Imagine staring at a screen full of charts, numbers, and indicators, trying to make sense of the market’s next move. You’ve got a plan, but executing it can feel overwhelming, especially when the market is moving fast. Low latency trading capabilities are crucial in such scenarios, enabling you to execute trades in milliseconds to stay ahead of market fluctuations. If only you could automate the process and let the software do the work for you. Automated futures trading software can help you achieve your goals with more efficiency, less effort, and greater profitability. This article will review the best automated futures trading software to help you find the ideal platform.
Trading VPS from QuantVPS can help you get the most out of your automated futures trading software. A virtual private server creates a stable environment for your software to operate independently of your local computer. This means your trading can continue smoothly even if your internet connection fails or your computer crashes.
12 Best Automated Futures Trading Software Platforms
1. QuantVPS: The Go-To VPS for Automated Trading
QuantVPS delivers high-performance, cost-effective trading VPS solutions tailored for algo traders. Our platform offers ultra-low latency of 1 millisecond, ensuring lightning-fast execution for futures, crypto, equities, and forex trading. We support major trading platforms, including:
- NinjaTrader
- TradeStation
- MetaTrader
- Interactive Brokers
- Sierra Chart
- Quant Tower
With 24/7 support and a 100% uptime guarantee, QuantVPS provides a reliable, speed-optimized environment for traders to run their automated strategies continuously and efficiently.
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2. MetaTrader 4: The Best Automated Trading Platform
MetaTrader 4 is considered the top automated trading platform by traders of all skill levels. Besides enabling you to trade futures, you can trade the following with the software:
- Forex
- CFDs
- Indices
- Commodities
- Crypto
To use it, you must connect to the brokers that allow you to link your trading account with the platform. Each broker licenses the platform individually.
Note: Plenty of brokers link with MetaTrader, which is made available by 750+ brokers. Features: You can set different orders and make an order using the chart with one click.
MetaTrader 4 offers another excellent feature called the built-in tick, which aids traders in finding the right entry and exit points. The chart allows you to analyze price movement in nine different timeframes. The platform gives you access to dozens of technical indicators and graphic objects to make analysis easier.
MetaTrader 4 is also available on mobile and gives you full control over your account. The built-in chat option enables you to connect with other traders, and the integrated EAs analyze quotes and execute trades for you without much hassle.
Research Tools
Built-in Tools:
- Movement alerts and other features keep you in the loop about market events
- Use plugins to access news providers.
Integrated Feeds
- Feeds from Bloomberg, Reuters, and similar providers come pre-integrated.
- Simply select the news sources you wish to follow.
Personalized Feeds
- Create personalized feeds using the API for a tailored experience.
Fees
Free access:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is free to use.
- Upon launch, you’ll be prompted to create a free demo account to test the platform’s features.
Broker Features
- Access MT4 through a broker to unlock additional features that are available in Pro accounts.
Support
Dedicated page with guides for:
- Getting started.
- Customizing terminal settings and UI.
- Utilizing charts, analytics, and auto-trading tools.
Customer Support
- Contact MetaQuote’s support team for purchasing inquiries.
- Alternatively, access the software through brokers with licensed versions.
Understanding MT4’s Licensing and Purchasing Options
When you launch the application, you will be asked to create a free demo account to test the platform’s features. When you access MT4 via a broker, you may get access to additional features made available in the Pro account. If you want to purchase the software, you can contact MetaQuote’s customer support team. You can also get the software through brokers that have licenses for it.
3. Ninja Trader: A Leading Platform for Automated Trading
NinjaTrader is known for offering a wide array of technical analysis features that are very handy for new traders. The demo trading features set it apart from the competition. There is a catch, though. The software is only officially available on Windows-based computers. However, you can request customer support to access the software on other platforms.
Note: You must run NinjaTrader using Boot Camp if you have a Mac.
Features
By default, all of your orders will be routed through CQG. But you can execute your orders via Rithmic and Kinetick. Traders can use NinjaTrader for free with any funded brokerage account.
You will get access to:
- Top-notch charting features
- Market analysis features
- A demo account
This helps you test your strategies before investing natural capital. Nevertheless, some of the software’s advanced capabilities are locked behind a paywall. You must lease it quarterly or buy a lifetime license to access them.
Research Tools
One of the best features of NinjaTrader is that it gives you access to a high-performance backtesting engine. The engine enables you to test out their trading plans on historical data so they can gauge their viability.
The vast array of educational material available makes learning to use all the platform’s features and enhances your trading skills easy.
Fees
NinjaTrader is one of the most economical automated trading platforms you can use. The minimum deposit is $1000, and the commissions go as low as $.09 per contract. The margins for day trading are also shallow, starting at $500.
The platform is free, and you can try all the features, even the advanced ones, for free in the demo account. But, you must get a paid license to use the advanced features in live markets.
The company also offers a lifetime license, which gives you access to advanced features. The automated trading features are only available to the users who get the lifetime license.
Support
You can contact the NinjaTrader customer support team via email and phone. Alternatively, you can complete the online support form to have the team address your issue. Support is offered to international clients in their native language, which indicates excellence.
4. AlgoTrader: A Versatile Automated Trading Platform
AlgoTrader is versatile, allowing you to trade in futures, forex, options, commodities, and stock markets. It is the first platform that enables traders to automate cryptocurrency trading. It is impressive that a trader can develop, automate, and execute several trading plans simultaneously.
Features
One of the best things about AlgoTrader is that it offers some seemingly basic features that make trading easier. The platform supports multiple currencies, and you can set it up to convert your currency automatically. You don’t have to download and install anything to use AlgoTrader. You can access it on the web from anywhere. As soon as you log in, you will see an overview of your account on the screen and get right to managing your trades.
Research Tools
The TradingView chart gives you access to several indicators that make studying patterns and finding trends easier. You also get access to numerous chart types, allowing you to analyze price movements from different perspectives. The charts are customizable, and the available drawing tools make a trader’s job a bit easier.
Fees
There is no free version of the software available. To access AlgoTrader, you will need a yearly license.
Support
Transitioning to trading with a bot can be challenging. But you have nothing to worry about since the comprehensive documentation will help you learn to use the tool quickly. You can also request remote or on-site training to learn how to use the platform faster.
5. The Honest Robot Trader: Automated Futures Trading Made Easy
The Honest Robot Trader (THRT) makes it easy to automate trading and offers many features that make life easier for traders. It stands out because the company is willing to guarantee a yearly 5% increase in portfolio value, which counts a lot in a market full of unreliable software.
Features
With The Honest Robot Trader, you can trade E-Mini S&P futures and also NASDAQ futures. The platform also allows you to automate the trading of micro-contracts. One of its best features is that all the bots are set to day trade. No position is held overnight.
The bots will begin trading automatically every morning (eastern time), and positions will be closed when the trading day ends. You don’t ever have to worry about dealing with overnight risk.
Research Tools
All of the bots supplied by THRT can be accessed from anywhere in the world. The bots run on NinjaTrader 8 and TradeStation, and the entire portfolio comprises assets from the most liquid markets worldwide. With THRT, you don’t have to worry about doing any research. The pre-configured bots evolve with time and make you money on autopilot.
Fees
- No Free Plan:
While a free option isn’t available, the plans are reasonably priced, considering the features offered. - Available Plans:
- Silver Plan:
- $495/month.
- Access to three bots optimized for performance.
- Gold Plan:
- $995/month.
- Access to 10 high-profit bots.
- Includes portfolio compounding features.
- Silver Plan:
Premium Trading Plans
The Platinum plan is the most expensive, costing $1495 a month. It gives you access to 15 of the most potent futures trading bots and dedicated support. For a limited period, the company offers Futures Project X, its most feature-loaded product, for a special price. You will get access to every bot and feature for a small one-time fee of $499. To continue accessing the platform, you must pay $299 monthly.
Exclusive Bonuses and VIP Support
THRT couples $2,300 worth of bonuses in the plan at no additional charge during this limited-time offer. Support With Futures Project X, you will get unlimited VIP email support. The team will respond to your queries in minutes, so you have nothing to worry about, even if you encounter an issue.
6. Interactive Brokers: The Best Broker for Automated Futures Trading
In addition to being our top choice for professional futures traders, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is our top-rated broker for professional, advanced, and international traders. IBKR offers more markets to trade through a single platform than any other broker.
IBKR’s trading technology is among the best of all online brokers. Among IBKR’s advanced features is the ability to backtest trading ideas, sophisticated options analysis tools, and a vast array of order methods, including one-cancels-other (OCO) and many conditional orders.
In addition to these drop-down order entry tools, IBKR allows traders to develop their trading algorithms using many fundamental and technical indicators. Traders can develop automated entry and trade management instructions for trading all markets, including futures.
IBKR also has excellent order execution, including the ability to route equity orders. IBKR’s Adaptive Algo can also be used to find the best execution on a market order.
Pros
- Most markets are available on a single platform.
- Strategies can be backtested.
- Complex and automated trading strategies are also available.
- Low commissions are available for high-volume traders.
Cons
- Can be intimidating to less experienced traders
7. E*TRADE: The Best Broker for Futures Education
We chose E*TRADE as the best broker for futures education because the platform offers extensive content and training resources to help educate and prepare investors to trade and invest for themselves, and this includes solid content specific to futures trading.
A Brief History of E*TRADE
E*TRADE, one of the first online brokers, was established in 1982 and bought by Morgan Stanley in 2020. The company has been a consistent innovator, keeping its platforms current. While better known as more of a retail brokerage operation for those self-managing their accounts, E*TRADE supports futures trading.
E*TRADE’s Platform and User Base
The company’s robust platform, which supports multiple U.S. asset classes in a consolidated platform, appeals to new investors and experienced traders. While professional traders may choose online futures brokers with more bells and whistles, E*TRADE’s platform provides a solid futures trading experience.
E*TRADE offers intuitive desktop, web, and two mobile platforms, which is impressive considering the amount of content available for trading and learning about markets.
Pros
- Support for multiple U.S. asset classes.
- Easy-to-use platforms
- Excellent educational materials and content
- Demo account for paper trading
- CME Group and CFE data accessible for non-professionals
Cons
- No access to international exchanges
- Higher margin rates for IRA accounts
8. TradeStation: A Great Platform for Desktop Futures Traders
TradeStation is our top choice for desktop futures traders because its robust platform offers excellent charting, order entry, and position management tools, along with reasonable margin rates. In addition to futures, TradeStation supports trading in multiple asset classes, such as:
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Cryptocurrencies
- Options
- Futures
- Options on futures
A Powerful Desktop Platform
TradeStation offers free data for non-professionals for all of these markets. Still, we found that TradeStation’s customer service did not score as high as other futures brokers. Because of the strength of its desktop platform, robust backtesting, and data availability, we have chosen TradeStation as our best desktop platform for the future.
Pros
- Fast platform with good execution
- Support for multiple asset classes
- Simulated trading
- Advanced order types and trading automation
- Free data for non-market professionals
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Weak customer service
9. EdgeClear: A Broker Built for Futures Trading
Explicitly designed for futures trading, EdgeClear is an online broker that allows you to seize on price movements in this fast-paced market segment. Technology is employed to give you the most current data and fast execution, and the dashboard is easy to understand and navigate.
Beginners and experienced futures traders alike can make the most of this platform by building a portfolio that suits their strategy and takes advantage of:
- Low introductory commissions rate of $0.69 per side plus fees on the most popular futures products
- $0.20 per side plus fees on micro products EdgeProX, an all-in-one proprietary trading platform
- Customer service offered by experienced staffers
- Every trader is assigned a personal broker for their trading goals
- Flexible account options that include IRA futures
- Algorithmic trading plans
- Demo accounts to some of the most popular platforms available
- Futures products that cut across a wide range of business sectors
Why we love it:
We chose the EdgeClear platform because it offers highly specialized tools for professional traders, providing advanced charting and analytical capabilities. Its user-centric design ensures efficient trade execution and management, making it a standout choice for severe futures traders seeking a competitive edge.
10. Generic Trade: A Low-Cost Futures Trading Platform
Generic Trade has some of the lowest commission fees of any futures trader, at a maximum of $0.59 per trade. It prides itself on transparency and keeps its prices lower than other futures brokers by eliminating the need for salespeople and brokers.
The firm believes modern traders already have such a wealth of information at their disposal they mainly need a firm to execute their trades at the lowest cost. It also doesn’t have minimum account balances and volume requirements, making it accessible to most traders.
Why we love it:
We chose Generic Trade because it offers consistently low rates regardless of account size or trading volume, making it accessible to all traders. The platform includes real-time market data without requiring a separate provider, simplifying the trading process.
11. Optimus Futures: A Top Futures Trading Software
Optimus Futures is one of the best future trading software for futures contracts established in the United States. Futures traders will appreciate their incredibly cheap fees compared to others. Also, if you haven’t made any trades for a specified period, they won’t charge you an idling fee. Due to its minimal fees and adaptability, this software is popular with consumers searching for a futures trading platform.
Additional Benefits and Considerations
For investors who want to trade futures contracts, there are multiple additional benefits, such as no inactivity fee and access to an outstanding client service team. While a mobile app is enormously beneficial for day trading futures, some customers don’t appreciate that there isn’t one. For this reason, they will need to seek a different futures brokerage.
12. AvaTrade: Best for Copy Trading
AvaTrade offers traders a diverse range of futures that you can use to improve your portfolio. You may also invest in stock or forex, including:
- Over 50 currency pairs
- Crypto and more
Depending on your preference, you can invest through MT4 or the platform’s own Trader. You can use educational tools yourself, or you can go to SharpTrader for more intensive training.
Why we love it:
The AvaTrade platform is great for trading futures because it offers various futures contracts, including indices, commodities, currencies, treasuries, cryptocurrencies and metals, all within a single platform. Its user-friendly interface caters to beginner and experienced traders, ensuring a seamless trading experience.
Related Reading
- How to Automate Trading
- Introduction to Algorithmic Trading
- Trading Risk Management
- How to Set Up Algorithmic Trading
Things to Look for in an Automated Futures Trading Software
Scan User Reviews for Insights
Choosing the right platform for automated futures trading isn’t just about picking any software; it requires attention to several critical aspects to ensure a smooth experience.
- Look at detailed platform reviews. These reviews can provide insights from other users who have already navigated the software, giving you a sense of what works well and what doesn’t.
- Pay close attention to comments on user experience because even a powerful tool can be frustrating if it’s not user-friendly.
- Is the interface intuitive? Are there frequent glitches? Only real users can answer these questions thoroughly.
Confirm Software Compatibility
Beyond ease of use, another key component is software compatibility. Make sure that the platform you’re eyeing works seamlessly with your existing hardware and meets any specific technical requirements you may have. There’s nothing worse than discovering too late that your chosen program doesn’t play nicely with your operating system or trading algorithms.
Look For Responsive Trading Support
Make sure the auto trading platform offers trading support. Starting a new trading system can be overwhelming, so you should look for systems offering trading support. If you are stuck on anything, you can contact the expert trader on the platform.
Access Detailed Historical Data for Back Testing
Performing back tests requires access to accurate historical data. The right software will give you access to charted data across multiple timeframes.
Programming Language Matters
If you want to be able to make custom indicators and truly hand-curated a strategy, you will need to program it yourself. Every trading bot is coded differently, so you must use one based on a well-recognized language.
Balance Features and Costs
Regarding costs, brokerage fees can add up quickly and eat into profits if you’re not careful. Some platforms offer competitive pricing but may skimp on essential features or customer support.
In contrast, others might justify higher fees with advanced tools and resources that could benefit more seasoned traders. Weigh these costs against what you’re getting out of the service.
Related Reading
- Best Automated Trading Platform
- Automated Trading System
- High-Frequency Trading Algorithm
- Automated Trading Strategies
- Algorithmic Trading Strategies
- Futures Trading Algorithms
Top 10 Benefits of Automated Futures Trading
1. 24 Hour Trading Access to Opportunities
Automated trading systems can scour the markets for trading opportunities 24 hours a day, even when you sleep. When you run a trading system, you don’t need to be awake to monitor the markets for trading opportunities.
24/7 Trading Potential
The automated system will do that for you. Then, when the time is right, it will execute your pre-defined trading plan and make the trade on your behalf. This means you take advantage of potentially lucrative trading opportunities simply because you are not awake or available to make the trade yourself.
2. Trade Multiple Markets Simultaneously
Automated futures trading allows you to trade multiple markets at once. This means that when there are opportunities in different markets, your automated system can help you take advantage of them all.
Diversifying Your Investments with Automated Futures
For instance, if you see an opportunity in the stock market and have an automated trading system for futures, you can buy stock in that company and let the computerized futures system continue looking for opportunities in the futures market. By taking advantage of opportunities in different markets, you can make more money with automated futures trading.
3. No Trading Experience Required
Many people need help with trading stocks or other assets. Trading is often seen as something that only experts can do and understand. However, automated futures trading systems are changing that perception.
Simplify Your Trading with Automation
These systems are designed to remove the guesswork and emotion from trading, making it accessible to everyone. All you need to do is select the right system and let it trade for you. This is especially beneficial for those who don’t have the time or inclination to study the markets and make trades themselves.
So, if you’ve been considering getting into trading but have been intimidated by the idea, an automated system may be ideal.
4. Test Drive Systems Before Using Them
Any good automated futures trading platform will offer a demo account. This is essential to test out the system before risking any real money. Using a demo account lets you get a feel for how the system works and whether or not it is right for you.
The Importance of Demo Accounts
Demo accounts also allow you to test different strategies and see how they perform. A demo account is a perfect way to start if you are new to automated futures trading. And even if you are an experienced trader, a demo account can still help test new strategies. So, if you are considering using an automated futures trading platform, look for one that offers a demo account.
5. Automate Your Trading Strategy
For many traders, the idea of automating their trading strategy is a daunting one. After all, the stock market, futures market, and forex market can be unpredictable places, and entrusting your hard-earned money to a computer can be scary.
Automated futures trading can offer several advantages, especially for busy traders who don’t always have the time to watch the markets around the clock. You can minimize emotions and avoid making hasty, costly decisions by automating your entry and exit points.
Automated stop-losses can help limit your losses if the market takes a sudden turn. And finally, automated profit targets can ensure that you lock in your gains and don’t give back all your gains.
6. Backtest Systems to Find a Winning Strategy
Backtesting is a crucial tool when it comes to automated futures trading. For those unfamiliar, backtesting allows you to use historical data to see how a system would have performed in the past. This is an invaluable way to assess a system’s strengths and weaknesses before committing real money.
The Power of Backtesting
While backtesting is no guarantee of future success, it can give you a better sense of whether or not a system is worth pursuing. In an ever-changing market, backtesting can provide essential insights into how a system might perform. As such, it should be an integral part of any automated futures trading strategy.
7. Start Trading With Little Money
Futures trading is a great way to make money, but you don’t need much money to start. You can open an account for as little as $500. futures contracts are traded on margin, meaning you only need to put down a small amount of money to control a much larger contract.
A Double-Edged Sword
This leverage can help you make more money but also means you can quickly lose money. That’s why it’s essential to research and understand the risks before trading. If careful and intelligent, automatic trading can be a good way to make a good risk-adjusted return on your capital.
8. Use Leverage to Increase Your Profit Potential
Futures contracts are a type of financial derivative that allows investors to speculate on the future price of an underlying asset. Unlike other derivatives, such as options, futures contracts are binding agreements to buy or sell an asset at a set price on a specified date.
This makes them ideal for hedging against underlying asset price movements and speculation. Because futures contracts are leveraged instruments, investors can control a large contract value with a small amount of capital. This can magnify profits and losses, so it is essential to exercise caution when trading futures contracts.
With careful planning and risk management, futures trading can be a lucrative way to participate in the financial markets.
9. Short Sell to Profit in Down Markets
For many investors, the ability to short-sell is an essential part of their strategy. With short selling, you can profit from falling prices by selling a security and then repurchasing it at a lower price.
The Unique Advantage of Short Selling
This is impossible with stocks or other investments, which can only be bought and sold at the current market price. While short selling is risky, it can be a great way to make money in a down market. And unlike buying stocks or other investments, you don’t have to spend money when short-selling. This makes it an attractive option for investors looking to exploit market movements.
10. Small or No Commission Costs
When it comes to investing, traders have a variety of options available. While stocks and other traditional investments may be the most well-known, they are only sometimes the most cost-effective. This is where futures come in.
The Benefits of Futures Trading
Depending on your broker, you can find low-cost or even no-cost commission options (although there usually are exchange and clearing fees, at a minimum). This makes them a more cost-effective way to trade. In addition, futures offer a high degree of flexibility, as they can be used to hedge against other positions or take advantage of market trends. As a result, they have become an increasingly popular choice for savvy investors.
Related Reading
- Automated Futures Trading Strategies
- Backtesting Trading Strategies
- Best Algorithmic Trading Software for Beginners
- MT4 Trade Copier
Deploy a Trading VPS Today
A virtual private server is a remote computer that can run automated trading strategies, allowing traders to avoid the downtime associated with their home computers. For example, run an automated futures trading strategy on your home computer and lose internet connection or experience a power outage.
Ensure Uninterrupted Trading with a VPS
Your trading strategy will only work once you regain connection or power. A VPS eliminates this risk by running your plan on a remote server and executing trades on the futures market without interruption. You can even run your automated trading system on a VPS in the same city as the futures exchange for even faster execution.