Freqtrade alternative
Freqtrade in brief
Freqtrade is an open-source Python crypto trading bot. You host it yourself, write strategies in Python, and use its backtesting and hyperparameter optimization against centralized exchanges.
How Circuit differs
Circuit runs agents for you on onchain venues such as Hyperliquid, Polymarket, Lighter and Papertrade, plus Kraken, with funds that stay in your own wallet. Describe a strategy in plain English and the Builder writes, checks and backtests it; developers can write agents with the Circuit CLI and SDK.
When Freqtrade fits better
Quants who want a Python workflow, deep parameter optimization and centralized-exchange coverage on their own hardware will feel at home with Freqtrade.
Test before you risk money
Every agent starts in paper trading: simulated funds on live markets, with no real money moving. Hyperliquid, Lighter and Kraken orders fill against the live order book and one-minute bars with each venue's fees, funding and liquidation rules, and Polymarket orders fill against the live book. Switch to real money when the results convince you.
Feature comparison
Language: Freqtrade strategies are Python; Circuit agents are TypeScript, written for you by the Builder or by hand with the SDK. Hosting: Freqtrade is self-hosted; Circuit hosts agents. Venues: Freqtrade targets centralized exchanges; Circuit trades onchain venues such as Hyperliquid and Polymarket plus Kraken. Custody: Circuit agents run on your own wallet, and every signature needs your passkey-signed permit.
Questions to ask any agentic trading platform
Who holds the keys, and can the agent ever see them? Does every trade need your approval, or can approvals be switched off? Can you read the exact code or rules the agent runs, and test them on past and live markets before real money moves? Which markets can it reach: stocks only, one exchange, or onchain venues across networks? And can you stop it instantly without losing control of open positions?
What it costs
Circuit charges no fees today. You pay the venue's trading fees, network gas and any bridge or routing fees, and each prepared action's review shows the costs it reports before you confirm. Today's terms make no commitment about future fees.