# What is cTrader? Source: https://pipsync.io/en/what-is-ctrader Last updated: 2026-07-13 cTrader is a forex and CFD trading platform developed by Spotware Systems, widely offered by ECN and STP brokers. It is known for level-II depth-of-market pricing, automated strategies called cBots written in C#, and an official cloud Open API for third-party integrations. First released in 2011, cTrader is positioned as a transparent, market-depth-focused alternative to platforms like MetaTrader. It runs on desktop, web, and mobile, and its server-side Open API lets external systems authenticate, read account data, and place orders over the network without installing a plugin on the trader's machine. cTrader has seen growing adoption among proprietary trading firms and brokers that emphasise ECN-style execution. ## cTrader at a glance | | | |---|---| | Definition | A forex and CFD trading platform by Spotware Systems, common with ECN/STP brokers. | | Developer | Spotware Systems (first released 2011). | | Automation | cBots, automated strategies written in C# using the cAlgo / .NET-based framework. | | Distinguishing features | Level-II depth-of-market, detailed order types, and an official cloud Open API. | | Platforms | Desktop (Windows/macOS), web, and mobile (iOS/Android). | | Integration model | Open API authorised via cTrader ID; cloud-based, no plugin required on the user side. | | PipSync integration | Live and fully supported via the official Open API (cTrader ID) — market orders with SL/TP, on demo and live accounts. | | Price | Free plan at $0; paid plans from USD 24/month, billed at checkout | ## What is cTrader and who makes it? cTrader is a multi-asset trading platform built by Spotware Systems and first released in 2011. It is licensed by brokers, who offer it to their clients as a front end for trading forex and contracts for difference (CFDs). It is most often associated with ECN and STP brokers that route client orders to a liquidity pool rather than acting as the counterparty. The platform is available as a desktop application, a browser-based web app, and mobile apps, with positions and account state synchronised across all of them. cTrader emphasises pricing transparency, exposing market depth and execution detail that some other retail platforms hide. ## How does cTrader differ from MetaTrader? The clearest difference is automation: cTrader uses cBots written in C# on a .NET-based framework, whereas MetaTrader uses Expert Advisors (EAs) written in the MQL4 or MQL5 language. Strategies are therefore not interchangeable between the two ecosystems, and developers familiar with C# often find cBots more approachable. cTrader also ships an official, documented cloud Open API, which lets external software connect over the network to read data and send orders. MetaTrader has historically relied on locally installed terminals, bridges, or third-party plugins for similar integrations. cTrader additionally surfaces level-II depth-of-market as a standard feature. - Automation language: cBots in C# (cTrader) versus EAs in MQL4/MQL5 (MetaTrader). - Integration: official cloud Open API (cTrader) versus terminal-based bridges or plugins (MetaTrader). - Market depth: level-II depth-of-market is a standard, prominent cTrader feature. ## What is the cTrader Open API? The cTrader Open API is Spotware's official interface for connecting external applications to a cTrader account. A user authorises access through their cTrader ID, after which the third-party system can read account information and submit or manage orders programmatically over the network. Because the Open API is cloud-based, integrations do not require a plugin, bridge, or custom build installed inside the trader's own terminal. This makes it the standard, supported path for tools such as analytics dashboards, portfolio tools, and execution layers to interact with cTrader. ## Why is cTrader popular with prop firms and ECN brokers? cTrader's design suits brokers and proprietary trading firms that value execution transparency. Level-II depth-of-market, granular order types, and ECN-style routing align with the no-dealing-desk model that many of these firms market to clients. Adoption among prop firms has grown alongside the platform's API capabilities, since firms can build evaluation tooling and risk monitoring around the Open API. Each firm sets its own rules, so traders should confirm a firm's policy on automated or copy-traded execution before relying on it. ## How can external tools connect to cTrader? External tools connect to cTrader through the official Open API rather than by modifying the platform. After a user authorises the connection with their cTrader ID, the tool can read account data and place orders through Spotware's cloud endpoints, which keeps the integration supported and plugin-free. PipSync is one example of a cloud execution layer that connects this way: it uses the cTrader Open API as a destination for parsed signals, so no cBot or local terminal is required. PipSync is a neutral execution layer here, not part of cTrader itself, and its risk controls run server-side before any order reaches the broker. ## FAQ ### Is cTrader free to use? cTrader itself is provided to traders by brokers, who typically do not charge a separate licence fee for the platform. Costs come from the broker's spreads, commissions, and any financing charges, not from the platform software, though broker account minimums vary. ### What programming language do cTrader cBots use? cBots, cTrader's automated trading strategies, are written in C# on a .NET-based framework. This differs from MetaTrader, where Expert Advisors are written in the MQL4 or MQL5 languages, so strategies are not portable between the two platforms. ### What is the difference between a cBot and an Expert Advisor? A cBot is cTrader's automated strategy written in C#, while an Expert Advisor (EA) is MetaTrader's equivalent written in MQL4 or MQL5. They perform a similar role, automating trade logic, but run on different platforms and cannot be used interchangeably. ### Does cTrader have an API for third-party apps? Yes. cTrader offers an official cloud Open API that external applications can use after a user authorises access with their cTrader ID. The API allows reading account data and placing orders over the network without installing a plugin in the trader's terminal. ### Is cTrader good for prop firm trading? Many proprietary trading firms offer cTrader because of its depth-of-market transparency and ECN-style execution. Whether automated or copy-traded execution is allowed depends on the individual firm's rules, which often differ between the evaluation and funded stages, so traders should verify before relying on it. ### Does PipSync replace or compete with cTrader? No. PipSync is execution infrastructure, not a trading platform, signal provider, or source of investment advice. It connects to cTrader through the official Open API to route signals you choose, while cTrader remains the platform where your broker account is held. ### How does PipSync connect to cTrader? PipSync connects through the cTrader Open API, which you authorise with your cTrader ID. There is no plugin or cBot to install, and PipSync's risk controls, such as sizing and trade limits, are enforced server-side before any order reaches the broker. ## Related - [cTrader signal copier for demo and live accounts](https://pipsync.io/en/ctrader-signal-copier) - [What is MetaTrader (MT4 and MT5)?](https://pipsync.io/en/what-is-metatrader) - [Telegram to cTrader — execute signals automatically](https://pipsync.io/en/telegram-to-ctrader) - [TradingView to cTrader — signals you review, or opt-in auto-trade](https://pipsync.io/en/tradingview-to-ctrader) - [Discord to cTrader — execute community signals automatically](https://pipsync.io/en/discord-to-ctrader) - [Webhook to cTrader — send your own alerts as signals](https://pipsync.io/en/webhook-to-ctrader) - [What is a prop trading firm?](https://pipsync.io/en/what-is-a-prop-firm) --- PipSync is a signal execution tool. It does not provide trading signals, does not guarantee any trading results and is not investment advice. Trading leveraged products involves substantial risk of loss.