Virtual Private Servers (VPS)

FTMO Trader Scouting

jack

Administrator
Staff member
Are you algo trading? Have you written a custom trading bot? Did you buy into an MT4 or MT5 expert advisor? Or maybe you just want to collect data without running your home PC 24 hours a day? If so, a VPS might just be for you!

Main considerations:

Latency -
This is a measurement of time, specifically the time it takes requests from your VPS to be received by your desired broker or exchange. Often overlooked is the latency measured between your data source and your VPS, which may add to overall delay in executing your strategy. For example, you might be lightening fast executing trades, but if price data is delayed by a tenth of a second that will slow down your algos ability to made decisions in live markets. It’s a good idea to start with a month long contract with more than one VPS providers (or use a free trial) and test out latency should your strategy be sensitive to execution delays.

RAM - Your custom code might run right, or it might gobble up RAM like cookie monster at a bake sale… Picking a cheaper VPS package that starves your code of RAM will cause the VPS to temporarily store data that should be in RAM to the storage drive which will slow down performance across the board. If you are using off-the-shelf software, make sure to check your software vendor’s RAM requirements and choose an adequate VPS setup accordingly. Any modern install of Windows Server should have 2-4Gbs of RAM minimum. A command line app running on Linux might only need 512Mb of RAM. A good rule for mission critical software is to err on the side of caution and get a little more than you think you need just to be safe.

OS - Do you need your software to run on Windows or Linux? Windows will require more system resources upfront but has more retail trading software available for it. Windows will also typically be more expensive for VPS’ of the same configuration given Microsoft charges a licence fee. Linux, on the other hand, not only can be stripped right down to be very light on system resources (and thus, not require as expensive of a VPS package to run,) but also doesn’t come with the same licensing costs.

Uptime - This one is pretty simple, does the VPS provider guarantee the system will stay online without interruption?


Recommended Vendors:
Each VPS below has been tested by members of FXGears Staff.


Latency~1ms to many popular brokers (Global)~1-3ms to many popular brokers (NYC)~1-2ms to many popular brokers (Global)~2.5ms to many popular brokers (NYC and London)~1-3ms to major Forex Brokers
Entry Level Price (Monthly)£27, or £270 for year in advance$20$19, or $17.50 on 12 Month Contract$35€35 Euro
Entry Level Specs"Bronze" Package
1 vCPU,
1.3GB RAM,
25GB Storage (
"ECONOMY" Package
1 vCPU,
1GB RAM,
45GB Storage (SSD)
"Lite" Package
1 vCPU,
1.5GB RAM,
40GB Storage (SSD)
"Basic VPS 1" Package
1 vCPU,
1GB RAM,
30GB Storage (SSD)
"Each Plan"
2 vCPU
3GB RAM
40GB Storage (SSD)
OS OptionsWindows Server 2012 and 2016, CentOS LinuxWindows Server 2012 R2Windows Server 2008 and 2012, +$2/month for 2016 or 2019Windows Server 2016Windows Server
Trial Period? NoNo7 days for $1.997 days for $5.
Note: Auto subscribed to, and
billed for, the Basic plan at $35
if not canceled before the end
of your trail period.
No, but 30 day money back guarantee

Reply below to join the open discussion for all things VPS and about the recommended VPS providers!

EDITS:
  1. Beeks and CNS merged as companies, so I've consolidated them both under BeeksFX..
  2. CNS added back to the list because their unit is running separately from Beeks and have a value offering
  3. Added NextPoint Hosting; they are cross connected with most major brokers between NYC, London, and Singapore
 
Last edited:

CNS has been acquired by Beeks.

If people run multiple VPS may want to investigate incase you are actually collocated and in same hardware now. I guess.
 

CNS has been acquired by Beeks.

If people run multiple VPS may want to investigate incase you are actually collocated and in same hardware now. I guess.

Yeah, I noticed that. I'm going to revamp the table with a few more options and consolidate Beeks and CNS together.

I used CNS for multiple years before migrating to Beeks (and then later self hosting,) so I can say that they are a GREAT fit together. Both have an excellent customer focus and are very reliable. Never had a single issue with either and both employed very knowledgeable staff on the front lines who could help with even more complex technical issues without escalating it or writing up tickets (which could delay things.)
 
Yeah, I noticed that. I'm going to revamp the table with a few more options and consolidate Beeks and CNS together.

I used CNS for multiple years before migrating to Beeks (and then later self hosting,) so I can say that they are a GREAT fit together. Both have an excellent customer focus and are very reliable. Never had a single issue with either and both employed very knowledgeable staff on the front lines who could help with even more complex technical issues without escalating it or writing up tickets (which could delay things.)

Yeah I figured it’s unlikely to cause issue with quality but merging of companies often means infrastructure so I could see a scenario where people may think they have resilience but kinda not.
 
Yeah I figured it’s unlikely to cause issue with quality but merging of companies often means infrastructure so I could see a scenario where people may think they have resilience but kinda not.

You know.. I can't recall ever reading online of anyone who had issues with either service failing them where user error wasn't a factor.
 
I added CNS back even though BeeksFX owns them now... they are operating independently and still offer a value package that's pretty competitive.
 
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