A free MetaTrader alternative that runs without a VPS
MetaTrader robots (Expert Advisors) only run while your own computer is on, so most traders rent a VPS for $15 to $50 a month to keep them online. AlgoBars connects to your MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 or cTrader account and runs your strategies on its own servers, 24/7. It is free on integrated brokers (334 via MT4, MT5 and cTrader); auto-trading on external, non-integrated brokers uses credits. You do not need a VPS. You can import MQL4 and MQL5 code, backtest it without limits, and watch it trade from web, desktop or mobile.
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MetaTrader on a VPS vs AlgoBars
VPS prices from MetaQuotes and 2026 reviews, checked September 2026.
| MetaTrader + VPS | AlgoBars | |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping strategies online | Your PC must stay on, or you rent a VPS | Runs on AlgoBars servers, even when you log out |
| Monthly cost | MetaQuotes VPS $15 a month; others $15 to $50 | $0 |
| Setup | Install, remote desktop, auto-login, restarts | None: switch it on in the app |
| Accounts | MT4 or MT5 | MT4, MT5 and cTrader through 334 brokers |
| Your code | MQL4 or MQL5 | Free MQL4 and MQL5 import, plus AlgoBarsX |
Step by step: run your EA without a VPS
- Create a free AlgoBars account.
- Connect your MT4 or MT5 account in the app.
- Import your MQL4 or MQL5 Expert Advisor into AlgoBarsX. Every converted line is marked.
- Backtest it without limits, then walk-forward test.
- Switch it on. It runs on AlgoBars servers, so you can turn your computer off and cancel the VPS.
What you stop managing
- Renting and paying for a Windows VPS
- Remote desktop, auto-login and restart scripts
- Keeping the terminal open and updated
- Checking whether the EA stopped overnight
When MetaTrader on a VPS may still suit you
If your EA depends on DLLs or custom Windows software, a VPS may still be needed. Most MQL strategies can be imported and run on AlgoBars.
Everything you would pay for, free on AlgoBars
Here is what a automation and bridges trader gets on AlgoBars at $0, compared with paying for MetaTrader.
| What you get | On AlgoBars |
|---|---|
| No coding required | Build in plain words or no-code blocks, or write AlgoBarsX (ABX), AlgoBars' own trading language |
| Strategies running 24/7 | Free on AlgoBars servers, with no VPS |
| Live strategies and broker connections | Unlimited |
| Bring your code | Free import of Pine Script, MQL4 and MQL5, NinjaScript, EasyLanguage, thinkScript and Python into AlgoBarsX (ABX) |
| Live trading | Free on 334 integrated brokers and 131 prop firms |
| Backtesting | Free and unlimited, on every account |
| Price and condition alerts | Free |
What actually costs money on AlgoBars
Every feature is free, on every account. No card. No trial. Nothing to cancel. Advanced AI tools are paid at compute cost, taken straight from your balance. Anything you write yourself, every backtest, every import and trading on integrated brokers stay free.
When MetaTrader may still suit you
If your EA depends on DLLs or custom Windows software, a VPS may still be needed. Most MQL strategies can be imported and run on AlgoBars.
Backtests you can trust
AlgoBars tests only use data from that moment. Orders fill on the next bar. So results show your rules, not hindsight. They show the raw price move, before spread and commission. You see how good the rules are on their own. Check each broker's spread with the broker spread map before going live.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need a VPS for MetaTrader strategies on AlgoBars?
No. AlgoBars runs your strategies on its own servers and trades through your MT4, MT5 or cTrader account, so nothing has to run on your computer.
Can I import my MQL4 or MQL5 Expert Advisor?
Yes, for free. AlgoBarsX imports MQL4 and MQL5 and marks every converted line.
Which brokers work?
334 brokers and 131 prop firms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader accounts.
What does MetaTrader cost compared with AlgoBars?
MetaTrader: Free platform; a VPS for 24/7 EAs costs about $15 to $50 a month, as published when checked. AlgoBars: $0 for every platform feature, on every account.
Is AlgoBars really free?
Yes. Every platform feature is free on every account, with no card and no trial clock. There are no plans, tiers or credits to buy.
Can I bring my MQL4 and MQL5 to AlgoBars?
Yes, for free. AlgoBarsX imports MQL4 and MQL5 and marks every converted line, so you can see what changed.
Does AlgoBars charge for backtesting?
No. Backtests are free and unlimited on every account, on any market and timeframe AlgoBars has data for. Walk-forward analysis and Monte Carlo simulation are free too.
When is MetaTrader still a good choice?
If your EA depends on DLLs or custom Windows software, a VPS may still be needed. Most MQL strategies can be imported and run on AlgoBars.
More answers
Sources
- MetaQuotes VPS pricing
- AlgoBars figures: pricing, FAQ, security and changelog.
Competitor prices and limits change. They are shown as published when checked. Trading involves risk of loss.
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