By 2025, the global AI crypto trading bot market is projected to reach $47.43 billion, growing at a robust CAGR of nearly 14% as retail adoption surges. No longer the exclusive domain of institutional hedge funds, algorithmic trading has been democratized; data indicates that over 42% of active traders now leverage automation to mitigate emotional decision-making and capitalize on 24/7 market volatility.
So, how to choose the best AI trading bots? No single bot deserves the label “best” for everyone. The ideal choice depends on your experience, preferred markets, risk tolerance, supported exchanges, and whether you want simple grid/DCA automation or more advanced customization. What works for a beginner compounding small positions may frustrate a professional who needs multi-exchange futures bots.
This guide lists the top 10 truly usable free or freemium platforms available in 2025. Ranking is based on actual user ratings, security track record, depth of free-tier functionality, innovation, and real-world performance in current market conditions. “Free” here means either completely free (only exchange fees) or a meaningful free tier that lets you can trade with indefinitely without paying.
Let’s first clarify what “AI trading bot” actually means in 2025 — because most of what is marketed as AI is not.
What is an AI Trading Bot & How It Actually Works?
An AI trading bot is software that automatically executes buy and sell orders based on predefined or learned rules. It scans markets, analyzes data, and trades without human input.
To understand the current landscape, we can categorize these tools into four distinct levels of sophistication:
- Level 1: Rule-Based Automation (The Standard) – These are “dumb” bots that strictly follow pre-set logic (e.g., “Buy if Bitcoin drops 5%”). Examples include Grid bots and DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging) bots. They do not “think”; they obey.
- Level 2: Technical Indicator-Based – A step up in complexity, these bots utilize mathematical indicators like RSI, MACD, or Bollinger Bands to trigger trades. While they appear smarter, they are still executing rigid mathematical formulas.
- Level 3: Machine Learning Bots – These systems use historical data to “backtest” and optimize strategies, adjusting parameters (like stop-loss percentages) based on what would have worked best in the past.
- Level 4: Advanced AI (Generative & NLP) – The frontier in 2025. These bots leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) to analyze news sentiment, social media trends, and unstructured data to predict market movements, moving beyond pure price action.
Most platforms advertised as “AI trading bots” in 2025 still operate at Level 1 and 2. They use machine learning only for minor optimizations (e.g., suggesting grid intervals or trailing-stop distances), while the core strategy remains user-defined rules or templates. True Level 3 capabilities exist in only a few platforms and usually behind paywalls. Level 4 remains out of reach for retail traders.
Critical Note: A bot’s sophistication only matters if the underlying strategy is sound. An AI system cannot create profitable strategies from flawed logic. It executes with consistency and speed, but it cannot overcome poor strategy design or fundamental market collapses.
Best AI Crypto Trading Bots Free in 2025
1. Cryptohopper
Cryptohopper, founded in 2017 by Ruud and Pim Feltkamp in Amsterdam, remains one of the most established cloud-based trading platforms in 2025. It supports over 17 major exchanges, including Binance, Coinbase Advanced, Kraken, Bybit, OKX, etc. and offers over 130 indicators. The platform’s standout feature is its AI Strategy Designer, which allows users to feed the bot multiple strategies; the AI then backtests them simultaneously and automatically switches to the most profitable strategy for the current market conditions.
Users connect their exchange accounts via API keys. They can then either build strategies using a drag-and-drop “Strategy Designer” (no coding required) or download pre-configured strategies and signals from the Cryptohopper Marketplace. The bot executes trades automatically based on these configurations.
Pricing Model
- Pioneer Plan (Free): Primarily for portfolio management and manual trading; includes 20 open positions but limits automated bot functionality.
- Paid Tiers: Range from ~$29 to ~$129/month (Explorer, Adventurer, Hero) for enabled AI features, arbitrage, and higher position limits.
Best for strategy builders & intermediate traders. Ideal for users who want to design complex indicators or leverage the “AI Strategy” feature to adapt to changing markets (though full AI features require a paid upgrade).
2. Pionex
Pionex, launched in 2019 and headquartered in Singapore, is a licensed exchange that provides 16+ built-in trading bots completely free of subscription fees. It aggregates liquidity from Binance and Huobi for best-price execution. The standout tools are Grid Trading Bot, Leveraged Grid, Trailing Buy/Sell, Martingale, DCA, and the AI Grid V2 strategy that analyzes the past 7 days of volatility and automatically suggests profitable grid intervals for any chosen pair. In 2025 Pionex processes billions in monthly volume and holds MSB licenses in the US and Canada.
Because Pionex is an exchange, users deposit funds directly into Pionex exchange (or connect external wallet), select a bot, accept or adjust the AI-suggested parameters, and launch. Bots run on Pionex servers 24/7; users only pay the 0.05% trading fee.
Pricing Model
- Free Tier (True Free): No monthly subscription fees for using the bots. All 16 bots are free to use.
- Trading Fees: Users pay a flat low transaction fee (typically 0.05%) on executed trades, which is significantly lower than the industry standard.
Best for beginners & cost-conscious traders. The “Set and Forget” crowd who wants to automate volatility harvesting (Grid trading) without paying monthly subscription costs.
3. 3Commas
Established in 2017, 3Commas is a comprehensive trade management platform based in Estonia, supports over 20 exchanges (including Binance, Bybit, OKX, Coinbase, KuCoin, etc.), SmartTrade terminal, DCA bots, Grid bots, Futures bots, Options bots, TradingView signal integration, portfolio tracker, and copy-trading. In 2025 it serves hundreds of thousands of users. The platform recently added more AI-driven signal generation and bot presets.
Users link their exchanges via API. Create or copy bots (DCA, Grid, etc.), set take-profit, stop-loss, trailing, and safety orders. Bots run 24/7 and can be controlled via mobile app or web.
Pricing Model
- Free Trial / Limited Free: New users start with a 14-day full-feature trial. After the trial, accounts typically revert to a limited state (view-only or backtesting)
- Paid Tiers: Plans range from Starter ($12.42-$15/mo) for core bots for spot trading at 1 exchange; Pro ($30–$35/mo) for multi-account spot and futures trading; to Expert ($91.58–$100/mo) for exceptional limits and API trading.
Best for DCA enthusiasts & multi-exchange managers. Excellent for traders who want to automate “buying the dip” (DCA) or who need a unified terminal to trade across Binance, OKX, and Bybit simultaneously.
4. Coinrule
Coinrule launched in 2018 in London by Gabriele Musella and Oleg Giberstein. The platform connects to over 15 exchanges, including Binance, Bybit, OKX, Kraken, Coinbase Advanced, KuCoin, and Bitmex. Users build strategies through an if-this-then-that rule builder with 250+ templates, backtesting, demo mode, and accumulated triggers. In 2025 Coinrule introduced AI-optimized templates that scan market regimes and auto-suggest rule combinations with higher historical win rates. The platform executes pure rule-based strategies (Level 2) yet packages them under AI branding. Security remains strong with read-only API keys and 2FA.
Users connect their exchange via API and then create “Rules” using the visual editor. You can choose from over 150 pre-built templates (e.g., “Buy the Dip,” “Stop Loss Take Profit”) or build custom strategies. The bot runs 24/7 in the cloud, monitoring price feeds and executing orders immediately when your conditions are met.
Pricing Model
- Starter Plan (True Free): Includes 2 live rules, 2 demo rules, and 7 template strategies with a $3,000 monthly trading volume limit.
- Paid Plans: Investor ($29.99/mo) increases volume to $500k; Trader ($59.99/mo) adds leverage trading and TradingView signals; Fund ($749/mo) offers unlimited volume and dedicated servers.
Best for beginners & “No-Code” enthusiasts. Perfect for users who want to automate simple logic (like “Golden Cross” or portfolio rebalancing) without dealing with Python scripts or complex technical indicators.
5. Mizar
Mizar appeared in 2022 and operates without subscription fees. The platform supports Binance, Bybit, OKX, Bitget, Gate.io, and several DeFi protocols. Users access DCA bots, grid bots, smart trading terminal, and a copy-trading marketplace where top performers earn fees. In 2025 Mizar added an AI signal generator that scans order books and suggests entry/exit levels. The platform takes zero subscription cost and only a small performance fee on copied profitable trades (0–10%). Non-custodial, licensed in several jurisdictions.
Connect API keys, deposit no funds on Mizar itself, choose copy traders or activate self-managed DCA/grid bots with AI-suggested parameters. Bots run on Mizar infrastructure.
Pricing Model
- Pay-As-You-Go (Free Access): No monthly subscription fee. Users pay a volume fee (typically around 0.1% or less) on profitable trades or executed volume.
- Performance Fees: If copying a trader, you may pay a profit-sharing fee (e.g., 5-10% of profits) only when you make money.
Best for copy traders & DeFi users. Ideal for investors who prefer a “success-fee” model over fixed monthly subscriptions and for those exploring automated trading on decentralized exchanges.
6. Altrady
Altrady, established in 2017 and based in the Netherlands, combines portfolio tracking, multi-exchange trading terminal, grid bots, DCA bots, signal bots, and a base scanner that pushes alerts. In 2025 the platform rolled out AI-enhanced Smart Orders that predict short-term momentum shifts. It supports Binance, Bybit, OKX, KuCoin, Bitfinex, and 15+ others.
Connect APIs, set grid/DCA parameters or subscribe to signals, enable AI Smart Orders for automated entries. All bots and terminal features run 24/7 in the cloud.
Pricing Model
- Free Trial / Paper Trading: Altrady offers a 14-day full-feature trial. After the trial, accounts revert to a Free Paper Trading plan forever, allowing users to practice strategies without real capital.
- Paid Plans: Basic starts at ~€20/mo (annually) for 2 bots and basic scanning; Essential (~€35/mo) adds advanced scanners; Premium (~€63/mo) unlocks all features and unlimited bots.
Best for scanner-based traders & portfolio managers. Best for traders who want to find opportunities using real-time market scanners and immediately deploy a bot to trade that specific volatility.
Best AI Stock Trading Bots Free in 2025
7. Trade Ideas
Trade Ideas, founded 2003 by David Aferiat and Dan Mirkin, delivers real-time AI-driven stock scanning through Holly AI engine (now Holly Neo in 2025). Holly scans thousands of scenarios nightly and publishes high-probability intraday and swing trade ideas. The platform integrates directly with Interactive Brokers, CenterPoint, and others for auto-trading. In 2025 it added generative AI for natural-language strategy creation. No free live trading tier exists, but the simulator is unlimited.
The software connects directly to stock exchanges to stream real-time data. Its “AI Virtual Trading Analyst” (Holly) suggests entry and exit signals based on statistical backtesting. Users can manually follow these signals or connect to a supported broker (like Interactive Brokers or E*TRADE) for automated execution.
Pricing Model
- Free Dashboard: A free web-based dashboard allows access to limited “Stock Racing” visualizations, some real-time channel data, and delayed charts, but excludes full AI Holly access.
- Paid Tiers: Basic and Premium plans (ranging from ~$89 to ~$254/mo) are required for the full AI Holly signals and automated backtesting features.
Best for active day traders & quants. Traders looking for statistically weighted signals and advanced scanners who are willing to pay for institutional-grade data.
8. StockHero
StockHero, launched in 2021, focuses on US and Singapore stocks via brokers (TradeStation, Webull, Interactive Brokers, Alpaca). Marketplace offers ready-made AI strategies and a bot builder that uses machine learning to optimize entries, exits, and position sizing based on backtested performance. In 2025 the Lite plan remains free with one live bot.
Similar to crypto bots, users connect their brokerage account via API. They can then select a bot type (e.g., a Long Grid bot for a bullish stock like Apple) and configure the parameters. StockHero executes the buy/sell orders automatically during market hours. It also features a “Bot Marketplace” to rent strategies from experienced traders.
Pricing Model
- Lite Plan ($29.99/mo): The entry-level plan (often with a 14-day trial) allowing 1 active bot and unlimited backtesting.
- Premium & Professional: Higher tiers ($49.99–$99.99/mo) unlock up to 50 active bots, AI Chatbot assistance, and strategy marketplace access.
Best for retail stock investors. Users who want to apply crypto-style automated strategies (like Grid trading) to stable stocks or ETFs without learning to code.
9. Hummingbot
Hummingbot is a community-driven open-source framework since 2019 (now version 2.x in 2025). It supports 50+ CeFi and DeFi venues. Users deploy market-making, arbitrage, arbitrage, directional strategies via simple config files or the dashboard (no code needed for common scripts). Community marketplace shares thousands of strategies. Completely free, no subscriptions, only exchange fees.
Users install the client (command-line interface) and configure “connectors” to their exchanges. The bot runs algorithms like “Pure Market Making” (placing buy/sell orders on both sides of the book to capture the spread) or “Cross-Exchange Arbitrage” (buying low on Exchange A and selling high on Exchange B). It requires some technical knowledge to set up.
Pricing Model
- True Free (Open Source): The software itself is 100% free to download and use. There are no monthly subscriptions.
- Costs: Users only pay the standard trading fees on the exchanges they use (and gas fees for DEXs).
Best for developers & market makers. Advanced users who are comfortable with a command-line interface (CLI) and want to run professional-grade market-making strategies for free.
10. TradingView
TradingView, founded 2011, dominates charting with 60+ million users in 2025. Pine Script language lets users code custom indicators and strategies, backtest, paper trade, and auto-trade via webhooks to brokers (Alpaca, TradeStation, Interactive Brokers). In 2025 TradingView launched AI Script Assistant that generates or optimizes Pine code from natural language. Free tier provides full scripting power.
Traders write or download a script (e.g., “Buy when 50 MA crosses 200 MA”). They then set up an Alert on that script. When the condition is met, TradingView fires a “Webhook” (a digital message) to a third-party bot execution platform (like 3Commas, SignalStack, or tickerly) which actually places the trade on the exchange.
Pricing Model
- Basic Plan (Free Forever): Includes access to standard charts, 3 indicators per chart, and 1 active alert. Sufficient for running a single simple automated strategy signal.
- Paid Plans: Essential, Plus, and Premium ($15–$60/mo) offer seconds-based intervals, unlimited alerts, and deep backtesting data.
Best for chartists & strategy testers. The go-to hub for traders who want to visually build and backtest a strategy before connecting it to an execution bot.
How to Choose the Right AI Trading Bots?
- Experience Level: Beginners succeed with no-code platforms that provide templates and AI parameter suggestions. Intermediate traders need backtesting and marketplace strategies. Professionals demand open-source code or Pine Script-level control. Pick complexity that matches your current skill—over-featured tools waste time and money.
- Cost: True zero-cost options exist (Pionex, Mizar, Hummingbot). Most platforms use freemium models that restrict bots, volume, or concurrent positions in free tiers. Calculate real cost: subscription + trading fees + opportunity cost of locked features.
- Security: Demand read-only API keys, proven non-custodial design, third-party audits, and insurance funds. Check hack history and withdrawal proof on Reddit and Trustpilot.
Strategy & Features: Match the bot to your exact style: grid/DCA for ranging markets, market-making for low-volatility pairs, momentum/scalping for stocks. Require paper trading, trailing stops, proper backtesting, and TradingView integration. - Transparency & Support: Choose platforms with verifiable performance data, active Discord/Telegram communities, detailed documentation, and responsive teams. Avoid black-box “AI” that hides logic. Real transparency shows historical drawdowns, win rates, and exact rules—anything less is marketing, not trading.
Building Your Own AI Trading Bots with Designveloper
The article gave you a comprehensive overview of a free AI stock trading bot. From what exactly it can do and whether it’s worth investing in, to the top five reputable bots, we’ve got you covered. But if you want to build a custom AI assistant for stock trading, Designveloper is here to help.
Our dedicated, professional team has deep technical expertise and hands-on experience in AI development. We’ve successfully delivered tailored, scalable AI solutions to meet our clients’ expectations. Our solutions, integrated with advanced algorithms, function as your powerful assistants to support effective stock trading, portfolio management, financial management, and decision-making. Working under Agile development methodologies (SCRUM, Kanban) and professional techniques (Pair Programming, Analogous Estimation, etc.), our team commits to delivering your solutions on time and within budget.
So, wanna share your idea with us now? Contact us and bring your AI stock trading bot to life!
FAQs
Do AI trading bots really work?
Yes, they work effectively for automating execution, removing emotional bias, and trading 24/7. However, they are not “money printers.” A bot is only as good as the strategy it follows. If you deploy a bullish grid bot during a market crash without stop-losses, it will faithfully execute losing trades.
Are free trading bots really free?
Yes—Pionex, Mizar, and Hummingbot charge zero subscription fees in 2025. You pay only exchange trading fees (0.05–0.10%). Others offer usable free tiers with limits. Always verify current terms; some “free” platforms later introduce hidden performance fees or volume caps.
What is the best AI crypto trading bot?
For complete beginners, Pionex is the best choice due to its built-in free bots and lack of subscription fees. For intermediate users who want to build custom strategies across multiple exchanges, Cryptohopper or 3Commas are the industry standards for feature depth and reliability.
What is the best AI stock trading bot?
For active day traders seeking high-end AI signals, Trade Ideas remains the gold standard despite its cost. For retail investors looking to apply crypto-style automation (like Grids) to stocks without coding, StockHero is the best accessible option in 2025.
What happens when the bot makes a losing trade?
You lose money—exactly as programmed. The bot follows rules without mercy. Good platforms let you set stop-loss, trailing-stop, or pause instantly. Never run a bot without predefined max drawdown limits. Losses are your responsibility, not the software’s.
