TradeStation and Interactive Brokers are two of the most popular best automated trading platform on the market. In this article, we will compare the features and benefits of each platform to help traders determine which one is best suited for their needs.

TradeStation

TradeStation's AutoTrader tool is a powerful platform that allows traders to automate their trading strategies using TradeStation EasyLanguage. Some of its key features include:

  • Backtesting and optimization
  • Walk-forward analysis
  • Trade simulations
  • Trade automation
  • Access to TradeStation accounts

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers' Trader Workstation (TWS) is a popular platform that provides traders with an API for coding strategies in C++, .NET, Java, and over 30 other languages. Some of its key features include:

  • Backtesting
  • Watchlists
  • management tools
  • Access to IB accounts

Interactive Brokers does not charge any platform fees.

Comparison

When comparing TradeStation and Interactive Brokers, several factors should be considered, including:

  • Supported asset classes and order types
  • Backtesting and optimization capabilities
  • Programming languages
  • management tools
  • Fees

In terms of supported asset classes, both platforms offer support for a wide range of asset classes, including equities, options, futures, and forex. Both platforms also support standard market, limit, and stop-loss orders.

When it comes to backtesting and optimization capabilities, TradeStation offers walk-forward analysis, while Interactive Brokers does not. However, Interactive Brokers offers more programming languages than TradeStation, making it a more flexible platform.

Both platforms offer management tools, such as position sizing, trade balancing, maximum drawdown, and stop-loss order tools. However, TradeStation's management tools are more comprehensive than Interactive Brokers.

In terms of fees, TradeStation is more expensive than Interactive Brokers, Interactive Brokers, on the other hand, does not charge any platform fees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both TradeStation and Interactive Brokers are powerful best automated trading platforms that offer a wide range of features and benefits. When choosing between the two, traders should consider their individual needs and preferences, including their preferred programming language, the complexity of their trading strategies, and their budget. By carefully evaluating these factors,traders can determine which platform offers the optimal mix of features, ease of use, and cost.