StreetSmart Edge Review
Charles Schwab has a very good desktop platform in StreetSmart Edge®. The software is easy to use and offers some advanced features. Here are the details:
How to Download StreetSmart Edge
StreetSmart Edge is a desktop software. As such, the user must download a file and manually install
the software. The best way to do this is to log into the Schwab website and hover over the Trade tab in the top menu. In the drop-down window, click on the Trading Platforms link. On the next page, there is a green Download Software button for the program.
Once the necessary file is downloaded, it is time to install the software. The file that is downloaded is an .exe file that will install StreetSmart Edge. Double click the .exe file and follow the instructions in the pop-up window to correctly install the trading software.
Operating System Requirements
Unfortunately, the desktop version of StreetSmart Edge is only compatible with computers running Windows 8.1 or later. Schwab recommends Windows 10 or later. A Citrix® application may be required to provide a secure connection to Schwab’s servers during the download process.
StreetSmart Edge in the Cloud
There’s a second version of StreetSmart Edge. This one operates from the cloud, so there’s no need to download and install anything. The downside of this system is that the program doesn’t quite have the same display quality. During our testing of the cloud-based program, it seemed a little slower, too. But the same tools are there.
The cloud version of StreetSmart Edge provides an opportunity for Mac users to use Edge. The program does require the installation of Citrix® in order to run.
To launch the cloud version of Edge, log into the Schwab website and click on the Trading Hub link in the top-right corner. In the drop-down menu, there will be a link for the cloud version of the platform.
StreetSmart Edge Cost
Schwab charges nothing for either version of StreetSmart Edge. Furthermore, there are no longer any account minimums or trading requirements, so even very small traders can gain access to this platform.
Trial of StreetSmart Edge
Unfortunately, there is no way to practice StreetSmart Edge without a Schwab account. However, a brokerage account at Schwab has no fees and no minimums, and one can be opened online in just a few minutes.
The desktop version, but not the cloud version, of StreetSmart Edge has a demo mode. This makes it easy to practice the software without risking real money. The login screen has a check box for “Demo Log In” in the bottom-right corner. The login window may need to be fully expanded in order for this section to display correctly.
Most of the program’s features are available in simulated-trading mode, so practicing in this setup is really beneficial.
Data Subscriptions on StreetSmart Edge
Schwab delivers Level I data for free on StreetSmart Edge. These numbers are the best bid and ask prices available on a security in real time. Market Depth is also displayed on the program at no cost. No actual subscription is required to access any of these prices. They show up on the platform automatically.
Market Depth includes bid and ask prices along with their respective quantities from several market makers, including these centers:
- ARCA
- Nasdaq
- IEX
- EDGX
- PSE
- CHI
- MIAX
Time & sales data for a security are displayed next to Market Depth numbers on the platform’s order ticket. You must be on the Market Depth tab on the order ticket to access either set of information.
Market Depth and time & sales numbers are color coded by price.
StreetSmart Edge Platform Overview
Edge will open with some windows already populated with trading tools. Other widgets won’t automatically be displayed, but they can be launched by going into the tools menu. This will be found by clicking on the Launch Tools link that is found in the upper-right corner of the platform.
There are several nice features in this menu. Clicking on an icon will launch the resource. Ones we found especially useful include CNBC TV, Recognia technical analysis, MarketEdge security analysis, and an ETF screener.
One of the really nice features of Edge is how customizable it is. The settings menu will be found, conveniently enough, under the Settings tab in the top-left menu.
There are two color themes: dark and light. Colors of charts, title bars, and more can be changed. There are over 100 colors available.
Within the settings menu, it’s also possible to change activity sounds. These events include logging in and out, filling or canceling an order, and market open and close. There are around 10 sounds that can be selected for these events. Edge has a play button so you can listen to a sound before selecting it.
Using the settings window, it’s possible to change many other defaults on the platform. These include price increments, order verification, hotkeys, and notifications.
Once you have the layout and defaults you want, it’s possible to save the exact setup to use in the future. To do this, click on the File tab and select “Save as...” from the drop-down menu. A layout can be saved to the computer or to Schwab’s servers.
Learning
Schwab’s website has a section devoted to StreetSmart Edge. This hub hosts all sorts of materials, including release notes, a download link for the latest version, a quick reference guide, and a collection of videos that demonstrate how to use various tools on the platform. Examples we found include:
- Order Types
- All in One Trade Tool
- Options Chains
- Watch List
To locate the StreetSmart Edge center, hover over the Learn tab on the website and select Trader Learning Center in the drop-down menu. On the next page, scroll down to the tile for StreetSmart Edge and click on it. The next page will be the platform hub.
Finding Help
If you get lost on Edge or need help with anything, Schwab has reps who are trained in all the intricacies of the software, and they can be contacted through the platform.
In the top-right corner of Edge, there is a blue chat icon in the shape of a dialogue box. Clicking on this will generate a pop-out chat window where live help can be obtained during market days from 8:00 am, EST, until 6:00 pm.
Next to the chat icon is a message icon. Clicking on this will show recent messages from Schwab, although the widget cannot be used to send a message.
On the left-hand side of the platform is a Help tab. Under here will be found several useful resources for new Edge users. Perhaps of greatest importance is a StreetSmart Edge online manual. Selecting this option will generate a web browser with Edge’s user manual. It is very thorough and has sections on trading, charting, settings, researching, and more.
StreetSmart Central
Besides Edge, Schwab also offers StreetSmart Central. This is a browser platform that functions on both Mac and Windows machines. It has a different interface and different order ticket than Edge, so it creates a unique trading experience. To take Central for a test drive, go back to the Trading Hub link in the top menu and click on the Central link. The platform will generate a new tab within the browsing window.
Updated on 2/7/2025.
Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience
as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing
expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found
managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.
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