NinjaTrader vs Backtesting.py (2026)
NinjaTrader (free futures-focused desktop platform with c# backtesting and a built-in brokerage) 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
| NinjaTrader | Backtesting.py | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.7 / 10 | 7.1 / 10 |
| Engine type | event-driven | hybrid |
| Pricing model | freemium | open-source |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Entry price | $0 | $0 |
| Languages | C# (NinjaScript), no-code (Strategy Builder) | Python |
| 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, forex, crypto, futures, any instrument with OHLC(V) candlestick 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. | 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 | 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 |
NinjaTrader
Free futures-focused desktop platform with C# backtesting and a built-in brokerage
Backtesting.py
Lightweight open-source Python library for backtesting single-instrument strategies
Frequently asked questions
Is NinjaTrader better than Backtesting.py?+
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. 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: NinjaTrader 7.7/10, Backtesting.py 7.1/10.
Which is cheaper, NinjaTrader or Backtesting.py?+
NinjaTrader entry pricing: $0 (freemium). 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.