Paid proprietary self-hosted automation versus free GPL Python framework.
Both place operations and secrets on the user's host. Gunbot reduces coding for supported strategies and offers commercial licensing; Freqtrade offers full source inspection and deeper open research workflows at no license cost.
| Research factor | Gunbot | Freqtrade |
|---|---|---|
| Expert Score | 72/100 | 78/100 |
| Trust Score | 65/100 | 73/100 |
| Risk Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Evidence Confidence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Product Architecture | Self-Hosted · Self-Hosted | Open Source · Self-Hosted |
| Current Availability | Active | Active |
| Execution Environment | User Infrastructure | User Infrastructure |
| Source Model | Proprietary | Open Source |
| Technical Requirements | User-managed host, updates and operational security | User-managed host, updates and operational security |
| Custody Model | Self-hosted, non-custodial software; exchange funds remain on exchanges | Funds remain at connected exchanges while credentials and the runtime remain on user-controlled infrastructure. |
| Pricing | Lifetime Standard, Pro and DeFi licenses; Gunbot Unlimited $29 monthly; promotional lifetime prices change | Free under GPL-3.0; users pay infrastructure, data and exchange costs |
| Free Plan | – No | Yes |
| Supported Exchanges | Binance, Bybit, Kraken, KuCoin, OKX, Bitget, Hyperliquid, dYdX | Binance, Bybit, OKX, Kraken, KuCoin, Gate.io, Bitget, Hyperliquid |
| Bot Types | Gridbot, Native strategies, Custom JavaScript strategies, DeFi automation | Custom Python Strategies, FreqAI Models, Spot Trading, Futures Trading |
| Security Score | 82/100 | 78/100 |
| Transparency Score | 55/100 | 84/100 |
| Features Score | 93/100 | 94/100 |
| API Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Access | Usually unnecessary and should remain disabled | Not required; configure trade-only exchange permissions |
| Paper Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Backtesting | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | – No |
| Concerns Found | 3 documented | 3 documented |
Features and target users
The scores are comparable; the workflows are not identical.
Gunbot
Gunbot suits advanced users seeking Grid, native, custom JavaScript and DeFi automation with programmatic control.
Best aligned with- Technical self-hosting users
- Custom strategy developers
Freqtrade
Freqtrade combines Python strategies, historical data, backtests, hyperoptimization, dry-run, FreqAI and live execution in one self-hosted system.
Best aligned with- Python strategy developers
- Users who want local control
Security and custody
Permissions and architecture matter more than security slogans.
Gunbot
Gunbot's local model removes a central cloud key database but makes each installation its own security perimeter.
Self-hosted, non-custodial software; exchange funds remain on exchanges
Security score 82/100Freqtrade
Freqtrade provides strong visibility and local control, while explicitly warning that its web interface should not be directly internet-exposed.
Funds remain at connected exchanges while credentials and the runtime remain on user-controlled infrastructure.
Security score 78/100Pricing, bot types and limitations
Gunbot
Pricing: Lifetime Standard, Pro and DeFi licenses; Gunbot Unlimited $29 monthly; promotional lifetime prices change
Bot types: Gridbot, Native strategies, Custom JavaScript strategies, DeFi automation
Important limitations- Requires secure host administration
- Legal operator not verified
Freqtrade
Pricing: Free under GPL-3.0; users pay infrastructure, data and exchange costs
Bot types: Custom Python Strategies, FreqAI Models, Spot Trading, Futures Trading
Important limitations- Requires Python and operations knowledge
- Local UI exposure risk
Sources used for this comparison
The comparison reuses the structured product research; provider evidence establishes product claims but does not independently validate them.
Gunbot
- Gunbot plans (Pricing)
- Gunbot security measures (Security Documentation)
- Gunbot API introduction (Documentation)
- Gunbot Live security basics (Security Documentation)
Freqtrade
- Freqtrade repository (Documentation)
- Freqtrade releases (Documentation)
- Freqtrade installation (Documentation)
- Docker quickstart and UI warning (Security Documentation)
Different workflows create different trade-offs.
Gunbot fits users wanting packaged local strategies; Freqtrade fits Python developers prioritizing open-source control.
Scores evaluate product quality and evidence, not expected returns. Confirm current prices, eligibility and API scopes before connecting an exchange.