Recently, I’ve been looking for stock-watching computer software, and it turns out there are quite a few options on the market. I used to check stocks only on my phone, but later I realized the desktop version is really in a different league—bigger screens, clearer charts, and the ability to open multiple windows at the same time to monitor different markets. For investors who are serious about doing their homework, it’s basically a must-have.

I’ve tried several, and each has its own strengths. If you only trade Taiwanese stocks, SanTzu Stock Market is the top choice—free quote viewing and a full set of technical indicators. The only downside is that placing orders requires connecting with other brokers, which is a bit inconvenient. Mitrade has a clean interface and is easy for beginners to get started with. It also supports a wide range of products—US stocks, forex, cryptocurrencies, and more—and you can deposit and withdraw using New Taiwan Dollars, so you don’t need to exchange currency, which is very convenient.

Futu NiuNiu’s desktop version is packed with features. It covers both Hong Kong and US stocks, and its options calculation function is also quite good. Interactive Brokers has so many features that it can feel a bit complex for beginners, but if you want to trade across 120+ markets worldwide, it’s an unbeatable choice. Finally, TradingView’s charting features really speak for themselves—you have access to more than 100 technical indicators, and its database is also very comprehensive.

Which desktop platform to choose for stock monitoring really depends on your needs—if you only want to follow Taiwanese stocks, go with SanTzu; if you want something simple and easy to get started with, choose Mitrade; if you want the most features, Futu or Interactive Brokers; if you want professional charting, TradingView. I’m currently using my computer and phone together: I keep an eye on the desktop while working, and when I’m taking a break I scroll around on my phone. It feels like my efficiency has improved quite a bit. Have you used any of these?