E*TRADE Power E*TRADE – Best Advanced Platform for Active Traders
E*TRADE Power E*TRADE is a professional-grade trading platform designed for active stock market and options traders seeking robust tools without the high cost. Developed by Morgan Stanley, it delivers advanced charting, comprehensive options analytics, and real-time streaming market data through a polished web and mobile interface. This review explores why it's a top contender for traders moving beyond basic brokerage apps.
What is E*TRADE Power E*TRADE?
E*TRADE Power E*TRADE is the flagship advanced trading platform offered by Morgan Stanley's E*TRADE. It's engineered specifically for active traders who require more sophistication than a standard brokerage dashboard. Unlike the basic E*TRADE mobile app, Power E*TRADE provides a consolidated workspace with professional tools for technical analysis, complex options strategy evaluation, and lightning-fast order execution. It seamlessly bridges the gap between retail investing and institutional-grade trading software, making high-level analysis accessible to dedicated individual traders.
Key Features of Power E*TRADE
Advanced Interactive Charting
The platform features highly customizable, multi-timeframe charts with over 100 technical studies and drawing tools. Traders can analyze price action, backtest strategies with historical data, and set alerts directly on the charts. The interface allows for side-by-side chart comparisons, crucial for analyzing correlated assets or evaluating options spreads.
Professional Options Analytics & Strategy Lab
This is a standout feature for options traders. The Strategy Lab lets you visualize, analyze, and compare complex multi-leg options strategies (like iron condors, butterflies, and strangles) before placing a trade. It provides detailed analytics including probability of profit, max gain/loss, and breakeven points, helping traders manage risk with precision.
Real-Time Streaming Market Data & News
Power E*TRADE delivers real-time, streaming quotes, time & sales data, and Level II market depth, which is essential for understanding order flow and liquidity. Integrated news feeds from sources like Benzinga and Briefing.com keep traders informed on market-moving events directly within the trading workflow.
Unified Trading Ticket & Hotkeys
Streamline order entry with a unified ticket that pre-populates data from your charts or watchlists. For desktop users, customizable hotkeys enable rapid order submission, cancellation, and flipping of positions—a must-have feature for day traders and scalpers who value speed.
Who Should Use Power E*TRADE?
Power E*TRADE is ideally suited for active retail traders, including day traders, swing traders, and dedicated options strategists. It's perfect for those who have outgrown basic platforms like Robinhood or a standard brokerage app and need deeper analytical capabilities. It's also valuable for traders who focus on technical analysis or employ complex multi-leg options strategies and require a robust, all-in-one platform to manage their entire workflow from research to execution.
Power E*TRADE Pricing and Free Tier
A major advantage of Power E*TRADE is its pricing model. The platform itself is completely free to use for all E*TRADE brokerage account holders. There are no additional subscription or platform fees. Traders only pay the standard E*TRADE commission fees for options contracts ($0.65 per contract, with a $0.65 minimum per trade) and there are no commissions for stock and ETF trades. Access to advanced features like real-time streaming data and options analytics requires no minimum account balance, making professional tools accessible to traders at various levels.
Common Use Cases
- Analyzing and executing complex multi-leg options strategies like iron condors
- Day trading stocks and ETFs with real-time Level II data and hotkey execution
- Swing trading based on advanced technical analysis with 100+ indicators
Key Benefits
- Access institutional-grade trading tools without paying expensive platform fees
- Make informed options trades with visual strategy analysis and probability metrics
- Execute trades faster with a streamlined interface and customizable hotkeys
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fully free advanced platform with no subscription costs
- Superior options trading tools and Strategy Lab for visualization
- Professional-grade charting with extensive technical indicators
- Real-time streaming data and news integrated into the workflow
- Available as both a web platform and a dedicated mobile app
Cons
- The interface has a steeper learning curve compared to basic broker apps
- Requires an E*TRADE brokerage account to access
- Can feel overwhelming for complete beginners or passive investors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E*TRADE Power E*TRADE free to use?
Yes, the Power E*TRADE platform is completely free for all E*TRADE brokerage account holders. There are no monthly subscription or access fees. You only pay standard trade commissions, such as $0.65 per options contract.
Is Power E*TRADE good for day trading stocks?
Absolutely. Power E*TRADE is an excellent platform for day trading, offering real-time streaming quotes, Level II market depth, advanced charting for technical analysis, and customizable hotkeys for rapid order entry and execution—all critical tools for active intraday traders.
How does Power E*TRADE compare to thinkorswim?
Power E*TRADE is E*TRADE's direct competitor to TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim. Both are free, professional-grade platforms. Power E*TRADE is praised for its modern, intuitive interface and exceptional options Strategy Lab, while thinkorswim is known for its extreme customizability and scripting (thinkScript). The best choice often depends on whether you prefer E*TRADE's or TD Ameritrade's underlying brokerage services.
Can I use Power E*TRADE on my phone?
Yes, Power E*TRADE is available as a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android. The mobile app retains core features like advanced charting, options analytics, and streaming quotes, allowing you to monitor and manage trades effectively while on the go.
Conclusion
E*TRADE Power E*TRADE stands out as one of the most powerful yet accessible advanced trading platforms available to retail traders. By offering professional-grade charting, unparalleled options analytics, and real-time data—all without a subscription fee—it delivers exceptional value. While its learning curve may deter casual investors, for active stock and options traders seeking to elevate their strategy and execution, Power E*TRADE is a top-tier choice that competes directly with the best in the industry.