Byline: Editorial team
Last updated: October 2026
Disclosure: No affiliate links on this page; no payment or value was received from Sierra Chart. This review is documentation-based only and does not include hands-on testing.
TL;DR: Sierra Chart is a Windows-only platform aimed at active futures traders seeking depth tools, ACSIL (C++) customization, and Teton routing. Pricing starts at $26/month (checked 2026-10-03). It’s not a match if you need native macOS or mobile, or options trading via Teton (not supported).
Key facts
– Windows 64-bit only; no native macOS app. Mac users are directed to Crossover/Wine (Sierra Chart download page).
– Packages run $26–$56/month with up to 35% annual prepay discount (checked 2026-10-03) (Packages).
– 21-day trial; Teton order routing cannot be used on a trial (Download page).
– Teton routing lists a 0.00 Sierra Chart per-contract transaction fee; options trading is not supported (Teton page).
– Equities broker support: Interactive Brokers is named by Sierra Chart staff as the only supported equities broker (Support Board).
– License page lists a Sheridan, WY address and no regulator licence numbers (License Agreement).
Risk warning: Trading futures, stocks, and crypto involves substantial risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Leveraged products can magnify losses, and simulated trading does not replicate live-market slippage or fills. Only trade with money you can afford to lose.
Verdict
Sierra Chart is a configurable Windows terminal with advanced studies many DOM-focused futures traders look for (TPO, Numbers Bars, Market Depth Historical Graph, Volume Profile) and published entry pricing from $26/month (checked 2026-10-03). Direct CME/CBOT/NYMEX/COMEX routing via Teton has a stated 0.00 Sierra Chart per-contract transaction fee and does not support options. It is not a fit for traders who require native macOS or mobile, or who must trade options on Teton. For equities, the vendor’s support board names Interactive Brokers as the only supported broker.
Sierra Chart: who it’s for and who should skip it
Sierra Chart targets active futures traders who want advanced charting and depth tools and the ability to connect to CME Group exchanges through Teton routing. The higher packages list TPO Chart Study, Numbers Bars, Numbers Bars Calculated Values, Market Depth Historical Graph, and Volume Profile as advanced features. Developers who prefer C++ can build custom indicators and trading systems with ACSIL; vendor docs list up to 60 visible Subgraphs and up to 128 Inputs for a custom study (ACSIL docs: Advanced Custom Study Interface; ACSIL scInputs).
Skip Sierra Chart if you need a native macOS app or mobile trading. The vendor’s download page lists only 64‑bit Windows and points Mac users to Crossover/Wine. It’s also not a fit if you require options on the Teton route (not supported), or if your workflow depends on a web platform with cloud alerts. For equity trading, a Sierra Chart staff reply names Interactive Brokers as the only supported broker, which may limit choice.
Sierra Chart pricing and plans: from $26/month, with prepay discounts
Sierra Chart publishes five plans. Prices below were checked on 2026‑10‑03 (Packages).
| Plan | Monthly price (USD) | Annual price (USD) | Key limits/features | Date checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Package 3 (Base Standard) | 26.00 | 202.80 | Standard features | 2026‑10‑03 |
| Service Package 5 (Base Advanced) | 36.00 | 280.80 | Adds TPO, Numbers Bars, Numbers Bars Calculated Values, Market Depth Historical Graph, Volume Profile | 2026‑10‑03 |
| Service Package 10 (Integrated Standard) | 36.00 | 280.80 | Integrated Standard | 2026‑10‑03 |
| Service Package 11 (Integrated Advanced) | 46.00 | 358.80 | Integrated Advanced | 2026‑10‑03 |
| Service Package 12 (Integrated Advanced + Market by Order) | 56.00 | 436.80 | Integrated Advanced plus Market by Order (MBO) | 2026‑10‑03 |
Notes:
– Prepay discounts are listed as 3 months 15%, 6 months 25%, and 12 months 35%; “pricing subject to small changes” (Packages).
– New accounts receive a 21‑day trial, but Teton order routing cannot be used on a trial (Download page).
– Refunds: usage time is refunded only in whole 31‑day increments, with a $5 processing fee and minimum thresholds (Purchase Information).
– Support beyond what packages cover is billed at $65/hour (Purchase Information).
– One free trial per computer; repeat registrations are restricted and do not get full access (Registration).
Sierra Chart features: advanced studies, simulated trading, and direct CME routing
The higher packages include advanced charting and market‑depth analysis features: TPO Chart Study; Numbers Bars and Numbers Bars Calculated Values; Market Depth Historical Graph; and Volume Profile (listed as “Advanced” features on the Packages page).
For traders not yet on a live connection, each plan includes:
– Simulated Trading Service: server‑based simulated trading with real‑time or delayed data.
– Delayed Exchange Data Feed: streaming delayed and historical data, with market depth and market‑by‑order.
Customization is a core draw. Through the Advanced Custom Study Interface and Language (ACSIL), custom studies and systems can be written in C++. Vendor docs state a study can have up to 60 visible Subgraphs sharing the same scale and up to 128 Inputs.
Connectivity: Teton Direct Order Routing supports CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX (with EUREX “to be added later,” per the page) and is “offered for free,” meaning no Sierra Chart per‑contract transaction fee. The same page states options trading is “not currently supported” (Teton page). For equities connectivity, a Sierra Chart staff reply names Interactive Brokers as supported (Support Board thread).
Sierra Chart performance and reliability: vendor claims, limited public telemetry
The Teton page attributes a latency figure to the routing design, stating orders are sent “in under 500 microseconds” to the exchange (vendor claim; not independently measured here) (Teton page). The same page does not publish uptime or alert‑delivery statistics.
As a Windows desktop application, performance depends on hardware resources, data throughput, and the complexity and number of studies loaded. The Packages page does not list a fixed limit on how many charts or indicators you can open.
Sierra Chart setup and broker/exchange connection: what the docs show
Operating systems and installation: The download page lists support for 64‑bit Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server (2008–2016 and higher). There is no native macOS build; Mac users are directed to run via Crossover or Wine.
Account creation and trial: New accounts receive a 21‑day trial; Teton order routing cannot be used on a trial. The registration page notes one free trial per computer and restrictions on repeat registrations (registration page).
Futures routing: Teton is documented to support CME/CBOT/NYMEX/COMEX, with EUREX to come later. Sierra Chart lists Teton as “offered for free” (no Sierra Chart per‑contract fee), but clearing‑firm commissions and exchange fees still apply. Options trading is not supported on Teton.
Equities connectivity: A Sierra Chart staff reply on the Support Board says Interactive Brokers is the only supported broker for equity trading (Support Board thread).
High-level connection steps (documentation-based):
– Install Sierra Chart on Windows (or set up Crossover/Wine on Mac per vendor guidance).
– Create an account and confirm trial/licensing (see the vendor’s registration guidance).
– For futures, configure the Teton service in Sierra Chart and link to a supported clearing account; enable exchange data via your broker or data provider as applicable.
– For equities, configure the Interactive Brokers connection per Sierra Chart’s documentation.
Sierra Chart risks and limitations
- Windows‑only: The vendor lists only 64‑bit Windows support and no native macOS build; Mac users must rely on Crossover/Wine.
- Options not supported on Teton Direct Order Routing.
- Trial constraints: Teton cannot be used during the 21‑day trial; one trial per computer with restrictions on repeats.
- Paid support: Issues beyond package coverage are billed at $65/hour (Purchase Information).
- No published uptime/alert metrics on the Teton page.
- No regulator licence numbers on the license page; the address is listed as 30 N. Gould St. Suite #4261, Sheridan, WY 82801, USA.
How Sierra Chart compares
- TradingView offers a web‑native platform and mobile apps, which many traders prefer for cross‑device use. For a head‑to‑head on workflow, scripting, and plan value, see our TradingView vs Sierra Chart comparison (publisher‑owned; no affiliate).
- NinjaTrader’s desktop ecosystem is often chosen for its third‑party add‑ons and brokerage integrations, while Sierra Chart’s docs emphasize its advanced studies and Teton routing. If you require options on your futures route, note Teton’s “not currently supported” status for options.
Costs and extras to budget for
- Data: Packages include a Delayed Exchange Data Feed with streaming delayed and historical data, market depth and market‑by‑order. Real‑time exchange data is typically an additional cost via your broker or data vendor.
- Routing and exchange fees: Teton is “offered for free” from Sierra Chart’s side (no Sierra Chart per‑contract transaction fee), but clearing commissions and exchange fees to your broker/clearing firm still apply.
- Refunds and support: Usage time is refunded only in whole 31‑day increments with a $5 processing fee; support beyond included coverage is billed at $65/hour.
- Affiliate program: No affiliate or referral program terms are published on the vendor homepage.
FAQ
Is Sierra Chart better than TradingView?
It depends on needs. Sierra Chart focuses on Windows desktop trading, advanced studies, and direct CME routing via Teton. TradingView is browser‑based with mobile apps.
How much does Sierra Chart cost per month?
As of 2026‑10‑03, the plans are $26, $36, $36, $46, and $56 per month for Packages 3, 5, 10, 11, and 12, respectively (see the vendor’s Packages page).
Can you use Sierra Chart for free?
There is a 21‑day trial for new accounts, but Teton order routing cannot be used on a trial. One trial per computer; repeat registrations are restricted.
What data feeds and brokers does Sierra Chart support?
Packages include a Delayed Exchange Data Feed. For futures routing, the vendor documents Teton to CME/CBOT/NYMEX/COMEX; for equities, a staff reply names Interactive Brokers as supported.
Is Sierra Chart easy for beginners?
Vendor documentation emphasizes advanced studies and C++ customization (ACSIL). Beginners wanting a web interface or simpler workflows may find the learning curve steep.
Does Sierra Chart support options?
The Teton Direct Order Routing page states options trading is not currently supported.
Related services (publisher disclosure)
- TakeProfit cloud terminal (publisher‑owned; commercial): — a browser‑based workspace with 24/7 cloud alerts and a single $20/month plan with a 30‑day free trial. Indie scripting (Python‑based) is included.
Evidence and sources for this review
This documentation‑based review draws on Sierra Chart’s own pages: Packages (features, pricing), Download (OS support, trial constraints), Teton Direct Order Routing (exchanges, fees note, options status, latency claim), Purchase Information (refunds, support billing), a Support Board thread naming Interactive Brokers for equities, and the License Agreement (address, regulator information). Links are included inline throughout this page.
Methodology & disclosure
Sources are limited to the vendor documents cited above. No hands‑on testing was conducted. This page contains no affiliate links and received no payment from Sierra Chart. We operate publisher‑owned comparison and product pages linked here; those links are labeled next to each mention. We correct factual mistakes promptly upon verification; contact us if you spot an error.
Risk warning (repeat): Trading involves significant risk. Past results do not predict future performance. Leveraged and derivatives products can lead to rapid losses. Consider seeking independent advice if you are unsure.