If you’re serious about building consistent trading results and tired of clunky tools that slow you down, you’re probably comparing backtesting software like Amibroker and Beyond Charts.

Here’s the short answer: Amibroker is the more powerful option for systematic traders who want full control over strategy development, backtesting speed, and customisation. Beyond Charts offers solid charting for discretionary analysis but lacks the depth and flexibility serious system traders need.

If you want to build robust, rule-based strategies and test them across portfolios efficiently, Amibroker is the better choice.

But let’s dig into the details so you can decide what’s right for your trading workflow.

Amibroker runs on Windows and works well on Mac using a virtual machine like Parallels. It’s a one-time license, starting around US$299 for the standard version and around US$339 for the professional edition.

Beyond Charts, designed in Australia, also runs on Windows and can be emulated on a Mac. It’s priced at AUD $595 including GST, which is comparable but slightly higher for Australian users.

Verdict: Amibroker wins on price flexibility and Mac compatibility via VM. Beyond Charts is accessible for locals, but global users may find better value with Amibroker.

Both platforms use a proprietary scripting language: AFL in Amibroker and BCFL in Beyond Charts.

Beyond Charts allows formula-based rule creation, but the language and system building tools are more constrained.

Verdict: If you want to develop your own trading systems, Amibroker gives you far more power and freedom.

Amibroker’s backtesting engine is compiled, making it extremely fast. It supports portfolio-level testing, position sizing, capital constraints, slippage, commissions, and multi-system setups. You can test your full portfolio in seconds.

Beyond Charts is limited to single-symbol testing only. There is no support for realistic portfolio simulations.

Verdict: This is a dealbreaker. Amibroker is vastly superior for realistic, efficient backtesting. Beyond Charts is unsuitable for serious system testing.

Amibroker is known for highly configurable charting, custom indicators, multi-timeframe analysis, and scanning. It also supports semi-automated execution via Interactive Brokers or other APIs.

Beyond Charts shines in chart aesthetics and simplicity, but it’s primarily built for discretionary traders. There’s no automated execution or portfolio-level scanning.

Verdict: Beyond Charts might suit visual traders early in their journey, but Amibroker is more capable for systematic trend trading, mean reversion, and rule-based scanning.

Amibroker has a deep and active community, extensive official documentation, third-party tutorials, and forums. While the learning curve can be steep, the support resources are extensive if you are willing to spend the time looking for them.

Beyond Charts has limited public documentation and community support. Learning is slower unless you’re already familiar with the platform.

Verdict: Amibroker has better long-term learning resources, especially when supported with mentoring programs like the Trader Success System.

If you want to build a repeatable, robust, and scalable trading business, Amibroker is the better platform. It offers powerful backtesting, optimization, automation potential, and workflow efficiency that Beyond Charts simply cannot match.