7 Best Automated Trading Platforms In Australia (2025)

Auto trading has exploded in popularity thanks to films like The Big Short and real-world events like the ‘Flash Crash’ that have thrust trading into the spotlight.

But just because automated trading has hit the headlines and a few influencers are trying to convince you they have the golden ticket, should you even be considering it?

Well, there are really two main reasons people get into this space. You either:

No matter which camp you fall into, I’ve tested ALL the major platforms available to Australian traders, and I’m breaking down the seven best options that could potentially transform your trading game.

1. Interactive Brokers.

Best automated trading platform for algorithmic traders.

Interactive Brokers remains the benchmark platform for serious algorithmic traders in Australia.

It’s not built to be sleek or simple; it’s designed for precision, performance, and scale.

IBKR’s ecosystem is engineered to support everything from delta-hedged options strategies to multi-leg futures arbitrage across global exchanges – all in one interface.

For some this may be a dealbreaker, but it’s worth pointing out that this is a deliberate design choice.

IBKR’s infrastructure is fundamentally different from most CFD brokers.

Rather than routing trades to internal liquidity pools or synthetic pricing, they offer direct market access (DMA) to 150+ exchanges globally.

Pros.

Where IBKR really stands out is in its API suite — which supports Python, Java, C++, C#, and FIX protocol.

This isn’t a marketing bullet point.

Their APIs are used by hedge funds and quant shops, not just retail traders experimenting with mean-reversion scripts.

REST and WebSocket options are also available via third-party wrappers like IB-insync, a popular Pythonic interface.

Another advantage to IBKR is its routing transparency.

Their SmartRouting engine scans for the best available price across exchanges and dark pools, considering fees, rebates, and slippage in real time.

Traders using the API can override this and route directly to specific venues – something virtually no retail-focused CFD broker allows.

Commission rates start from $0.0005 to $0.0035 per share on US equities, with a $1 minimum – practically unbeatable if you’re trading volume.

Forex spreads are tight and commission-based, rather than baked into widened spreads like many MT4 brokers.

Cons.

IBKR offers reliable performance, but it’s not optimised for ultra-low-latency scalping in the way a broker like Pepperstone is.

Expect 75–130ms on average through the TWS or IB Gateway API, with FIX protocol ranging from 100–250ms depending on location, connection method (VPN vs direct line), and exchange.

While this may sound high for high-frequency trading, it’s more than sufficient for most portfolio-level strategies, statistical arbitrage, or event-driven models – especially when paired with co-location services or server proximity.

In addition, the user experience is, bluntly, not friendly.

There’s no hand-holding here.

IB expects you to be familiar with API authentication, error handling, and latency buffering.

There’s also no out-of-the-box backtesting engine (unlike ProRealTime or TradingView – more on these below).

Verdict.

IBKR is for the serious algo trader who values execution quality and customisation above all else.

If you’re building serious automation – especially cross-asset, multi-market strategies – or need execution control at the exchange level, there is no substitute.

Just don’t expect a training wheels experience.

✔ Full API access offering incredible customisation depth
✔ Ultra-low commissions that high-frequency traders will love
✘ Not optimised for ultra-low-latency scalping
✘ TWS interface is overdue for an update

2. Pepperstone.

Best for those who want to trade CFDs only.

Next up is Pepperstone – the platform that strikes an impressive balance between professional-grade features and accessibility.

Its platform is intuitive, powerful, and structured just enough to allow retail investors to scale their automation skills without drowning in complexity.

It’s one of the few brokers that not only supports MetaTrader 4/5 but actively builds a high-performance trading environment around it.

Not as overwhelming as IBKR, Pepperstone has carved out a reputation as THE go-to platform for Aussie investors wanting to use MetaTrader automated trading.

Pros.

What really makes Pepperstone shine is their execution infrastructure.

Razor accounts offer raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs with a $3.50 commission per side, and execution latency as low as 30ms.

This is consistently among the fastest available to retail traders.

Their 99.89% fill rate is backed by a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model that routes orders directly to a network of Tier 1 liquidity providers.

Unlike IBKR, where trades are routed to central limit order books with greater control but higher latency (typically 75–130ms), Pepperstone prioritises execution speed over venue control.

This makes it an ideal choice for strategies where milliseconds, not microstructure, are the edge.

But Pepperstone’s value goes beyond execution.

It’s one of the few brokers that genuinely supports trader development beyond MetaTrader.

You can start with EAs in MT4/5, then progress to structured strategy design in C# using cTrader Automate, and eventually connect to custom systems via REST or FIX API.

This ecosystem gives retail algo traders exposure to concepts like latency management, server co-location, third-party execution engines, and multi-platform scripting.

While your code won’t carry over directly to a platform like IBKR, the technical fluency you build with Pepperstone’s tools makes that leap feel a lot less daunting.

Cons.

One key drawback with Pepperstone is that despite its strong automation infrastructure, it’s still an OTC CFD broker.

(Meaning all trades are routed through liquidity providers rather than executed on regulated exchanges).

This limits transparency around order book depth, prevents true limit order participation, and makes certain advanced strategies (e.g., like venue arbitrage, dark pool routing, or market-making) impossible to implement.

In short, Pepperstone is ideal for strategy execution, but not strategy design that depends on the structural nuance of real markets.

Another limitation is the lack of a native, broker-supported backtesting or research environment.

While platforms like MT5 and cTrader offer basic strategy testing tools, they lack the data granularity, customisable slippage models, and multi-asset simulation capabilities that more sophisticated traders need.

Unlike brokers such as IG (with ProRealTime) or platforms like QuantConnect or IBKR’s Python API, Pepperstone provides no dedicated infrastructure for historical data access or forward-testing in sandboxed environments.

For serious quant or multi-strategy traders, this means needing to stitch together third-party tools and external data sources.

This adds friction to the development pipeline.

Verdict.

Pepperstone strikes a compelling balance between accessibility and technical depth.

It delivers the execution speed, platform flexibility, and API access that retail algorithmic traders need to operate competitively.

While it doesn’t offer the market structure transparency or research infrastructure of platforms like IBKR, it provides a rare opportunity to build the operational skills and automation fluency needed to eventually step into that world.

For many, it’s not the final destination, but it’s one of the best places to start taking algorithmic trading seriously.

✔ Tight spreads and deep liquidity that scalpers and high-frequency traders will appreciate
✔ Rock-solid automated trading support via MT4 and DupliTrade
✘ Limited to OTC CFDs
✘ No native, broker-supported backtesting or research environment

3. eToro.

Best trading platform for copy trading.

Feeling overwhelmed by talk of execution latency and APIs?

You’re not alone – and the good news is, algorithmic investing doesn’t always require writing code or renting a VPS.

eToro is designed for a different kind of trader.

Someone who wants the benefits of automation and diversification, but without having to build systems or monitor every price tick. Are you:

eToro offers a streamlined alternative through its social copy trading model.

You can allocate capital to expert human traders with strong track records and customise your exposure – without writing a line of code.

This auto trading platform is not built for high-frequency execution or granular trade control.

But for many investors, that’s exactly the point.

Pros:

Where eToro really excels is in democratising automated investing.

Through its CopyTrader system, you can automatically mirror the trades of experienced investors.

You can choose from a range of strategies based on risk level (e.g., recently IPOed US startups), asset class (e.g., ETFs) and even geography (e.g., Asian finance sector).

You’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all ETF, nor do you need the capital or expertise to hire a discretionary manager.

Instead, eToro sits in a middle ground.

It gives you personalised, transparent access to human-led strategies that still execute automatically once copied.

It’s automation with a human layer on top, making it ideal for time-poor investors who still want to be strategic.

The platform is easy to use, with a gentle learning curve. Unlike Interactive Brokers’ WWII-era TWS graphics, eToro spoils you with clean, friendly interfaces.

You can filter potential investors to copy based on drawdown, average trade duration, portfolio composition, and even how frequently they communicate with followers.

There’s also a built-in virtual portfolio mode, allowing you to test copy strategies with simulated funds before committing real capital – a rare feature in the social trading space.

For new or cautious investors, this makes automation feel safe, observable, and low-commitment.

And unlike platforms that separate crypto, equities, and FX into different silos, eToro allows users to build and copy strategies across all of them from a single account.

Cons.

One limitation to keep in mind is eToro’s all-in pricing model.

Spreads are higher than what you’d pay at a raw-spread broker, and that makes the platform ill-suited for ultra-short-term or high-frequency trading.

However, the wider spread effectively bundles everything – trade execution, portfolio monitoring, and manager selection – into a single, transparent cost.

For investors running longer-term, swing-style copy strategies, that extra few tenths of a pip tends to have far less impact than the time saved by not having to research, code, or rebalance positions manually.

But you do get a rich data layer – drawdown histories, risk scores, asset breakdowns, and real-time commentary – that lets you vet a strategy without needing to sift through code.

In other words, eToro trades surgical control for a turnkey, “portfolio-in-a-box” experience – an exchange many busy investors are happy to make.

One important consideration for Australian investors is eToro’s currency conversion model, which can introduce hefty fees..

Since all accounts are denominated in USD, any AUD deposits are automatically converted – and the same goes for withdrawals.

This adds up quickly for those making frequent transfers or scaling in and out of positions over time.

Unlike many brokers that offer multi-currency accounts or native AUD support, eToro doesn’t provide a way to natively hold AUD on the platform.

However, these costs are partially offset for members of eToro’s “Club” program, a tiered benefits system aimed at more serious investors.

These benefits reflect eToro’s broader strategy: it’s not trying to win over high-frequency scalpers or self-hosted coders.

Instead, it’s positioned as a platform for time-poor investors who don’t want to spend hours each week deciding which positions to open, and which to close.

Verdict.

eToro isn’t trying to compete with raw-spread brokers or advanced algo platforms.

And that’s exactly what makes it valuable.

It offers a low-friction way to automate your investing without needing to wrestle with APIs or monitor charts.

Are you a time-poor investor willing to accept high-ish currency conversion fees in exchange for hands-off portfolio automation?

eToro is a compelling option.

You won’t get real-time control, but you will get to delegate your investment decisions to human experts.

✔ Incredibly intuitive copy trading that feels accessible to all
✔ Extensive network of proven traders with transparent track records to follow
✘ Limited customisation options for those wanting more control
✘ Higher spreads compared to dedicated trading platforms

eToro AUS Capital Limited ACN 612 791 803 AFSL 491139. Social trading. eToro
does not approve or endorse any of the trading accounts customers may choose
to copy or follow. Assets held in your name. Capital at risk. See PDS and TMD.

4. AvaTrade.

Best alternative to Pepperstone.

By this point, you might be thinking:

“I like the idea of automation .. but do I really need to learn code, compare VPS latency, and run backtests in my spare time?”

If that’s you, AvaTrade might be your comfort zone.

It’s one of the few automated trading platforms that supports both sides of the automation spectrum:

These aren’t just gimmicky copy-paste tools.

They allow you to connect with established traders, view their track records, and automate strategy replication based on your own risk preferences.

Unfamiliar with these? Don’t worry, here’s the key points.

AvaSocial

Think of AvaSocial as a more curated version of eToro’s CopyTrade, targeting a slightly more sophisticated investor.

While anyone with enough followers can become a “Popular Investor” (i.e., users can copy their trades), AvaSocial vets signal providers more strictly.

In theory, this increases the quality of these investors, but also reduces the quantity available.

It does feel reassuring that there is some sort of quality control. However, plenty of fund managers have proven that technical ability does not equal performance.

eToro’s fees for their model are also more transparent and the trading history will be easier for beginners to understand.

DupliTrade

While AvaSocial is a proprietary offering, DupliTrade is a third-party product that integrates with MetaTrader 4/5.

It operates more like a curated marketplace, offering a smaller pool of vetted strategies from professional money managers with real skin in the game.

It’s less flexible, but also lower friction – ideal for traders who want automation without opening a spreadsheet every time they rebalance.

ZuluTrade

ZuluTrade and DupliTrade are broadly similar in that they let you mirror the strategies of other traders, but the user experience – and the expectations placed on you – differ.

ZuluTrade gives you access to a much wider range of signal providers, including retail traders, semi-professionals, and niche strategies across FX, crypto, and indices.

But with that choice comes the burden of discernment.

Performance stats can be noisy, drawdowns can be hidden in the detail, and you’ll need to apply your own filters to separate consistent systems from short-lived lucky streaks.

Pros.

Where AvaTrade stands out is in its dual-path approach to automation.

Whether you’re leaning toward hands-on algorithmic trading or just want to follow the signals of experienced traders, the platform gives you room to explore both.

With native support for MetaTrader 4 and 5, users can deploy expert advisors (EAs), customise indicators, or run technical systems with VPS support – all without needing to jump through integration hoops.

At the same time, integrations with ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, and AvaSocial provide pathways for strategy replication and social trading.

Few brokers offer this level of flexibility across both DIY and signal-based automation, making AvaTrade a strong pick for traders who are still refining their preferred workflow.

Another advantage of AvaTrade is its emphasis on user protection and learning-by-doing.

Features like guaranteed stop-loss orders, negative balance protection, and fixed spreads on some account types offer a sense of control that’s often missing from more barebones algorithmic platforms.

For newer traders experimenting with automation – whether through EAs or signal-following – these risk controls can make the difference between a steep learning curve and a manageable one.

AvaTrade also offers free demo accounts across all supported platforms, so you can trial EAs, copy strategies, or custom indicators in a no-risk environment.

Cons.

One of AvaTrade’s main drawbacks is that while it offers access to multiple tools, none of them are particularly customisable or cutting-edge by today’s automation standards.

And while AvaSocial’s tighter vetting may appeal to cautious users, the limited pool of available traders means fewer strategies to choose from.

Particularly if you’re looking for niche exposure or uncorrelated returns.

Another limitation is that AvaTrade’s fee structure and platform experience can feel dated compared to more modern brokers.

While spreads are generally competitive on forex majors, there’s no raw spread + commission model available – meaning high-frequency traders or scalpers may find pricing less favourable over time.

The trading platforms themselves (especially the proprietary AvaTrade WebTrader) lack the refinement and speed of newer alternatives.

The experience, while functional, doesn’t quite match the slickness of platforms like eToro or IG.

For users who value execution transparency, modern UI design, or ultra-tight pricing, these details may start to matter.

Verdict.

In many ways, AvaTrade is the “bridge broker”.

It’s ideal for traders who aren’t ready to dive headfirst into code-heavy platforms but want more control and flexibility than passive copy trading alone can offer.

Its support for MT4/5 allows for real automation via expert advisors, while integrations with ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, and AvaSocial open the door to signal-based strategies and curated social trading.

It’s not the most advanced or modern broker on the list, but for users who want to explore both sides of the automation spectrum – building and borrowing – AvaTrade offers a valuable, low-pressure proving ground.

✔ Unmatched variety with access to AvaSocial, DupliTrade, ZuluTrade, and MetaTrader platforms
✔ Unique AvaProtect feature for automated risk management
✘ Lack of depth and sophistication
✘ User experience lags compared to some of its competitors

5. IG Markets.

Great alternative to Interactive Brokers.

Feel like the automated trading platforms I discussed so far are close, but not quite what you’re after?

That’s not surprising.

While the first four brokers cover the full spectrum – from hands-off copy trading to deep-code customisation – each comes with trade-offs.

Some lack transparency. Others demand too much technical skill (looking at you, Interactive Brokers), and a few leave you boxed into a single ecosystem.

It’s one of Australia’s most trusted brokers, but it’s also not stuck in the past – quietly adapting its platform to serve the needs of modern, automation-minded traders.

It may not shout about APIs or algo frameworks, but under the surface, there’s more going on than you might expect.

And if you’ve found yourself torn between IBKR’s transparency and Pepperstone’s usability, IG might offer a third path worth exploring.

Pros.

What impresses me about IG Markets is their versatility in platform options.

Beyond the standard MetaTrader offering, IG provides access to TradingView, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer – creating an impressive toolkit for different automated trading approaches.

Let’s break down why these matter:

TradingView integration allows you to execute automated strategies through one of the most popular charting platforms in the world.

The Pine Script language lets you create custom indicators and strategies with a much gentler learning curve than MQL5 in MT5.

While IBKR offers similar API access, IG’s implementation is more user-friendly and doesn’t require the same level of programming expertise.

ProRealTime is where IG truly differentiates itself.

This platform offers one of the most powerful backtesters in retail trading, with the ability to code automated systems in ProscriptRLG language.

Its latest update allows more granular strategy development and automatic execution with native OOP scripting, making it closer to MQL5.

IBKR is the only other platform on the list to offer similar functionality.

However, this requires significantly more technical know-how compared to ProRealTime’s more accessible interface.

L2 Dealer is available for equities and forex, giving you visibility into the full order book and allowing you to place, amend, and cancel orders directly within the market. This level of control is usually reserved for institutional traders.

Unlike IBKR, which often requires third-party platforms or API integration to unlock similar functionality, IG delivers it within a single, streamlined interface, paired with browser-based ProRealTime scripting tools for strategy automation.

Just keep in mind: while IG’s DMA is user-friendly, it’s also more limited in scope – IBKR offers DMA access to a much broader range of asset classes.

But if your focus is primarily on shares or currencies, IG gives you a clean, accessible way to trade with precision – without the technical overhead.

Cons.

One of IG’s trade-offs is that while it offers serious tools, it doesn’t go as deep or wide as Interactive Brokers or Pepperstone.

As I mentioned, L2 dealer is only available on equities and forex.

If you’re looking to build automated strategies around commodities, crypto, or derivatives, this may be prohibitive.

Similarly, while ProRealTime is powerful, it’s a closed ecosystem.

There’s also no native support for third-party platforms like MetaTrader in Australia, which could be a deal-breaker for those already using EAs.

In short, IG is streamlined and smart, but it’s not open-source. It’s ideal if you want control without complexity, but less so if you’re looking to push the boundaries of custom automation.

In addition, spreads on standard accounts are also not the tightest in market, particularly if you’re trading outside of major forex pairs.

But for those scaling up automated strategies, the lack of ultra-low raw spreads or commission-based pricing may eat into performance over time.

And if your trading eventually outgrows ProRealTime’s ecosystem, the path to more advanced customisation isn’t as clear as it is with a broker, such as Pepperstone, that supports Python, APIs, or MT4/5.

Verdict.

IG won’t be the flashiest name on this list, but that’s part of its strength.

It’s a broker built on trust, transparency, and solid infrastructure, with just enough modern tooling to support meaningful automation.

For traders who want direct market access without a complex setup, or who are curious about scripting but not ready to dive into code-heavy environments, IG offers a clean and credible middle ground.

It’s not ideal for MT4/5 users or those chasing raw spreads and open-source flexibility.

But for automation-minded traders who value simplicity, structure, and regulation, IG is a platform that’s easy to grow with, and hard to outgrow too quickly.

✔ Wide range of automated tools supporting both beginners and experts
✔ Strong industry reputation backed by extensive market access
✘ Lacks the customisation of some of its competitors
✘ Higher costs may be a dealbreaker for high-frequency or FX traders

6. Eightcap.

Great alternative to Pepperstone and AvaTrade.

Now for something genuinely different.

Eightcap is carving out a niche for traders who want algorithmic strategies without writing a single line of code.

While it doesn’t carry the name recognition of giants like IG or IBKR, Eightcap has quietly become one of the most accessible platforms for automation-first traders.

By integrating tools like Capitalise.ai (for natural-language strategy creation) and TradingView (for script-based trading with Pine Script), it’s bridging the gap between low-code convenience and serious automation.

Pros.

What makes Eightcap stand out is its partnership with Capitalise.ai – a platform that lets you build automated strategies using plain English.

No coding, no scripting, just logic and execution. It’s a genuinely low-friction way into algo trading.

Combine that with support for both MT4 and MT5, plus surprisingly tight spreads on forex pairs, and Eightcap starts to look like a very approachable option – especially given it’s one of the smaller names on this list.

Cons.

One noticeable gap in Eightcap’s offering is the lack of a copy trading feature – something most other brokers on this list include in some form.

While its no-code automation tools lower the barrier to entry, they still assume a certain comfort level with strategy building.

As a result, I can see Eightcap serving as a stepping stone into the world of algo trading – only to lose clients later to many of the other platforms on this list which offer richer ecosystems.

For a broker targeting newcomers to algorithmic trading, there’s surprisingly little structured learning support, though the recent rollout of webinars suggests that may be changing.

Finally, while Capitalise.ai is an excellent entry point, its logic remains fairly basic.

Users have noted that features like portfolio rebalancing, multi-timeframe triggers, or advanced position management aren’t yet supported.

Verdict.

Eightcap is the dark horse in Australia’s automated trading scene.

Their no-code approach through Capitalise.ai makes algorithmic trading accessible to everyone, not just those with programming backgrounds.

However, this is pretty much all it offers, so it will not be suitable for everyone.

✔ Revolutionary no-code automation through Capitalise.ai
✔ Support for both MT4 and MT5 with competitive spreads
✘ No copy/social trading feature
✘ Fewer educational resources for algorithmic traders

7. Vantage.

Good automated trading platform for CFD traders.

Last but certainly not least is Vantage.

It’s an automated trading platform that’s laser-focused on creating the ideal environment for MetaTrader algorithmic traders, while also supporting TradingView integration for those scripting in Pine.

It doesn’t try to do everything – and that’s its edge.

If your focus is running EAs on MT4/5, or building strategies via TradingView, Vantage offers one of the most optimised environments around.

In that sense, it’s closest in spirit to Pepperstone – but there are key differences in infrastructure and positioning that set the two apart.

Pros.

Where Vantage truly shines is its commission structure.

At $3 per lot per side on RAW accounts (vs Pepperstone’s $3.50), it offers one of the lowest-cost environments for algorithmic traders in Australia.

For high-frequency strategies executing hundreds of trades, that small difference compounds fast.

Vantage also stands out in how it handles infrastructure.

While Pepperstone is known for fast execution, Vantage has tuned its servers specifically for MT4 Expert Advisors, helping reduce latency where it matters most.

And finally, there’s a philosophical difference: Vantage is generally more permissive toward aggressive EA strategies, including scalping during volatile conditions.

That might sound like a small detail, but if you’re running a tight, latency-sensitive system, it could be the difference between scaling and stalling.

Cons.

The trade-off for Vantage’s laser focus on MT4 is a less polished experience for MT5 users.

If you’re planning to migrate from MT4 or want to run strategies across both platforms, Pepperstone’s dual-platform support is noticeably smoother.

Vantage also doesn’t integrate with DupliTrade or similar copy trading tools, which may limit those who want to blend automated and social trading strategies.

For a broker catering to algorithmic traders, its resources feel relatively light – particularly compared to Pepperstone’s structured guides and third-party content partnerships.

Lastly, while Vantage’s liquidity network is solid, it doesn’t quite match Pepperstone’s deeper Tier-1 pool, which means spreads can occasionally widen during volatile or thin markets.

It’s a small detail – but one that matters more the tighter your system’s tolerances become.

Verdict.

Vantage isn’t trying to be everything to everyone – and that’s exactly why it works.

For traders who live inside MT4 and want a broker that’s built for speed, precision, and expert advisor compatibility, it delivers.

With tight commissions, latency-tuned infrastructure, and a more permissive stance toward aggressive EA strategies, Vantage is tailored for performance-focused automation.

It may lack some of the hybrid tools, platform breadth, or educational depth of competitors like Pepperstone, but for those who know exactly what they want – and want it to run fast – Vantage is an efficient, purpose-built solution.

✔ More competitive commission structure than Pepperstone
✔ Server infrastructure specifically optimised for MT4 Expert Advisors
✘ Less developed MT5 offering compared to Pepperstone
✘ No DupliTrade integration for complimentary copy trading options

Final Word On The Best Automated Trading Platforms In Australia.

So there you have it – the seven best automated trading platforms available to Australian traders in 2025.

It’s a lot of information to digest, and your perfect match depends entirely on what you’re looking for. Here’s my two cents on where each platform shines:

What’s The Difference Between MT4 And MT5?

Quick point regarding MetaTrader and specifically, the difference between MT4 and MT5.

Tom