11 Best Forex Algo Trading Software for 2024

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Best provider of free algo trading software - RoboForex

Your capital is at risk.

Top Forex Algo Trading Software:

  1. RoboForex StrategyQuant - Best strategy builder for beginners

  2. eToro Copy Trading - Best to copy strategies from successful traders

  3. Flex Trading Bot - 12 robust trading strategies

  4. Alfa Scalper - Best for scalping

Over the years, trading has become relatively simpler and faster. Gone are the days when you had to sit in front of a computer screen executing and monitoring trades. With the advancement in technology, traders can now easily execute trades by leveraging computer programs – specifically machine learning and artificial intelligence. We have compiled and compared the best forex brokers for algorithmic trading in 2024. Let’s take a quick look, shall we?

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What is algorithmic trading?

Algorithmic trading (also known as algo trading or automated trading) is a trading strategy that employs computer programs to execute trades automatically following a predefined set of instructions.

The main benefit of algo trading is that it eliminates human influence and emotions on trading activities. This not only provides the opportunity for profit-making but increases market liquidity and improves the trading configuration. The pre-programmed instructions are set using price, timing, quantity, or any other mathematical models.

Algo trading allows trades to be executed at a speed and frequency that is impossible for human traders. It also takes out the recklessness and second-guessing that is inherent in human traders. Algo trading software utilizes a special software interface called API (Application Programming Interface). The API acts as a bridge for the software to effectively work with brokers. They are written using programming languages like MatLab, Python, C++, C#, Pearl, and Java.

List of 7 best algo trading brokers

To make profits through algo trading, traders need the appropriate software to swiftly and accurately process trade orders. Today, numerous brokers offer and support algo trading. Because of this, it might be difficult to choose the right broker to suit your needs. We have created a list of the best algo trading brokers for your reference, hoping that it will be of use to you.

We have taken into consideration several factors such as the general quality of service, the efficiency and speed of order execution, the ability to trade with bots on MetaTrader 4 and 5, the availability of Virtual Private Servers (VPS), the typical EUR/USD spread, and any other unique features. All these will help you decide on the best broker. Let's get right into it.

RoboForex StrategyQuant - Best Strategy Builder for Beginners

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StrategyQuant is powerful software that allows traders to create unique trading strategies, even with little programming skills. This platform is relatively new in the market but has a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginner and expert traders. If you have been doing manual trading and want algo trading, RoboForex StrategyQuant is your ideal option to create your strategy or alter an existing one using your own rules.

StrategyQuant has robust artificial intelligence, which is 1000x faster in creating trading strategies than manual creation. It has an easy-click interface that everyone can use, even without coding and programming experience.

There are custom indicators which you use to customize the setting and features depending on your skill level. Besides, the platform has quality back testing features to test the performance of your developed trading bots and strategies. Once you develop your bot with this software, you can export the source code to other trading platforms, like MetaTrader 4.

RoboForex StrategyQuant works well on Windows, Linux and Mac. To use it, download the software on your device and launch it with the step-by-step process it provides. The help section has plenty of helpful resources and guides you can go through before using the software. Also, the RoboForex StrategyQuant website has an eBook with detailed instructions on using their software, from researching to developing and testing your trading bot.

The main advantage of this algorithmic trading platform is its ease of use, thanks to the intuitive website with beginner-friendly features. There is a 14 day trial for practice before you deposit real money, and the customer team offers incredible support. On the downside, the pricing plans are quite costly, and the source codes may need to be compatible with many platforms.

Overall, the user experience is excellent, and algo traders can use a free VPN to access auto-create trading strategies and bots.

IC Markets

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Your capital is at risk.
Up to 75.93% of the broker’s non-professional clients incur losses when trading CFDs.

IC Markets is an algorithm trading platform founded in Australia in 2007. Multiple financial bodies regulate it, including CySEC, ASIC, SCB and FCA. IC Markets offers flexible payment options and a wide selection of crypto through an MT4 platform. If you are a forex trader and want to try algo trading, IC Markets can be your great starting point to develop your trading strategies and actively participate in the market.

The platform boasts extra tight spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on MT4. EUR/USD spread on IC markets averages 0.1 pips, making it one of the tightest EUR/USD spreads globally. The platform utilizes up to 25 pricing providers who help maintain spread tightness when the markets are extremely volatile. There are no restrictions or limits to trade sizes, so you can start with the lowest possible lot size to avoid risks if you are a beginner.

IC Markets has an unlimited demo account where you can start as you try your skills in forex algo trading. After testing your skills in the demo account, you can create a standard account with zero deposit and get the opportunity to trade in more than 200 CFDs. Later, you can advance to professional and RAW spread accounts to utilize your trading capability fully.

One special feature you will like about IC markets is free VPN services, available whenever you open or close 15 trades every month. No minimum deposit is required, so you can start with as little as $1. However, you will need a deposit of $200 for the higher-level accounts, which also allow you to trade the most.

IC Markets is one of the best algorithmic trading software with cutting-edge trading features and superior liquidity needed for algo traders.

eToro Copy Trading

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eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

eToro is one of the largest, most popular social trading platforms we have today, regulated by CySEC. It boasts an easy-to-use interface, making the platform an excellent option for beginners.

eToro allows to copy trading strategies/trades from successful traders. If you are an algo trader planning to start copy trading, the eToro copy trading service can help you automatically copy the trades.

You should have a minimum deposit of $200 to start eToro copy trading once you are done with the demo account. The platform copies trade within a few seconds, so there’s no lag which could result in enormous losses.

You can access the eToro copy trading software online or download its intuitive app on your smart mobile device. You will get access to more than 30 cryptocurrencies, great education resources, and user-friendly charting systems. The platform uses robust algorithms to identify successful traders with excellent ratings and performance history and then copies the trades on your behalf. The maximum number of traders you can copy at a go is 100, and you can only invest up to $2,000,000 in a single trader.

Overall, the platform is a good starting point for every copy trader. Download the app or head to the eToro website and fill in your details.

Exness

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Your capital is at risk.
You can lose your money.

Exness is also a top forex and CFD broker that offers clients the flexibility to add algo trading programs on MT4 and MT5. The product offerings on Exness include crypto, forex, stocks, indices, metals, and commodities. The platform also offers great customer support, low spreads, and high leverage on trades.

Pepperstone

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Your capital is at risk.
Please note that your capital is at risk.

You can’t compile a list of top algo trading brokers without including Pepperstone. The platform offers a wide range of options for algo traders. Pepperstone allows algorithmic trading via EA on MT4, MT5, and cTrader.

Moreover, traders can use TradingView to create and test EAs. If you don’t have the time to draft a custom strategy from scratch, Pepperstone allows automated trading via copy trading through Duplitrade. All Pepperstone accounts support automated trading, but especially the ECN Razor account which allows traders access to spreads as low as 0 pips. In addition, the broker offers customizable low-latency virtual private servers in New York, and a VPS provided by FXVM.

Tickmill

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With over 550,000 registered accounts and millions of orders executed every day, Tickmill is an awesome option for algo traders. The broker is regulated by some of the world’s most reputable institutions and supports algo trading on MT4 and MT5. The site offers a full Metatrader suite, through the Tickmill Advanced Trading toolkit. It allows you to not only advance your strategies, but learn and grow with your peers through the extensive networking.

Admiral Markets

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Your capital is at risk.

Admiral Markets offers algorithmic trading on both MT4 and MT5. One of the biggest advantages of Admiral Markets is that traders can access the MetaTrader Supreme Edition for free through their platform. It can also be installed on their VPS. The broker’s VPSs are located in the Equinix data center, and brokers can freely access them once they meet certain conditions.

Best Forex Trading Robots

Flex Trading Bot

The flex trading bot was created by Steven Donald Halcovitch, with the aim of helping both new and experienced traders navigate the market without direct involvement. This bot places virtual trades to analyze the market and identify the ideal entry point. It has 12 impressive trading strategies, which it applies depending on the current market condition and your goals.

Flex trading bots virtually trade currency pairs, including EUR/USD, GBP/JNY, AUD/USD, USD/JNY, and EUR/CHF. The number of trades the bot runs per week depends on the charts, and you can run up to 16 trades weekly if you have a minimum of eight charts. Customer support is available 24/7, and back testing is available with 99% accuracy. The bot automatically adjusts the trade lot size according to your account balance.

Alfa Scalper

Alfa scalper is a relatively new forex indicator founded by Karl Dittman. It is an incredible algo trading bot ideal for beginner traders who enjoy scalping. This system runs on an MT4 platform and has plenty of inbuilt indicators that you can customize according to your unique needs.

Alfa scalper has three main trading modes: conservative, medium and aggressive. Conservative is the low-risk option with normal frequencies and maximum safety. Medium has medium safety and frequencies, while the aggressive mode is the riskiest, with extreme signal frequency.

Pricing starts at $147. Once you pay the amount, you get a live account, signals, a user guide and a 30-day demo account for trials. Tradable currency pairs in Alfa scalper include EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and GBP/JPY; scalping is the only strategy used.

Notable features which improve the scalping usability include on-screen sound alerts, indicator pattern recognizer, divergence patterns and optimal exit. You can download this algo trading bot on your computer or mobile.

Fortnite

Fortnite is an easy-to-use, fully automated indicator that analyzes the markets to determine convergences and divergences. It runs on MetaTrader 4 and can be accessed on laptops and desktops. Fortnite comes with easy-to-follow instructions for new users, and the customer service team is available 24/5 if you have concerns/queries.

Notable Fortnite features include real and demo accounts, free upgrades, and 100% automatic and reliable back testing. A 30 money-back guarantee is available if you are satisfied with this algo bot. This system uses hedge/trend strategies and three pricing plans. The first is bronze, which starts at $149; the second is gold, starting from %199; and the last is platinum, starting at $249.

FX Fortnite trades 24/5, fully automated and easy for a beginner and expert traders. The robot is FIFO and NFO compatible; you should have an account with MT4 or MT5 to use it.

BinBotPro

BinBotPro is a popular binary option trading bot for cryptocurrency trading. It comes with robust algorithms, which can spot trade opportunities on your behalf and trade even when you are not near the computer. All you need is to download the software, set it and allow it to carry out the hard trading work as you relax.

BinBotPro requires a minimum deposit of $250 and can guarantee a high success rate of up to 90%. There are no account and trading fees; you can withdraw your money within one hour. If you are a crypto trader and would like to get started with BinBotPro, visit the website homepage, register and make your initial deposit.

Once you are done, the application will allow you to house a bot from “20 trading bots”. You can choose one or more bots because the system allows multi-trading. Overall, BinBotPro is a highly reliable bot with intuitive and easy-to-use features.

To mitigate the risks when considering using a paid Forex trading robot follow these steps:

  • Conduct thorough research and due diligence on the robot and its vendor.

  • Seek independent reviews and testimonials from other users.

  • Test the robot on a demo account before going live.

  • Understand the robot's strategy and logic, if disclosed.

  • Ensure you have a clear refund policy or a trial period.

  • Continuously monitor the robot's performance and be prepared to intervene if necessary.

Types of Automated Trading Software

Automated trading software uses computer programs to trade, allowing the trader to focus on other equally important activities and avoid trading emotions. These programs come in many forms and can be implemented in almost every stage of the trading process. Here are the main types of automated trading software found in a modern trading environment.

Trading Advisors and Bots

These programmers allow you to engage in forex trading activities when uploaded on an MT4 or MT5 program. They analyze the market and help determine whether the trader should enter it at that particular time or wait. They study available data and calculate the possible return or risk of engaging in the trade. The most common trading advisors and bots are:

Coinrule

When choosing the right trading bot for you, consider the platform's credibility, settings, and overall performance. No bot is 100% risk-free, but they are effective when applied with the right strategies.

Copy Trading

Copy trading allows traders to copy trades placed by successful traders. Instead of analyzing traders' performance manually, you can utilize copy trading software to relieve you of the manual searching process of analyzing market trends. The bots copy other traders' trades and trade on your behalf. The main types of copy trading software include:

eToro copy trader

RoboForex

Zignaly

3 Commas

Cryptohopper

Strategy Builders

Strategy builders help investors come up with useful trading strategies, back-test and apply them effectively. The most common strategy builder is RoboForex which helps you create and test your forex trading strategies more effectively. Generally, a robot has a high execution speed and provides unlimited helpful strategies.

How to choose the best algo trading broker?

As we mentioned earlier, the market today is flooded with options, and traders are often spoilt for choice when it comes to algo trading brokers. Nonetheless, not all brokers are created equal, and some are simply better than others. Distinguishing between a good algo trading broker and a poor one can be difficult.

Moreover, with algo trading, unlike most other strategies, the choice of broker is critical because the results usually depend on small differences in trading conditions. In this section, we have highlighted some of the best practices when choosing algo trading brokers to help you choose the best.

1. Licensing and reliability

This is one factor that you should never compromise on when it comes to Forex brokers. You need to know that you are working with a trustworthy entity. Ensure that you conduct due diligence on any broker that you plan to work with, and confirm that they are regulated and licensed. You can confirm their license numbers, and even counter-check on online repositories to validate that they are genuine. Regulated and licensed brokers usually have the client's interest at heart and have measures put in place to shield traders and their funds in case of anything.

2. Permission on trading with bots

You might assume that all brokers support automated trading, but this is often far from the truth. Some brokers even have bans on trading bots. Ensure that when choosing an algo trading broker, you consider the permission to trade with bots. You might find a broker with the perfect conditions to suit your specific trading style but find out that they don’t support trading with bots. For algo trading, you need a broker that supports integration with APIs and trading bots.

3. VPS servers

Another plus when choosing an algo trading broker is if they have a virtual private server in some of the world’s biggest trading centers e.g., London and New York. With VPS hosting, you get dedicated server space with a reserved number of resources, offering greater control and customization. Brokers with virtual private servers often minimize network delays during order execution and support 24/7 operation.

Best Brokers With Free Forex VPS Services

4. Fast execution speeds

Another important factor when it comes to choosing an algo trading broker is the order execution speed. With automated trading, you need a broker with fast order execution to allow you to reap maximum returns. Algorithmic trading is usually common with high-frequency traders, who rely greatly on high turnover and high speeds. This means that you need a broker with lightning-fast execution speeds from your broker.

5. Low fees and commissions

When choosing an algo trading broker, you should also consider the fees and commissions charged. The majority of the best brokers offer low spreads and charge little to no commission at all for deposits and withdrawals. Ensure that you choose a broker that will not only offer great services but great cost savings as well.

What are the cheapest brokers for automated trading?

Most forex brokers offer awesome trading environments and affordable charges. Still, some are higher than others. For instance, IC markets offer some of the lowest spreads today, with just 0.1 pips on average for EUR/USD, 1.1 pips on indices, and 39.24 pips on cryptocurrencies.

These are typically lower than current industry standards. Other cheap options include Pepperstone, especially with their ECN Razor account with spreads as low as 0 pips, and Tickmill which charges some of the lowest trading fees.

What are the best Forex platforms for algo trading?

Now that you know about algo trading and some of the top algo trading brokers, it is natural for you to wonder what the best trading platform is. Without a doubt, the best algo trading platforms are MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, both developed by MetaQuotes.

MetaTrader is supported by almost all forex brokers and is lightweight enough to run on almost any device. It supports trading in a broad range of markets including forex, stocks, crypto, indices, and many more.

As a renowned trading software, Metatrader is the most trusted algorithmic trading platform and is home to some of the best forex robots in the industry. They have the best support and infrastructure for auto trading compared to any other software.

The platform has Expert Advisors (EAs), which are automated trading strategies that can be developed by yourself or any other member of the huge platform support community for use within MetaTrader platforms.

What Are the Best Algo Trading Software for Beginners?

It can be challenging for beginners to find the best algo trading software due to the wide array of options available. Thankfully, there are special programs exclusively designed to help beginner trading. These programs are easy to use, and most of them are entirely free to use.

Examples of algo trading software ideal for beginner traders include the following:

Botsfolio - it's free to use and comes with three main packages, which you use according to your portfolio.

RoboForex MetaTrader 4 - it's free to use and download for beginners. It has intuitive features which help starters understand the trades with ease.

Trading view - it comes with four trade packages and one of them is free. Beginners can use the free option as they enhance their skills.

Zen Trading Strategies - it has both free and paid packages. It has many beginner-friendly features and trading strategies, making it easy for traders to choose the most suitable.

Quant Connect - it trades forex, cryptocurrencies, options and futures. It has a free plan for beginners. It is one of the best mobile algorithms trading platforms.

Summary

Trading often requires long hours of monitoring markets and conducting repetitive tasks in high-stress environments, which results in misjudgments and emotions getting the better of traders.

Moreover, you'll find that most traders have other careers or responsibilities to attend to and cannot be fully present 24/7 to make trades. This can result in traders being absent during peak profitability hours. Algorithmic trading, as we have highlighted in this comprehensive guide helps bridge this gap and eliminate some of the challenges that are common among traders.

With algo trading, the algorithm has a predefined set of parameters. Once these parameters are met, the system automatically enters and leaves positions at rates that would be virtually impossible for humans.

This takes out the impulsivity and second-guessing, meaning that trades are executed purely based on data. When used correctly, algorithmic trading can significantly improve the accuracy of trade execution while minimizing costs and increasing efficiency. If you’re considering trying your hand at algo trading, you can start with the above-mentioned brokers.

FAQ

How Do I Start Algorithmic Trading?

Learn the coding basics to know what goes on in the market first. Identify your strategies, back-test them and choose the right platforms to partner with. Go live and keep learning to keep up with changing industry trends.

What Tools Are Used For Algo Trading?

You should have internet access, computer capability, coding skills and financial markets knowledge to get started. You will also need trading bots, a broker and retail trading services to increase the success of your trades.

Which Coding Is Used In Algo Trading?

The most common programming languages used in algo trading are Python, JAVA, C++, Perl, and Matlab.

Is Algo Trading Profitable?

Yes! If properly used, algorithmic trading can prove extremely profitable. You need to do some due diligence and come up with a strategy that works for your specific trading style. You can also try out strategies from other top traders through automated trading. Although algo trading can be profitable, it also carries a high level of risk.

How Does Algo Trading Work?

With algo trading, computer software is fed with a predetermined set of instructions to execute trades. Once these parameters are met, the software automatically enters and leaves market positions. Algo trading can execute orders at a pace that is virtually impossible for human traders.

Can I Get Rich from Algorithmic Trading?

Yes, you can! If you take your time and set up a profitable strategy then you can get rich from algo trading. However, you should also remember that you can make significant losses through algo trading.

Is Algo Trading Better Than Traditional Trading?

Yes, and No! Yes, in the sense that it is more efficient and orders can be executed quickly while eliminating heavy human influence. No, in the sense that if not well set up, algo trading can result in huge losses. Most traders advise against a completely hands-off strategy, where you leave everything to the program. When used simultaneously, both strategies are highly effective.

Team that worked on the article

Oleg Tkachenko
Author and expert at Traders Union

Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018. His primary specialties are analysis and prediction of price tendencies in the Forex, stock, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, as well as the development of trading strategies and individual risk management systems. He also analyzes nonstandard investing markets and studies trading psychology.

Olga Shendetskaya
Author and editor at Traders Union

Olga Shendetskaya has been a part of the Traders Union team as an author, editor and proofreader since 2017. Since 2020, Shendetskaya has been the assistant chief editor of the website of Traders Union, an international association of traders. She has over 10 years of experience of working with economic and financial texts. In the period of 2017-2020, Olga has worked as a journalist and editor of laftNews news agency, economic and financial news sections. At the moment, Olga is a part of the team of top industry experts involved in creation of educational articles in finance and investment, overseeing their writing and publication on the Traders Union website.

Olga has extensive experience in writing and editing articles about the specifics of working in the Forex market, cryptocurrency market, stock exchanges and also in the segment of financial investment in general. This level of expertise allows Olga to create unique and comprehensive articles, describing complex investment mechanisms in a simple and accessible way for traders of any level.

Olga’s motto: Do well and you’ll be well!

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). Mirjan is a cryptocurrency and stock trader. This deep understanding of the finance sector allows her to create informative and engaging content that helps readers easily navigate the complexities of the crypto world.