Gunbot and Pionex are two popular crypto trading bots with different models. This guide compares core features, supported strategies, pricing, and user experience.
Core Differences: Gunbot vs Pionex
| Feature | Gunbot | Pionex |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Self-hosted trading bot software | Cryptocurrency exchange with integrated bots |
| Deployment | Runs on desktop, server, or VPS that you control | 100 % cloud-based inside the Pionex exchange |
| Pricing Model | One-time lifetime license (from 59 USD) | No bot fee; 0.05 % maker/taker trading fee |
| Core Strategies | Spot & futures grid, DCA, indicator based, liquidity provider, scalping, trailing, custom JS | Grid (standard, reverse, leveraged), DCA, rebalancing, TWAP, leverage tokens |
| Custom Scripting | Full JavaScript engine plus TradingView webhook support | None |
| Exchange Integrations | Native connectors for 25 + exchanges (spot, perps, on-chain) | Pionex only |
| API Key Custody | Local – your API secret or private key never leaves your device | Not applicable; trading keys are internal to Pionex |
| Fund Custody | Funds stay on the external exchanges you connect | Funds must be deposited at Pionex |
Platform Model and Fund Management
Gunbot is software you install and run yourself. It connects to exchanges such as Binance, Kraken, or OKX through API keys, so your coins stay on the exchange you choose. Your API secret stays on your hard drive or server.
Pionex is an exchange first. Its bots run inside the exchange, and you deposit funds there before automation can start.
Key takeaway: Gunbot maximizes control and flexibility, while Pionex maximizes convenience by tying bots directly to its custody model.
Deployment and Security
- Gunbot: Because it is self-hosted, you control OS-level security, firewalls, and update schedules. The only credential stored by Gunbot is the encrypted API secret for each exchange. Two-factor authentication protects your exchange logins; Gunbot never asks for withdrawal rights.
- Pionex: Security is similar to any centralized exchange. Strong passwords, 2FA, withdrawal whitelists, and device verification are essential. You do not handle external keys, but you trust Pionex to secure its own infrastructure.
Key takeaway: Gunbot gives you direct custody of credentials; Pionex removes that task but requires full trust in a single platform.
Pricing and Fees
| Cost Area | Gunbot | Pionex |
|---|---|---|
| Software | 59 USD lifetime (Standard) – higher tiers add features like backtesting and premium support | Free |
| Trading Fees | Exchange-specific (often lower than 0.05 % if you use volume tiers or token discounts) | Flat 0.05 % maker/taker on spot, 0.02 % maker and 0.05 % taker on futures |
| Upgrades | Optional – pay once to unlock higher tier; minor updates remain free | Not relevant |
Gunbot has an upfront cost; Pionex does not. If you trade enough volume to benefit from lower exchange fees or need more control, Gunbot can be a better fit. If you prefer no software cost and accept Pionex’s flat fee, the exchange model is simpler.
Strategy Options and Customization
Gunbot ships with seven primary strategy families:
- Spot & Futures Grid – configurable step size and take-profit logic
- DCA – automatic averaging down or up
- Indicator Based – combine TA indicators such as RSI, MACD, or Bollinger Bands
- Liquidity Provider – quote inside the spread to earn maker rebates
- Scalping – short-lived positions with tight stop-loss
- Trailing – dynamic stop and entry trailing for trend riding
- Custom JS – write any logic in JavaScript, or trigger trades through TradingView alerts
You can mix and match these, or write new logic with custom scripts.
Pionex offers a simpler palette: multiple grid flavors, DCA bots, rebalancing, and leveraged tokens. Parameters like upper and lower grid bounds or DCA interval are editable, but you cannot add new logic.
Key takeaway: Gunbot is built for deep customization; Pionex is built for set-and-forget convenience.
Exchange Choice and Liquidity
Gunbot connects to more than 25 exchanges covering spot, perpetual futures, and on-chain venues. This means you can choose exchanges based on fees, liquidity, or available markets.
Pionex limits you to the coins and pairs it lists. It routes liquidity internally, but you do not choose a different venue if a pair is unavailable.
Regulation, KYC, and Geographic Access
- Gunbot: Compliance depends on the underlying exchange. If one exchange is unavailable in your region, you can connect Gunbot to another supported exchange.
- Pionex: Requires full KYC in most regions. Some jurisdictions are blocked entirely.
Community and Support
- Gunbot maintains an active Telegram community with strategy examples, backtest files, and tech support channels. Paid licenses include lifetime updates and email support.
- Pionex offers multilingual live chat, a knowledge base, and Telegram groups focused on bot settings. Because Pionex controls the entire stack, platform issues are resolved centrally.
User Experience and Interface
Gunbot requires initial setup on a desktop, server, or VPS. After that, you monitor trades from any browser.
Pionex is mobile-first: install the app, deposit, and enable a bot in minutes. Advanced charting and analytics are decent but cannot match custom TradingView strategies.
Who Should Choose Gunbot?
- Traders who want exchange freedom and asset variety.
- Users who need deep customization or intend to code in JS.
- People comfortable running a VPS or home server.
- Anyone who prefers a one-time cost rather than subscriptions.
Who Should Choose Pionex?
- Beginners who want plug-and-play automation.
- Traders satisfied with a 0.05 % fee and Pionex’s coin list.
- Mobile users who value an all-in-one app.
- Investors who do not need custom scripting.
Verdict
Choose Gunbot if you need customization, multi-exchange reach, and local custody of API secrets. Choose Pionex if you want the simplest path to bot trading inside a single exchange.