RoboForex is a well-known forex and CFD broker that offers traders a virtual private server (VPS) service to enhance their trading experience. But is RoboForex’s VPS really worth the investment? This comprehensive review takes an in-depth look at the features, benefits, drawbacks and overall value of using RoboForex VPS.
Introduction
A virtual private server (VPS) acts as a remote computer that traders can access to run automated trading strategies and expert advisors (EAs) 24/7. Top VPS services are optimized for trading with features like low latency, dedicated resources and customizability.
For active traders using EAs, a VPS can provide significant advantages over trading from a personal computer. But not all VPS services are created equal when it comes to pricing, features and performance.
This review will break down RoboForex’s VPS service in detail to help you determine if it’s the right solution for your needs as a trader. We’ll compare RoboForex VPS to competitors, analyze key features and benefits, and ultimately assess if RoboForex’s virtual private server is worth the investment for traders.
Overview of RoboForex VPS
RoboForex offers its VPS service as an add-on for traders using the brokerage. Some key things to know upfront about RoboForex VPS:
- Cost: Plans start at $25/month for 1 CPU core, 40GB SSD storage, 1.5GB RAM
- Locations: Equinix NY4, LD4,Ny5, VA1, SP2, HK1 data centers
- OS: Windows or Linux
- Features: MT4/MT5 optimization, dedicated resources, 24/7 access
RoboForex currently has over 1 million clients across more than 150 countries. Its VPS aims to provide traders reliable connectivity and optimal trading infrastructure.
Some alternatives to compare include VPS services from other brokers like FXCM, Forex.com and AvaTrade. There are also popular general purpose VPS providers like Vultr and Amazon AWS. We’ll see how RoboForex VPS stacks up against the competition.
First let’s take a deeper look at the key features and benefits of RoboForex’s virtual private server.
Features and Benefits of RoboForex VPS
RoboForex highlights these main features and benefits of their VPS service:
Optimized for MetaTrader 4/5
The VPS server comes pre-configured for Metatrader 4 and Metatrader 5, two of the most popular forex trading platforms. MT4/MT5 optimization ensures maximum execution speed and efficiency when using EAs and running high frequency trades.
Equinix Data Center Locations
RoboForex VPS is hosted in top-tier Equinix data centers in six strategic locations:
- New York NY4, NY5
- London LD4
- Virginia VA1
- Sao Paulo SP2
- Hong Kong HK1
Equinix operates high performance data centers worldwide, providing ultra low latency connectivity vital for trading.
Dedicated VPS Resources
Each VPS plan comes with dedicated and guaranteed CPU cores, RAM and SSD storage. There is no resource overselling or neighbors competing for capacity. Resources are reserved solely for each user’s VPS.
24/7 Access and Support
Traders can access their VPS and running EAs or bots 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Technical support is available around the clock in case any issues arise.
Reliability and Uptime
RoboForex promises enterprise-grade reliability and uptime to keep traders’ EAs and strategies running without interruption. Equinix data centers provide redundant power, cooling and network links for maximum uptime.
Security
Data and connectivity are protected by firewalls and other security measures. VPS access requires username and password authentication.
Customization Options
Traders can select operating system (Windows or Linux), location, resources and other options when setting up your VPS. The server can be customized to your preferences.
Reasonable Pricing
RoboForex VPS pricing starts at $25/month for entry-level plans, competitive with other VPS solutions tailored for traders.
RoboForex VPS Pricing and Plans
RoboForex offers flexible VPS plans to suit different needs and budgets. All plans include 100Mbps network connectivity and your choice of Windows Server or Linux operating system.
For power users, custom plans can be configured with up to 16 cores, 64GB RAM, 960GB storage and 10TB bandwidth, subject to a custom quote.
Overall the pricing is very reasonable compared to other VPS solutions. The low starting price makes RoboForex VPS accessible even to newer traders on a budget.
RoboForex VPS Setup and Configuration
Signing up for RoboForex VPS is straightforward. Here is an overview of the setup and configuration process:
- Select VPS Plan – First choose your preferred VPS location, resources, OS and monthly plan based on your needs and budget.
- Account Registration – Create a RoboForex VPS account if you don’t already have one. Existing RoboForex traders can use their credentials.
- Launch VPS – Your VPS will be deployed at the selected data center within 24 hours. You’ll receive credentials to access it.
- Remote Desktop Access – Use Remote Desktop Protocol (Windows) or SSH (Linux) to remotely access your VPS.
- Install MT4/MT5 – Install and configure MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 on your VPS.
- Import EAs – Upload and import any expert advisors or autotrading bots you wish to run.
- Configure Settings – Adjust MT4/MT5 settings and modify EA configurations on the VPS as desired.
- Start Trading – Your EAs will now execute trades 24/7 on the VPS with optimal performance.
RoboForex technical support can assist with any setup issues. Overall the process is very quick and intuitive even for beginners.
RoboForex VPS Performance
Speed and performance are critical for automated trading. RoboForex VPS aims to deliver:
- Ultra Low Latency – VPS hosted in top Equinix colocation centers provides single digit millisecond latency for near instant trade execution.
- High MT4/MT5 Optimization – Preconfigured for MetaTrader with optimized settings to support hundreds of concurrent connections and thousands of orders per second.
- No Internet Bottlenecks -Dedicated VPS resources and direct data center connectivity eliminate home network constraints.
- 24/7/365 Uptime – Enterprise-grade redundancy with no single point of failure leads to maximum VPS and EA availability.
User reports generally indicate excellent performance from RoboForex VPS with latency under 10ms from major markets. EA strategies are able to run efficiently 24 hours a day. For larger EAs, upgrading to a higher core count VPS may provide better performance.
RoboForex VPS vs Vultr, Amazon AWS
Here is how RoboForex VPS compares to popular general purpose VPS services Vultr and Amazon AWS:
Pricing
- RoboForex VPS starts at $25/month making it very affordable.
- Vultr starts at $5/month but lacks optimized MT4/MT5 marketplace apps.
- AWS has high hourly charges and complex pricing, only cost-effective at larger scale.
Ease of Use
- RoboForex VPS is ready for MT4/MT5 making it plug and play.
- Vultr and AWS require manually installing and configuring MT4/MT5.
- RoboForex VPS is simpler for beginners.
Features
- RoboForex VPS is tailored specifically for trading with optimized MT platforms.
- Vultr and AWS are general purpose clouds requiring customization.
- RoboForex VPS has locations optimized for trading latency.
Support
- RoboForex VPS provides dedicated trader support.
- Vultr and AWS have general technical support.
For most individual traders, RoboForex VPS provides better value and convenience compared to general cloud VPS providers. Only large scale hedge funds may find AWS cost-effective.
RoboForex VPS Drawbacks
While RoboForex VPS has many benefits, there are some downsides to consider:
- Limited Locations – VPS is only available in 6 regions currently. Does not have Asia Pacific or Africa servers.
- Specified Resources – You cannot modify VPS hardware specs beyond the set plans.
- MT4/MT5 Only – The VPS is optimized solely for MetaTrader platforms, less flexible for other software.
- Proprietary Platform – Cannot migrate the VPS to another provider easily or take full server control.
- Add-On Costs – The VPS subscription is on top of any RoboForex trading fees and commissions.
- Technical Support – Support response times can be slow during peak periods.
So while RoboForex VPS simplifies the process of getting started with a trading VPS, advanced users may want more customization, resources and flexibility. Be sure to factor in any trading fees from RoboForex as well in the total cost.
Is RoboForex VPS Worth It?
Is paying $25 or more per month for RoboForex VPS worth it compared to trading from your home computer? Here are some key considerations:
Cost vs Benefits
For the starting $25/month price, RoboForex VPS provides excellent value. Performance upgrades over a home setup can lead to more profitable EA trading that quickly offsets the monthly fee.
Trading Frequency
Active traders running EAs and bots frequently throughout the day benefit most from RoboForex VPS. Occasional manual traders may not need to outsource their trading infrastructure.
Trading Strategy
latency sensitive strategies like scalping and high frequency trading gain the most advantage on a VPS. RoboForex VPS improves strategy efficiency.
Personal Factors
Frequent power cuts, slow internet, or an old computer at home make RoboForex VPS beneficial for uninterrupted automated trading.
For newer traders on a budget, even the Mini plan at $25/month can be a sensible investment to gain access to reliable infrastructure for running EAs 24/7.
For advanced power users, RoboForex VPS may not provide the flexibility or customization available from general VPS platforms like AWS. But it simplifies the process for beginners to start benefiting from a trading optimized VPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RoboForex VPS include a trading account?
No, you need an existing RoboForex trading account separately to use their VPS service. The VPS just provides the server infrastructure to run your trading software and EAs.
Can I use a different broker with RoboForex VPS?
Technically yes, but you won’t benefit from optimized connectivity and order execution with RoboForex itself. So it is ideal to trade with RoboForex.
Is RoboForex VPS good for scalping strategies?
Yes, with ultra low latency from Equinix data centers, RoboForex VPS can efficiently run scalping EAs and maximize profits.
Can I customize my RoboForex VPS?
To a limited extent yes – you can select location, resources, OS etc. But you cannot modify server hardware or install unsupported software.
Does RoboForex VPS offer technical support?
Yes, 24/7 technical support is provided via live chat and email. But response times can be slow during peak periods.
Can I transfer my RoboForex VPS to another provider?
No, you cannot easily migrate or move your RoboForex VPS since it is a proprietary hosted platform. You would need to resetup the server from scratch.
Conclusion
RoboForex VPS provides an affordable and convenient way for traders to access optimized infrastructure for running EAs and bots 24/7. For $25/month, even novice traders on a budget can benefit from low latency, improved uptime and dedicated resources.
While missing some advanced customization options, RoboForex VPS simplifies the process of getting started with automated trading. The performance enhancements can lead to more profitable strategies and quickly offset the monthly subscription fees. Active traders utilizing EAs will gain the most advantage from RoboForex VPS.
Overall RoboForex VPS is a cost-effective VPS solution tailored specifically for forex and CFD traders. The ease of use and reasonable pricing make it worthwhile for many traders to eliminate home computer constraints and take their automated trading to the next level.