Gunbot and ProfitTrailer are two popular crypto trading bots, but which one is better for your trading needs? In this guide, we break down both bots in terms of core features, supported strategies, pricing, and user experience - with zero fluff.
1. Core Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Gunbot | ProfitTrailer |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Self-hosted on Windows, macOS, Linux, ARM (Raspberry Pi), NAS, or cloud VPS | Self-hosted Java app on Windows, Linux, macOS, or VPS |
| Pricing Model | Lifetime license starting at \$59 (Gunbot Standard) | Lifetime license around €799 for the main tier |
| Primary Strategy Focus | Spot & futures grid, DCA, indicator-based, liquidity provider, scalping, trailing, custom JS | DCA, trailing, signal-based trading |
| Core Strategy Types | Spot & Futures Grid, DCA, Liquidity Provider, Trailing, Custom JS | Advanced DCA, Trailing Stop/Loss, Indicator-driven Buy/Sell Signals |
| Custom Scripting | Full JavaScript engine plus TradingView webhooks | Configuration via property files; limited scripting |
| Exchange Integrations | 25 + exchanges with native connectors for both spot and derivatives | ~9 major exchanges |
| API Credentials | Stored locally - API secret or private key never leaves the device | Stored locally |
| Community | Telegram, dedicated beta channels | Active Discord and forums focused on DCA sharing |
2. Deployment and Local Security
Gunbot installs as a desktop GUI or a headless CLI service. A built-in wizard helps bind exchange keys, and all credentials — including API secret or private key — remain on the host machine. Installation on low-power hardware such as a Raspberry Pi 5 is supported for hobby setups, while large VPS instances handle high-frequency scalping.
ProfitTrailer runs as a Java application. Similar to Gunbot, keys stay on the user’s system. Its installer bundles an embedded web-UI; however, Java memory tuning can be tricky for first-time users when running dozens of markets.
Bottom line: Both bots secure keys locally. Gunbot’s cross-platform binaries and lighter footprint give it a small edge in resource-constrained environments.
3. Pricing and Long-Term Costs
| Plan | Gunbot Price (USD) | ProfitTrailer Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Tier | \$59 one-time | Not offered |
| Mid-Level Tier | \$199–\$499 | €799 |
| All-Inclusive / Ultimate | \$999 | €1 099+ |
Gunbot’s tiered licenses allow users to start modestly and upgrade later without penalty. Every tier is perpetual, so software updates remain free for the purchased edition. ProfitTrailer licenses are also perpetual, but the higher initial outlay is harder to justify unless the trader specifically needs its DCA focus.
4. Strategy Coverage and Customization
4.1 Gunbot Strategy Highlights
- Spot & Futures Grid - adjustable step sizes, optional re-entry on volatility.
- DCA - weighted or fixed-step accumulation with cooldown timers.
- Indicator-Based - dozens of TA indicators plus TradingView webhook triggers.
- Liquidity Provider - previously branded “Market Maker,” places layered orders inside the spread to earn maker fees.
- Scalping - low-latency polling, optional tick-chart mode.
- Trailing - dynamic trailing for stop-loss, stop-buy, and stop-skip conditions.
- Custom JS - users can code anything from simple filters to multi-pair neural engines.
4.2 ProfitTrailer Strategy Highlights
- Advanced DCA - multiple safety orders, bags-to-breakeven logic, and smart sell targets.
- Trailing Stop/Loss - staircase exits to lock in profit.
- Indicator Combo Rules - combine RSI, Stochastic, or custom entries via property files.
- Signal-Based Trading - optional third-party marketplace for paid signals.
Key takeaway: ProfitTrailer still leads in deep DCA fine-tuning, but Gunbot now matches most of those settings and adds several strategy families PT lacks.
5. Exchange Coverage in Practice
Gunbot ships with connectors for 25 + exchanges, including both centralised venues (Binance, Bybit, OKX) and on-chain perps like HyperLiquid and dYdX. Most connectors support sub-account routing, testnet endpoints, and auto-pair syncing. ProfitTrailer currently integrates with nine well-known CEXs (Binance, KuCoin, Coinbase Advanced Trade, etc.). If you plan to hop between futures venues or experiment with DeFi perpetuals, Gunbot is the practical choice.
6. User Experience and Workflow
Interface: Gunbot’s UI was redesigned in 2024 with a responsive dashboard, light-dark themes, and pair-group templates. ProfitTrailer’s web-UI feels dated but remains functional; power users appreciate its raw JSON logs.
Backtesting: Gunbot includes a one-click backtester that spins up a local SQLite database. PT leverages its community-driven PT Feeder for historical analysis, an extra download that adds complexity.
Alerts and Monitoring: Both bots push trade notifications to Telegram. Gunbot also streams JSON to custom WebSockets, handy for building Grafana dashboards. ProfitTrailer integrates natively with PT-Tracker, a companion monitoring app.
7. Community, Support, and Development Pace
Gunbot’s Telegram channels have thousands of active users, with regular beta releases dropping experimental features. A ticket system and GitHub tracker allow bug escalation. ProfitTrailer’s dev team maintains a smaller but focused Discord around DCA optimisations, releasing fewer but larger updates. Gunbot’s faster cycle means bugs are squashed quickly, but occasionally pushes rough edges into beta. Choose whichever cadence matches your tolerance for cutting-edge changes.
8. Who Should Choose Which Bot?
| Scenario | Recommended Bot | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Need versatile strategies across many venues | Gunbot | Grid, liquidity provider, scalping, and 25 + exchange connectors |
| Focus solely on elaborate DCA stacking | ProfitTrailer | Specialized DCA engine, mature PT Feeder analytics |
| Budget under \$100 | Gunbot | \$59 entry tier, future upgrades optional |
| Prefer scripting in JavaScript | Gunbot | Full JS engine with IDE-style editor |
| Comfortable with higher upfront cost | ProfitTrailer | Pays off if you exclusively run PT’s advanced DCA for years |
9. Verdict
Both Gunbot and ProfitTrailer are mature, self-hosted trading bots that let traders retain complete control of their API keys.
Gunbot edges ahead through broader exchange support, a wide range of strategy families, and the freedom to script in JavaScript, all while offering an entry price that is accessible to most retail traders.
ProfitTrailer remains compelling for users who live and breathe Dollar-Cost Averaging. Its granular DCA controls and indicator combos deliver outstanding results in prolonged sideways markets, provided the trader is willing to pay the higher license fee and invest time tuning configuration files.
For traders who value flexibility, future-proof exchange coverage, and low initial cost, Gunbot is likely the more balanced option in 2025. ProfitTrailer is best reserved for specialists whose trading style revolves around complex DCA mechanics.
Additional Reading
- How to write your first custom JS strategy in Gunbot
- Optimising DCA step sizes in ProfitTrailer
- Building a Grafana dashboard for Gunbot trade metrics