Algo Trading Software: Overview of Popular Platforms in India, Their Features, Costs, and Suitability

Algorithmic trading, often called algo trading, might sound complex, but it’s just a way of using computers to trade for you based on pre-set rules. Instead of manually buying and selling stocks, algo trading software does it for you, often much faster and more accurately. 

In India, the popularity of algo trading has grown rapidly, and many platforms now offer easy-to-use software. But not all platforms are the same. They vary in features, costs, and who they’re best suited for. Whether you're a student, beginner, or a pro trader, this article will help you choose the right algo trading software. 

What is an Algo Trading Software? 

Algo trading software is a type of computer programme or platform that allows traders to automate their buying and selling of stocks, commodities, or other financial instruments. It works by following a fixed set of instructions, called an algorithm or “algo” for short. 

These instructions can be based on price movements, market trends, volume, or technical indicators like moving averages or RSI (Relative Strength Index). For example, you might create a rule like: 

“Buy 100 shares of Reliance when its price drops by 3% in a day, and sell them when it rises back by 5%.” 

Once you've set the rules, the software does all the heavy lifting for you. It watches the market in real time, looks for signals based on your rules, places the orders, and can even manage stop-loss and profit targets. 

How Does It Actually Work? 

Here’s a simple breakdown: 

1. You Create a Strategy  You tell the software what conditions must be met before a trade is made. This could be: 

1. Price movements (e.g. Buy when price crosses ₹1,000) 

1. Indicators (e.g. Buy when MACD shows a bullish signal) 

1. Time-based (e.g. Place orders at market open) 

1. Software Monitors the Market  Once the strategy is loaded, the software constantly monitors market prices and conditions in real time. 

1. Automatic Execution  As soon as the conditions are met, the software automatically places the buy or sell order, sometimes faster than a blink of an eye. 

1. Exit Strategy  The algorithm also knows when to close the trade. You can add exit conditions like: 

1. Book profits at 5% 

1. Cut losses at 2% 

1. Exit before market closes 

Why Is Algo Trading Software Useful? 

• Speed: Computers can act much faster than humans. In fast-moving markets, every second matters. 

• No Emotions: People often panic during market dips or get greedy during rallies. Software doesn't have feelings – it just follows logic. 

• No Need to Watch the Screen All Day: You don’t need to sit in front of your laptop from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm. The software does that for you. 

• More Trades, Less Effort: You can run multiple strategies on different stocks or instruments at the same time. 

Example 

Let’s say you're a college student and have lectures from morning till afternoon. You love trading but can’t keep an eye on the market. With an algo trading software, you could set a strategy to buy Infosys shares when it breaks a certain level and sell them if it gains 2% within the day. The software will do all this while you’re in class. You can check the results later. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Market conditions can change suddenly, and even the best strategies can fail. That’s why most software includes backtesting, which lets you test your idea using past market data before you use real money. 

Algo Trading vs Manual Trading 

Feature 

Manual Trading 

Algo Trading Software 

Speed 

Slower (human reaction) 

Super-fast (milliseconds) 

Emotions 

Can affect decisions 

No emotions involved 

Effort Required 

High (monitoring needed) 

Low (automated monitoring) 

Scalability 

Limited 

Can manage multiple trades 

Consistency 

Varies 

Follows rules exactly every time 

 

In short, algo trading software acts like your own digital trader. It follows your rules, never gets tired, and can trade more efficiently than you can by hand. Whether you're just starting out or already trading, learning how to use algo tools can be a smart move for your financial future. 

Factors to Consider While Choosing Algo Trading Software 

Before diving into the list of platforms, keep these factors in mind: 

1. Ease of Use – Is it beginner-friendly? 

1. Customisation – Can you create or modify strategies? 

1. Broker Integration – Does it support your stockbroker? 

1. Algo Trading Software Price – Is it within your budget? 

1. Backtesting Support – Can you test your strategy? 

1. Customer Support – Are tutorials and help available? 

1. Exchange Certification – Is it approved by NSE or BSE? 

Top Algo Trading Platforms in India 

Let’s explore the most popular algo trading software options in India. We’ll look at their features, costs, and who they’re best for. 

1. AlgoBulls

Overview: AlgoBulls is a plug-and-play platform that offers pre-built strategies and lets users create their own. 

Features: 

• No coding is needed for basic users. 

• Drag-and-drop strategy builder. 

• Backtesting and live paper trading. 

• Supports multiple brokers. 

Algo Trading Software Price: 

• Free plan available. 

• Paid plans start from ₹1,500/month. 

• Charges vary depending on the number of strategies and API usage. 

Suitable For: Beginners and intermediate users who want an easy start. 

2. QuantInsti’s Blueshift

Overview: Blueshift is a cloud-based backtesting and research platform from QuantInsti, a well-known name in algo trading education. 

Features: 

• Python-based strategy development. 

• Massive data library (stocks, futures, options). 

• Integrated with brokers like Interactive Brokers. 

• Cloud-based testing, no installation required. 

Algo Trading Software Price: 

• Currently free for educational use. 

• Integration with brokers may have extra costs. 

Suitable For: Learners and developers who are comfortable with Python. 

3. Streak by Zerodha

Overview: Streak is Zerodha’s own algo platform. It’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t require coding. 

Features: 

• No coding needed. 

• Real-time alerts and automated execution. 

• Strategy builder with indicators. 

• Supports Zerodha account holders. 

Algo Trading Software Price: 

• Free with limited features. 

• Paid plans start at ₹500/month. 

Suitable For: Zerodha users and beginners who want to avoid coding. 

4. Tradetron

Overview: Tradetron is a cloud-based algo trading platform for retail traders, with advanced strategy building and automation. 

Features: 

• Visual strategy builder, no coding needed. 

• Marketplace to buy or sell strategies. 

• Multi-broker support (Zerodha, Angel One, Fyers, etc.). 

• Paper trading and backtesting available. 

Algo Trading Software Price: 

• Free plan for paper trading. 

• Paid plans start at ₹1,000/month and go up to ₹12,000/month for pro users. 

Suitable For: Traders who want to try or share strategies without coding. 

5. AlgoTest

Overview: A popular Indian platform focused on options backtesting and execution. 

Features: 

• Options strategy builder. 

• Historical backtesting with detailed metrics. 

• Real-time execution via broker APIs. 

• Supports Zerodha, Angel One, Dhan, and others. 

Algo Trading Software Price: 

• Free plan with limited features. 

• Paid plans start from ₹590/month. 

Suitable For: Options traders and backtesters looking for precision. 

6. Symphony Presto

Overview: A more professional-level algo trading software approved by Indian exchanges. 

Features: 

• Designed for brokers and institutions. 

• Ultra-low latency execution. 

• Full control of strategy design. 

• Exchange-certified. 

Algo Trading Software Price: 

• Very high, often runs into lakhs. 

• Requires exchange approval and infra setup. 

Suitable For: Professional traders, brokers, and institutions. 

7. Amibroker with Broker Bridge

Overview: A popular charting and strategy development tool, often paired with third-party execution bridges. 

Features: 

• Advanced charting and indicators. 

• AFL (Amibroker Formula Language) for strategy creation. 

• Connects to brokers via plugin. 

Algo Trading Software Price: 

• Amibroker licence costs around ₹25,000 one-time. 

• Bridge software costs extra (₹2,000–₹5,000/month). 

Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced traders who want full control. 

Algo Trading Software Price Comparison Table 

Platform 

Starting Price 

Free Plan 

Coding Required 

Broker Support 

AlgoBulls 

₹1,500/month 

Yes 

Optional 

Zerodha, Angel One, etc. 

Blueshift 

Free 

Yes 

Yes (Python) 

Interactive Brokers 

Streak 

₹500/month 

Yes 

No 

Zerodha 

Tradetron 

₹1,000/month 

Yes 

No 

Multiple brokers 

AlgoTest 

₹590/month 

Yes 

No 

Zerodha, Dhan, etc. 

Symphony Presto 

₹1,00,000+ 

No 

Yes 

Institutional only 

Amibroker + Bridge 

₹25,000+ 

No 

Yes (AFL) 

Depends on bridge used 

 

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the right algo trading software depends on your skills, goals, and budget. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some platforms are free and easy, others are powerful but need coding. Knowing what you want, and how much you're ready to spend, will help you pick the perfect fit. 

Also, remember that while automation can reduce mistakes, it can’t eliminate risks. So, always test your strategy thoroughly using backtesting or paper trading before going live. 

If you're just starting out, try a free plan or low-cost version first. Learn, test, and then upgrade as needed.