Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
3.7 / 5
Direct-access broker built for active day traders who need DAS Trader Pro, ECN order routing, integrated short locates, and OTC/penny stock access. Strong on short-locate workflow; weak on transparency, mobile, and reputation given multiple FINRA enforcement actions.
4.2 / 5
Best for systematic and futures traders who want EasyLanguage scripting, direct routing, deep back-testing, and active-trader margin rates. Less retail-friendly than thinkorswim but unmatched for strategy automation.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | SpeedTrader | TradeStation | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 3.70 / 5 | 4.20 / 5 | TradeStation |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 3.50 | 3.80 | TradeStation |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 4.30 | 4.70 | TradeStation |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 2.50 | 3.80 | TradeStation |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 2.50 | 4.00 | TradeStation |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 2.50 | 4.20 | TradeStation |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.00 | 3.80 | SpeedTrader |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 2.80 | 4.20 | TradeStation |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.70 | 4.80 | TradeStation |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 8.00% | 4.25% | TradeStation |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Does not accept | Accepts | SpeedTrader |
| Asset class | SpeedTrader | TradeStation |
|---|---|---|
| US stocks (NYSE/Nasdaq/AMEX) | Yes | |
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB | Yes | |
| Options (equity, ETF, SPX, other indices) | Yes | |
| US Treasuries / bonds | Limited | |
| Forex | No | Yes |
| Futures | No | |
| Crypto (direct) | No | |
| Foreign stocks ("F" tickers) | Limited | |
| IRAs | No | |
| Cash accounts | No | |
| 24-hour overnight equity trading | No | Limited |
| Hard-to-borrow short locates | Yes | |
| US stocks | Yes | |
| OTC / Pink Sheets | Yes | |
| Options | Yes | |
| US Treasuries | Yes | |
| Corporate bonds | Limited | |
| Futures / futures options | Yes | |
| Crypto | No | |
| International stocks (US app) | Limited |