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E*Trade Pro Review
While E*Trade is mostly known for its browser-based Power E*Trade platform, the broker also offers E*Trade Pro, its desktop software. It’s a bit harder to access, though. Keep reading to learn how to get it.
How to Download E*TRADE Pro
The first thing you’ll notice when trying to download E*TRADE Pro is that the download link isn’t shown on the broker’s website.
This missing link often confuses traders, but the fix is simple.
E*TRADE keeps its professional trading platform for active investors. To get access, you’ll need to meet some minimum requirements. If your account meets them, you can contact support to request the download link.
Once approved, E*TRADE will email you the download link or place it directly on your account page—or both.
E*TRADE Pro Requirements
The requirements for accessing E*TRADE Pro are simple. However, these details aren’t easy to find on the account page, so here they are.
Investors who make 30 or more trades per quarter can receive the download link.
But there’s one more thing. To trade on the platform, you’ll need live market data. This requires keeping at least $1,000 in your account.
So, make sure you meet both requirements to use E*TRADE Pro.
E*TRADE Pro Cost
Is E*TRADE Pro free? Yes, once you meet the access requirements, E*TRADE Pro costs nothing to use.
E*TRADE Pro Market Data Subscription
You’ll likely need to subscribe to real-time streaming quotes. This data is free for non-professional users.
Go to the
market data subscription page
(log in required) on E*TRADE’s website to make your selections.
You’ll see that NYSE-ARCA data is free, but Nasdaq Total View and NYSE Open Book are paid. You don’t need these two paid options to use E*TRADE Pro, though skipping them limits the amount of Level II data you’ll see.
Layout
E*Trade Pro has three color themes: dark, light, and market trader. You can change them by clicking ‘Themes’ under ‘Settings’ in the top-left menu. Dark is the default. You can move, delete, or add new windows and then save your setup by clicking ‘Layout’ in the same menu and selecting ‘Save Layout.’
In the Layout menu, you’ll also find preset designs like multiple charts or futures trading. During testing, switching between layouts was simple.
Tools Menu
Below the layout and settings menus is the ‘Tools’ menu. Clicking it opens a list of features with icons beside them.
Some tools include Bloomberg TV (free streaming), market movers, watchlists, economic calendar, time & sales, Level II quotes, charting, money transfer, option chains, options tools, futures chains, margin tool, and more.
Bottom Menu
At the bottom of the Pro platform is another menu with layout buttons. These let you switch quickly between different setups. For example, you can make one layout for Bloomberg and charts, and another for news and the economic calendar.
Charting
E*Trade Pro opens with a small chart window. You can resize it, remove it, or expand it to fill your screen for better viewing.
In full-screen mode, you’ll find many tools—about 120 technical studies and 30 drawing tools. You can choose from six chart styles, like Heikin Ashi, colored bar, and mountain. It also displays company events like dividends, splits, and earnings, and lets you compare different stocks or funds.
Trading Options
E*Trade Pro includes an options trading layout by default. Selecting it opens a workspace with advanced tools such as option chains showing Greek values and multi-leg strategies like butterflies, calendar spreads, and condors.
In the ‘Tools’ menu, you’ll find ‘Options Tools,’ a very handy feature that includes profit-loss diagrams. Inside, the ‘Options Analyzer’ tab lets you see a P&L chart for different strategies such as short iron butterfly, long put, or short call. The system builds a profit-loss view for each chosen setup.
How To Submit Order on E*Trade Pro
E*Trade Pro has two order tickets, both found under the ‘Tools’ menu. The first is called ‘Order Entry,’ and the second is under ‘Option Chains.’ The second one is meant for trading options, while the first can handle stocks, ETFs, and options.
Stock and ETF orders include several types like trailing, hidden stop, and market-on-close. More advanced options include one-triggers-all, contingent, bracketed, and one-triggers-OCO. Direct-access routing is available. The default option is AUTO, but you can also choose Nasdaq, ARCA, or NYSE.
For options, you can create your own strategy or use preset ones. Calls and puts support direct routing, though multi-leg strategies do not.
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E*Trade PRO Review Judgment
E*Trade has done a solid job with Pro. Strangely, the broker doesn’t promote it nearly as much as the Power E*Trade platform, which seems like a mistake to us.
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Updated on 10/7/2025.
I work in investment analytics and have been investing in the market since I was in high school. I enjoy anything that involves lots of strategy (i.e. a good game of chess), which is why I was naturally drawn to investing and researching companies. Outside of investing, I’m a big fan of the outdoors. In summer, you’re most likely to find me kayaking, camping, and hiking in the mountains.
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