Running multiple bots 24/7 with VPN/cloud
I once saw a question on Reddit: "Possibly a stupid question but couldn’t find the answer anywhere. For a trading bot does your laptop or computer literally need to be running code for the full market day?". And that's a good question, actually. Let me answer.
To keep your trading bots running non-stop, you need a reliable environment that doesn’t rely on your personal computer. This is where VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and cloud servers (VPS – Virtual Private Servers) come in. They let you run multiple bots 24/7, even while your own device is turned off.
Why You Shouldn't Rely on Your Personal PC
Running bots on your home computer might seem easy at first, but it comes with major limitations:
Your PC must stay on 24/7 — any restart or power outage stops your bots.
Internet connection drops or system sleep can interrupt execution.
Running multiple bots can slow your system down or cause crashes.
That’s why serious traders move their bots to a remote server — a cloud machine that runs all day, every day.
What Is a VPS (Virtual Private Server)?
A VPS is a cloud-based computer that you can access from anywhere. It runs independently of your physical PC and stays online 24/7.
Benefits:
Constant uptime (99.9%+)
Reliable internet connection
Run bots even while you're offline or asleep
Supports multiple bots and platforms
Popular VPS providers:
Vultr
Contabo
Amazon AWS (EC2)
DigitalOcean
Hetzner
Windows-based VPS providers (great if your bots use desktop apps)
How to Set It Up
Choose a VPS plan Look for at least 2–4 GB RAM and 1+ CPU core for stable multi-bot operation. Choose Windows or Linux depending on the bot’s requirements.
Install your trading platform or bot
For TradingView bots connected via webhook: run a small script listener (on Python or Node.js)
For MetaTrader or Forex Tester: install the desktop app directly (on Windows VPS)
For custom bots: upload and run your bot’s code
Keep it running Once set up, bots run continuously. You can close your laptop — the cloud server handles the rest.
Access from anywhere Use Remote Desktop (Windows VPS) or SSH (Linux VPS) to access your bots anytime.
What About a VPN?
VPNs help you browse securely and change your location, but they don’t run bots. Some people confuse VPNs with VPS. To clarify:
VPN
VPS (Cloud Server)
Encrypts your internet
Runs programs and bots remotely
Doesn’t host software
Hosts full apps and trading bots
For privacy and location
For continuous trading automation
The only case when you need VPN for trading bots is when algotrading platforms are not available in your country (I never heard about such, but could be). In all other cases, you need VPS.
- Can I just run trading bots on my computer if it is 24/7 on?
- Yes you can. This is not the best solution, but good to start. Try using your personal computer/laptop to make first steps in algorithmic trading and switch to VPS whenever you are ready.
In Short
If you want to run multiple bots 24/7 reliably, use a VPS, not your personal computer. It gives you stability, uptime, and remote access. Choose a provider, set it up once, and let your strategies run around the clock — even while you sleep.
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