In the fast-paced world of futures trading, accessing reliable tick data futures sources is essential for accurate backtesting, strategy development, and real-time execution. As we move through 2025, the demand for high-quality, low-latency tick data has surged, driven by algorithmic and high-frequency trading advancements. This comprehensive guide explores the best tick data providers for futures, highlighting recent updates, key features, and top recommendations.
Why Tick Data Matters in Futures Trading
Tick data futures sources provide granular, trade-by-trade information, including every price change, volume, and timestamp. Unlike aggregated bar data, true tick-level feeds enable precise order flow analysis, volume profile studies, and robust backtesting. In 2025, leading providers emphasize unfiltered, co-located data for minimal latency and maximum accuracy.
Top Tick Data Futures Sources in 2025
Here are the standout tick data futures sources based on reliability, coverage, latency, and trader feedback:
1. Databento – Modern API-Driven Leader
Databento stands out as a top choice for developers and quants in 2025. It offers official licensed futures data from major exchanges like CME, ICE, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX, with full order book, trades, quotes, and market depth. Its single API supports Python, C++, and Rust, making it ideal for automated strategies. Recent updates focus on expanded venue coverage (60+ trading venues) and cost-effective pay-as-you-go pricing. Praised for accuracy and “as-a-service” simplicity, it’s a favorite among professional firms.
2. CQG – Institutional-Grade Reliability
CQG remains a powerhouse for tick data futures sources, delivering high-speed consolidated feeds from over 75 global sources. It provides decades of historical tick, best bid/ask, and intraday data for futures, with strong analytics and execution integration. In 2025, CQG continues to excel in broad market connectivity (US, Europe, Asia) and unfiltered tick accuracy, making it preferred by professionals needing reliable, global coverage.
3. Rithmic – Ultra-Low Latency Champion
For scalpers and HFT traders, Rithmic leads with co-located servers offering ~1ms latency and true tick-by-tick (MBO) data. It streams every trade unfiltered, outperforming compressed feeds. 2025 updates include enhanced server-side tools and seamless integration with platforms like NinjaTrader. It’s frequently compared favorably against CQG for speed in futures order flow.
4. dxFeed – Versatile and Secure Analytics Provider
dxFeed offers real-time, historical, and on-demand tick data with strong uptime and security. It supports aggregated and full-depth feeds for futures, backed by awards for technology. In comparisons, it holds its own against Rithmic and CQG for reliability and global coverage.
5. Tick Data (OneMarketData) – Historical Depth Specialist
Specializing in clean, historical intraday and tick data for futures, this provider offers deep archives for backtesting. It’s a go-to for quants needing precise, adjusted datasets.
Other notable mentions include IQFeed (unfiltered tick-by-tick) and exchange-direct options, but the above dominate 2025 discussions.
Enhance Your Strategy with PickMyTrade Automation
To maximize the value of premium tick data futures sources, integrate automated execution. PickMyTrade excels here as a powerful automation platform for TradingView strategies, seamlessly connecting to brokers like Tradovate. It handles webhook alerts, intelligent order translation, risk management (SL/TP in ticks, percent, or dollars), and multi-account setups—perfect for futures traders using real-time tick feeds. With unlimited alerts, tickers, and 24/7 execution, PickMyTrade streamlines algo trading, supports symbol mapping (e.g., NQ to specific contracts), and enforces custom rules. Join 3000+ traders automating with precision in 2025.
Click Here To Start a 5- Day Free Trial of Futures Trading Automation
Choosing the Right Tick Data Futures Source
- For speed & scalping: Rithmic
- For global analytics: CQG
- For API flexibility: Databento
- For automation integration: Pair with PickMyTrade
Always verify current pricing and exchange fees, as they evolve.
Most Asked FAQs on Tick Data Futures Sources
Databento, CQG, and Rithmic top the list, depending on needs—Databento for modern APIs, Rithmic for ultra-low latency, and CQG for broad coverage.
Tick data captures every individual trade and quote, while aggregated uses bars (e.g., 1-minute OHLC), offering less precision for order flow.
Yes, providers like CQG, Databento, and Tick Data offer decades of historical tick-level futures data.
Absolutely—tools like PickMyTrade automate strategies from TradingView using real-time tick feeds.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Trading and investing in financial markets involve risk, and it is possible to lose some or all of your capital. Always perform your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any trading decisions. The mention of any proprietary trading firms, brokers, does not constitute an endorsement or partnership. Ensure you understand all terms, conditions, and compliance requirements of the firms and platforms you use.
Also Checkout: Mastering Order Queueing for Seamless Automated Trading
