Manual Backtesting Software

Test your trading strategies on historical price data. Compare platforms, explore instruments, and find the best tool for your approach.

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Chart replay interface showing candlestick data with trade markers and speed controls

Backtesting Platforms

From free web-based tools to professional desktop software.

StrategyTune

Recommended

Cloud-based manual backtesting tool with tick-level data, instant replay up to 50,000x speed, and built-in trade journaling. No installation or data downloads required.

Pricing Free
Data Quality Tick-by-tick (highest)
Ease of Use Very Easy
Tick-by-tick dataUp to 50,000x replay speedCloud save & resumeBuilt-in trade journal
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TradingView

Web-based charting platform with a Bar Replay feature that lets you step through historical charts visually. Excellent charting tools but no built-in trade tracking for manual backtests.

Pricing Free (daily bars) / $15–60/mo (intraday)
Data Quality Bars (plan-dependent granularity)
Ease of Use Easy
Bar Replay modeHuge indicator libraryMulti-timeframe chartsSocial community
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Forex Tester

Dedicated Windows application for manual and automated forex backtesting. Offers accurate tick data, detailed trade statistics, and a simulation environment that mimics live trading.

Pricing $149–$299 (one-time) + data subscription
Data Quality Tick-by-tick
Ease of Use Moderate
Tick-level simulationMultiple timeframesBuilt-in statisticsCustom indicators
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MetaTrader 4

The most widely used forex trading platform. Manual backtesting requires using Visual Mode in the Strategy Tester or third-party plugins like Soft4FX.

Pricing Free (platform) / $99+ (plugins)
Data Quality Variable (broker-dependent)
Ease of Use Difficult
Visual Mode replayCustom indicators (MQL4)Expert AdvisorsHuge community
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MetaTrader 5

MT4's successor with improved Strategy Tester and multi-asset support. Manual backtesting still requires workarounds but offers slightly better data handling than MT4.

Pricing Free (platform) / $99+ (plugins)
Data Quality Variable (improved over MT4)
Ease of Use Difficult
Improved Strategy TesterMulti-asset (stocks, futures)MQL5 languageEconomic calendar
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cTrader

Modern trading platform with a built-in Market Replay feature. Streams historical tick data directly, simulates real spreads, and provides basic performance analytics.

Pricing Free (via broker)
Data Quality Tick-by-tick (from broker)
Ease of Use Easy
Market Replay modeReal tick data streamingHistorical spread simulationEquity curve tracking
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Popular Instruments

Start backtesting these widely traded markets.

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EUR/USD

Medium

The Euro vs US Dollar pair is the most traded currency pair globally, representing the two largest economies. It accounts for roughly 23% of daily forex volume and offers tight spreads across all sessions.

0.1–1.0 pip London, New York

USD/JPY

Medium

The US Dollar vs Japanese Yen pair is a key barometer of risk sentiment in global markets. It is heavily influenced by interest rate differentials between the Fed and Bank of Japan.

0.2–1.0 pip Tokyo, London, New York

GBP/USD

High

Known as "Cable," the British Pound vs US Dollar pair is one of the oldest traded currency pairs. It tends to show strong directional moves during London and New York sessions.

0.3–1.5 pip London, New York

GBP/JPY

Very High

Known as "The Beast" or "Dragon," GBP/JPY is one of the most volatile major crosses. It produces large daily ranges and is favored by experienced traders seeking momentum trades.

1.0–3.0 pip Tokyo, London

S&P 500

Medium

The S&P 500 tracks 500 large-cap US companies and is the most widely followed equity benchmark globally. It reacts to Fed policy, earnings seasons, and macro data.

0.3–1.0 pt New York (+ futures 24h)

Nasdaq 100

High

The Nasdaq 100 includes the largest non-financial companies listed on Nasdaq. It is heavily weighted toward tech and growth stocks, making it more volatile than the S&P 500.

0.5–2.0 pt New York (+ futures 24h)

Gold

High

Gold (XAU/USD) is the most traded precious metal and a traditional safe haven. It responds to real interest rates, USD strength, and geopolitical risk.

0.1–0.5 USD London, New York (24h)

Bitcoin

Very High

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) is the original and largest cryptocurrency by market cap. It trades 24/7 and is driven by adoption trends, regulatory news, and macro liquidity conditions.

5–50 USD 24/7

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StrategyTune lets you backtest 70+ instruments with tick-level data, completely free. No installation, no data downloads.

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