I use QTrader, a limited version of CQG Integrated Client, which you can get for free from AMP Futures.
CQG usually charges $25 a month + .10c per contract but some also brokers subsidize this cost for you.
The limitation of QTrader is that you can only execute exchange traded spreads. But, this will give you access to the Excel RTD connection. CQG provides pre-built spreadsheets which will give all the different studies you may need.
The futures options functionality is not that user friendly, but there really is no retail platform that is user friendly. However, You can expect professional live chat support from CQG. And, documentation is superb.