There are more charting programs than ever, and most of them look the same at first glance. This is our plain-English guide to the best charting software for UK traders, based on what we use and what our members ask about.
What to look for
Before comparing names, decide what you need:
- Charts you can read: clean candlesticks, easy drawing tools, the standard indicators.
- A way to find trades: a scanner that searches the market for your set-up, so you are not clicking through hundreds of charts.
- A way to test ideas: run your rules over past prices before you risk money.
- Data for the markets you trade: US shares, UK shares, indices, forex.
- Price: free is fine to start; paying is worth it once you trade regularly.
1. MetaStock: best for finding and testing trades
MetaStock has been around since the 1980s and is still the tool most serious private traders end up with. Its three big strengths are the Explorer (scans the whole market for your rules), the System Tester (tests a strategy on years of past prices) and Expert Advisors (ready-made systems that mark signals on the chart). The real-time version comes with XENITH, a professional news and data feed.
It runs on Windows only and costs more than the others. There is a 30-day free trial, which is enough to run a few scans and see if it suits you.
2. TradingView: best free charts
TradingView is a website, so it works on any computer or phone. The charts are the best-looking in the business, the free plan covers most beginners, and there is a huge community sharing chart ideas. Its Pine Script language lets you build indicators and strategies if you are happy to code. Scanning and testing are weaker than MetaStock unless you put the work in. We use it for our own live charts.
3. MetaTrader 5: best for forex and index CFDs
MetaTrader 5 is free from most CFD and forex brokers, including IC Markets and Pepperstone. Charts are plain, but it is the standard for automated trading bots (called Expert Advisors here too). If you trade the US30 or NAS100 with a CFD broker, you will probably use it. See our broker reviews for who offers it.
4. Your broker’s own charts
IG, Interactive Brokers, Trading 212 and the rest all have built-in charts. They are fine for a quick look before you place a trade, and they are free. None of them scan or test as well as the tools above.
Our pick
- Just starting: TradingView, free plan.
- Trading shares regularly and want a system: MetaStock. Use the free trial first.
- Forex and index CFDs: MetaTrader 5 from your broker, with TradingView for the charts.
Whichever you choose, the software will not trade for you. Learn the set-ups first in our free learn-to-trade guides, then use the tool to find them faster.
Affiliate note: ChartsView may earn a commission if you sign up to MetaStock or TradingView through our links. It does not change the price you pay.