A free Sierra Chart alternative
Sierra Chart is a fast, stable platform respected by futures traders, but it is paid (about $36 a month reported for its standard package), Windows desktop only with no mobile app, and technical to set up. AlgoBars includes order flow, footprint charts, Depth of Market and automation free, runs on web, desktop and mobile, and lets you build bots without code.
Last updated
Compared
Competitor figures from its own site and 2026 reviews, checked September 2026.
| Sierra Chart | AlgoBars | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid packages, about $36 a month reported | Free |
| Devices | Windows desktop | Web, desktop and mobile |
| Setup | Technical | Sign up and go |
| Build bots | ACSIL (C++) | Plain English, no-code or AlgoBarsX |
| Markets | Futures focus | Forex, crypto, stocks, indices, metals |
Good to know
Sierra Chart remains a top choice for futures traders who want maximum control and do not mind a technical setup.
Next steps
Everything you would pay for, free on AlgoBars
Here is what a order flow trader gets on AlgoBars at $0, compared with paying for Sierra Chart.
| What you get | On AlgoBars |
|---|---|
| Order flow | Footprint charts and heatmaps, free |
| Indicators | 100+ built in and unlimited custom indicators, with no per-chart cap |
| Multi-chart layouts | Free |
| Backtesting | Free and unlimited, on every account |
| Market replay | Free |
| Live trading | Free on 334 integrated brokers and 131 prop firms |
| Strategies running 24/7 | Free on AlgoBars servers, with no VPS |
What actually costs money on AlgoBars
Every feature is free, on every account. No card. No trial. Nothing to cancel. Advanced AI tools are paid at compute cost, taken straight from your balance. Anything you write yourself, every backtest, every import and trading on integrated brokers stay free.
When Sierra Chart may still suit you
Sierra Chart remains a top choice for futures traders who want maximum control and do not mind a technical setup.
Backtests you can trust
AlgoBars tests only use data from that moment. Orders fill on the next bar. So results show your rules, not hindsight. They show the raw price move, before spread and commission. You see how good the rules are on their own. Check each broker's spread with the broker spread map before going live.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Sierra Chart alternative?
AlgoBars includes order flow, DOM and automation free, on web, desktop and mobile.
What does Sierra Chart cost compared with AlgoBars?
Sierra Chart: Paid packages, about $36 a month reported, as published when checked. AlgoBars: $0 for every platform feature, on every account.
Is AlgoBars really free?
Yes. Every platform feature is free on every account, with no card and no trial clock. There are no plans, tiers or credits to buy.
Does AlgoBars charge for backtesting?
No. Backtests are free and unlimited on every account, on any market and timeframe AlgoBars has data for. Walk-forward analysis and Monte Carlo simulation are free too.
When is Sierra Chart still a good choice?
Sierra Chart remains a top choice for futures traders who want maximum control and do not mind a technical setup.
More answers
Sources
Competitor prices and terms change. They are shown as published when checked. Trading involves risk of loss.
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