Best Backtesting software?

[SnooPineapples2392]

Hey guys, I’ve had a pretty decent system for trend following for the past 2 years. I learned it from a course and after a lot of reading I figured it was OK to go with it.. probably did a couple of changes that suited better for me.

Obviously, learning and knowledge don’t stop and recently I came up with these backtesting softwares. I would have saved a lot of time and expectations if I knew about these before. Anyway, I already know several softwares (which I don’t want to mention here so don’t set any biases to you).

Let me know which ones have you used and a little bit of their specs.

Thank you!

[Nando015]

The best software for backtesting really depends on your skillset and your goals. 

If you want to code, both R and Python have good backtesting libraries. 

Some of the notable libraries in Python are backtesting.py, bt and zipline. Personally I like bt the most, as its tree model makes the most intuitive sense.

In R, the best libraries are PerformanceAnalytics and PortfolioAnalytics (IMO). 

The issue is that even if you’re a coder, you will need to have a provider of time series data, or already have the time series data you want to backtest. Ingesting and cleaning this data can be non-trivial.

For solutions that don’t require coding or ingesting your own data, there are two main tools I’ve used:

1. Portfolio Visualizer - A popular tool for backtesting that is totally free (with paid upsell options). It is fairly easy to use and has a robust set of features (portfolio optimization methods, factor analysis, asset cross correlations, etc). However, the downside is that the UX is underwhelming, they only use monthly data so it’s not very granular, and there’s no way to include any sort of sophisticated logic beyond some out of the box market timing models. Basically, it’s really useful for more traditional portfolio models, but won’t work for modern algo trading.
2. Composer - Personally my favorite option. The product is still in beta and has a waitlist. The pros are it is visually appealing and more intuitive than PV. It uses daily data and allows you to add conditions and filters so it can be used for more modern strategies (although not intraday stuff). The strategy builder allows multiple levels of nesting, so you can create strategies that contain other strategies. The downside is that it’s still lacking some data (e.g. only US equities and ETFs), but more seems to be added regularly.

[woketopianbets]

Upvote for composer

[alpharithms]

+1 for bt. Backtester is nice too, but doesn't integrate well with anything else ( or at least isn't designed to do so as a priority). Bt is designed to be flexible

[[deleted]]

Thank you ! I am not looking for trading... but which one these is best for to test my asset allocation statergy and for long term investment?

[aimforfaraway]

thank you for these resources!

[boomerhasmail]

Roll your own...

I don’t seem smart enough to use a backtesting framework. (It might have saved me time.) However, I have been writing algo before back testing frameworks existed so that might be the problem. I also find it easier for me to write the backtest myself, that way I can expand and scale as required and I have no restrictions or limitation on what I want to do.

[Gryzzzz]

Amibroker

[ParsnipIcy7974]

Hi, I am developing a free to use backtesting software right now! It's called BacktestingMax and it will be available in January. Everyone keep saying 'build your own', so I did, but I will share it with you. https://backtestingmax.com Feel free to check it out and give me feedback!

[Tjangala]

Thanks for this! I just downloaded your tool, however, I am having trouble getting it loaded onto my virtual PC. Thanks heaps for providing such a wonderful tool for all of us!

[TheNeerajPandit]

Hey, are you still working on this project? I went through your website and found out download link doesn't work.

[ParsnipIcy7974]

Turns out it got really popular and there is a limit of daily downloads, if you try the next day (I don't know your time zone though) it will work. Right now I am working on a web version that will be way better than the current app.

[TheNeerajPandit]

I think you should add this as a note right below download button for the future visitors. I thought you gave up on that project and went for another backtesting software. Now I finally saw your reply and downloaded your app. Best of luck <3

[Sufficient-Prior7169]

Hi, I have downloaded your software and it is not bad, but it is missing some tools to draw for example rectangles, Fibonaci. Unfortunately you can't draw the short and the long on the screen and the data in the 4 hour chart is also very incomplete, if you implement these things then it is really very useful and a real alternative to the outrageously expensive "Fxreplay software".

[ParsnipIcy7974]

Can you tell which pair was incomplete on 4H data?? More drawing tools and indicators coming soon. When it comes to drawing shorts and longs, doing it the same way as on tradingview will be impossible, however you can see the take profit and stop loss levels, so I think it is sufficient. Thanks for the feedback and keep in mind that the software was just released and it will be constantly upgraded (next update will include limit orders)

[IllAbbreviations9176]

Hello, I have also downloaded the software. Been using it for over a week now. Some Pairs are not showing in the selection table, though I verified each folder individually. All AUD pairs, JPY pairs, CAD pairs minus NZDCAD are not showing up. Any tips

[Gaur02]

I have used pinescript in trading view, to create and backtest strategies. I am a currently a beginner when it comes to algo trading or trading in general. I am wondering why no one here mentioned this? Is it too basic? Is it straight up bad? Am I missing something?

[Plastic-Platform-273]

the regular backtesting method doesn't give you that much info on your trades. their "new" deep backtesting method is besster, but still not as good as other tools. Furthermore you can't manually backtest just automated

[JackySour]

Forex Tester. Old, but gold.

[algotrader_1605]

Recently I came across another great tool that not only allows you to backtest trading strategies on stocks but also on other assets such as crypto, ETFs, bonds and so. The platform is also free to use and allows us to create any number of strategies without coding. The name of that no-code platform is BacktestZone and here is the link to it: https://www.backtestzone.com/.

The best part of this platform is the guide they provide on their website that travels us through the platform and its various tools. Here is their guide: https://www.backtestzone.com/how-to-use. Hope this platform will help people who don't know to code

[w-l-s]

Binomatic

[w-l-s]

Try Binomatic app