NinjaTrader vs AmiBroker (2026)
NinjaTrader (free futures-focused desktop platform with c# backtesting and a built-in brokerage) and AmiBroker (windows desktop platform for high-speed portfolio backtesting in the afl language) solve backtesting differently. The table below compares them on verified specs and pricing; full details are in each review.
Side by side
| NinjaTrader | AmiBroker | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.0 / 10 | 6.5 / 10 |
| Engine type | event-driven | hybrid |
| Pricing model | freemium | one-time |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Entry price | $0 | $0 |
| Languages | C# (NinjaScript), no-code (Strategy Builder) | AFL (AmiBroker Formula Language), C++ (plugin ADK), JScript/VBScript (OLE automation) |
| Asset classes | futures (native brokerage), stocks (data/backtest via third-party feeds), forex (data/backtest via third-party feeds), crypto (data via Coinbase adapter) | stocks, ETFs, futures, forex, mutual funds, crypto (via imported data) |
| Bundled data | Free real-time CME market data with a funded brokerage account, free end-of-day data via Kinetick for unfunded users, and historical tick/minute futures data downloadable in-platform. Without a funded account, Level 1/Level 2 CME data costs ~$12/$41 per month. Non-CME exchanges (e.g. Eurex, ICE) cost extra. | 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. |
| Finest resolution | tick | tick (Professional edition, with a tick-capable feed such as eSignal or Interactive Brokers); Standard edition is limited to minute bars |
| Live trading | Yes | Yes |
| Options support | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
NinjaTrader
Free futures-focused desktop platform with C# backtesting and a built-in brokerage
AmiBroker
Windows desktop platform for high-speed portfolio backtesting in the AFL language
Frequently asked questions
Is NinjaTrader better than AmiBroker?
They target different users. NinjaTrader: futures traders (especially micros and e-minis) who want a free, serious event-driven backtester in c# with a direct path from strategy analyzer to live automated execution at low commissions. 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. Our scores: NinjaTrader 7.0/10, AmiBroker 6.5/10.
Which is cheaper, NinjaTrader or AmiBroker?
NinjaTrader entry pricing: $0 (freemium). AmiBroker: $0 (one-time). 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.