AmiBroker vs Backtesting.py (2026)
AmiBroker (windows desktop platform for high-speed portfolio backtesting in the afl language) and Backtesting.py (lightweight open-source python library for backtesting single-instrument strategies) solve backtesting differently. The table below compares them on verified specs and pricing; full details are in each review.
Side by side
| AmiBroker | Backtesting.py | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.8 / 10 | 7.1 / 10 |
| Engine type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Pricing model | one-time | open-source |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Entry price | $0 | $0 |
| Languages | AFL (AmiBroker Formula Language), C++ (plugin ADK), JScript/VBScript (OLE automation) | Python |
| Asset classes | stocks, ETFs, futures, forex, mutual funds, crypto (via imported data) | stocks, forex, crypto, futures, any instrument with OHLC(V) candlestick data |
| Bundled data | No market data is bundled. The AmiQuote companion app (included in the Ultimate Pack, $99 standalone) downloads free EOD data from Yahoo Finance and Stooq, plus limited free intraday from Barchart OnDemand. Paid sources (Tiingo, eSignal, IQFeed, Norgate, Interactive Brokers) plug in when you need higher quality. | None beyond bundled sample datasets (GOOG daily, EURUSD intraday) used in tutorials. You bring your own OHLCV data as pandas DataFrames from yfinance, ccxt, broker APIs, or paid vendors |
| Finest resolution | tick (Professional edition, with a tick-capable feed such as eSignal or Interactive Brokers); Standard edition is limited to minute bars | Any OHLC bar interval you supply, including sub-minute bars; raw tick or order-book data must be resampled to candles first |
| Live trading | Yes | No |
| Options support | No | No |
| Open source | No | Yes |
AmiBroker
Windows desktop platform for high-speed portfolio backtesting in the AFL language
Backtesting.py
Lightweight open-source Python library for backtesting single-instrument strategies
Frequently asked questions
Is AmiBroker better than Backtesting.py?+
They target different users. AmiBroker: systematic eod and swing traders on windows who want the fastest affordable portfolio-level backtesting and optimization, own their data pipeline, and don't need turnkey live execution or options modeling. Backtesting.py: beginner-to-intermediate python traders who want the fastest path from strategy idea to a credible single-instrument backtest with interactive charts, without paying anything or learning a heavyweight framework. Our scores: AmiBroker 7.8/10, Backtesting.py 7.1/10.
Which is cheaper, AmiBroker or Backtesting.py?+
AmiBroker entry pricing: $0 (one-time). Backtesting.py: $0 (open-source). See each review for full verified pricing tables.
Educational content only, not investment advice. Specs and prices come from each platform's official pages; see the individual reviews for sources and last-verified dates.