Quick Answer
Elite Trader Funding supports four primary platforms: Tradovate, Rithmic (RTrader Pro), NinjaTrader, and TradingView. Through Rithmic connectivity, 12+ additional platforms are supported, including Quantower, Sierra Chart, ATAS, Bookmap, MotiveWave, and EdgeProX. MT4 and MT5 are not supported. TradingView connects through Tradovate (not Rithmic) and does not support rolling tickers like NQ1! or NQ2!. Non-professional data feeds are included in all evaluation plans at no extra cost. Professional data feeds cost $128 per exchange.
Platform setup tested firsthand: Elite Trader Funding supports Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, TradingView, and 12+ additional Rithmic-compatible platforms. The setup guides and platform comparisons here are based on documented connection procedures and real trader feedback—not just marketing material.
If you're deciding which platform to use with Elite Trader Funding—or troubleshooting connection issues and data feed setup—my full platform compatibility guide covers what works, what doesn't, and which setups give the smoothest execution. For the full picture, read my complete Elite Trader Funding review. For the absolute latest, check Elite Trader Funding's website or their help center.
A trading platform at Elite Trader Funding is the software application you use to place orders, view charts, manage positions, and monitor your evaluation or funded account in real time. The platform you choose determines your charting capabilities, order execution speed, available tools, and overall trading workflow.
As of April 2026, Elite Trader Funding supports two primary data feed connections — Tradovate and Rithmic — which together provide access to over 15 different trading platforms. This is one of the widest platform selections in the funded futures industry, but it comes with specific compatibility rules, data feed limitations, and setup requirements that differ by platform.
This guide covers every supported platform, the data feed infrastructure behind them, platform-specific limitations, mobile trading options, and a comparison table to help you choose the right setup for your trading style.
What Are the Primary Supported Platforms?
Elite Trader Funding directly supports four platforms that cover the needs of the vast majority of futures traders.
Tradovate
Tradovate is a browser-based and desktop futures trading platform that serves as one of Elite Trader Funding's two primary data feed providers. When you select Tradovate as your connection type during account setup, your account credentials work directly with the Tradovate platform.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Direct (Tradovate data feed) |
| Platform Access | Web browser, Desktop (Windows/Mac), Mobile (iOS/Android) |
| Charting | Built-in charting with indicators |
| Order Types | Market, Limit, Stop, OCO, Bracket |
| Data Feed | Non-pro included free; Pro $128/exchange |
| Cost | Free with Elite Trader Funding account |
| Mobile Trading | Yes — iOS and Android apps |
Tradovate is the most accessible option for beginners. The web-based interface means no software installation is required, and the mobile apps allow you to manage positions on the go. The charting package is functional but not as advanced as dedicated charting platforms.
Rithmic (RTrader Pro)
Rithmic is Elite Trader Funding's second primary data feed provider. RTrader Pro is Rithmic's proprietary trading platform, included at no cost when you select a Rithmic connection.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Direct (Rithmic data feed) |
| Platform Access | Desktop (Windows only) |
| Charting | Basic charting with essential indicators |
| Order Types | Market, Limit, Stop, OCO, Bracket |
| Data Feed | Non-pro included free; Pro $128/exchange |
| Cost | Free with Rithmic connection |
| Mobile Trading | No native mobile app |
RTrader Pro is known for fast order execution and low-latency data feeds. It is the preferred choice for scalpers and high-frequency traders who prioritize execution speed over charting aesthetics. The trade-off is a dated interface with limited charting capabilities compared to modern platforms.
NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader connects to Elite Trader Funding accounts through either a Tradovate or Rithmic data feed connection. It is not a standalone data feed — it requires one of the two primary connections to function.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Via Tradovate or Rithmic |
| Platform Access | Desktop (Windows only) |
| Charting | Advanced — custom indicators, strategy builder, Market Analyzer |
| Order Types | Market, Limit, Stop, OCO, Bracket, ATM strategies |
| Data Feed | Through Tradovate or Rithmic (same pricing) |
| Cost | Free version available; paid tiers for advanced features |
| Mobile Trading | No |
NinjaTrader is the most feature-rich platform option for Elite Trader Funding accounts. The charting package supports custom indicators, automated strategy backtesting, Market Analyzer for multi-instrument scanning, and advanced order management with ATM (Advanced Trade Management) strategies.
The limitation is that NinjaTrader is Windows-only. Mac users can run it through virtualization (Parallels, VMware) or a cloud VPS, but there is no native Mac version.
TradingView
TradingView connects to Elite Trader Funding accounts through the Tradovate data feed. This is a critical detail — TradingView does not connect through Rithmic. If you selected Rithmic as your data feed when setting up your account, you cannot use TradingView.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Via Tradovate only |
| Platform Access | Web browser, Desktop (Windows/Mac/Linux), Mobile (iOS/Android) |
| Charting | Best-in-class — 100+ indicators, community scripts, multi-timeframe |
| Order Types | Market, Limit, Stop, Bracket |
| Data Feed | Through Tradovate |
| Cost | Free plan available; paid plans for more indicators and features |
| Mobile Trading | Yes — iOS and Android apps |
TradingView is arguably the most popular charting platform in the retail trading community. Its chart quality, indicator library, and multi-device support are unmatched. For traders who prioritize visual analysis and chart readability, TradingView is the top choice.
Critical limitation: TradingView does not support rolling continuous contract tickers. Symbols like NQ1!, NQ2!, ES1!, and similar rolling tickers cannot be used for order execution through Elite Trader Funding's Tradovate connection. You must use the specific contract month symbol (e.g., NQM6, ESM6) to place trades. This catches many traders off guard when they try to trade from charts using rolling tickers.
What Additional Platforms Are Supported Through Rithmic?
Rithmic's open API allows over a dozen third-party platforms to connect to Elite Trader Funding accounts. These platforms are not officially endorsed by Elite Trader Funding in all cases, but they are technically compatible through the Rithmic data feed.
Rithmic-Compatible Platforms
| Platform | Primary Use | OS Support | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantower | Multi-asset trading | Windows | DOM trading, volume analysis, multi-broker |
| Sierra Chart | Advanced charting | Windows | Spreadsheet-based customization, depth of market |
| ATAS (Order Flow) | Order flow analysis | Windows | Footprint charts, cluster analysis, volume profiling |
| Bookmap | Order flow visualization | Windows/Mac | Heatmap visualization, liquidity analysis |
| MotiveWave | Technical analysis | Windows/Mac/Linux | Elliott Wave tools, Gann analysis, Java-based |
| EdgeProX | DOM trading | Windows | Focused order execution, minimal charting |
| Jigsaw Daytradr | Order flow | Windows | Auction market tools, reconstructed tape |
| MultiCharts | Strategy automation | Windows | EasyLanguage scripting, automated execution |
| Volfix | Volume analysis | Windows | Cluster charts, volume profiling tools |
| MarketDelta | Footprint charting | Windows | Footprint charts, delta analysis |
| Trade Navigator | Charting and analysis | Windows | EOD analysis, long-term charting |
| RTrader | Execution-focused | Windows | Rithmic's lightweight execution client |
These platforms require a Rithmic data feed connection. If your Elite Trader Funding account is set up with Tradovate, these platforms will not work. The data feed connection type is selected during account creation and cannot be changed after the fact — you would need to open a new account to switch.
Platform Setup Process for Rithmic-Connected Platforms
Setting up a third-party platform with Rithmic requires your Rithmic credentials from Elite Trader Funding:
- Receive your Rithmic account credentials from Elite Trader Funding (username, password, server)
- Open your chosen platform and navigate to the connection settings
- Select Rithmic as the data feed provider
- Enter the server address, username, and password
- Select the correct Rithmic environment (paper trading for evaluation, live for funded)
- Verify the data feed connects and market data appears
The exact steps vary by platform, but the credential entry process is similar across all Rithmic-compatible software. Elite Trader Funding's help center provides specific guides for the most popular platforms.
What Platforms Are NOT Supported?
Two major platform categories are explicitly unsupported.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) — Not Supported
MT4 is a forex and CFD trading platform that does not connect to CME futures markets through standard configurations. Elite Trader Funding is a futures-only prop firm, and MT4 does not have native futures support through either Tradovate or Rithmic.
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) — Not Supported
MT5, while more advanced than MT4, is primarily designed for forex and CFD markets. Although MT5 technically supports futures, it does not connect to Elite Trader Funding's Tradovate or Rithmic data feeds. There is no workaround or bridge application that enables this connection.
Traders coming from forex who are accustomed to MetaTrader will need to learn a new platform. Tradovate's web interface is the smoothest transition path, as it shares some visual similarities with MetaTrader's layout.
How Do Data Feeds Work at Elite Trader Funding?
The data feed is the real-time market data stream that powers your charts, order book, and price quotes. Elite Trader Funding provides data feeds through two providers: Tradovate and Rithmic.
Non-Professional vs. Professional Data
| Data Type | Cost | CME Exchange Fee | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Professional | Included free | $0 | Individual traders not using data for business purposes |
| Professional | $128/exchange | $128/exchange/month | Institutional traders, registered advisors, business use |
Most retail traders qualify for non-professional data, which is included at no additional cost in all evaluation and funded account subscriptions. The non-professional designation applies to individual traders who are not registered investment advisors, do not trade on behalf of clients, and do not use the data for commercial purposes.
Professional data at $128 per exchange per month is required for traders who do not meet the non-professional criteria. CME Group (which operates the exchanges for ES, NQ, CL, GC, and other major futures contracts) requires this self-declaration, and Elite Trader Funding passes the cost through.
Data Feed Quality Comparison
| Feature | Tradovate | Rithmic |
|---|---|---|
| Latency | Low (cloud-based) | Very low (dedicated infrastructure) |
| Tick Data | Aggregated | Full tick-by-tick |
| Historical Data | Limited backfill | Extensive backfill through platform |
| Market Depth | Level 2 available | Full depth of market |
| Reliability | High — rare outages | High — occasional maintenance windows |
Rithmic is generally considered the superior data feed for execution speed and data granularity. Tradovate is easier to set up and more accessible, especially for traders who want browser-based access or TradingView integration.
Rithmic Maintenance Windows
Rithmic has scheduled maintenance periods that affect connectivity:
| Maintenance | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Weekend maintenance | Saturday after market close through Sunday |
| Weekday maintenance | Daily, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM CST |
During weekday maintenance (4:00-5:00 PM CST), Rithmic connections may drop, data feeds may freeze, and orders may not execute. This window falls during the final hour of the regular trading session, which is one of the most active periods for futures traders. Plan accordingly if you trade Rithmic-connected platforms during this window.
Tradovate does not have a publicized daily maintenance window, though brief outages can occur during rollover periods and server updates.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
The best platform depends on your trading style, operating system, and feature priorities. Here is a decision framework.
Full Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | Data Feed | OS | Mobile | Charting Quality | Order Execution | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradovate | Tradovate | Win/Mac/Web | Yes | Good | Good | Beginners, mobile traders |
| RTrader Pro | Rithmic | Windows | No | Basic | Excellent | Scalpers, speed-focused |
| NinjaTrader | Both | Windows | No | Excellent | Excellent | Advanced analysis, automation |
| TradingView | Tradovate | Win/Mac/Linux/Web | Yes | Best | Good | Chart-focused, multi-device |
| Quantower | Rithmic | Windows | No | Very Good | Very Good | Multi-asset, DOM traders |
| Sierra Chart | Rithmic | Windows | No | Excellent | Excellent | Custom analysis, power users |
| ATAS | Rithmic | Windows | No | Specialized | Good | Order flow traders |
| Bookmap | Rithmic | Win/Mac | No | Specialized | Good | Liquidity visualization |
| MotiveWave | Rithmic | Win/Mac/Linux | No | Excellent | Good | Elliott Wave, Gann |
| EdgeProX | Rithmic | Windows | No | Minimal | Excellent | Pure execution, DOM |
By Trading Style
Scalpers (sub-1-minute trades): RTrader Pro or EdgeProX through Rithmic. Execution speed is the priority, and Rithmic's low-latency infrastructure gives a measurable edge on fills.
Day traders (5-minute to 1-hour holds): NinjaTrader through Rithmic or TradingView through Tradovate. Both offer strong charting with reliable execution. Choose NinjaTrader for ATM strategies and automated trade management. Choose TradingView for chart quality and multi-device access.
Swing traders (multi-day holds, where allowed): TradingView through Tradovate. The multi-timeframe analysis, alert system, and mobile monitoring make it ideal for trades that develop over hours or days.
Order flow traders: ATAS or Bookmap through Rithmic. These specialized platforms provide footprint charts, volume profiling, and order flow visualization that standard platforms cannot match.
By Operating System
| OS | Best Options |
|---|---|
| Windows | All platforms supported |
| Mac | Tradovate (native), TradingView (web/native), Bookmap, MotiveWave |
| Linux | TradingView (web), MotiveWave (Java-based) |
| iOS/Android | Tradovate mobile, TradingView mobile |
Mac and Linux users have limited options. Tradovate and TradingView are the most accessible cross-platform choices. NinjaTrader, Sierra Chart, Quantower, and most Rithmic-connected platforms require Windows or a virtual machine.
How to Set Up TradingView With Elite Trader Funding
TradingView setup requires extra attention due to the rolling ticker limitation. Here is the correct process.
Step-by-Step TradingView Setup
- Ensure your Elite Trader Funding account uses a Tradovate data feed (not Rithmic)
- Log in to TradingView and navigate to the Trading Panel
- Connect your Tradovate account through TradingView's broker integration
- Enter your Tradovate credentials when prompted
- Use specific contract symbols (NQM6, ESM6) — NOT rolling tickers (NQ1!, ES1!)
- Verify orders route correctly with a small test position
Rolling Ticker Warning
TradingView's rolling continuous contract tickers (NQ1!, NQ2!, ES1!, ES2!) are chart-only instruments. They aggregate data across contract months for charting purposes but do not correspond to a tradeable instrument on Tradovate. If you place an order from a chart using NQ1!, the order will fail or may route to an unintended contract.
Always switch to the specific contract month before placing trades. The current front-month contract is displayed in your Tradovate account's instrument list.
What Does Each Platform Cost?
Most platforms are either free or have free tiers that are sufficient for basic trading. Here is the cost breakdown.
Platform Pricing Summary
| Platform | Free Version | Paid Version | Required for ELT? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tradovate | Yes (included) | Optional premium features | No additional cost |
| RTrader Pro | Yes (included with Rithmic) | N/A | No additional cost |
| NinjaTrader | Yes (free tier) | $99/mo or $1,099 lifetime | Free tier sufficient |
| TradingView | Yes (Basic plan) | $14.95-$59.95/mo | Free plan works |
| Quantower | Yes (basic) | $40-$90/mo for advanced | Free tier available |
| Sierra Chart | $26/mo (includes data) | $36/mo with Denali data | Paid only |
| ATAS | $69/mo | $69/mo | Paid only |
| Bookmap | Free (digital) | $39-$79/mo | Free tier available |
| MotiveWave | Free trial | $99-$499 one-time | Paid for full features |
| EdgeProX | Free | N/A | No cost |
The most cost-effective setups are Tradovate (free), TradingView free tier + Tradovate connection, or RTrader Pro (free with Rithmic). NinjaTrader's free tier provides enough functionality for most traders. Paid platforms like Sierra Chart and ATAS are for traders who need specialized order flow or custom analysis tools and are willing to pay for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What platforms does Elite Trader Funding support?
The four primary platforms are Tradovate, Rithmic (RTrader Pro), NinjaTrader, and TradingView. Through Rithmic, 12+ additional platforms are supported including Quantower, Sierra Chart, ATAS, Bookmap, MotiveWave, and EdgeProX.
2. Can I use MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5?
No. MT4 and MT5 are not supported. Elite Trader Funding is a futures-only firm, and MetaTrader does not connect to their Tradovate or Rithmic data feeds.
3. Does TradingView work with Elite Trader Funding?
Yes, but only through a Tradovate data feed connection. TradingView does not connect through Rithmic. You must use specific contract symbols (NQM6, ESM6), not rolling tickers (NQ1!, ES1!).
4. Is the data feed included for free?
Non-professional data feeds are included at no extra cost in all evaluation and funded account plans. Professional data costs $128 per exchange per month.
5. Can I switch platforms after starting my evaluation?
You can switch platforms at any time as long as the new platform is compatible with your data feed type (Tradovate or Rithmic). You cannot switch the data feed type without creating a new account.
6. Which platform has the fastest execution?
Rithmic-connected platforms generally offer the fastest execution due to Rithmic's low-latency infrastructure. RTrader Pro and EdgeProX are the most execution-focused options.
7. Can I trade on my phone?
Yes, through Tradovate's mobile app (iOS/Android) or TradingView's mobile app (via Tradovate connection). Rithmic-only platforms do not have native mobile apps.
8. What is the Rithmic maintenance window?
Rithmic has a daily maintenance window from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM CST on weekdays. Connections may drop and orders may not execute during this period. Weekend maintenance runs from Saturday after close through Sunday.
9. Do I need to pay for NinjaTrader to use it with Elite Trader Funding?
No. NinjaTrader's free tier provides sufficient functionality for evaluation and funded account trading. Paid tiers ($99/month or $1,099 lifetime) add advanced features like automated strategy execution.
10. Which platform is best for beginners?
Tradovate is the most beginner-friendly platform due to its browser-based interface, included mobile app, and no additional cost. TradingView is a close second for charting quality and ease of use, though it requires a Tradovate connection setup.
