Tired of missing out on crypto trades while you sleep? Markets never stop, but you can’t stay glued to your screen 24/7. That’s where crypto trading bots come in.
These bots trade for you. They follow strategies, scan the market, and execute trades—without emotions or hesitation.
The best part? Open-source bots give you full control. No hidden fees, no shady code. Just smart automation that works on your terms.
But not all bots are equal. Some are powerful but hard to use. Others are beginner-friendly but limited. That’s why we tested and ranked the best open-source crypto trading bots.
We looked at performance, security, and ease of use. So whether you're a pro or just starting, you’ll find the right bot for your needs.
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Crypto Trading Bot (And Why Use One?)
Crypto markets never sleep. Prices change every second, and big moves can happen anytime—day or night. Keeping up with it all? Nearly impossible.
That’s why traders use crypto trading bots.
These bots work around the clock. They scan the market, follow strategies, and place trades automatically. No hesitation. No emotions.
Just smart, fast execution.
How Crypto Trading Bots Work
A crypto trading bot is software that connects to an exchange and trades for you. It follows a set of rules based on market data. Once it spots the right conditions, it buys or sells instantly.
Some bots are simple and follow basic signals. Others use advanced strategies like grid trading, dollar-cost averaging (DCA), or arbitrage.
The best part? Once set up, they do the hard work for you.
Why Automate Crypto Trading?
Manually trading crypto is exhausting. Bots solve that problem. Here’s how:
✅ 24/7 Trading – No need to stay online. Your bot watches the market all the time.
✅ Emotion-Free Execution – Bots don’t panic or hesitate. They follow logic, not fear.
✅ Faster Trades – Markets move fast. Bots react instantly, so you don’t miss out.
✅ Backtesting Strategies – Before risking real money, you can test your strategy on past data.
Why Choose an Open-Source Trading Bot?
Not all bots are open-source. Many paid bots charge high fees and lock you into their system. Open-source bots give you full control.
Here’s why that matters:
✅ Full Transparency – See exactly how the bot works. No hidden tricks.
✅ More Flexibility – Customize strategies, add features, and tweak settings.
✅ No Extra Fees – Many paid bots take a cut of your profits. Open-source bots don’t.
✅ Stronger Security – You control your keys and data, not a third party.
Trading crypto manually is tough. Bots make it easier. They work 24/7, follow strategies, and remove emotions from the equation. Open-source bots take it even further, giving you control, flexibility, and transparency.
Ready to take your crypto trading game to the next level? Start building your bot with CryptoTradeMate today! Check out the full repository on GitHub and join our growing community of developers!
Key Features to Look for in a Crypto Trading Bot
Not all crypto trading bots are the same. Some are powerful but complex. Others are simple but limited. The right bot depends on your needs. But no matter what, a great bot should have a few key features.
These features make the difference between a bot that just runs and a bot that helps you trade better. Let’s break them down.
1. Strategy Customization
A good bot should fit your trading style. Some traders prefer slow, steady profits. Others want quick, aggressive moves. Your bot should let you customize strategies like:
✅ Grid Trading – Buys low, sells high in a price range.
✅ Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) – Buys small amounts over time to smooth out price swings.
✅ Arbitrage – Profits from price differences across exchanges.
✅ Trend-Following – Jumps into trades based on momentum signals.
The more flexibility a bot gives you, the better it can match your goals.
2. Exchange Compatibility
Your bot is useless if it doesn’t work with your favorite exchange. A great trading bot should support major platforms like:
✅ Binance
✅ Coinbase
✅ KuCoin
✅ Bybit
More exchange options mean more trading opportunities.
3. Security & API Safety
Crypto trading bots connect to exchanges using API keys. If security is weak, your funds could be at risk. That’s why a good bot should have:
✅ Encrypted API Key Storage – Keeps your keys safe from hackers.
✅ IP Whitelisting – Limits access to your bot for extra protection.
✅ No Withdrawal Permissions – Ensures your bot can trade but not move funds.
Security should always come first. Never use a bot that compromises safety.
4. Backtesting & Paper Trading
No one wants to risk real money on an untested strategy. That’s where backtesting and paper trading comes in.
✅ Backtesting – Runs your strategy on past market data to see how it would have performed.
✅ Paper Trading – Simulates real trades using live data without risking actual funds.
These tools help you fine-tune strategies before going live.
5. Community Support & Updates
The best open-source bots have strong communities. More users mean better support, frequent updates, and ongoing improvements. Look for:
✅ Active GitHub Repositories – Regular updates and bug fixes.
✅ Discord & Telegram Groups – A place to ask questions and share strategies.
✅ Detailed Documentation – Clear setup guides and troubleshooting tips.
A strong community can make all the difference, especially when you’re just getting started.
A powerful trading bot does more than just automate trades. It gives you control, security, and tools to trade smarter. Open-source bots take it even further, offering flexibility and transparency.
Ready to take your crypto trading game to the next level? Start building your bot with CryptoTradeMate today! Check out the full repository on GitHub and join our growing community of developers!
The 7 Best Open-Source Crypto Trading Bots (Ranked & Reviewed)
There are a lot of crypto trading bots out there. Some are packed with features. Others focus on one thing and do it well.
But if you're looking for an open-source bot, you want something that's flexible, secure, and actively maintained.
We’ve ranked the best open-source crypto trading bots based on performance, ease of use, and community support. Let’s dive in.
1. CryptoTradeMate – Best Overall
If you want an open-source crypto trading bot that’s powerful, flexible, and beginner-friendly, CryptoTradeMate is the top choice. It supports multiple exchanges, offers customizable AI-powered strategies, and has a growing developer community.
✅ Strengths: Feature-rich, easy to customize, strong security.
❌ Weaknesses: Still growing its user base.
🔹 Supported Exchanges: Binance, Coinbase, KuCoin, and more.
2. Hummingbot – Best for Market Making
Hummingbot is great for traders who want to provide liquidity and profit from bid-ask spreads. It’s highly customizable and supports advanced trading strategies.
✅ Strengths: Excellent for market making, strong community.
❌ Weaknesses: Takes time to learn.
🔹 Supported Exchanges: Binance, Coinbase Pro, Kraken, and more.
3. Freqtrade – Best for Strategy Customization
Freqtrade is a Python-based bot designed for traders who love tweaking strategies. It has excellent backtesting tools, making it great for testing before going live.
✅ Strengths: Highly customizable, strong backtesting features.
❌ Weaknesses: Requires coding skills.
🔹 Supported Exchanges: Binance, Bybit, Bitfinex, and more.
4. Superalgos – Best for AI & Automation
Superalgos takes automation to the next level. It’s built for traders who want to create AI-driven strategies and automate every step of their trading process.
✅ Strengths: AI-powered trading, strong visualization tools.
❌ Weaknesses: Can be overwhelming for beginners.
🔹 Supported Exchanges: Binance, Kraken, and more.
5. Jesse – Best for Algorithmic Traders
Jesse is a simple but powerful framework for strategy testing and algorithmic trading. It’s built for traders who want a clean, Python-based setup.
✅ Strengths: Lightweight, great for backtesting.
❌ Weaknesses: Limited exchange support.
🔹 Supported Exchanges: Binance, FTX.
6. Gekko – Best for Beginners
Gekko is one of the easiest bots to use, making it a good choice for beginners. It has a simple web interface and supports plugins. However, it’s no longer actively developed.
✅ Strengths: User-friendly, supports plugins.
❌ Weaknesses: No updates or active development.
🔹 Supported Exchanges: Binance, Bitstamp, Kraken.
7. Octobot – Best for Simplicity & Automation
Octobot is a solid choice if you want an automated bot that’s easy to set up. It offers a simple UI and can run trading strategies without much manual intervention.
✅ Strengths: Simple setup, good automation tools.
❌ Weaknesses: Fewer advanced features than other bots.
🔹 Supported Exchanges: Binance, Kraken, and more.
Choosing the right trading bot depends on your needs. Want the best all-around bot? Go with CryptoTradeMate. Need a bot for market making? Hummingbot is the way to go.
Prefer full customization? Freqtrade is your best bet.
No matter which one you pick, automation makes crypto trading easier.
Ready to take your crypto trading game to the next level? Start building your bot with CryptoTradeMate today! Check out the full repository on GitHub and join our growing community of developers!
How to Set Up a Crypto Trading Bot (Step-by-Step Guide)
Setting up a crypto trading bot might sound complicated, but it’s easier than you think. You don’t need to be a coding expert.
Just follow these steps, and you’ll have your bot up and running in no time.
Step 1: Install the Bot
First, download and install the bot you want to use. Most bots run on Python, so make sure you have it installed.
For example, if you're using CryptoTradeMate, you can install it with:
git clone https://github.com/Cryptotrademate/cryptotrademate-trading-bot.git
cd cryptotrademate-trading-bot
pip install -r requirements.txt
That’s it! Now your bot is ready to go.
Step 2: Connect to an Exchange API Securely
Your bot needs to connect to a crypto exchange to trade. You’ll need an API key from your exchange (like Binance, Coinbase, or KuCoin).
- Log in to your exchange account.
- Find the API settings section.
- Create a new API key and enable trading permissions (but NEVER enable withdrawals).
- Copy the API key and secret key and add them to your bot’s config file.
Example for CryptoTradeMate:
TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=your-telegram-bot-token
BINANCE_API_KEY=your-binance-api-key
BINANCE_API_SECRET=your-binance-api-secret
Done! Now your bot can interact with the exchange.
Step 3: Backtest Your Strategy
Before you go live, test your bot with historical data. This helps you see if your strategy works.
To backtest:
- Pick a trading strategy (like Grid, DCA, or Trend-Following).
- Run a backtest with past price data.
- Check the results—did it make a profit? If not, tweak the settings.
Example command for backtesting in CryptoTradeMate:
!python backtesting_tool.py
If the results look good, you’re ready for live trading.
Step 4: Deploy on a VPS for 24/7 Trading
Your bot needs to run all the time. The best way to do this is by using a VPS (Virtual Private Server).
Here’s how:
- Get a VPS from a provider like DigitalOcean, AWS, or Linode.
- Install Python and your bot’s dependencies.
- Run the bot in the background with screen or tmux.
Example:
screen -S mybot
python trade.py
Now your bot trades 24/7 without interruptions.
Setting up a crypto trading bot isn’t hard. Just install it, connect it to an exchange, backtest your strategy, and deploy it on a VPS.
Ready to automate your trades? Get started with CryptoTradeMate today! Check out the full repo on GitHub and join our community.
Pros and Cons of Open-Source Trading Bots
Open-source trading bots can be a game-changer. They give you full control over your trading strategies without costing a fortune. But they also come with some challenges.
Let’s break down the good and the bad.
✅ Pros: Why Open-Source Bots Are Great
1. Free and Customizable
Most open-source bots are completely free. You can tweak the code to fit your trading style and strategy.
2. Transparent Code, No Hidden Fees
With open-source software, you can see exactly how the bot works. There are no hidden fees, shady algorithms, or unexpected charges.
3. Strong Community Support
Popular open-source bots have active communities. If you run into issues, there’s a good chance someone has already found a fix.
❌ Cons: The Challenges
1. Requires Technical Knowledge
Most open-source bots need some coding skills. If you don’t know Python or basic scripting, setup and customization can be tricky.
2. Higher Risk If Not Configured Properly
A bot won’t magically make money. If your settings are wrong, you could lose a lot. Backtesting and risk management are a must.
3. Some Projects Become Abandoned
Not all open-source projects stay updated. Some bots stop receiving updates, making them outdated or incompatible with new exchange APIs.
Open-source crypto bots are powerful tools, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re comfortable with coding and testing, they can give you a big edge.
But if you want a simple, plug-and-play solution, you might need a paid alternative.
Want a bot that’s powerful and beginner-friendly? Check out CryptoTradeMate today! It’s open-source, packed with features, and built for traders who want full control.
FAQs About Open-Source Crypto Trading Bots
Still have questions? You’re not alone. Here are some of the most common questions traders ask about open-source crypto bots.
Are Open-Source Bots Safe to Use?
Yes, but only if you choose a well-reviewed bot and configure it properly. Since the code is public, you can check for security risks. But always use API keys with restricted permissions to prevent unauthorized withdrawals.
Can I Make Money with an Automated Trading Bot?
Absolutely! But profits depend on your strategy, market conditions, and risk management. A bot won’t guarantee success—it only executes the strategy you set.
Do I Need Coding Knowledge to Use These Bots?
It depends on the bot. Some, like Gekko, are beginner-friendly. Others, like Freqtrade, require Python knowledge. If you don’t code, look for bots with a user-friendly interface or preset strategies.
What’s the Best Bot for Beginners?
Gekko is a great starting point because of its simple interface. But if you want something actively maintained, CryptoTradeMate is a solid choice. It’s built for ease of use while still offering customization.
How much does an open-source trading bot cost?
Most are free. You might need to pay for a VPS (Virtual Private Server) if you want 24/7 trading.
Which exchanges do these bots support?
It depends on the bot. Most work with Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and KuCoin. Always check compatibility before choosing a bot.
Can I run a bot on my phone?
Most bots run on a computer or server, not directly on a phone. But you can monitor trades using mobile apps linked to your exchange.
Do I still need to watch the market if I use a bot?
Yes! Bots automate trades, but markets change fast. Regularly check performance and adjust settings when needed.
Open-source crypto bots can be powerful tools, but they aren’t magic money machines. They work best when paired with solid strategies and risk management.
Want to start trading with a proven bot? Check out CryptoTradeMate today! It’s open-source, customizable, and built for all types of traders.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
There you have it—the 7 best open-source crypto trading bots ranked and reviewed! Whether you’re just starting or an experienced trader, there’s a bot that fits your needs.
If you’re a beginner, Gekko is the easiest to set up. Want full control over your strategies? Freqtrade is a solid choice. Looking for the best all-around option? CryptoTradeMate delivers powerful features with a user-friendly setup.
Automating your trades can save you time and take the emotions out of trading. But no bot is perfect, so always test your strategies and adjust when needed.
Which trading bot are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments!
Top comments (1)
Great list! Open-source trading bots are a game-changer for crypto traders. Excited to try CryptoTradeMate—looks powerful! Which bot has worked best for you?