RealTest vs Amibroker: Comparing Backtesting Software for Systematic Trading
If you’re choosing between RealTest and Amibroker for systematic trading and backtesting, RealTest is the better option. It delivers faster, more realistic backtesting, native portfolio-level simulation, and a scripting language that’s designed to be simple and intuitive. Amibroker remains a strong contender, especially if you rely heavily on advanced charting or exploration tools, but for consistent, system-based trading, RealTest stands out as the superior choice.
In short:
- Use RealTest if your goal is to build, test, and automate rules-based trading systems.
- Use Amibroker if you need powerful charting and discretionary overlays
RealTest vs Amibroker at a Glance
Short on time? Here’s how realTest and Amibroker compare side by side.
| Feature | RealTest | Amibroker |
|
Year Established |
Developed over 20 years, public release recent |
1995 (originally for Amiga) |
|
Operating System |
Windows 64-bit (Mac via Parallels/Bootcamp) |
Windows (Mac via Parallels/Bootcamp) |
|
Pricing Model |
US$389 + $159/year for updates |
US$299 (Standard), US$339 (Pro) |
|
Brokerage Integration |
Semi-auto via OrderClerk; full automation with included scripts |
Direct IB integration via plugin |
|
Programming Language |
RealTest scripting (simple, logical) |
AFL (powerful, complex) |
|
Portfolio Backtesting |
Native, fast, intuitive |
Pro version only; more user setup needed |
|
Optimization Tools |
Brute-force, Monte Carlo, Walk-forward, custom metrics |
Same, but more complex to configure |
|
Charting Capabilities |
Functional, basic |
Advanced, visual, highly customizable |
|
Automation Support |
Yes (scripts + OrderClerk) |
Yes (API, plugins) |
Platform Overview, Cost & Compatibility
Both RealTest and Amibroker are Windows-based, but Mac users can run them effectively using Parallels or Bootcamp. At Enlightened Stock Trading, we’ve helped many users successfully run either platform on Mac using these virtual machines. Free options like Wine are less reliable and not recommended.
RealTest
- US$389 one-time license
- Optional updates/support: US$159/year
- Lightweight, easy to install and run
Amibroker
- US$299 (Standard)
- US$339 (Professional, required for multi-threading and portfolio testing)
- Slightly more setup required, especially for data and automation
RealTest Main View:
Amibroker Main View:
Market Access & Data Support in RealTest and Amibroker
RealTest is data-agnostic and integrates well with Norgate Data, CSV files, MetaStock, and custom data feeds. It’s designed for traders who want high-fidelity data handling with minimal setup.
Amibroker supports a broader range of data providers including:
- Norgate Data
- eSignal
- Interactive Brokers
- Yahoo Finance (via plugins)
Both platforms offer wide market support (stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and more) but RealTest offers a cleaner, more purpose-built approach for portfolio-level simulations.
RealTest Backtesting Interface:
Amibroker Backtesting Interface:
Building & Customizing Trading Strategies
RealTest’s scripting language is built for traders, not programmers. It’s clean, readable, and reduces complexity. The barrier to entry is low, but the power is high.
Amibroker uses AFL, a powerful but complex formula language. While it offers flexibility, it also introduces a steep learning curve, and this complexity is often unnecessary for most traders’ needs.
If you want to build strategies quickly with minimal syntax overhead, RealTest is a clear winner. If you want deeper control and advanced indicator logic, Amibroker may offer more flexibility, but at the cost of time and technical skill, and that rarely delivers more edge in live trading.
RealTest Code Editor:
Amibroker Code Editor:
Backtesting Performance, Speed & Realism
This is where RealTest takes the lead.
RealTest
- True bar-by-bar simulation
- Only accesses data a trader would realistically have at each point in time
- Avoids lookahead bias and future leaks by design
- Built for portfolio-level testing, cross-sectional analysis, ranking systems, and multi-strategy execution
- Extremely fast and efficient
Amibroker
- Bar-by-bar and event-driven simulation options
- Powerful but requires users to prevent unrealistic assumptions manually
- Portfolio-level testing requires the Pro version and careful scripting
- Easier to introduce future leaks or false assumptions if not careful
The RealTest backtesting engine is purpose-built for accuracy and realism. If you’re serious about systematic trading, it’s the clear winner.
RealTest Backtest Report:
Amibroker Backtest Report:
Strategy Optimization & Stress Testing Tools
RealTest includes a full suite of optimization tools:
- Brute-force testing
- Walk-forward analysis
- Monte Carlo simulations
- Parameter sweeps
- Custom performance metrics
- Multi-metric sorting and filtering
Amibroker offers the same features, but with a heavier setup and more complex scripting. RealTest’s workflow is smoother, faster, and easier to understand, especially when analyzing robustness and making decisions about strategy performance.
If you want to perform thorough, professional-grade analytics without coding headaches, RealTest delivers.
Charting Features, Signal Exploration & Live Execution
Amibroker is the clear winner for visual traders and chart-focused analysis:
- Candlesticks, indicators, overlays
- Customizable chart windows and exploration panes
- Ideal for discretionary chartists
RealTest is intentionally light on charting. Its visual tools are functional, not flashy. The goal is validation and sanity checks, not visual trading decisions.
For scanning and execution:
- Amibroker excels in scanning, exploration, and signal generation
- RealTest shines in full-portfolio testing and order generation, with automation via OrderClerk or scripts
RealTest supports semi-automation and full automation, making it suitable for live systematic portfolios with minimal daily intervention
RealTest Automation Set Up:
Amibroker Automation Set Up:
Support, Documentation & Learning Resources
RealTest’s documentation is clear, modern, and easy to follow, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced traders. Support is direct, fast, and highly knowledgeable.
Amibroker has extensive documentation and an active user community, but much of the content is dated and scattered. It can be harder for new users to find what they need.
At Enlightened Stock Trading, we support both platforms, but our students consistently progress faster and make fewer mistakes using RealTest.
RealTest Forum is illustrated down below:
Amibroker Forum is illustrated down below:
RealTest vs Amibroker: Which One Should You Use?
Choose RealTest if:
- You’re serious about systematic trading
- You want realistic, fast, and scalable portfolio backtesting
- You prefer clean scripting and intuitive setup
- You want to automate your strategies and spend less time managing trades
- You value support and easy-to-follow documentation
Choose Amibroker if:
- You require advanced charting and discretionary overlays
- You want a powerful signal exploration tool
- You have coding experience and don’t mind a steeper learning curve
Our Recommendation
RealTest is the clear winner for traders who want consistency, confidence, and control. It gives you everything you need to design, test, and automate robust trading systems without wasting time on unnecessary complexity.
Amibroker is still a powerful tool (especially for chart-driven or hybrid traders) but if you want to trade based on rules, not emotions, RealTest is built for exactly that.
Of course, software is only part of the puzzle…
Want the Rest of the Puzzle?
To become a confident, profitable trader, you also need:
- A structured trading plan
- A portfolio of systems
- Proper risk management
- Accurate analytics
- The mindset to stay consistent
You’ll find it all in The Trader Success System. It’s the most comprehensive and practical training available for system traders.
You’ll also get ready-to-trade systems coded for both RealTest and Amibroker, saving you hundreds of hours and avoiding costly mistakes.
