cTrader cBot Cloud Environment vs VPS

cTrader Cloud, a feature of the cTrader trading platform, allows traders to run algorithmic strategies, known as cBots, in a dedicated cloud environment. It ensures continuous 24/7 operation without needing the local cTrader application to remain open or the trader's device to stay powered on. With cTrader Cloud, traders can start, manage, and monitor their cBots from any device, including mobile, offering unparalleled flexibility and adaptability to their trading strategies.

Benefits of cTrader Cloud

cBots operate continuously in a dedicated cloud environment, removing the need to keep your local machine running. Traders can also start, manage, and monitor cBots from any device, including mobile phones, tablets, and web browsers, which provide a cloud-based alternative to traditional VPS hosting.

• A unique feature of cTrader Cloud is the ability to turn cBots on or off from your mobile phone.

Disadvantages of cTrader Cloud

While cTrader Cloud offers many benefits, it has limitations when choosing a cloud-based service for your cBots. Unlike a self-managed VPS or dedicated server, traders have limited control over the cloud environment, with no options to test their cBots on a demo account, customise settings, install software, or optimise infrastructure.

Although optimised for performance, cTrader Cloud may have higher latency than running a cBot on a low-latency VPS or dedicated server near the broker's data centre. This means trades take longer to execute and fill. Additionally, specific server locations cannot be chosen to reduce execution time.

Using a VPS, you can install a copy of cTrader Desktop and install and run multiple cBots with indicators on a demo or live account. Remote access will also allow you to trade and run your cBots manually.

• No user interface interaction (no charts or dynamic UI)
• You can simultaneously run 1 cBot instance on demo accounts and up to 10 cBot instances on live accounts in Cloud.
• No support for message boxes or trade alerts
• Cannot connect to external servers or APIs (e.g., licensing, news feeds)
• Limited logging and debugging capabilities
• Number of cBots running capped at 10
• Not compatible with licensed products like those from ClickAlgo

Requirements for running cBots on the cloud

You must meet specific requirements to ensure your cBot instances run smoothly in the cloud. Not all cBots will run on the cloud with cTrader. When using a Virtual Private Server, there are no restrictions, and you can use the full potential of Microsoft .NET.

Benefits of a Virtual Private Server

A VPS provides dedicated CPU, RAM, and bandwidth, ensuring stable and fast performance; it also operates independently, reducing the risk of security threats from other users. You have complete control over your operating system, software, and configurations.

• Multiple demo and live cBots allowed.

A virtual private server is perfect for running automated trading systems on cTrader, with the option to run as many cBots on both demo and live accounts as your computer's resources allow.

A trader can choose where the server is located. If you want to be close to the New York Stock Exchange, a server at the exchange will increase latency, but it will also provide fast execution of orders using an automated trading system.

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) provides 24/7 uptime, dedicated resources, full access to the cloud from your PC to manage your cBots, and the ability to run an unlimited number of cBots on both live and demo accounts.

Disadvantages of a Virtual Private Server

When writing, the cTrader Cloud is free for customers with a live account; a Virtual Private Server will cost a monthly or annual fee. The customer will also need to install the cTrader Desktop platform on the server and connect to it using Remote Desktop Connection, which will establish a connection to the server as if it were a local PC.

• To turn off your cBot, you need to log in to the VPS.

Conclusion

Using cTrader Cloud is also a cost-effective solution for those with limited funds. Still, a Virtual Private Server is a better solution if you are serious about algorithm trading and want to test your cBots on a demo & live account. While cTrader Cloud secures cBots against unauthorised access, traders cannot implement custom security policies such as firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication for server access. If you want the option to manage your cBots from your mobile phone, cTrader cloud is a good choice.