NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader is a futures platform and brokerage known for charting, order flow tools and C# automation. Learn its features, costs and who it suits.
NinjaTrader is a trading platform focused mainly on futures, used by many retail day traders. Founded in 2003, it began as charting and trading software that connected to other brokers and later became a futures brokerage itself. It is known for its desktop charting, depth of market ladder, order flow tools, simulated trading and NinjaScript, a C# based language for custom indicators and automated strategies. In 2025, the crypto exchange Kraken acquired NinjaTrader, adding a large retail futures business to its operations.
Key features#
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced charting | Many chart types, including tick, volume, range and Renko charts. See Tick Data and OHLCV Data |
| SuperDOM | A price ladder showing market depth with click to trade. See The Order Book and Market Depth |
| Order flow tools | Volume profile, footprint style charts and cumulative delta on higher licence levels. See Volume Profile |
| Advanced Trade Management | Automatic stops and targets attached to entries. See Bracket Orders |
| Simulated trading | Free simulation with market data. See Paper Trading |
| Market replay | Replay recorded market days to practise. See Market Data Replay |
| NinjaScript | C# based custom indicators and strategies |
| Strategy Analyzer | Backtest and optimise strategies |
Costs#
NinjaTrader's platform is free to use for charting and simulation, with paid licence options (subscription or lifetime) that unlock features such as some order flow tools and lower commissions. Futures trading incurs per contract commissions plus exchange, clearing and regulatory fees, and real time CME data requires a data subscription. Pricing changes over time, so check current rates.
NinjaScript for automation#
NinjaScript uses C# and the .NET framework. Traders write indicators and strategies that react to bar updates or individual ticks, manage orders and backtest in the Strategy Analyzer. C# is more powerful than simpler scripting languages but has a steeper learning curve. For live automated strategies, the platform must stay running, often on a dedicated computer or virtual server. See Automated vs Semi-Automated Trading and VPS, Cloud and Bare-Metal Servers.
Strengths and weaknesses#
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Strong futures focus and order flow tools | Desktop application is Windows based |
| Free simulation and market replay | Some advanced features require paid licences |
| Powerful C# automation | Steeper learning curve for scripting |
| Large third party add on ecosystem | Add on quality varies widely |
Who it suits#
- Futures day traders, especially those using depth of market and volume based tools.
- Traders who want to automate with a full programming language.
- Prop firm evaluation traders, since many futures prop firms support NinjaTrader. See Prop Trader.
Investors focused on stocks or options are usually better served by other platforms. See Charting Platforms Compared and Thinkorswim.
Frequently asked questions#
What is NinjaTrader used for?#
Mainly futures trading, with advanced charts, a depth of market ladder, order flow tools, simulation and C# based automation.
Is NinjaTrader free?#
The platform can be used free for charting and simulation; live trading involves commissions, fees and market data costs, with paid licences for some features.
What language does NinjaTrader use?#
NinjaScript, which is based on C# and the .NET framework.
Next, learn about a popular platform for US options traders in Thinkorswim.
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Mentioned in
- TradingViewThe Trading Industry
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