Web-Based Trading Platforms vs Desktop Software: Which is Best?

Within-browser trading tools and special trading software are the two most commonly used types of instruments for managing stocks and shares via a computer or a laptop. However, sometimes even those, who have tried both versions of their favorite broker’s product, stay unsure about which of them is actually better. If you want to find out about the main pros and cons of these types of trading platforms, then this article is exactly what you need!

Advantages of web-trading platforms

• No downloads or installations. This is the most obvious superiority of a within-browser broker service. You don’t need to bother installing any programs – all you have to do is create an account and pass the verification. Also, if the developers introduce any new features, you will get access to them just by refreshing the browser page. This trait is very handy and time-saving.
• Versatility. There is no doubt that using the browser version of a certain trading platform also allows you to log into your account from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any other device. This means that you can complete an order, check stock prices, and purchase assets without being tied to your workplace.
• Reachability. You can run web-based versions of brokers’ products even if your laptop is really old. There are almost no system requirements for such a tool, as all the data is stored not in your device, but on a remote server.

Advantages of desktop software

• Performance. If you have at least an average PC, then you can enjoy smooth transitions and a carefully crafted interface. These little things will bring great pleasure to all the pickiest traders. What’s more – a trading program operates faster than its web version, because most of the required data is stored directly on the secure memory of your computer.
• Amount of features. As desktop programs have a lot of creation process capabilities, their developers can basically implement any new feature. Of course, this can also be accomplished inside of a browser, but a little more limited scheme of web design still does not offer that many opportunities yet.
• Stability. As you may know, it sometimes happens that a server, on which all the website data is held, suffers a glitch or breaks. In this case, web-trading platforms temporarily stop functioning, making users wait for the server to be fixed. This may sometimes be a huge problem, especially if a trader has come up with a short-term strategy that was supposed to be fulfilled in a chosen period of time.

Conclusion

All things considered, if you don’t use your computer or laptop all the time, then going with a web-based trading platform would be a rational choice. If you select this option, you will be able to make trades on the same account via any other device, as well. Unfortunately, you can’t get the most detailed design and interface in a browser, but the amount of information given on the screen is still more than enough to thoroughly analyze market conditions and make well-informed decisions.

Downloading the software is worth it only when you start trading on a professional level, as in this case such factors as the missing data and program responsiveness may really play a considerable role and affect your total income.