VectorBT vs QuantRocket (2026)
VectorBT (high-speed vectorized python backtesting library with a free core and paid pro tier) and QuantRocket (docker-based python platform for research, backtesting, and live trading via ibkr/alpaca) solve backtesting differently. The table below compares them on verified specs and pricing; full details are in each review.
Side by side
| VectorBT | QuantRocket | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.8 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
| Engine type | vectorized | hybrid |
| Pricing model | freemium | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Entry price | $0 | $0 |
| Languages | Python | Python |
| Asset classes | stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, futures, any OHLCV/tick time series | stocks, etfs, futures, forex, options (data/execution, limited backtesting) |
| Bundled data | None bundled. You bring your own data: the open-source version ships a yfinance wrapper, while PRO adds unified connectors for CCXT exchanges (Binance, Bybit, KuCoin, Bitfinex), Alpaca, Interactive Brokers, Polygon.io, TradingView, Databento, Alpha Vantage, Nasdaq Data Link, plus local CSV/HDF5/Parquet/Feather and ArcticDB/DuckDB/PostgreSQL storage. | Paid license bundles: US Stock Prices (EOD + 1-minute, 2007-present, survivorship-bias-free), IBKR shortable shares, borrow fees and special margin requirements (2018-present, global), Alpaca easy-to-borrow (2019-present). Premium add-ons sold separately: Sharadar point-in-time US fundamentals/prices, EDI global stock prices, Brain sentiment. Free tier: ~30 sample symbols plus US stocks 2007-2011. |
| Finest resolution | tick | 1-minute historical (bundled US stock data); real-time tick/streaming collection via TimescaleDB and WebSockets |
| Live trading | No | Yes |
| Options support | No | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
VectorBT
High-speed vectorized Python backtesting library with a free core and paid PRO tier
QuantRocket
Docker-based Python platform for research, backtesting, and live trading via IBKR/Alpaca
Frequently asked questions
Is VectorBT better than QuantRocket?+
They target different users. VectorBT: python-fluent retail quants who want to screen thousands of strategy variants fast, and who will trade a hard learning curve and diy execution for near-c research speed. QuantRocket: python-fluent quants trading us equities and futures through interactive brokers who want a self-hosted, data-rigorous research and live-trading stack they fully control Our scores: VectorBT 7.8/10, QuantRocket 7.5/10.
Which is cheaper, VectorBT or QuantRocket?+
VectorBT entry pricing: $0 (freemium). QuantRocket: $0 (subscription). 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.