Mac traders often struggle to find the best trading platform for Mac that work seamlessly with their operating system.
Most trading software is built with Windows in mind, leaving Mac users with clunky, unreliable options that crash, lag, or lack key features.
This can lead to missed trades, frustration, and even financial losses for those relying on Macs for their trading activities.
To help you find the best trading platform for Mac, we’ve tested and reviewed 9 top trading platforms that are optimized for Mac.
In our guide, we’ll walk you through each one, helping you find the perfect platform to boost your trading performance and profitability.
From TradingView’s clean charts to Interactive Brokers’ advanced tools, we will dive into the pros and cons of platforms like NinjaTrader, IC Markets, Thinkorswim, Webull, Tradeovate, IronBeam, and XTB.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, you’ll find the ideal platform that fits your trading style, budget, and Mac setup.
TradingView
If you’re like me and appreciate clean, intuitive charts, TradingView is a game changer.
Based in USA, TradingView is regarded as the top choice for many traders. It’s considered by many to be the best trading platform for Mac, and is perfect for technical analysis across various assets like stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies.
It’s browser based, so there’s no need to download anything, making it ideal for Mac users.
The community feature lets you see and share trading ideas, strategies, and custom built indicators.
As a platform, you can not directly trade on it but you can connect your broker on TradingView which will allow you to execute trades using the TradingView platform.
So even if your broker’s software is unable to run on your Mac you can utilize this feature and can trade using TradingView. You can find the list of brokers who allow this function here.
It uses a subscription based model for those who need advanced features, multiple chart layouts, adding more indicators, seconds time frame etc.
The free plan meets all the basic needs of trading.
Visual Insight: (Consider adding a screenshot of the TradingView interface to showcase its clean and user-friendly design.)
TradingView offers three subscription plans:
- Essential ($14.95/month)
- Plus ($29.95/month)
- Premium ($59.95/month)
Each plan provides access to advanced charting tools, indicators, and real-time data, with higher tiers offering more features like increased chart capacity, historical data, and alerts.
For further understanding check out their support centre.
NinjaTrader
When I first heard about NinjaTrader, I was intrigued by its reputation for advanced charting and automation making it a contender for the best trading platform for Mac.
Located in USA, this platform is a solid choice if you’re into futures and forex trading.
It’s not a native Mac app, but you can still run it on Mac using software like Parallels. They also offer a browser version which can be accessed by any web browser with the same desktop app functionalities.
The platform’s robust features are a big draw for serious traders.
Many users appreciate NinjaTrader’s advanced automation features, though some find the initial setup on Mac to be a bit cumbersome.
Mac users do not need to worry about installing the software now because they can use a web browser version which was recently launched.
NinjaTrader can be hard to understand at first because it has many parts. Do not worry though. You can learn it like a new game by practicing.
There are many helpful videos online that can teach you how to use it.
IC Markets
IC Markets is also a top contender for the spot of the best trading platform for Mac, offering a reliable and trustworthy trading experience.
Located in Australia, it’s well known for its low spreads and high speed execution, making it a favourite among forex and CFD traders.
It supports various asset classes like forex, commodities, indices, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Available on Mac through their own MetaTrader 4 and 5, They also have an app called cTrader which you can use on your Mac.
IC Markets is known for its user friendly experience. It is easy to open an account and start trading. The platform is simple to use, even for beginners. Traders consistently praise IC Markets for its low spreads and fast execution.
The downside is IC Markets require a minimum deposit of $200 USD, which could be a barrier for new or budget conscious traders seeking to enter the market.
IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities like ASIC, ensuring a high level of security and compliance with financial laws.
Explore IC Markets spreads and commissions.
Thinkorswim
Thinkorswim is the kind of platform that makes you feel like you’ve got the whole market at your fingertips. Developed by TD Ameritrade and it is based in USA.
Thinkorswim has now transitioned to Charles Schwab, and as part of this transition it has become an even stronger contender for the best trading platform for Mac. This platform supports trading in stocks, options, futures, forex, and ETFs.
What sets Thinkorswim apart is its incredibly detailed charting tools and tons of indicators. Mac users can download a native app, so you’re not stuck dealing with workarounds.
But Thinkorswim has a steep learning curve. Beginners may find its interface overwhelming. Once you get the hang of it, though, you’ll see why it’s a favourite among serious traders.
Thinkorswim offers comprehensive educational resources. They also regularly upload helpful videos on YouTube.
Thinkorswim, as part of Schwab, is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).
Explore the commissions and pricing details.
Webull
Operating from USA, Webull has made a name for itself pretty quickly, and it’s easy to see why.
Webull stands out as a versatile trading platform for Mac users, offering accessibility across desktop, mobile, and web.
Webull is also considered one of the best trading platforms for Mac for beginners with financial constraints with no minimum balance requirement, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
The platform’s support for fractional shares allows for an affordable investment in high priced stocks, while the paper trading feature enables users to practice strategies risk free.
These features make Webull a strong contender for those seeking a comprehensive trading experience on Mac.
Webull supports stocks, options, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. The platform’s clean interface appeals to both beginners and seasoned traders.
However, Webull might not offer enough advanced features for traders who rely heavily on technical analysis, more experienced traders may find the lack of advanced tools limiting.
Webull is registered with and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It is also a member of the SIPC.
Fee and Commission Structure on Webull.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is like the wise, experienced trader in the room. Located in the USA, it offers a wide range of assets, including stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and mutual funds.
Known for its low trading costs and advanced tools, it’s a top choice for professional traders. The platform offers a native Mac app, ensuring a smooth experience.
Interactive Brokers is considered by many to be the best trading platform for Mac users, offering access to over 150 global markets with a tiered commission structure ideal for high volume traders.
While the platform’s advanced tools like algorithmic trading and customizable Trader Workstation (TWS) are attractive to experienced users, its complex interface and slow customer service can be challenging.
Additionally, the $100,000 minimum deposit for Portfolio Margin accounts may be a barrier for smaller investors.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is regulated by the SEC, FINRA, NYSE, FCA and other regulatory agencies around the world.
Here is the comprehensive information about IBKR’s commissions.
Tradeovate
When I first heard about Tradeovate, I was excited about its commission free futures trading. Also from USA, Tradeovate is all about futures trading.
It was the first platform to offer commission free futures trading, which makes it stand out.
Tradeovate is a cloud based futures trading platform that’s a strong candidate for the best trading platform for Mac.
Accessible on Mac without the need for downloads. It supports custom indicators and integrates with popular platforms like NinjaTrader, offering flexibility for advanced traders.
The platform provides a free demo account for practice, but it is limited to futures trading, lacking support for stocks and options, and its mobile app has less functionality compared to the desktop version.
Tradeovate is regulated by the National Futures Association (NFA) in the U.S., ensuring your futures trading is secure and compliant with industry standards.
Here is the detailed commission information.
IronBeam
IronBeam might not be as well-known, but it’s worth considering if you’re into futures. Based in USA, it offers advanced order types, real-time data, and comprehensive charting tools.
It offers access to a wide range of markets, including agricultural, energy, and financial futures.
The platform features a Windows & Mac Desktop App and mobile trading apps for iOS and Android making it a solid contender for the best trading platform for Mac especially for the Mac users on the go.
However, Ironbeam does not support trading in stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies, which may limit its appeal to those seeking a more diverse asset selection.
Ironbeam is a registered Futures Commission Merchant (“FCM”) registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”). It follows strict regulatory guidelines to ensure safe trading.
Here are the detailed commission rates.
XTB
From Poland, XTB offers a broad range of assets, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Known for its fast execution and good customer service, XTB provides a web browser version that ensures a smooth trading experience and is fully compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera.
XTB is a strong contender for the best trading platform for Mac, offering a seamless browser based experience that’s perfect for Mac users who are running low on storage.
However, it may not have as many features as some of the more established platforms, which could be a drawback for advanced traders.
While it provides a user friendly experience and a comprehensive educational library, inactivity fees and no separate desktop app for Mac may be drawbacks for some traders.
XTB is regulated by FCA in the UK ensuring your trades are secure and the platform is compliant.
Comparison Table
| Name | Pros | Cons |
| TradingView | Clean intuitive charts, browser based, community features, free plan meets basic needs | Can’t directly trade, advanced features require a subscription |
| NinjaTrader | Advanced charting and automation, browser version available, strong support for futures and forex | Initial setup on Mac can be cumbersome, not a native Mac app, requires browser version or Parallels |
| IC Markets | Low spreads, high speed execution, user friendly, supports various asset classes | $200 minimum deposit could be a barrier for new traders |
| Thinkorswim | Detailed charting tools, tons of indicators, native Mac app | Steep learning curve can be overwhelming for beginners |
| Webull | No minimum balance, supports fractional shares, paper trading feature | May lack advanced tools for technical analysis |
| Interactive Brokers | Low trading costs, advanced tools, native Mac app, access to 150+ global markets | Complex interface, slow customer service, high minimum deposit for Portfolio Margin accounts |
| Tradeovate | Commission free futures trading, cloud based, custom indicators, free demo account | Limited to futures trading, mobile app has less functionality |
| IronBeam | Advanced order types, real time data, convenient mobile trading apps for Mac users | Does not support stocks ETFs or cryptocurrencies |
| XTB | Fast execution, good customer service, comprehensive educational library | Inactivity fees, no separate desktop app for Mac |
Conclusion
Choosing the best trading platform for Mac is dependent on your specific requirements and trading style. Each of these platforms provides something unique, so choose the one that best suits your trading style.
If you want to find a balance between visual clarity and advanced trading capabilities, consider pairing the free version of TradingView with any other platform on our list.
TradingView’s clean charts and minimalist interface will provide the clarity you want, whilst platforms such as Interactive Brokers, Thinkorswim, and NinjaTrader will provide the advanced tools and capabilities required for more complex trading methods.
This combination allows you to leverage the best of both worlds, enhancing your trading experience and maximizing your potential for success on your Mac.
FAQs
What trading platform is best for Mac?
Picking the best trading platform for Mac depends on your specific needs. TradingView is ideal for sleek, browser based charting, while NinjaTrader offers advanced tools via a browser. Interactive Brokers and Thinkorswim provide native Mac apps for comprehensive trading.
Is Mac good for trading?
Yes, Macs are good for trading, with stable and secure environments. So many platforms now offer separate software or apps for macOS.
Can you trade forex on a Mac?
Yes, platforms like IC Markets, Thinkorswim, and Interactive Brokers support forex trading on Mac, either through native apps or browser based versions.
Which broker has MT4 for Mac?
IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) for Mac, available directly from their website, along with MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and cTrader.
