NinjaTrader review 2024

NinjaTrader at a glance

To learn how our star ratings are calculated, read our methodology.

NinjaTrader is best for active futures traders

NinjaTrader is exclusively a futures trading platform. It offers customizable mobile, web and desktop trading platforms, advanced charting features and powerful market analysis tools. The platform offers direct access to multiple futures exchanges, real-time data feeds and automated trading capabilities, making it ideal for high-speed and high-volume trading.

NinjaTrader’s plans

Plan	Monthly fee	Features
Free	$0.35 commissions per side for micro futures. $1.29 commissions per side for standard futures.	Does not accept coupon codes with financing. Financing not available to West Virginia or Iowa residents.
Monthly	$99/month	$0.25 commissions per side for micro futures. $0.99 commissions per side for standard futures.
Lifetime	$1,499 one-time payment.	$0.09 commissions per side for micro futures. $0.59 commissions per side for standard futures. Order Flow+ suite of indicators included.

What we like about NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader shines in its industry-low commissions and margins, as well as powerful charting capabilities, extensive market analysis tools and robust trading platforms.

Commissions are competitively priced and margins are unmatched

Ninjatrader charges some of the lowest futures commissions among brokers. With its free plan, trade standard futures for $1.29 per side and micro futures for 35 cents per side. If you’re a high-volume trader, its paid plans reduce commissions even further.

Meanwhile, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a broker that offers futures margins as low as NinjaTrader. It offers $50 intraday margins for micro contracts and $500 margins for popular futures markets. To compare, many brokers charge an intraday margin rate of 25% of the overnight rate. For the E-Mini S&P 500 futures contract, which has an overnight rate of $12,980, the intraday rate would be $3,245. NinjaTrader charges $500.

Access advanced trading tools and customization options

Trade across desktop, web and mobile platforms, with a customizable futures trading platform that offers advanced charts with over 100 technical indicators, depth of market tools, advanced order types and more.

Here are some other trading tools and features you’ll find on NinjaTrader:

• Replay historical market data
• Order flow analysis tools
• Unlimited simulated trading
• Order entry hotkeys
• Automatically submit protective stop loss and profit target orders (ATM Strategies)
• Once Cancels Other orders (OCO)
• Automated trading and backtesting
• Alerts
• Auto-close positions
• Free daily livestreams with real-time market analysis and trading
• Third-party integrations

Practice trading with a futures trading simulator

With NinjaTrader’s free futures trading simulator, you can test new trading ideas and access unlimited simulated trading. It also includes live-streaming market data, a free backtesting engine and the ability to replay historical market data.

Where NinjaTrader falls short

While NinjaTrader has no deposit minimums and a free plan for infrequent futures traders, we think it falls short in a few areas, including market data costs, lack of a desktop platform for mac users and its limited tradable assets.

Market data fees are on the high end

NinjaTrader’s market data subscription costs are on the high end compared to competitors.

For instance, CBOT, CME, COMEX and NYMEX Market Depth Level 2 data is $16 per month and $4 per month for Level 1 with NinjaTrader. Interactive Brokers charges $11 and $1.25, respectively, for each exchange for non-pro accounts. Meanwhile, E*TRADE absorbs all CME and CFE quote fees for non-pro clients. TradesStation provides non-pro customers free access to CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX and CBOE Level 1 data. Charles Schwab doesn’t charge for live market data for futures trading, except for quotes from the ICE exchange.

With NinjaTrader, subscribe to CME Bundled Level 1 Data for $12 per month or CME Bundled Level 2 Data for $41 per month. Or you can customize your data selections by choosing individual exchange data. Either way, live or simulated trading requires a paid market data subscription.

Exclusively offers futures trading

Being a futures trading platform exclusively, you won’t find other tradable assets. Therefore, NinjaTrader is limited to a select group of traders. Look elsewhere if you want to invest in stocks, options, ETFs or any other asset other than futures.

NinjaTrader’s fees

Minimum deposit	$0
Minimum investment	$0
Annual fee	Free plan: $0 Monthly plan: $99/ month Lifetime plan: $1,499 one-time payment
Inactivity fee	$25 monthly fee if no live trades are made during the monthly
Outgoing account transfer fee	$50

Is NinjaTrader legit?

Yes, NinjaTrader is a legitimate futures trading platform and futures broker. Founded in 2003, it supports over 1 million users globally.

NinjaTrader is a registered broker-dealer with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Customer experience

Overall, customer sentiment for NinjaTrader is positive based on online reviews and feedback. On Trustpilot, it earns 4.6 out of five stars based on over 700 reviews as of April 2024. Customers appreciate the level and quality of service and the platform’s advanced features, user-friendly interface and extensive customization options.

However, some negative reviews mention occasional bugs and glitches, as well as difficulties with applying, setting up and using the platform. NinjaTrader is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and currently holds a D- rating.

Compare NinjaTrader to other platforms

Compare similar platforms by available asset types, trade fees and minimum deposit requirements. Select Go to site to sign up for an account.

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Frequently asked questions

Is NinjaTrader good for beginners?

NinjaTrader is a powerful trading platform with advanced features and functionality that may be overwhelming for beginners. It’s designed for more experienced traders looking for sophisticated analysis, charting and automation tools. That said, NinjaTrader offers resources for beginners, such as educational materials, webinars and a simulated account to practice trading without risking real money.

How much does NinjaTrader cost per month?

NinjaTrader offers a free plan, a $99-per-month plan and a lifetime plan for a $1,499 one-time payment. The two paid plans offer reduced commissions for high-volume traders.

Is NinjaTrader trustworthy?

NinjaTrader is generally considered a reputable and trustworthy futures trading platform. It’s been around for many years, and over 1 million traders and brokerage firms use it.

How much money do I need for NinjaTrader?

NinjaTrader has no minimum deposit requirements and offers a free plan for infrequent futures traders who want to pay-per-trade. It also offers two paid plans — one for $99 per month and a lifetime plan for a $1,499 one-time payment. There are also additional costs associated with using NinjaTrader, such as data fees for real-time market data and fees for using certain advanced features and tools