Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of TradeStation vs tastytrade, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Bottom line: TradeStation and tastytrade both cover the core investing needs—stocks, options, futures, and margin—and each earns 4 stars for Range of Investments. The difference comes down to what extras you want. Choose TradeStation if you need mutual funds and OTC stocks; pick tastytrade if you want fractional shares, forex, and crypto (17 coins). Reflecting those strengths, StockBrokers.com ranks TradeStation #6 of 14 for Range of Investments and tastytrade #9 of 14.
Stocks and funds: Both brokers let you trade stocks and options with margin. TradeStation supports mutual funds and OTC stocks, but it does not offer fractional shares. Tastytrade offers fractional shares, yet does not support mutual funds or OTC stocks.
Beyond equities: Both platforms support futures. Tastytrade also offers forex and crypto trading with 17 coins available, while TradeStation does not offer forex or crypto. For retirement savers, each provides Traditional and Roth IRA accounts. Neither firm offers advisor services.
| Feature |
TradeStation
|
tastytrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | Yes |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | No |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto Trading | No | Yes |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 17 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2026, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2026
TradeStation vs tastytrade: both earn 4 out of 5 stars for trading platforms and tools, with StockBrokers.com ranking TradeStation #3 and tastytrade #5 out of 14 brokers. The quick takeaway: TradeStation suits traders who want paper trading, extremely detailed watch lists, more drawing tools, and automated chart pattern detection. tastytrade appeals to traders who value a built-in trading journal and a slightly larger library of technical indicators. Either way, both deliver strong multi-platform access and capable charting.
Platform access is a draw: each offers downloadable desktop software for Windows and Mac plus a browser-based platform. Both let you adjust open orders directly on charts, view historical trades, display corporate events (earnings, splits, dividends), set custom date ranges, save multiple chart profiles, and create custom studies. Key differences: TradeStation includes paper trading while tastytrade does not; tastytrade includes a trading journal while TradeStation does not.
Charting and watch lists show distinct strengths. TradeStation provides 294 technical indicators, 45 drawing tools, automated chart pattern recognition, 12 customization fields for an SMA study, and 341 watch list columns. tastytrade offers 308 technical indicators, 31 drawing tools, no automated pattern recognition, 7 SMA customization fields, and 33 watch list columns. Both platforms let you add notes to charts. In short, choose TradeStation for deeper customization and data fields, or tastytrade if you prefer more built-in indicators and journaling.
| Feature |
TradeStation
|
tastytrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | Yes |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 341 | 33 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 294 | 308 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 45 | 31 |
| Advanced Trading |
|
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers for 2026, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2026
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For beginner investors comparing education, both TradeStation and tastytrade teach stocks and options, and both offer videos and live webinars. Only tastytrade includes ETF education, while neither broker covers mutual funds or bonds. Neither platform offers quizzes, which some learners may miss.
When it comes to learning tools, TradeStation stands out with paper trading for safe practice, while tastytrade lets you track your learning progress over time. Independent ratings reflect the gap: TradeStation earns 2 out of 5 stars and ranks 14th of 14 for education at StockBrokers.com, while tastytrade earns 3 out of 5 stars and ranks 11th. Choose TradeStation if practicing trades in a simulator matters most; choose tastytrade if you want ETF lessons and a way to monitor your progress.
| Feature |
TradeStation
|
tastytrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | No | Yes |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
| Education (Fixed Income) | No | No |
| Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
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|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2026
In this TradeStation vs tastytrade stock trading app comparison, both brokers deliver capable mobile experiences, but TradeStation is the better pick if you want deeper built‑in charting and a higher third‑party ranking. Each app earned 4 stars for stock trading, yet StockBrokers.com ranks TradeStation 6th out of 14 brokers and tastytrade 12th. If landscape charting matters, tastytrade has it while TradeStation does not.
App availability and trading features are similar: both offer iPhone and Android apps, and neither supports Apple Watch. TradeStation supports after‑hours trading on mobile; tastytrade’s mobile after‑hours access isn’t specified. Both apps support options trading, deliver streaming quotes, and let you create stock alerts, custom watch lists, and customize watch list columns. Neither app streams live TV or offers video on demand.
Charting on the go shows clearer differences. Both apps include after‑hours charting and let you switch among multiple time frames. tastytrade allows landscape charts, while TradeStation does not. TradeStation offers 45 technical studies in its mobile charts; tastytrade does not include technical studies. Neither app lets you display stock comparisons on a chart.
| Feature |
TradeStation
|
tastytrade
|
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch App | No | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 45 | 0 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2026
TradeStation vs tastytrade fees at a glance: both have $0 account minimums and $0 stock trades, but tastytrade is generally cheaper for active traders. tastytrade charges $0.50 per options contract versus $0.60 at TradeStation, has lower margin rates across all listed tiers, and waives IRA annual fees (TradeStation charges $35). tastytrade also comes in lower on ACAT transfer fees and on options exercise/assignment. The main caveat: TradeStation’s IRA closure fee is slightly lower ($50 vs $60).
Commissions and account fees: stock trades are free at both brokers, and neither requires a minimum deposit. For options, tastytrade costs $0.50 per contract, while TradeStation is $0.60. Options exercise and assignment are cheaper at tastytrade ($5 each) than at TradeStation ($14.95 to exercise, $5.95 to be assigned). For retirement accounts, tastytrade charges $0 annually, whereas TradeStation is $35; closing an IRA is $60 at tastytrade and $50 at TradeStation. If you transfer your account, tastytrade’s ACAT fees are $75 for partial or full transfers, compared with $125 at TradeStation for either.
Margin rates: tastytrade is lower in every listed tier. On balances under $25,000, tastytrade is 11.0% vs TradeStation at 12.5%. From $25,000 to $49,999, tastytrade is 10.5% vs TradeStation at 12.5%. From $50,000 to $99,999, tastytrade is 10.0% vs TradeStation at 11.5%. If you expect to carry margin, tastytrade’s pricing can meaningfully reduce interest costs.
| Feature |
TradeStation
|
tastytrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.60 | $0.50 |
| Options Exercise Fee | $14.95 | $5.00 |
| Options Assignment Fee | $5.95 | $5.00 |
| IRA Annual Fee | $35.00 | $0.00 |
| IRA Closure Fee | $50.00 | $60.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2026
Comparing TradeStation vs tastytrade for day trading, TradeStation leans toward active stock traders who want detailed market data and precise order control. TradeStation offers streaming time and sales, Level II quotes, direct market routing, ladder trading, and keyboard hotkeys for fast entries. It also includes both basic and advanced strategy backtesting, a short locator to check real-time short availability, and the potential to earn maker/taker liquidity rebates.
tastytrade, by contrast, supplies ladder trading, advanced strategy backtesting, a short locator, and streaming live TV, but it does not provide streaming time and sales, Level II quotes, direct market routing, trading hotkeys, basic backtesting, or order liquidity rebates. If you prioritize tape reading, granular routing choices, and quick keyboard-driven entries, TradeStation is the stronger fit; if live programming and advanced backtesting with ladder trading are your main needs, tastytrade may suit you.
| Feature |
TradeStation
|
tastytrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No |
| Streaming TV | No | Yes |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | Yes | No |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | Yes | Yes |
| Short Locator | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms of 2026 for Beginners and Active Traders
TradeStation vs tastytrade for market research: TradeStation holds a small edge. It earns 2.5 out of 5 stars and ranks 11th of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com, while tastytrade scores 2 stars and ranks 13th. TradeStation adds Pink Sheets/OTCBB research that tastytrade lacks, whereas tastytrade’s standout extra is a bond screener. Both are light on deeper extras—no ESG coverage, no social media sentiment data, and no downloadable PDF reports.
Research coverage is similar for core markets. Both brokers offer stock and ETF research and let you view your portfolio allocation by asset class. Neither provides mutual fund or bond research. Only TradeStation supports Pink Sheets/OTCBB, which can help if you explore smaller or thinly traded names.
On tools, both platforms include stock and ETF screeners for trade ideas; neither has a mutual fund screener. tastytrade offers a bond screener, while TradeStation does not. For formal research write-ups, both provide zero downloadable PDF reports for stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds.
| Feature |
TradeStation
|
tastytrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Mutual Funds | No | No |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No |
| Research - Fixed Income | No | No |
| Screener - Fixed Income | No | Yes |
| Research |
|
|
When comparing the banking capabilities of online brokers TradeStation and tastytrade, neither offers traditional banking services such as checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, credit cards, mortgage loans, or certificates of deposit (CDs). This means that users looking for banking features will not find them with either TradeStation or tastytrade. These platforms are exclusively geared toward investing and trading, so if banking options are a requirement, you may need to consider additional financial institutions for those needs.
| Feature |
TradeStation
|
tastytrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | No | No |
| Savings Accounts | No | No |
| Debit Cards | No | No |
| Credit Cards | No | No |
| Mortgage Loans | No | No |
| Brokerage CDs | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2026
After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that TradeStation is better than tastytrade. TradeStation finished with an overall score of 68.4%, while tastytrade finished with a score of 64.0%.
TradeStation is a brokerage best known for its highly customizable trading platforms, advanced options and futures capabilities, and powerful tools designed for active and experienced traders.
When comparing online brokers, tastytrade stands out for cryptocurrency enthusiasts by offering crypto trading with access to 17 different coins, whereas TradeStation does not currently provide any crypto trading options.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2026
Both TradeStation and tastytrade offer traditional and Roth IRA accounts, but while tastytrade provides these with no annual fee, TradeStation charges $35 annually. Additionally, closing an IRA account will incur a $50 fee with TradeStation compared to a $60 fee with tastytrade.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2026
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| Review | TradeStation Review | tastytrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
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| Trading Fees | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $0.01 | N/A | |
| Mutual Fund Trade Fee | $14.95 | N/A | |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.60 | $0.50 | |
| Futures (Per Contract) | $1.50 | $1.00 | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $25 | $0 |
| Margin Rates | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 12.5% | 11% | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 12.5% | 10.5% | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 11.5% | 10% | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 11.5% | 9.5% | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 12.0% | 9% | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 7.5% | 8.5% | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 7.5% | 8% |
| Account Fees | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $35.00 | $0.00 | |
| IRA Closure Fee | $50.00 | $60.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $125.00 | $75.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Full) | $125.00 | $75.00 | |
| Options Exercise Fee | $14.95 | $5.00 | |
| Options Assignment Fee | $5.95 | $5.00 |
| Investment Options | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | Yes | |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 4 | |
| Futures Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex Trading | No | Yes | |
| Crypto Trading | No | Yes | |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 17 | |
| Fixed Income (Treasurys) | No | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | No | No | |
| Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | No | No | |
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Roth IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Advisor Services | No | No | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
| Order Types | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Limit | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - After Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Trailing Stop | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - OCO | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - OTO | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | Yes |
| Beginners | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | No | Yes | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | No | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes | |
| Retirement Calculator | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary | No | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
| Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Progress Tracking | No | Yes | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
| Stock Trading Apps | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple Watch App | No | No | |
| Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - After-Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - Complex Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Ticket SRT Quotes | Yes | Yes |
| Stock App Features | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Research - Market Movers | Yes | Yes | |
| Stream Live TV | No | No | |
| Videos on Demand | No | No | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Streaming) | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Create & Manage | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Column Customization | Yes | Yes |
| Stock App Charting | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 45 | 0 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | TradeStation 10 | tastytrade | |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
| Trade Journal | No | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 341 | 33 |
| Stock Chart Features | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 294 | 308 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 45 | 31 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Historical Trades | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Corporate Events | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Custom Date Range | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Custom Time Bars | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Save Profiles | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | 12 | 7 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | Yes | Yes |
| Day Trading | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No | |
| Streaming TV | No | Yes | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No | |
| Ladder Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Hot Keys | Yes | No | |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | Yes | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | Yes | Yes | |
| Short Locator | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Liquidity Rebates | Yes | No |
| Research Overview | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
| Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | No | |
| Research - Fixed Income | No | No | |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
| Screener - Fixed Income | No | Yes | |
| Portfolio Asset Allocation | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Research | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 0 | 0 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | No | No | |
| Stock Research - Social | No | No | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | No | No | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | No | No |
| ETF Research | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs - Investment Objective | No | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | No | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | No | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets | No | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | No | No | |
| ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | No | No | |
| ETFs - Sector Exposure | No | No | |
| ETFs - Risk Analysis | No | Yes | |
| ETFs - Ratings | No | No | |
| ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | No | No | |
| ETFs - PDF Reports | No | No |
| Mutual Fund Research | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds - Investment Objective | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Prospectus | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds - StyleMap | No | No |
| Options Trading | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 5 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | No | No | |
| Checking Accounts | No | No | |
| Savings Accounts | No | No | |
| Credit Cards | No | No | |
| Debit Cards | No | No | |
| Mortgage Loans | No | No |
| Customer Service | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | No | No |
| Overall | TradeStation | tastytrade | |
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| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | TradeStation Review | tastytrade Review |
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