MultiCharts VS Beyond Charts: Which Trading Software is the Best?

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Which Backtesting Software is Best for Systematic Traders?

MultiCharts vs Beyond Charts: Comparing Backtesting Software for Systematic Trading

If you’re comparing MultiCharts vs Beyond Charts to find the best backtesting software for your trading strategy, here’s the short answer:

MultiCharts is a more powerful and flexible platform for systematic traders who need serious backtesting, portfolio simulation, and broker integration. Beyond Charts, on the other hand, is more focused on technical charting and manual trade planning. If you want to build and test profitable trading systems across multiple markets, MultiCharts is the more capable tool.

Let’s dive deeper.

    MultiCharts vs Beyond Charts at a Glance:

    Short on time? Here’s how MultiCharts vs Beyond Charts compare side by side.

    Feature

    MultiCharts

    Beyond Charts

    OS Compatibility

    Windows only (Mac via emulator)

    Windows only (Mac via emulator)

    Programming

    PowerLanguage (EasyLanguage-compatible)

    BCFL (proprietary scripting)

    Broker Integration

    Yes – Multiple brokers supported

    No integration

    Backtesting

    Advanced portfolio-level engine

    Basic (not portfolio-based)

    Charting

    Strong

    Charting-focused

    Strategy Automation

    Supported

    No automation

    Cost

    Subscription or lifetime license

    ~$595 AUD one-time

    Ideal User

    Systematic traders & coders

    Visual chart-based traders
    Documentation Quality OK, slightly dated Actively maintained, modern interface
    Pricing One-time license or subscription Subscription only (US$39.95/mo)

    Platform Overview, Cost & Compatibility

    Both MultiCharts and Beyond Charts are Windows-based applications, meaning Mac users will need to use a virtual machine like Parallels or Bootcamp. Wine is not recommended due to instability.

    MultiCharts offers both a free trial and multiple pricing models – either a subscription or a one-time license fee. Beyond Charts is a one-time purchase (~AUD $595), also with a free trial period.

    However, cost alone shouldn’t drive your decision. You need the right tool for your trading style

      MultiCharts Main View:

      Multicharts - main view
      Beyond Charts Main View:
      Beyondcharts - main view

      Market Access & Data Support in MultiCharts vs Beyond Charts

      MultiCharts stands out with extensive multi-broker integration, supporting Interactive Brokers, CQG, OANDA, and more. This makes it easier to test, trade, and automate your systems using real execution data.

      Beyond Charts does not offer brokerage integration. It’s intended more for manual trading and chart analysis than for live system execution or brokerage connectivity.

      MultiCharts Backtesting Interface:

      Multicharts - backtesting interface

      Beyond Charts Backtesting Interface:

      Beyondcharts - backtesting interface

      Building & Customizing Trading Strategies

      With MultiCharts, you can write strategies in PowerLanguage, which is EasyLanguage-compatible, a huge plus if you’re migrating from TradeStation or have existing code. You can also import third-party strategies and manage code modularly.

      Beyond Charts uses BCFL (Beyond Charts Formula Language), a custom language that supports some conditional logic and indicator formulas, but lacks the flexibility and ecosystem support of PowerLanguage. There’s no portfolio management or modular strategy building.

      For traders focused on systematic trading system development, MultiCharts provides the necessary tools. Beyond Charts is more suited to those looking to visually identify signals.

        Check Out: Trading System Development 

        MultiCharts Code Editor (PowerLanguage):

        Multicharts - code editor

        Beyond Charts Code Editor:

        Beyondcharts - code editor

        Backtesting Performance, Speed & Realism

        MultiCharts includes a fast and realistic portfolio backtester with slippage, commissions, position sizing, and multi-strategy testing. You can simulate entire portfolios across asset classes, using multiple systems, essential for building confidence in your strategy’s edge.

        Beyond Charts offers backtesting, but it is limited to single instruments and lacks portfolio simulation. It’s slower and more restrictive when testing multiple strategies across diversified markets.

        In systematic trading, backtesting is your decision engine. Without reliable portfolio-level testing, you’re flying blind.

        Check out: Backtesting | Drawdown

        MultiCharts Backtest Report:

        Multicharts - backtest report

        Beyond Charts Backtest Report:

        Beyondcharts - backtest report

        Strategy Optimization & Stress Testing Tools

        MultiCharts supports multi-variable optimization, including walk-forward testing and Monte Carlo simulations. This is essential to avoid curve fitting and to validate that your edge is statistically sound.

        Beyond Charts does not include this functionality. Optimization is either extremely basic or unavailable.

        If you want to properly perform trading system optimization, MultiCharts is the better choice by a wide margin.

         

        Check Out: Trading System Optimization

        MultiCharts Walk-Forward Parameters:

        Multicharts - walk-forward parameters

        Charting Features, Signal Exploration & Live Execution

        Beyond Charts is a charting-focused platform. Its scanning and charting tools are more visual, making it good for discretionary or semi-systematic traders who want to manually browse stocks and signals.

        MultiCharts offers charting as well, but it shines more on the system-building side. Execution can be fully automated through supported brokers. You can even set up automated alerts, trading rules, and conditional execution, saving hours of screen time.

        If you’re after full automated trading systems, Beyond Charts won’t take you there.

        Check Out Order Types | Automated Trading Systems

        MultiCharts Automation Set Up:

        Multicharts - automation set up

        Support, Documentation & Learning Resources

        MultiCharts provides detailed documentation and has a large community thanks to its EasyLanguage roots. It also includes decent customer support and active forums.

        Beyond Charts has very limited online documentation and a much smaller user base. The support materials are harder to find and less comprehensive, which can become frustrating as you advance.

        For fast implementation, clear support is crucial. That’s one reason RealTest, which has clear and modern documentation, is the preferred backtesting engine for Enlightened Stock Trading systems .

        MultiCharts Forum Front Page is illustrated down below:

        Multicharts - forum front page

        Beyond Charts Forum Front Page is illustrated down below:

        Beyondcharts - forum front page via share wealth systems

        MultiCharts vs Beyond Charts: Which One Should You Use?

        If your focus is on building robust, rules-based trading systems, testing them across markets, and scaling up through automation, MultiCharts wins in nearly every critical category.

        Choose Beyond Charts only if you’re primarily interested in charting, scanning, and manual signal analysis.

        Our Recommendation

        At Enlightened Stock Trading, we favor RealTest for systematic traders due to its speed, realism, and ease of use. That said, MultiCharts is a capable second choice, particularly if you’re already comfortable with EasyLanguage or need strong broker integration.

        Beyond Charts may feel intuitive for visual traders but lacks the depth required for serious system development, validation, and diversification.

        If you want to reduce screen time, eliminate second-guessing, and build confidence with a tested, automated strategy – choose tools that support that goal. Your time is too valuable to waste on software that limits your growth.

        Want The Rest of the Puzzle?

        Backtesting software is just one piece. The real transformation happens when you align your tools, your systems, and your psychology with your goals.

        If you’re tired of chasing tips and want to build wealth systematically, the next step is clear: The Trader Success System.

        Inside, you’ll discover:

          Join The Trader Success System Now

          Trading and Backtesting Software Review List

          author avatar
          Adrian Reid Founder and CEO
          Adrian is a full-time private trader based in Australia and also the Founder and Trading Coach at Enlightened Stock Trading, which focuses on educating and supporting traders on their journey to profitable systems trading. Following his successful adoption of systematic trading which generated him hundreds of thousands of dollars a year using just 30 minutes a day to manage his system trading workflow, Adrian made the easy decision to leave his professional work in the corporate world in 2012. Adrian trades long/short across US, Australian and international stock markets and the cryptocurrency markets. His trading systems are now fully automated and have consistently outperformed international share markets with dramatically reduced risk over the past 20+ years. Adrian focuses on building portfolios of profitable, stable and robust long term trading systems to beat market returns with high risk adjusted returns. Adrian teaches traders from all over the world how to get profitable, confident and consistent by trading systematically and backtesting their own trading systems. He helps profitable traders grow and smooth returns by implementing a portfolio of trading systems to make money from different markets and market conditions.
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