close all active trades during sudden market reversals.
Analyzing Market Trends:
Scripts can identify swing highs and lows, helping traders spot potential trend reversals or consolidations.
Example: A trend analysis script highlights trendlines, chart patterns, and key support/resistance levels.
Calculating Broker-Specific Metrics:
They help determine spreads, slippage, and minimum trade distances allowed by brokers.
Example: A spread monitoring script provides real-time data on bid-ask spreads for multiple currency pairs.
Fundamental analysis instruments
Finding a financial instrument's intrinsic and true value is the goal of fundamental analysis. A crucial aspect of fundamental analysis is the use of economic data and central bank policies. Most fundamental analysis software heavily favours earnings, growth, and market value.
News portals and feed
News portals and feeds are essential tools for day traders. They provide real-time market updates, analysis, and insights. These platforms help traders stay informed about market movements, economic reports, and breaking news that could impact trading decisions.
Key features to look for in news portals:
Comprehensive market coverage. Ensure the platform covers major financial markets, including stocks, Forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Real-time updates. Opt for sources that deliver timely and accurate market updates.
Market analysis and reports. Look for expert insights, trend analyses, and forecasts that support informed decision-making.
Economic calendars. A well-maintained economic calendar highlights major events, announcements, and market-moving data releases.
Customization options. Choose platforms that allow personalized alerts and tailored feeds based on trading preferences.
Screeners
Screeners are real-time visualizations of the stock market and Day trading tools for spotting patterns used by day traders to find trading opportunities quickly. Screeners enable you to examine shifting currencies. You can use these tools to concentrate on currency pairs that have specific volumes or are experiencing specific levels of volatility.
Top screeners' tools for day traders include:
ZACKS (NASDAQ)
Yahoo Finance Screener
Graphical analysis
Day traders rely on tools that decode market sentiment through patterns and signals. These tools help identify trends, predict asset price movements, and time trades for optimal entry and exit points.
Autochartist
Autochartist is a go-to tool for spotting chart patterns like Fibonacci retracements. It monitors markets 24/7, sending alerts for trading opportunitiesβeven during odd hoursβso you never miss a profitable move.
Pattern indicators
Indicator tools integrate seamlessly with various trading platforms, helping traders quickly pinpoint chart patterns across currencies. These tools save time and effort by automating the analysis, freeing you to focus on strategy.
Examples:
Bearish flag pattern indicator.
Instruments for passive investment
Passive investment tools help traders optimize returns by reducing frequent buying and selling. These tools streamline investments for a more hands-off approach to trading.
Social trading platforms
Social trading platforms combine investment with social media principlesβsharing knowledge, collaboration, and partnership. They feature copy trading systems, enabling beginners to mirror expert trades manually or automatically. Professionals gain social status and may earn commissions on copied trades.
PAMM accounts
Modern PAMM accounts, unlike older LAMM systems, let investors choose their risk level and contribution percentage. Managers handle orders while investorsβ profits align with their chosen rate, making PAMM accounts flexible for varied investment sizes.
Trading signals
Signal providersβvia websites, Telegram channels, or social feedsβshare daily trading insights, free or paid.
- Pros
- Cons
- Accessible, frequent updates for informed decisions.
- Learning opportunity for new traders to build skills and optimize portfolios.
- Signals arenβt guaranteed; markets can be unpredictable.
- Scams existβresearch carefully and stay cautious.
Day trading calculators
The Trader's Calculator, also known as the Forex Calculator, is a potent tool that enables you to manage risk and quickly and easily estimate your potential profit before opening a trading position. It will assist you in making the best trading choices before opening positions for the selected instruments.
Pip value calculator and Lot calculator
The Pip Value Calculator precisely calculates the pip value for Forex pairs, indices, and cryptocurrencies. It also checks the pip using real-time market quotes, the account base currency, the lot size, and trading pairs. To determine the value of a pip, all you need is your base currency, the currency pair you are trading on, the exchange rate, and your position size.
Volatility calculator
Using the Forex Volatility Calculator, you can determine the historical volatility for both common and uncommon pairs over different time frames.
Volatility is a statistical indicator of the dispersion of returns, and it measures how much an asset's prices fluctuate around the mean price.
Correlation coefficient calculator
Correlation is frequently used to verify that an analysis is accurate. The covariance and correlation calculators compute the correlation and assess the result's significance.
How to choose tools for trading
To choose the best trading tools:
Select a reliable trading platform. Ensure it offers speed, dependability, and excellent customer service. We have selected a list of top brokers with whom you can trade efficiently and securely.
Plus500 | Pepperstone | OANDA | FOREX.com | Interactive Brokers | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Min. deposit, $ |
100 | No | No | 100 | No |
Max. leverage |
1:300 | 1:500 | 1:200 | 1:50 | 1:30 |
MT4 |
No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
MT5 |
No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Scalping |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Copy trading |
No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
PAMM |
No | Yes | No | No | No |
Autochartist |
No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Deposit fee,Β % |
No | No | No | No | No |
Withdrawal fee,Β % |
No | No | No | No | Yes |
Open an account |
Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
Open an account Your capital is at risk.
|
Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
Study review | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
Look for integrated tools. Top platforms often include real-time market data, price charts, and educational resources.
Prioritize compatibility. Choose platforms that support add-ons like charting, scanning, and trading software.
Focus on your strategy. Select tools that align with your trading style, whether itβs pattern-based, news-driven, or technical.
Ensure flexibility. Opt for platforms with customizable toolsets and integration capabilities.
Choose tools that suit your trading style and goals
From my experience, day trading isnβt just about mastering charts or economic calendars; itβs about finding the right balance of tools that align with your specific strategy. For instance, if you rely heavily on technical analysis, investing in a robust platform like MetaTrader 5 or TradingView with custom indicators can transform your decision-making process. However, if your approach leans on fundamental data, tools like economic calendars and news aggregators such as Bloomberg can provide the insights needed to stay ahead.
One thing I always emphasize is simplicity. Overloading yourself with too many tools can dilute your focus. Instead, start with a few essentials and gradually integrate new tools as you refine your strategy. For example, Iβve found that combining a trade diary with a pivot point calculator gave me a sharper understanding of trends and improved my execution.
Remember that day trading isnβt about mimicking someone elseβs formula for success. Your tools should match your personality as a trader. Whether itβs using automated trading advisors or heat maps, what works for others may not always work for you. Keep testing and adapting until you find the perfect combination to support your goals.
Conclusion
The right tools can significantly enhance a day trader's performance by providing accurate market analysis, seamless trade execution, and efficient risk management. From robust charting platforms like TradingView to fast execution brokers and advanced risk calculators, each tool plays a vital role in navigating the fast-paced trading environment. By combining these tools strategically and continually refining their use, day traders can stay ahead in the markets and maximize their potential for success. Remember, the key lies not just in having the best tools but also in understanding how to leverage them effectively.
FAQs
What is the best trading tool?
Thereβs no one-size-fits-all solution for trading tools, as they depend on individual strategies. Traders should research and select tools that best align with their approach.
What tools should be used for day trading?
A top trading platform, tools for technical and fundamental analysis, charting software, news sources, and screeners are tools needed for day trading.
What platform do most day traders use?
It's difficult to determine which online trading platform to use. However, the most widely used forex trading platforms among retail forex market participants are MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).
Can I automate my day trading?
Yes, day trading can be automated using trading robots or Expert Advisors (EAs). These programs execute trades automatically, leveraging pre-existing or custom technical indicators tailored to your strategy.
Related Articles
Team that worked on the article
Alamin Morshed is a contributor at Traders Union. He specializes in writing articles for businesses that want to improve their Google search rankings to compete with their competition. With expertise in search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing, he ensures his work is both informative and impactful.
Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.
As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.
Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).
Risk management is a risk management model that involves controlling potential losses while maximizing profits. The main risk management tools are stop loss, take profit, calculation of position volume taking into account leverage and pip value.
Scalping in trading is a strategy where traders aim to make quick, small profits by executing numerous short-term trades within seconds or minutes, capitalizing on minor price fluctuations.
Volatility refers to the degree of variation or fluctuation in the price or value of a financial asset, such as stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, over a period of time. Higher volatility indicates that an asset's price is experiencing more significant and rapid price swings, while lower volatility suggests relatively stable and gradual price movements.
Forex leverage is a tool enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying potential profits and losses based on the chosen leverage ratio.
Take-Profit order is a type of trading order that instructs a broker to close a position once the market reaches a specified profit level.