Gunbot and C.A.T. Bot are two established crypto trading bots, but they target very different user profiles. In this 2025 showdown we unpack everything from strategy depth and pricing to exchange coverage and day-to-day usability, so you can decide which tool belongs in your trading stack.
Core Differences at a Glance​
| Feature | Gunbot | C.A.T. Bot |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Self hosted on Windows, macOS, Linux, ARM, or any VPS | Java desktop application, self hosted |
| Pricing Model | Lifetime license, starts at 59 USD (Gunbot Standard) | Lifetime license, quoted as 0.032 BTC (price fluctuates) |
| Built-in Strategies | Spot & futures grid, DCA, indicator based, liquidity provider, scalping, trailing, custom JS | Liquidity provider (classic market making), ping-pong variants |
| Custom Scripting | Full JavaScript engine plus TradingView webhooks | XML parameter files only; no scripting language |
| Exchange Coverage | Native connectors for 25 + exchanges plus optional CCXT layer | Roughly 7 exchanges |
| API Secret Custody | Stays local on your machine | Stays local on your machine |
Why the exchange numbers differ​
Gunbot’s core package maintains native, fully tested connectors for 25+ leading venues. Users who wish can optionally enable CCXT for hundreds of additional spot exchanges, but native support is the maintenance sweet spot that guarantees stable performance. C.A.T. Bot’s smaller list reflects its narrow market-making focus.
Deployment and Security​
- Gunbot installs on virtually any operating system, even low-power boards such as the Raspberry Pi. Because everything runs locally, the API secret (private key) never leaves your hardware, giving you full custody and eliminating third-party cloud risk. A built-in reverse proxy makes self hosting on a VPS straightforward as well.
- C.A.T. Bot is also self hosted, but distribution is limited to a Java JAR. Configuration relies on plain XML, and you must manually manage OS-level security such as firewalls or reverse proxies.
Bottom line: Both bots keep credentials local, but Gunbot offers broader OS compatibility and an easier path to secure remote access.
Pricing and Long-Term Value​
| Tier | Gunbot Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 59 USD | Spot trading on one exchange, unlimited pairs, lifetime updates |
| Pro | 199 USD | Adds futures, TradingView alerts, and multiple exchange slots |
| Ultimate | 499 USD | Unlocks every feature plus VIP support |
C.A.T. Bot sells a single tier at 0.032 BTC. Depending on Bitcoin’s price, that can range from 1600 USD to well over 3000 USD. Updates are included, but you pay the entire amount up front.
Takeaway: Gunbot’s 59 USD entry price is a fraction of C.A.T. Bot’s cost, yet you can scale features as your needs grow.
Strategy Depth and Customization​
Gunbot’s Toolkit​
- Grid: Adaptive spot and futures grid with optional auto-rebalancing.
- DCA: Dollar-cost averaging with smart trailing exits.
- Indicator Based: MACD, RSI, ADX, or any TradingView alert.
- Liquidity Provider: Exchange-native maker rebates or custom spread logic.
- Scalping: Millisecond-level polling for micro-profits in high-liquidity pairs.
- Trailing: Entry and exit trailing on both price and indicators.
- Custom JS: Write, backtest, and hot-reload your own algorithm in JavaScript.
C.A.T. Bot’s Niche​
C.A.T. Bot was built for traditional market making and still excels there. Its flagship “Ping-Pong” strategy places an initial maker order, then a symmetrical taker order once the first fills. While effective on certain low-volatility pairs, configuration is done by editing XML attributes and lacks scripting flexibility.
Verdict: If you need anything beyond basic market making, Gunbot’s JS engine is the clear winner.
Exchange Compatibility​
Below is a sample of the 25+ exchanges Gunbot supports natively (selected for diversity). Futures availability is noted where applicable.
| Exchange | Spot | Futures | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binance | ✔️ | ✔️ | USD-M and COIN-M contracts |
| Bitget | ✔️ | ✔️ | USDT and UM perpetuals |
| Kraken | ✔️ | ✔️ | Via Kraken Futures |
| Coinbase Advanced Trade | ✔️ | Former Coinbase Pro | |
| dYdX (v4) | ✔️ | Decentralized perpetual DEX |
C.A.T. Bot typically integrates with Binance, Poloniex, Kraken, and a few legacy venues. If your preferred exchange is not on its list, you must adapt or switch platforms.
Strengths and Weaknesses​
| Gunbot | C.A.T. Bot | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Affordable lifetime license, huge strategy library, JavaScript customization, 25+ native exchanges, active community | Proven market-making logic, low resource footprint |
| Weaknesses | Initial configuration can overwhelm complete novices | High cost, XML configs only, very limited exchanges, slower development cycle |
Final Verdict​
For most traders in 2025, Gunbot is the smarter pick. You pay less up front, tap into a rich strategy ecosystem, and keep your API secret safely on your own device. Only choose C.A.T. Bot if you have a laser-focused need for a classic liquidity-provider bot and are comfortable paying a premium in Bitcoin.