cTrader review: a broker-supplied platform for forex and CFDs
Official site: ctrader.com
cTrader is made by Spotware Systems Ltd, founded in 2010 and based in Limassol, Cyprus. You don't buy it from Spotware. Partner brokers offer it to their clients, third-party reviews describe it as free to use, and the broker earns its money through spreads and commissions. That model makes cTrader cheap to try but harder to judge, because your costs, and even your access, depend on the broker you pick.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No subscription: access comes through a supporting broker
- Automated strategies (cBots) in C# and Python, with backtesting and optimization
- 24/7 cloud execution of cBots
- Three Depth of Market views: Standard, Price and VWAP
- Interface in 23 languages (per Spotware)
Cons
- Not sold directly: costs and Canadian availability depend on your broker
- We could not confirm a Canadian broker that offers it
- Paid cTrader Store items add cost on top of trading fees
- Stocks are available only where the broker lists them
Key facts
| Developer | Spotware Systems Ltd |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus |
| Pricing | No subscription sold; provided through partner brokers, whose spreads and commissions apply |
| Add-ons | cTrader Store products (free and paid; some paid items offer trials) |
| Free access | Through a supporting broker (demo or live account) |
| Trial | Broker demo accounts (terms vary by broker) |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, web, iOS, Android |
| Markets | Forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, crypto CFDs, stocks (broker-dependent) |
| Interface languages | 23 (per Spotware) |
| Support | Email, Help Centre, Discord, Telegram, broker support |
| Level | Intermediate |
What it costs
cTrader has no price list of its own. Your broker sets the spreads and commissions, so the same trade can cost different amounts at two cTrader brokers. The cTrader Store sells cBots and indicators: some items are free, some are paid, and some paid items come with trials. Before opening an account, compare each broker's commission per lot and its typical spread on the pairs you trade. That is the number you will actually pay, trade after trade. A demo account won't show you real commission charges, so read the broker's fee page too.
Automation, copy trading and depth
The built-in automation tools let you write cBots and indicators in C# or Python, backtest them and run parameter optimization. Finished cBots can run in the cloud around the clock, so your own computer doesn't need to stay on. cTrader Copy lets you follow other traders' strategies. For order entry there are three Depth of Market views: Standard, Price and VWAP. Of the order-entry platforms we tested, cTrader had the tidiest layout.
Canadian availability
cTrader's availability in Canada isn't stated. cTrader Ltd says its own services are not available to US residents, and access everywhere else comes down to the broker. We could not confirm a Canadian broker offering cTrader during our test. If you find one, check that it is allowed to serve clients in your province before you deposit anything. Demo accounts are a safe way to look around in the meantime.
Who it suits
Forex and CFD traders who want automation without paying for a platform licence. It is also a sensible first step for anyone curious about cBots, since they can be tested on a demo account first. Stock-focused Canadians will be better served by 
StockCharts, and futures traders who want order flow by 
MotiveWave.
How we scored cTrader
Each criterion is scored from 1 to 10 after 30 days of use. The average of 8.8 gives the 4.4 out of 5 rating.
| Criterion | Score (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Charting tools | 9 |
| Scanning and screening | 7 |
| Alerts | 9 |
| Ease of use | 9 |
| Device coverage | 10 |
| Market coverage | 9 |
| Canadian access | 6 |
| Value for money | 10 |
| Free plan or trial | 10 |
| Data and add-ons | 8 |
| Automation and testing | 10 |
| Support and learning | 9 |
| Average | 8.8 / 10 |
Open a demo account through a broker first. It's the cheapest way to see how cTrader fits your routine.
Join cTraderAlternatives to cTrader
MotiveWave
4.5Toronto-built desktop platform with Elliott Wave and order flow editions, leased or bought outright.
Join MotiveWave
TC2000
4.8US stock and options charting with real-time EasyScan scans, up to 1,000 alerts and a free practice account.
Join TC2000
Tickeron
4.2Pattern-recognition signals and trading robot plans for stocks and ETFs, billed yearly.
Join TickeronRisk warning. Trading stocks, options, futures, forex or crypto carries a high risk of losing money, and leveraged products can cost you more than you deposit. TickerBench reviews software only. Nothing on this site is investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell anything, so consider speaking with a registered adviser before you trade.