How to Choose Your Trading Platform at TakeProfitTrader

Choosing your trading platform at TakeProfitTrader is a permanent decision for each account you purchase. Once you select a platform during checkout, you're locked in unless you contact support or buy a new account. Pick the wrong platform, and you'll either struggle with unfamiliar tools or pay for licenses you didn't know you needed.

This guide breaks down every platform TakeProfitTrader supports, compares data feeds (Rithmic vs CQG), explains which platforms are free vs paid, and helps you choose based on your trading style, experience level, and technical needs.

Quick heads-up: This article is based on my real experience with TakeProfitTrader and the info available when I published/updated this. Things change in prop trading — rules, payouts, promos, all of it.

For the absolute latest, check TakeProfitTrader´s website or their knowledge base.

Why Platform Selection Matters

Your trading platform is your daily interface. It's where you'll analyze charts, execute trades, manage positions, and monitor drawdown. The wrong platform can slow you down, cost you money on licensing, or limit your trading style.

Three things that matter most:

1. Execution quality

Some platforms have faster order routing and better fills than others. If you're a scalper taking 20+ trades per day, execution speed matters. If you're a swing trader taking 2-3 trades per week, it doesn't.

2. Cost

Some platforms are completely free. Others require monthly licenses that range from $50 to $300+. If you're trading multiple TakeProfitTrader accounts, those costs add up fast.

3. Feature set

Do you need advanced DOM tools? Order flow analysis? Automated trading? Mobile access? Not every platform offers everything, and not every trader needs everything.

Understanding Data Feeds: Rithmic vs CQG

Before choosing a platform, you need to understand data feeds. TakeProfitTrader offers two options: Rithmic and CQG.

Your data feed determines:

• Which platforms you can use
• Execution speed
• Data reliability
• Whether you can switch platforms later

Rithmic

Best for: Active traders, scalpers, DOM users, algo traders

Characteristics:

• Faster execution (lower latency)
• More stable during high-volume sessions
• Preferred by professional traders
• Works with advanced platforms (NinjaTrader, Quantower, Sierra Chart, etc.)

Supported platforms: NinjaTrader, Quantower, R|Trader, Bookmap, MultiCharts, MotiveWave, Trade Navigator, VolFix, ATAS, Investor R/T, Finamark, Jigsaw Trader

CQG

Best for: Beginners, chart-focused traders, mobile users, TradingView fans

Characteristics:

• Slightly higher latency than Rithmic (but still very fast)
• Easier setup for beginners
• Works with TradingView (the most beginner-friendly platform)
• More web/mobile options

Supported platforms: TradingView, NinjaTrader (CQG connection), Tradovate

Which data feed should you choose?

Choose Rithmic if:

• You're an experienced trader
• You trade with a DOM or ladder
• You need sub-second execution
• You're running automated strategies
• You plan to use advanced platforms like Quantower or NinjaTrader

Choose CQG if:

• You're new to futures trading
• You want to use TradingView
• You prefer web/mobile trading
• You don't need ultra-low latency
• You want simpler setup

Important: You can switch between platforms only if they use the same data feed. For example, if you start with NinjaTrader on Rithmic, you can switch to Quantower (also Rithmic) without contacting support. But if you want to switch from NinjaTrader (Rithmic) to TradingView (CQG), you'll need to buy a new account.

Complete Platform Comparison Table

*TradingView Note: You can use the "Basic" plan for free, but it has data delays. This means you'll see slightly outdated prices, which can result in worse fill prices than expected. TakeProfitTrader is not affiliated with TradingView and can't be held responsible for these discrepancies. If you're actively trading, upgrade to TradingView Premium or Pro for real-time data.

Detailed Platform Breakdown

TradingView (CQG)

Cost: Free (Basic plan) or $15-60/month (Premium/Pro)

Best for: Beginners, chart-focused traders, mobile users

Pros:

• Easiest to use—zero learning curve
• Works on any device (web, iOS, Android)
• Beautiful, intuitive interface
• Huge community with shared indicators and scripts
• No software installation required

Cons:

• Basic plan has data delays (can cost you money on fills)
• Limited order management tools compared to desktop platforms
• No advanced DOM or ladder features
• Premium subscription costs add up if you want real-time data

My take: TradingView is perfect if you're new to futures or prefer clean, simple charting. But if you're serious about active trading, you'll need to upgrade to Premium or Pro for real-time data. The free version's data delays can cause slippage that costs more than the subscription.

NinjaTrader (CQG or Rithmic)

Cost: Free (can use TakeProfitTrader's license)

Best for: Advanced traders, algo traders, DOM scalpers

Pros:

• Most powerful platform TakeProfitTrader supports
• Free to use with TPT accounts (no license needed during evaluation)
• Advanced charting, DOM, ladder, order management
• Supports custom indicators and automated strategies
• Works with both Rithmic and CQG data feeds
• Mobile app available

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Interface feels dated compared to TradingView
• Can be overwhelming if you're new to futures
• Requires Windows (doesn't work natively on Mac)

My take: If you're an experienced trader or plan to run automated strategies, NinjaTrader is the best choice. It's free, powerful, and supports both data feeds. But if you're brand new to futures, start with TradingView and switch to NinjaTrader later once you're comfortable.

There's a detailed setup walkthrough in the NinjaTrader connection guide if you decide to go this route.

Tradovate (CQG)

Cost: Free

Best for: Web-based traders, mobile execution, simplicity

Pros:

• Completely free—no subscriptions, no licenses
• Web-based (no software installation)
• Clean, modern interface
• Mobile app works well
• Easy to learn

Cons:

• Limited advanced features compared to NinjaTrader
• No automated trading support
• Fewer customization options
• Occasional platform lag during high-volume sessions

My take: Tradovate is the best middle ground between TradingView (too simple) and NinjaTrader (too complex). It's free, web-based, and has enough features for most discretionary traders. If you don't need algos or advanced DOM tools, Tradovate is a solid choice.

Quantower (Rithmic)

Cost: Free (basic version)

Best for: Order flow traders, heatmap users, multi-monitor setups

Pros:

• Free version is surprisingly powerful
• Excellent order flow visualization
• Customizable workspace with multi-monitor support
• Fast execution on Rithmic
• Modern interface

Cons:

• Requires some setup and configuration
• Not beginner-friendly
• Desktop-only (no mobile or web version)
• Some advanced features require paid subscription

My take: Quantower is underrated. If you trade order flow or use heatmaps, it's one of the best free options. But it's not for beginners—you'll need to spend time learning the interface and customizing your workspace.

Bookmap (Rithmic)

Cost: $99-250/month (separate license required)

Best for: Order flow analysis, heatmap visualization

Pros:

• Best order flow visualization in the industry
• Real-time heatmap shows liquidity levels
• Useful for understanding market structure
• Integrates with other platforms

Cons:

• Expensive monthly license ($99-250/month)
• Not a standalone trading platform (you'll need another platform for execution)
• Steep learning curve
• Overkill for most traders

My take: Bookmap is powerful if you're serious about order flow trading and can justify the cost. But for most traders, it's expensive and unnecessary. If you're curious about order flow, start with Quantower's free footprint charts before committing to a $99/month Bookmap subscription.

Other Platforms (Brief Overview)

MultiCharts: Great for automated trading, but requires expensive license ($99-299/month).

MotiveWave: Niche platform for Elliott Wave traders. Requires license ($50-200/month).

ATAS: Order flow and footprint charts. Similar to Quantower but requires paid subscription.

Jigsaw Trader: DOM-focused platform for tape readers. License costs $197-397/month.

R|Trader: Free mobile app for Rithmic users. Useful if you trade on the go.

Most of these platforms are specialized tools for specific trading styles. Unless you have a clear reason to use them, stick with TradingView, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, or Quantower.

How to Switch Platforms (Without Buying a New Account)

TakeProfitTrader allows you to switch platforms as long as the new platform uses the same data feed as your current one.

Example scenarios:

✅ Allowed: You start with NinjaTrader (Rithmic) and want to switch to Quantower (also Rithmic). You can switch without contacting support—just follow the connection instructions for Quantower.

✅ Allowed: You start with TradingView (CQG) and want to switch to Tradovate (also CQG). No problem—follow Tradovate's connection guide.

❌ Not allowed: You start with NinjaTrader (Rithmic) and want to switch to TradingView (CQG). These use different data feeds, so you'd need to buy a new account or contact support to see if an exception is possible.

How to switch:

1. Go to the TakeProfitTrader help center
2. Find the connection guide for your new platform
3. Follow the instructions to connect
4. Start trading

You don't need to notify TakeProfitTrader when switching between compatible platforms.

Which Platform Should You Choose?

Here's my recommendation based on different trader profiles:

You're brand new to futures trading

Choose: TradingView (CQG)

Why: It's the easiest to learn, works on any device, and has zero setup complexity. Upgrade to Premium ($15/month) for real-time data once you're actively trading.

You're an experienced trader moving from stocks/forex

Choose: NinjaTrader (Rithmic)

Why: You'll appreciate the advanced tools, and Rithmic gives you better execution. NinjaTrader is free with TPT accounts, so there's no extra cost.

You want simplicity but need better execution than TradingView

Choose: Tradovate (CQG)

Why: It's free, web-based, and has enough features for most discretionary traders. Good balance between ease of use and functionality.

You trade order flow or use footprint charts

Choose: Quantower (Rithmic)

Why: Free version has excellent order flow visualization, and Rithmic gives you the low-latency execution you need for scalping.

You run automated strategies

Choose: NinjaTrader (Rithmic)

Why: Best automation support, free with TPT, and Rithmic execution is fast enough for algo trading.

You trade on mobile frequently

Choose: TradingView or Tradovate (both CQG)

Why: Both have excellent mobile apps. TradingView has better charting, Tradovate has better execution tools.

Common Platform Selection Mistakes

Mistake 1: Choosing a platform based on what YouTubers use

Just because someone on YouTube uses NinjaTrader doesn't mean you should. Choose based on your needs, not someone else's setup.

Mistake 2: Not considering licensing costs

Platforms like Bookmap, Jigsaw Trader, and MultiCharts have expensive monthly licenses. Calculate total costs before committing.

Mistake 3: Picking a platform without testing it first

Most platforms offer free trials or demo versions. Test before buying a TakeProfitTrader account so you know what you're getting into.

Mistake 4: Ignoring data feed compatibility

If you pick NinjaTrader (Rithmic) but later want to use TradingView (CQG), you'll need to buy a new account. Choose your data feed carefully.

Mistake 5: Using TradingView's free plan for active trading

The data delays on TradingView's Basic plan can cost you money on fills. If you're actively trading, upgrade to Premium or use a different platform.

FAQ: Platform Selection at TakeProfitTrader

Can I use TradingView's free plan?

Yes, but it has data delays that can result in worse fill prices. Upgrade to Premium or Pro for real-time data if you're actively trading.

Do I need to pay for platform licenses?

Some platforms (TradingView Premium, Bookmap, Jigsaw Trader) require separate subscriptions. Others (NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Quantower free version) are free to use with TakeProfitTrader accounts.

Can I change platforms after purchasing my account?

Only if the new platform uses the same data feed. You can switch from NinjaTrader (Rithmic) to Quantower (Rithmic) easily. But switching from Rithmic to CQG requires buying a new account.

Which data feed is better: Rithmic or CQG?

Rithmic is faster (better for scalpers and algo traders). CQG is easier to set up (better for beginners and TradingView users). Choose based on your trading style.

Can I use multiple platforms at the same time?

Yes, as long as they use the same data feed. Some traders use TradingView for charting and NinjaTrader for execution.

Is NinjaTrader really free?

Yes, when you use it with a TakeProfitTrader account. You don't need to purchase a NinjaTrader license during your evaluation or funded trading.

Bottom Line

Your platform choice at TakeProfitTrader is locked per account, so pick carefully. TradingView (CQG) is best for beginners who want simplicity and mobile access. NinjaTrader (Rithmic) is best for experienced traders who need advanced tools and fast execution. Tradovate (CQG) is the best middle ground—free, web-based, and functional enough for most discretionary traders.

Don't overthink it. If you're unsure, start with TradingView or Tradovate. Both are free, easy to learn, and good enough for passing your evaluation. You can always buy a second account with a different platform later if you want to experiment.

Your Next Steps

👉 Choose Your Platform at TakeProfitTrader

👉 Read the Full TakeProfitTrader Review

👉 Compare TakeProfitTrader vs Lucid Trading

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