Best Platform to trade Equity Options

I personally do not trade equity options, but a friend of mine
asked me if I knew what the best platform to trade equity options.
I know he presently uses the Redi with Spear Leeds.

Thank you

 

Kawabunga from ABN Amro

 

I use Thinkorswim and OptionsXpress.

 

second that

 

Thank you!

 

I use TOS and IB. How does Optionsexpress compare?

 

OptionsXpress is entirely browser based whereas TOS has it's own software that you download to run.

TOS seems quicker and has some very interesting trade simulation and probability and volatility analysis capabilities.

OX provides full option chain quotes (TOS sticks to near-the-money) and has an on-line pricer.

Both provide decent customer service, which is why I prefer them to IB.

Also both TOS and OX are based in Chicago where much of this options stuff was invented. More to the point: they are both explicitly designed for retail options traders.

 

Just a quick correction: with TOS you can manually adjust how many options from each chain are on your screen all the way up to the entire chain..... just raise the # of contracts in the top right corner.

 

Do any of the option platforms mentioned here offer an API for executing trades by computer?

nitro

 

Kawabunga offers an API but orders must be submitted via a pigeon..