NinjaTrader
ninjatrader.com · Chicago, Illinois, USA
Futures-focused platform with backtesting and custom indicators
Overview
NinjaTrader is a futures-focused trading platform, brokerage, and clearing provider founded in 2003 and headquartered in Chicago. It is popular with active futures traders for advanced charting, 100+ indicators, low day-trading margins, and the C#-based NinjaScript framework for custom indicators and automated strategies. It offers tiered pricing (Free, Monthly, Lifetime) that lowers per-contract commissions, and is available on desktop, web, and mobile. NinjaTrader was acquired by crypto exchange Kraken in May 2025.
Assets
Index futuresCurrency futuresEnergy futuresMetals futuresAgricultural futuresInterest-rate futuresCrypto futures
Available On
WindowsmacOSWebiOSAndroid
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful for active futures traders
- No platform deposit minimum to start
- Tiered pricing reduces commissions for active traders
- Large add-on ecosystem and C# automation
- Low day-trading margins
Cons
- Best commissions require $99/mo or $1,499 lifetime fee
- Primarily futures-focused
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Desktop experience strongest