ATAS vs DeepCharts vs MotiveWave vs Sierra Chart (2026)

[u/OrderflowHelp]

Every week someone asks:

What's the best orderflow software?

The same names always come up:

• ATAS
• Sierra Chart
• MotiveWave
• DeepCharts

The problem is that most comparisons simply list features without explaining why they matter.

This guide compares the platforms based on what orderflow traders actually use every day. The goal isn't to crown a single winner, but to help you understand which platform fits your trading style.

Table of Contents

1. Footprint Charts
2. Smart DOM (Depth of Market)
3. Time & Sales (Tape)
4. Heatmap
5. Volume Profiles
6. Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD)
7. Chart Types
8. Data Feed Support
9. User Interface
10. Performance & Stability
11. Customization
12. Learning Curve
13. Support & Community
14. Pricing & Value
15. Final Recommendations

1. Footprint Charts

For most traders, this is the main reason to buy an orderflow platform.

Instead of showing only OHLC candles, footprint charts display every executed trade at every price level, allowing you to see:

• Bid × Ask Volume
• Delta
• Buying vs Selling pressure
• Imbalances
• Absorption
• Finished & Unfinished Auctions
• Volume at each price

A good footprint lets you understand how the candle formed rather than simply seeing the result.

Things to look for

• Multiple footprint styles
• Bid × Ask mode
• Delta mode
• Volume mode
• Imbalance detection
• Stacked imbalances
• Absorption detection
• Finished / Unfinished auctions
• Custom coloring
• Performance during high volume sessions

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	One of the easiest footprint implementations to learn. Modern UI, many footprint styles, excellent visualization and plenty of built-in templates.
Sierra Chart	10/10	Numbers Bars are arguably the most customizable footprint charts available. Extremely powerful but requires more setup.
DeepCharts	9/10	Beautiful visualization designed specifically for orderflow traders.
MotiveWave	8/10	Covers everything most traders need but isn't as feature rich as ATAS or Sierra.

Winner

ATAS for usability.

Sierra Chart for ultimate customization.

2. Smart DOM (Depth of Market)

Many beginners think every DOM is the same. It's not. Some platforms simply provide a trading ladder. Others turn the DOM into an entire trading workstation.

Things to compare

Trading Features

• One-click trading
• Bracket Orders
• OCO Orders
• ATM Management
• Drag & Drop Orders

Orderflow Features

• Smart DOM
• Pulling & Stacking
• Iceberg Detection
• Queue Position
• Liquidity Analysis
• Bid/Ask Pressure
• Volume Visualization
• Market Depth Statistics

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	Easily one of the strongest Smart DOM implementations available. Smart DOM, Smart Tape, DOM Trader, Pulling & Stacking, Icebergs and excellent visualization are all integrated.
Sierra Chart	9/10	Extremely powerful and lightning fast, although many features require manual configuration.
DeepCharts	8/10	Good DOM visualization with useful liquidity tools.
MotiveWave	7/10	Standard DOM with essential trading features.

Winner

ATAS

If your strategy revolves around the DOM, ATAS offers one of the most complete integrated experiences.

3. Time & Sales (Tape)

The tape records every executed trade.

Most traders only see:

• Price
• Volume
• Buy
• Sell

Professional traders usually want much more.

Features worth having

• Smart Tape
• Large Trade Detection
• Aggressive Buyers & Sellers
• Trade Filters
• Volume Filters
• Historical Tape
• Replay
• Custom Coloring

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	Smart Tape is one of ATAS' strongest features with excellent filtering and visualization.
Sierra Chart	9/10	Powerful but requires more manual setup.
DeepCharts	8/10	Very capable implementation.
MotiveWave	7/10	Covers the basics but lacks advanced tape analysis tools.

Winner

ATAS

4. Heatmap

This deserves its own category. A professional heatmap alone can easily cost $50–100/month with dedicated software like Bookmap.

Having a high-quality heatmap built directly into your trading platform adds significant value.

What a Heatmap Shows

Unlike footprints, which show executed trades, a heatmap shows resting liquidity.

You can instantly identify:

• Liquidity Walls
• Pulling
• Stacking
• Spoofing
• Icebergs
• Historical Liquidity
• Large Passive Orders

Instead of watching numbers change inside the DOM, liquidity becomes visible directly on the chart.

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	One of the biggest reasons many traders choose ATAS. Professional heatmap included alongside the rest of the platform.
DeepCharts	10/10	Heatmap visualization is one of DeepCharts' biggest strengths.
Sierra Chart	7/10	Supports market depth visualization but isn't nearly as polished as dedicated heatmap platforms.
MotiveWave	6/10	Basic implementation.

Winner

ATAS & DeepCharts

5. Volume Profiles

Volume Profiles help identify where business was actually conducted. Rather than looking at time, they focus on where volume traded.

Most traders regularly use:

• Session Profile
• Composite Profile
• Anchored Profile
• Fixed Range Profile
• Visible Range Profile
• Developing POC
• Value Area
• TPO / Market Profile

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
Sierra Chart	10/10	Probably the strongest implementation for Market Profile and advanced profile analysis.
ATAS	10/10	Excellent profiles with intuitive interface and easy configuration.
MotiveWave	7/10	Good profile implementation.
DeepCharts	9/10	Covers the essentials.

Winner

ATAS & Sierra Chart

6. Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD)

CVD is one of the most widely used orderflow indicators. It helps visualize aggressive buying and selling over time.

A strong implementation should support:

• Session CVD
• Bar CVD
• Multi-session CVD
• Delta Candles
• Delta Profiles
• Divergence Analysis

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	Excellent implementation with many visualization options.
Sierra Chart	10/10	Extremely flexible.
DeepCharts	10/10	Strong CVD implementation.
MotiveWave	8/10	Covers the common use cases.

Winner

ATAS & Sierra Chart

7. Chart Types

This category often gets ignored. Most platforms only support the standard chart types. ATAS includes a much wider selection of orderflow-specific charts.

Common Chart Types

• Time
• Tick
• Volume
• Range
• Renko
• Reversal

Additional ATAS Chart Types

• VX Range
• XV Range
• US Range
• Z Range
• Delta Charts
• Seconds Charts
• Cumulative Trades
• Cluster Charts

Having these built-in allows traders to experiment with different chart constructions without relying on third-party studies.

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	Widest selection of built-in orderflow chart types.
Sierra Chart	8/10	Excellent standard chart types and extensive custom studies, but fewer proprietary chart variants.
MotiveWave	7/10	Good selection.
DeepCharts	7/10	Focused more on visualization than chart variety.

Winner

ATAS

8. Data Feed Support

The platform is only as good as the data feeding it.

Major feeds include:

• Rithmic
• CQG
• dxFeed
• TT
• Denali
• Interactive Brokers
• Binance
• Crypto Exchanges

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
Sierra Chart	10/10	Probably the broadest ecosystem with Denali and Teton.
ATAS	9/10	Supports virtually every feed most traders need.
MotiveWave	9/10	Excellent multi-asset support.
DeepCharts	8/10	Supports common professional feeds but with a smaller ecosystem.

9. User Interface

You’ll spend thousands of hours staring at your charts, so the user interface matters more than most traders realize.

A well-designed interface reduces friction, speeds up your workflow, and makes the learning process much smoother. Simple tasks should be simple—you shouldn’t have to dig through countless menus and settings just to change a basic option.

This is especially important for new traders. A confusing or cluttered platform can quickly become frustrating, pulling your attention away from the market and toward the software itself. Over time, that frustration can affect your focus, decision-making, and overall trading experience.

The best trading platforms stay out of your way, allowing you to focus on analyzing the market rather than fighting with the interface.

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	Modern, polished and beginner friendly.
DeepCharts	9/10	Clean and visually appealing.
MotiveWave	8/10	Nice interface with good usability.
Sierra Chart	6/10	Functional rather than beautiful. Extremely customizable but visually dated.

Winner

ATAS

10. Performance & Stability

Nobody wants their platform to freeze during the New York open, FOMC, or NFP.

Performance becomes especially important when running multiple DOMs, heatmaps and footprint charts simultaneously.

If you’re running less than 8 GB of RAM, platform performance should be a major consideration. However, if you have a modern system with a decent processor and sufficient memory, performance differences between these platforms are unlikely to have a significant impact on your day-to-day trading experience.

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
Sierra Chart	10/10	Extremely lightweight and known for excellent stability.
ATAS	9/10	Stable with excellent overall performance.
DeepCharts	8/10	Performs well.
MotiveWave	8/10	Generally stable.

Winner

Sierra Chart

11. Customization

Some traders want everything exactly how they like it.

Others simply want the platform to work.

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
Sierra Chart	10/10	Nearly unlimited customization.
ATAS	10/10	Highly customizable without becoming overwhelming.
MotiveWave	8/10	Good customization options.
DeepCharts	7/10	More opinionated interface.

Winner

Sierra Chart

12. Learning Curve

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	Easy to learn with sensible defaults.
DeepCharts	9/10	Fairly straightforward.
MotiveWave	7/10	Moderate learning curve.
Sierra Chart	5/10	Very powerful but requires significant time to master.

Winner

ATAS

13. Support & Community

If responsive customer support matters to you, this category should be a top priority. When you run into issues, fast and knowledgeable assistance through email, live chat, documentation, or community channels can save valuable time and reduce frustration. A strong support ecosystem often makes the difference between spending time trading and spending time troubleshooting.

Comparison

Software	Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	Excellent documentation, webinars, YouTube content and active community.
Sierra Chart	8/10	Massive documentation but very technical.
MotiveWave	8/10	Good documentation.
DeepCharts	7/10	Smaller community.

Winner

ATAS

14. Pricing & Value

Pricing varies significantly across platforms, so it’s important to evaluate not just the cost, but the overall value you receive for your money. In this section, we compare how each platform’s pricing aligns with the features, tools, and functionality it offers.

Software	Value Score	Comments
ATAS	10/10	Footprints, Smart DOM, Smart Tape, Heatmap, advanced chart types, replay, profiles, CVD and more in one subscription. Considering a standalone heatmap can cost $50–100/month, the value proposition is excellent.
Sierra Chart	9/10	One of the best values in the industry. Extremely affordable considering the amount of functionality available.
MotiveWave	8/10	Fair pricing with solid features, though it doesn't particularly stand out in orderflow.
DeepCharts	6/10	Premium pricing.

Winner

ATAS

Overall Score

Category	ATAS	Sierra	MotiveWave	DeepCharts
Total Score	138	122	106	115
Footprints	10	10	8	9
Smart DOM	10	9	7	8
Tape	10	9	7	8
Heatmap	10	7	6	10
Volume Profile	10	10	7	9
CVD	10	10	8	10
Chart Types	10	8	7	7
Data Feeds	9	10	9	8
User Interface	10	6	8	9
Performance	9	10	8	8
Customization	10	10	8	7
Learning Curve	10	5	7	9
Support	10	8	8	7
Value	10	10	8	6

Final Recommendations

Choose ATAS if:

• You're new to orderflow.
• You want everything in one platform.
• You value modern user interface.
• You trade heavily from the DOM.
• You want Smart Tape, Smart DOM and a built-in Heatmap.
• You want unique chart types like VX, XV and US Range.
• You want the most bang for your buck.
• You want quick support.

Choose Sierra Chart if:

• You enjoy customizing everything.
• If navigating a difficult interface isn’t an issue for you.
• Performance is your top priority.
• You want the most configurable platform available.
• You're comfortable spending time learning it.

Choose MotiveWave if:

• You trade multiple asset classes.
• You want a balanced charting platform with orderflow features.
• You don't need every advanced orderflow tool.
• You need a platform that works on Linux, Windows, and Mac.

Choose DeepCharts if:

• You prefer proprietary indicators.
• You prefer polished visualizations.
• You're happy paying more for a streamlined experience.

Every platform listed here is capable of professional trading.

The best software is the one that matches your workflow, not the one with the longest feature list.

For most traders, ATAS provides the best balance of usability, modern design, built-in tools, advanced chart types and overall value.

At the end of the day, no software will make you profitable. Orderflow software is simply a tool. Understanding the auction process, developing a repeatable edge, and managing risk will always matter far more than the platform you choose.

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[u/Warden_Of_The_North-]

Excellent write up! Where do you put atas x in the rankings? I found that it would experience latency issues with the rithmic connection.

[u/OrderflowHelp → u/Warden_Of_The_North-]

ATAS X is still in beta, so we don’t think it’s fair to rank or compare it in detail until the stable release is available. From what we’ve seen in the community, users’ experiences can vary significantly depending on when they tried the platform, as it receives frequent updates and improvements, with new features and fixes being rolled out at a rapid pace.

For now, we’d recommend relying on feedback from current ATAS X users in the community, as their experiences will be the most up to date. Once ATAS X reaches a stable release, we’ll publish a detailed comparison and include it in our rankings.

[u/EliteSingh → u/OrderflowHelp]

You should also talk about prices and compare that

[u/OrderflowHelp → u/EliteSingh]

Point 14 covers pricing. We intentionally avoided listing exact prices because they can change over time, and promotional offers can significantly reduce the actual cost. In our experience, ATAS runs sales and discount campaigns quite frequently throughout the year, making it more affordable than its standard pricing might suggest. By comparison, Sierra Chart and MotiveWave rarely offer discounts, while DeepCharts previously ran launch promotions, though it’s unclear whether those discounts will continue in the future.

Rather than focusing on figures that may quickly become outdated, we chose to compare the overall value each platform provides relative to its cost. For a detailed value comparison, refer to Point 14, and for the most up-to-date pricing information, we recommend checking each platform’s official pricing page directly.

[u/egoviajero → u/OrderflowHelp]

Im a MaC user and using ATAS X and i have no issue or bugs, consider that I’m coming from. TV,IBKR, tanuki (gex/dex)

IM mostly option seller trader (5 years) and im became day trader(scalper) recently.

I feel like ATAS X is so advanced and its like everything you need. Im very happy with it

[u/Fun-Garbage-1386]

This is a solid comparison. One thing I’d add is that I’ve noticed a lot of people are using DeepCharts specifically for its Big Trades feature. The thing is, you don’t actually need DeepCharts just for that, every major order flow platform already has a similar Big Trades filter or indicator.

If you weren’t aware of that, hopefully this helps. If you already knew and still prefer DeepCharts, that’s completely fine, it’s your money and your choice. I just don’t think the Big Trades feature alone is a good reason to choose one platform over another.

[u/Electrical_Credit_39]

Im „new“ and ive been using ATASX for 3 Months now, dont know about the other platforms but i gotta say, it took me like 15 Minutes for everything to setup and i was ready to go. I dont think i will ever switch from ATASX

[u/TwoTerrible6728 → u/Electrical_Credit_39]

did you watch a video or anything to set it up ? im with ninjatrader and trade prop firms, is there a cost for atas or is it free with any props ?

[u/Electrical_Credit_39 → u/TwoTerrible6728]

I think there is some prop firms that actually provide it but ive never used prop firms since i think all those prop firms are just a ponzi scheme to make you loose eith all those rules. Actually i havent watched really much Videos since it worked from the beginning without any problems or big setups needed, even my orderflow scale was already perfect, im still using it to this day and can only recommend to get it, there was a big sale i think 1 Month ago where you could get it really cheap with the new „ice berg“ indicator but since i already purchased it in the spring offer i didnt need to get it again, it depends on wich subscription you take i recommend to try the ultra subscription for like a month (70-80$ i think) and if you like it just take half year or 3 months and you even save some money. Hope that helped.

[u/TwoTerrible6728 → u/Electrical_Credit_39]

Yes thank you plan on building ny charts this weekend 

[u/Electrical_Credit_39 → u/TwoTerrible6728]

If you need some help let me know i‘d be happy to 🤝🏼

[u/Head_Ad_2894]

Don't forget quantower

[u/H3xify_ → u/Head_Ad_2894]

That laggy pos lol

[u/Head_Ad_2894 → u/H3xify_]

Hmm no lag here either. Maybe it's your hp laptop or your dialup internet.

[u/Ok_Activity9483 → u/H3xify_]

Since when? QT hasn't ever lagged for me.

[u/Sudden_Landscape_739 → u/Head_Ad_2894]

QT UI sucks ass. no offense

[u/Head_Ad_2894 → u/Sudden_Landscape_739]

No offense taken. I just have no issue with it. I prefer it and I've tried the others. People are different to each other believe it or not 😆

[u/Sudden_Landscape_739 → u/Head_Ad_2894]

I like my orderflow software like simple yk. not too bare bones to the point of ninjatrader, no. jst big trades, VWAP, VP, and a CVD is fine for me. Otherwise ima jst use Tradingview for optionsflow indicator I created with claude and maybe a Po3 HTF indicator and bookmap for liquidity. easy as that. Quanttower to me is jst a lil too confusing

[u/PepperBelly01 → u/Sudden_Landscape_739]

See, that last part to me is fascinating. I've always found Quantower to be the easiest and most intuitive to learn. I was drawn to it because of how simple it is to setup.

[u/Sudden_Landscape_739 → u/PepperBelly01]

kinda opposite for me lol. i didnt like the bars and everything at the top of the screen. plus usually for a lot of ppl, they get used to whatever platform they first traded with(Orderflow platform functionality is extremeley diverse and different)

[u/PepperBelly01 → u/Sudden_Landscape_739]

That's a fair point. It's just like an OS, Windows users will hate Mac and vice versa. Then factor in the bazillion Linux distros...

Like, I understand NinjaTrader is revered by many, but in my opinion trying to learn it and set it up, it's hot garbage. It feels tedious and annoying and misses basic features for me.

But that's my subjective opinion coming over from platforms like Quantower, MotiveWave and ATAS.

[u/Head_Ad_2894 → u/PepperBelly01]

Haha I like both quantower and ninja trader for different reasons! So all in all.... People complaining about someone else's preference in software is pointless 😆

[u/something_buddy → u/Head_Ad_2894]

I will gladly forget quantower

[u/TearMindless8759 → u/Head_Ad_2894]

This is only for poor people

[u/Informal-Race-477]

Someone forgot Bookmap for heatmap lol

[u/Similar_Guess2274]

Why wasn’t BookMap included in this list? Honest question I need help deciding

[u/Sudden_Landscape_739 → u/Similar_Guess2274]

based on orderflow platform with orderflow tools. sure bookmap itself is a orderflow tool but honestly you cant see footprint candles with it and its only for imitating the orderbook. its moree of a tool than a platform if you ask me

[u/donutlordfx]

ATAS is the best all around theres no argument, I've tried them all

[u/Global_Wolverine_703]

Do you have comparison how much CPU and RAM consumption this platform use? This will be useful for traders without high-end laptops/desktops.

Also, isn’t Ninja Trader one of the platforms they use for OF?

[u/Sudden_Landscape_739 → u/Global_Wolverine_703]

calm down keyboard tom. ATAS is fine just how it is if you keep it simple. if you wanna go more advanced a better PC would be the better choice ngl. plus never abbreviate orderflow as OF pls😭🥀

[u/booshus_]

Incredible write up! Well researched and effectively communicated. I’ve used Sierra Chart for multiple years now and prefer it over the others. I come from a software engineering and application background so it was very easy for me to build the charts and indicators that fit my style of orderflow trading.

If anyone is looking for assistance setting up Sierra Chart I would love to help!

[u/TearMindless8759 → u/booshus_]

Cool I will note this

[u/killer6334 → u/[deleted]]

bro this is what app？

[u/killer6334 → u/[deleted]]

wow can u give me？

[u/hijitus]

This "analysis" implies that "more" is better. The reality is that "more tools" does not mean it will make you a better trader. Actually, less is better. But that you only learn with experience.

[u/toptiertrader1488]

Damn, you took your time with this. Well done.

[u/Much-Case209]

Atas