Using a computer to monitor the market really makes a big difference. Recently, I’ve been researching different desktop charting software, and I found that using the right tool can save a lot of trouble.

First, let’s talk about why you should use the desktop version. A larger screen is one thing, but more importantly, you can open multiple windows at the same time to monitor different markets—this is basically impossible on a phone. Also, a computer has stronger processing power, so when viewing technical indicators and drawing trend lines, the smoothness is completely different. This is especially crucial for investors who like to do in-depth analysis.

I’ve tried several desktop charting apps recently. SanZhu Securities is a must-have for investors in Taiwan’s stock market: you can view charts for free, and it offers a rich set of technical indicators (24 types), plus you can customize the chart interface. However, if you want to place orders, you need to go through a third-party broker, which is a bit inconvenient. Mitrade’s desktop interface is simple and intuitive, and beginners can get started quickly. It supports two modes—web and desktop—and covers international assets such as US stocks, Australian stocks, cryptocurrencies, and more, which makes it very convenient for people who want to invest in overseas markets.

Futu NiuNiu’s desktop version is very comprehensive. On the left is the price trend chart, on the right is financial information, and it even has a dedicated options calculation feature. It supports trading in Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, and A-shares. However, the funding methods are more limited. Interactive Brokers’ TWS platform is powerful, but also a bit complicated—it’s suitable for experienced traders or people who do high-frequency trading. But beginners may need some time to get used to it. TradingView’s charting tools are the strongest in the market, with more than 100 technical indicators and drawing tools, and a very comprehensive database. However, it doesn’t provide order placement itself, so you need to pair it with another broker.

If you only want to monitor the market in a simple way, the desktop versions of Mitrade and TradingView are the easiest to use. For in-depth market analysis, TradingView’s chart tools are unbeatable, while Interactive Brokers is suitable for investors who need access to global markets. SanZhu is best for Taiwan stock players. Each has its own use case—choose based on your own trading habits. The advantages of the desktop version are truly obvious.