TL;DR (Quick-Glance Table)
| Feature | TradersPost (Cloud SaaS) | Self-Hosted IBKR Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | TradersPost cloud | Your own VPS (Docker) |
| Broker API Support | IBKR, Alpaca, Tradier | IBKR only (deep integration) |
| Custody of credentials | Stored on their servers | Stays on your VPS |
| Latency (alert → fill) | 0.8–1.5 s typical | 0.25–0.35 s typical |
| Monthly cost (3 strategies) | $99 starter → $299 pro | $0* after one-time license |
| 2FA/Gateway Keep-Alive | No (browser login) | Yes (scheduled restart) |
| Scaling to 5 bots | Requires Pro plan | Included |
| 12-month total (3 strats) | $1 188–$3 588 | $999 one-time (+ $299/yr updates) |
*Engine requires your own ~$10/mo VPS.
Why Traders Choose TradersPost
TradersPost nails the “zero-code” promise: link a TradingView alert, choose a broker, and trades appear in your account. For retail traders who don’t care about latency, IP ownership, or monthly cost creep, the convenience feels worth it.
But serious IBKR users eventually hit two walls:
- Cloud custody of API keys + two-factor sessions
- Monthly pricing that scales up fast once you add live strategies
Limitation 1: Cloud Custody of Keys
TradersPost stores your IBKR credentials (and AutoTrade passwords) on their servers. If their cloud is breached—or you just want to withdraw—there’s no easy “air-gap.”
Your Fix: Credentials never leave your VPS.
You spin up a Docker container, mount an .env file, and the engine talks to IB Gateway running next to it. No third-party ever sees the token.
Limitation 2: Ongoing Fees
At three live strategies and five bots, TradersPost bumps you to the $299/mo Pro tier. Over 24 months that’s $7 176—before you add paper accounts.
Your Fix: One-time $999 license + optional $299/yr updates.
After month 12, your cumulative cost is lower—and your engine pauses if updates lapse, so it’s pay-for-value, not rent-forever bloat.
3-Step Migration Plan
- Spin up a $10/mo Ubuntu VPS at Hetzner or Contabo.
- Install the Docker image—copy/paste one
docker runcommand. - Swap your TradingView alert URLs to
https://YOUR_VPS_IP:8080/webhook?key=MYSECRET
and test a paper trade.
Full walk-through here →
Secure Your First VPS in 15 Minutes
Ready to Own Your Execution Stack?
Book a 15-min Demo →
