MetaStock
metastock.com
Long-running Windows charting software with a system tester, scanner and formula language, sold with Refinitiv end-of-day, delayed or real-time data.
What it is
MetaStock is installed desktop software for technical analysts, built around charts, indicators, a market scanner (the Explorer), a system tester for backtesting rules, price forecasting and Expert Advisors that annotate charts. Its own formula language lets you write custom indicators, scans and trading systems, and a catalog of third-party add-ons extends it. It covers stocks, options, futures, commodities, forex, bonds and indices.
It comes in two main editions. MetaStock D/C is for end-of-day, swing and position traders and updates charts during the session with delayed data from XENITH for Daily Charts. MetaStock R/T is for day traders and uses XENITH real-time data and news, which MetaStock says is delayed by about 20 minutes unless you pay the relevant exchange fees. Both are sold as a subscription or as a one-time purchase.
Prices are not listed on the public product pages; MetaStock asks you to log in or contact sales for them, and exchange fees for real-time data are extra. The software needs 64-bit Windows 11, with Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 for full Office integration, so Mac users would need a Windows environment.
Key features
- System tester
- Backtest trading rules written in MetaStock's formula language against historical data.
- Explorer market scanner
- Scan a list or market for securities that meet your custom criteria.
- Formula language
- Write your own indicators, scans, Expert Advisors and systems.
- Expert Advisors
- Rule-based commentary and signals drawn directly on charts.
- XENITH data
- Refinitiv-sourced global market data and news; real-time requires exchange fees, otherwise delayed.
- Option chain monitoring
- Watch option chains alongside charts for sentiment analysis in R/T.
Pricing
We could not confirm current prices on MetaStock's own site, so none are shown here.
The product and pricing guide pages did not show prices when we read them; MetaStock says to log in or contact sales. Both editions are sold as a monthly or yearly subscription or a one-time purchase, real-time exchange fees are extra, and a $10 annual maintenance fee applies to non-XENITH subscribers.
Checked September 25, 2026 on metastock.com. Prices change; confirm on the provider's site before you subscribe.
Strengths
- Mature system tester and scanner built into the charting package
- Custom formula language for indicators and systems
- Global data across stocks, futures, forex and more through XENITH
- Can be bought outright instead of only as a subscription
Limitations
- Windows 11 64-bit only; no Mac or browser version
- Prices are not published on the public pages
- Real-time data is delayed about 20 minutes unless exchange fees are paid
- No free plan
Good fit for
- Technical analysts who want charting and backtesting in one desktop package
- Swing and position traders using end-of-day data
- Traders who want to write their own indicators and systems
Look elsewhere if
- Mac users or anyone who wants a browser-based platform
- Traders who want transparent public pricing before contacting sales
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MetaStock questions
Does MetaStock run on Mac?
No. MetaStock lists 64-bit Windows 11 as a requirement, so Mac users need a Windows environment.
What is the difference between MetaStock D/C and R/T?
D/C is for end-of-day and swing traders and uses delayed data during the session. R/T is for day traders and uses XENITH real-time data, which needs exchange fees to be truly real time.
How much does MetaStock cost?
MetaStock does not publish prices on its public product pages. Both editions are sold as a subscription or one-time purchase; log in or contact sales for current prices.
Can MetaStock backtest strategies?
Yes. The system tester backtests rules written in MetaStock's formula language.
Written from MetaStock's own website and documentation. All Trading Tools lists and compares tools; it does not recommend trades or give financial advice. Sources: metastock.com, metastock.com/products, metastock.com/products/pricing, metastock.com/products/pricingguide.aspx, metastock.com/products/realtime/metastockpro, metastock.com/products/endofday/metastock.