Gunbot vs Hummingbot: Paid Retail Bot vs Open-Source Framework
Gunbot is a self-hosted trading bot launched in 2016 by Gunthar de Niro S.L.R. that stores API keys locally on user hardware. It focuses on retail automation strategies including StepGrid, dollar-cost averaging, and trailing stops across 25 centralized and decentralized exchanges. Hummingbot is an open-source algorithmic trading framework governed by a decentralized foundation, built in Python to execute market making and cross-exchange arbitrage across 318 connectors.
Cost and architecture set the two platforms apart. Gunbot charges one-time lifetime license fees between $199 and $599, whereas Hummingbot is free under the Apache 2.0 software license. While Gunbot provides a graphical web and desktop interface for managing pre-tuned retail trading rules or custom JavaScript scripts, Hummingbot relies on a command-line interface and modular middleware designed for programmatic liquidity provision across centralized order books and automated market makers.
Quick verdict
The choice between these two platforms hinges on trading strategy and software licensing. Gunbot delivers out-of-the-box trend and range trading rules through a packaged desktop application for a flat fee. Hummingbot is a code-first, zero-cost framework built for market makers who supply bid-ask liquidity or seek cross-venue price discrepancies across hundreds of connected markets.
Choose Gunbot if you want ready-to-run DCA and grid strategies with a graphical interface and are willing to pay between $199 and $599 for a lifetime license. It fits traders who prefer running software on Windows, macOS, or Linux without configuring command-line environments, while keeping API keys encrypted on their own hardware.
Choose Hummingbot if you want free, open-source software dedicated to automated market making and cross-exchange arbitrage. It suits developers and algorithmic traders comfortable writing Python scripts and connecting to any of its 318 exchange connectors via terminal without recurring or upfront software costs.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.1/5 | 4.0/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Strategies | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Pricing | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Security | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| Support | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | Not disclosed | No |
| Strategies | Grid, DCA, Terminal | Market making, Arbitrage |
| Exchanges supported | 25 | 318 |
| Custody | Non-custodial (API keys) | Non-custodial (API keys) |
| Free plan | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Paid plans from (per month) | Not disclosed | Free |
| Backtesting | Yes | Yes |
| Paper trading | Not disclosed | Yes |
| On-chain (DEX) trading | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Not disclosed | No |
| Supported chains | Not disclosed | Ethereum, Solana, BNB Chain, Avalanche, XRP Ledger |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop | Desktop, Web, Telegram |
| Fee per trade | Not disclosed | 0% |
| Perpetual futures | Yes | Yes |
| Limit orders | Not disclosed | Yes |
| New-token sniping | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Prediction markets | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Points or rewards program | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2016 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | — | Cayman Islands |
| Investors | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Traders requiring local API custody, Developers writing custom JavaScript algorithms, Users avoiding recurring software subscriptions | Algorithmic crypto market makers, Developers running local trading infrastructure, Cross-exchange arbitrage traders |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Is Hummingbot cheaper than Gunbot?
Yes, Hummingbot is free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license with zero platform trade fees. Gunbot requires a one-time lifetime license purchase ranging from $199 to $599 depending on the tier.
Which bot supports more exchanges?
Hummingbot supports significantly more venues, featuring 318 modular connectors across centralized exchanges and decentralized protocols. Gunbot connects to 25 centralized and decentralized exchanges, including Binance, Kraken, and dYdX.
Do Gunbot and Hummingbot hold user funds?
Neither platform holds user funds. Both operate non-custodially by storing API keys, secrets, and private wallet keys locally on your personal machine or private server.
What types of trading strategies do these bots use?
Gunbot centers on directional and range strategies such as DCA, StepGrid, and trailing stops. Hummingbot specializes in two-sided market making and order book arbitrage.