What is TradingView?
TradingView is a web-based charting and analysis platform that has become the go-to tool for retail traders and investors worldwide. Launched in 2011, it now serves 100 million traders and investors worldwide, making it by far the most widely used charting platform in the world.
Unlike traditional desktop software such as MetaStock, TradingView runs entirely in your browser — meaning no downloads, no installation, and full access from any device including mobile. It covers stocks, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, crypto and bonds, with real-time data for most major global exchanges.
What sets TradingView apart is the combination of professional-grade charting tools, a massive community of traders sharing ideas, and a powerful scripting language (Pine Script) that lets you build and backtest your own indicators and strategies — all in one place.
Key Features
Here's what makes TradingView stand out from every other charting platform on the market:
100+ Chart Types & Indicators
From basic candlestick charts to Renko, Heikin Ashi, Point & Figure and more. Over 100 built-in technical indicators including RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands, and Ichimoku.
Multi-Chart Layouts
View up to 16 charts simultaneously on a single screen. Perfect for monitoring multiple markets and timeframes at once — a genuine edge for active traders.
Pine Script
TradingView's built-in scripting language lets you code custom indicators, strategies and alerts. Thousands of community scripts are available for free in the public library.
Smart Alerts
Set price alerts, indicator-based alerts and drawing-based alerts. Get notified via email, SMS or the TradingView app — never miss a trade setup again.
Social Trading Community
Follow top traders, publish chart ideas, and browse millions of published analyses. The largest community of technical analysts anywhere online.
Mobile App
Full-featured iOS and Android apps that sync with your desktop charts, watchlists and alerts in real time. One of the best trading apps available, completely free.
Global Market Coverage
Stocks, ETFs, indices, forex, commodities, bonds and crypto across 100+ global exchanges. UK, US, European and Asian markets all covered with real-time data.
Paper Trading
Practice trading with a simulated account directly within TradingView. Test your strategies risk-free using real market data before committing real capital.
Broker Integration
Connect your broker account and place trades directly from TradingView charts. For UK traders these include IG, Pepperstone, IC Markets, Interactive Brokers, Saxo, OANDA and CMC Markets.
Start charting like a professional
Free plan includes 2 indicators per chart, 3 price alerts and the full mobile app.
TradingView Plans & Pricing
TradingView offers a free plan that is genuinely useful, with paid tiers unlocking more indicators, alerts, chart layouts and data. All prices below are per month when billed annually.
- 1 chart per tab
- 2 indicators
- 3 price alerts
- Mobile app
- Community access
- 2 charts per tab
- 5 indicators
- 20 alerts
- No ads
- 6 months of minute data
- 4 charts per tab
- 10 indicators
- 100 alerts
- No ads
- 1 year of minute data
- 8 charts per tab
- 25 indicators
- 400 alerts
- Second-by-second charts
- All minute data
- 16 charts per tab
- 50 indicators
- 1,000 alerts
- Enhanced speed
- All features
* Prices shown are approximate GBP equivalents. Visit TradingView for exact current pricing. Annual billing offers significant savings over monthly.
TradingView vs Alternatives
How does TradingView compare to the other main charting options available to UK traders?
| Feature | TradingView | MetaStock | MT4/MT5 | IG Charts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Browser-based | ✓ Yes | ✗ Desktop only | ✗ Desktop only | ✓ Yes |
| UK Stock Data | ✓ Full | ✓ Full | ✗ Limited | ✓ Full |
| Custom Indicators | ✓ Pine Script | ✓ MetaStock Formula | ✓ MQL4/5 | ✗ No |
| Social Community | ✓ 100M+ users | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Mobile App | ✓ Excellent | ✗ No | ✓ Basic | ✓ Good |
| Paper Trading | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Demo account |
| Overall for UK Traders | ⭐ Best Overall | Professional | Forex/CFD Focus | Broker Tied |
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Genuinely excellent free plan
- Works on any device — browser-based
- Covers UK, US and global markets
- Massive community of traders
- Pine Script for custom indicators
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Outstanding mobile app
- Real-time data on free plan
- Paper trading included
- Regular new features added
✗ Cons
- Free plan limited to 3 indicators
- UK Level 2 data costs extra
- Can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Premium plans are pricey vs free
- No end-of-day scanning (like MetaStock)
- No direct MT4/5 integration
Who Is TradingView Best For?
Based on 12+ years of trading experience and daily use of TradingView at ChartsView, here's who benefits most:
UK Stock & ETF Investors — TradingView has excellent LSE and AIM coverage, with real-time prices and fundamentals. It's ideal for anyone who wants to analyse UK equities with professional-grade charts.
Technical Analysts — The depth of charting tools, drawing objects and custom indicator capability via Pine Script is unmatched at any price point. If you trade using technical analysis, TradingView is the best tool available.
Forex & Indices Traders — Real-time forex data and excellent index coverage make TradingView the platform of choice for currency and index traders looking beyond the basic charts offered by brokers.
Beginners — The free plan is a fantastic starting point. The interface is clean, there are thousands of community ideas to learn from, and the mobile app is excellent for following markets on the go.
ChartsView Verdict
TradingView is our top-recommended charting platform for UK traders — and it has been for years. The free plan alone beats most paid alternatives, and the Plus plan at £29.95 a month (paid yearly) is good value for active traders. Whether you're analysing UK shares, trading forex, or tracking global indices, TradingView is the one platform we'd recommend above all others.
Start Trading Smarter — Try TradingView Free →Free plan available. No credit card required. Upgrade anytime.