Want to invest in stocks? | 9 free stock market apps to help you grasp real-time US stock quotes and Taiwan stock market trends

Introduction

For young investors, choosing the right market analysis software is the first step toward successful trading. As the saying goes, “A craftsman must first sharpen his tools,” to stand firm in the stock market, you need to find a good market analysis tool. Currently, there are many stock apps with different features on the market—some focus on real-time US stock quotes, while others specialize in Taiwan stock analysis. This article summarizes 9 practical market analysis software options, so whether you’re trading US stocks or Taiwan stocks, you can find the most suitable tools.

I. Recommended Real-Time US Stock Quote Apps

1. TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade was founded in 1975 and is one of the oldest online brokerages in the world. After merging with Charles Schwab at the end of 2020, its total assets reached $5 trillion, serving 25 million clients worldwide, making it an important choice for US stock traders.

Platform Features:

• The most comprehensive technical analysis charting tools
• Provides Taiwan-specific customer support
• User-friendly and simple interface
• No account opening capital or deposit restrictions

Things to Know:

• Account opening procedures are relatively complex, application process may take over a month
• Mainly covers the US market, not suitable for global investments
• Does not support fractional share trading

Suitable For: Those who want to experience comprehensive investment software features

Product Types: US stocks, options, futures, bonds, forex, ETFs, funds

Core Advantage: Complete technical analysis functions and an easy-to-use interface, suitable for medium- to long-term holders for in-depth analysis.

2. Interactive Brokers

Founded in 1977, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) currently offers trading in over 30 countries and 130 markets, making it one of the largest online brokerages globally. Its professional-grade trading platform Trader Workstation (TWS) is industry-standard, and it has been rated as a low-cost internet broker by Barron’s for 18 consecutive years.

Platform Features:

• The widest range of tradable financial products
• Partnerships with many global brokerages, ensuring safety and reliability
• No minimum account opening requirement; free fund transfers
• Margin interest rates only 50 bps above the overnight market rate

Things to Know:

• Customer service lines are difficult to reach
• Has minimum commission requirements
• Interface data can be complex, requiring adaptation

Suitable For: Experienced traders wanting to experience the most comprehensive trading software

Product Types: Stocks from multiple countries, options, futures, bonds, forex, ETFs, funds

Core Advantage: Powerful market analysis and trading functions, ideal for experienced investors executing complex strategies.

3. TradingView

TradingView is the most commonly used professional market analysis tool among US stock investors, available in free and paid versions. The free version is quite practical, with main differences in the number of charts and indicators. The platform boasts a large library of technical indicators, including 100 pre-built indicators and over 100,000 community-created indicators, making it friendly for both beginners and advanced traders.

Platform Features:

• Simple and fast user experience
• Extensive library of technical indicators
• Access to data from all major stock markets
• Easy to perform fundamental analysis

Things to Know:

• Full features require a paid subscription
• Free version has limitations

Suitable For: Investors needing professional market analysis functions

Core Advantage: Very professional analysis tools with powerful features and excellent charting experience.

4. Investing.com

Investing.com is one of the world’s top three financial websites, founded by Drow Everlat in 2007. The platform tracks global stock markets, covering over 70 exchanges, and includes bonds, futures, forex, interest rates, options, and over 100,000 prices. Its most well-known feature is the financial market calendar, providing global market information.

Platform Features:

• Coverage of global market data
• Rich informational content
• Chinese interface support
• Ability to create various investment portfolios

Suitable For: Investors wanting to understand global financial market dynamics

Core Advantage: Combines global market information in one place, with timely market updates and push notifications, especially useful for busy professionals to stay informed during fragmented time.

II. Recommended Taiwan Stock Market Analysis Apps

1. Yahoo Finance

Yahoo Finance is the most mainstream stock analysis website, used daily by many investors. Yahoo Stock Market provides global stock quotes, including Taiwan stocks, with broad coverage. Investors can set up personal portfolios to monitor market movements in real-time.

Platform Features:

• “Stock Selection” categorized by ‘Bullish’, ‘Bearish’, ‘Fundamental’, ‘Financials’
• “Price Alert” feature for custom price or percentage change notifications
• Helps investors quickly find ideal stocks
• Avoid missing key opportunities

Suitable For: Investors who want to systematically screen stocks

Core Advantage: Strong stock selection features with well-developed alert mechanisms.

2. San竹 Stock Market

San竹 Information was established in 1991 and is Taiwan’s largest mobile stock analysis app developer. Nearly 50 Taiwanese brokerages collaborate with them to develop software. Although not as popular as Yahoo, it scores well—Google Play ratings are 4.7/5, and Apple App Store ratings are 4.8/5.

Platform Features:

• Cloud synchronization for cross-platform viewing
• Can view stock market data via mobile, tablet, or TV
• User-friendly experience, easy to operate
• Friendly for investors with high convenience needs

Things to Know:

• US stock quotes are delayed by 15 minutes
• Not recommended for real-time US stock quotes

Suitable For: Mobile users who prefer cross-device market analysis

Core Advantage: Excellent multi-device analysis experience with smooth synchronization.

3. Chips K-line

Chips K-line is a market analysis software launched by CMoney, one of the best tools for analyzing stock chips. It displays recent buying and selling behaviors and shareholding changes of individual stocks, including foreign investors, main forces, and retail investors. The platform offers up to 51 chip indicators to help judge market trends and stock movements.

Platform Features:

• Real-time Taiwan stock quotes
• Powerful fundamental data
• 51 chip indicators for comprehensive analysis
• Shows institutional and major shareholder movements

Things to Know:

• Full features require paid unlocking
• Some advanced features may be burdensome for some users

Suitable For: Investors focused on chip analysis

Core Advantage: Industry-leading chip analysis functions, suitable for studying main force movements.

4. Mr. Investment

Mr. Investment is a market analysis app provided by Yuanta Securities, with a simple and easy-to-understand interface. It offers visualized information and comprehensive data sources from China, Hong Kong, and US markets (in cooperation with Tonghuashun).

Platform Features:

• Simple and friendly interface
• Provides visualized data presentation
• Complete info on China, Hong Kong, and US markets
• Very suitable for beginners

Things to Know:

• Free use requires a Yuanta account
• Has certain platform binding restrictions

Suitable For: Yuanta account holders and stock beginners

Core Advantage: Clean, user-friendly interface, quick for beginners to learn.

5. Goodinfo!

Goodinfo! is one of Taiwan’s most well-known stock information websites, offering comprehensive Taiwan stock data, including individual stock news, market trends, technical indicators, and more. It provides many free investment tools such as stock pickers, financial report comparisons, and chip analysis tools, making it easy for users to analyze various stocks.

Platform Features:

• Extensive Taiwan stock information coverage
• Free stock screening tools
• Financial report comparison functions
• Complete chip analysis tools

Things to Know:

• Interface design is somewhat outdated
• Currently only web version, no app

Suitable For: PC users and investors who prefer in-depth analysis

Core Advantage: All-in-one market info with rich free tools.

III. How to Choose the Right Market Analysis Tool

Different apps and websites have their strengths. For investors needing real-time US stock info, Investing.com offers global market data, while TradingView focuses on technical analysis. Taiwan stock investors can choose based on their needs: for stock screening, Yahoo Finance; for chip movements, Chips K-line; for multi-device synchronization, San竹 Stock Market.

Many investors habitually use multiple apps—using a computer to check the latest financial news and key data via Investing.com, then switching to mobile apps for quick trades. This way, they can grasp comprehensive market info and execute trades efficiently.

Beginners are advised to start with simple platforms (like Yahoo Finance or Mr. Investment), then gradually move to professional tools (like TradingView or Chips K-line). Regardless of the tool chosen, consistent learning and practice are key to gaining an edge in the stock market.