# Backtesting.py: pricing, API and features

Category: [Trading bots & backtesting](https://tokvane.app/categories/trading-bots) · Vendor: Backtesting.py (open-source project, kernc) · Website: https://kernc.github.io/backtesting.py/ · Status: active

Open-source Python library for backtesting trading strategies on historical candlestick data, with an optimizer and interactive plots; works with any instrument incl. crypto.

> Backtesting.py (Backtesting.py (open-source project, kernc)) — pricing: open-source; free tier: Yes; REST: No; MCP: unknown; open source: Yes.

## Pricing

- **Model:** open-source
- **Free tier:** Yes — Free software installed with pip; self-run.
- **Plans:** unknown
- **Notes:** Repo lists GitHub Sponsors for donations.

_Verified on 2026-10-30. Source: https://github.com/kernc/backtesting.py_

## Access & auth

- **Authentication:** none
- **KYC required:** No
- **Notes:** Local Python library; no account or API key. User supplies their own OHLCV data.

_Verified on 2026-10-30. Source: https://github.com/kernc/backtesting.py_

## Coverage

- **Exchanges:** No exchange connectivity; runs on user-supplied historical candlestick data
- **Chains:** unknown
- **Assets:** Any instrument with historical candlestick data (forex, crypto, stocks, futures)

_Verified on 2026-10-30. Source: https://kernc.github.io/backtesting.py/_

## Capabilities

- **Capabilities:** backtesting, charting

_Verified on 2026-10-30. Source: https://kernc.github.io/backtesting.py/_

## Interfaces

- **REST API:** No
- **WebSocket:** No
- **SDKs:** python
- **Official MCP server:** unknown
- **Other:** Python library (pip install backtesting); built-in SAMBO optimizer; interactive Bokeh plots

_Verified on 2026-10-30. Source: https://github.com/kernc/backtesting.py_

## Open source & self-hosting

- **Open source:** Yes
- **Licence:** AGPL-3.0
- **Self-host:** Yes
- **Repository:** https://github.com/kernc/backtesting.py

_Verified on 2026-10-30. Source: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kernc/backtesting.py/master/LICENSE.md_

## FAQ

**Does Backtesting.py have a free tier?**
Yes. Free software installed with pip; self-run. (verified 2026-10-30)

**Does Backtesting.py offer an API?**
REST: No. WebSocket: No. Official MCP server: unknown. Verified 2026-10-30.

**Is Backtesting.py open source or self-hostable?**
Open source: Yes; licence: AGPL-3.0; self-host: Yes. Verified 2026-10-30.

**What are alternatives to Backtesting.py?**
Other trading bots & backtesting in our directory: 3Commas, ADAMANT TradeBot, AI Hedge Fund Crypto, Alertatron, Algobot.

Alternatives: https://tokvane.app/alternatives/backtesting-py

Information only, not financial or investment advice.