3Commas is a cloud-based cryptocurrency trading platform designed to automate and streamline trading activities across multiple exchanges. Launched in 2017, it caters to both novice and experienced traders by offering tools like automated bots, portfolio management, and advanced trading strategies. The platform connects to over 17 major exchanges, including Binance, Coinbase, OKX, KuCoin, and Bybit, via API keys, ensuring users retain full control over their funds without 3Commas holding any assets. It’s particularly popular for its non-custodial security model and features that help reduce emotional trading decisions. With a focus on automation, backtesting, and community-driven insights, 3Commas aims to help users optimize profits while minimizing risks in the volatile crypto market.
While the platform has received praise for its user-friendly interface and robust tools, it’s worth noting past security incidents in 2022 and 2023 involving API key breaches, which affected some users. However, 3Commas has since emphasized enhanced security measures, and many users report positive experiences with its stability and features.
Key Features
3Commas stands out with a suite of tools tailored for automated and manual trading. It is one of the best AI trading tools available. Here’s a breakdown of its core features:
- Automated Trading Bots: Includes DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging) Bots for averaging into positions during dips, GRID Bots for range-bound markets, Signal Bots that execute based on external signals (e.g., from TradingView), and Options Bots for more advanced derivatives trading. Users can configure bots with trailing take profits, stop losses, and multiple targets.
- Backtesting and Optimization: Test strategies on up to one year of 1-minute historical data. This helps refine bots before going live, reducing potential losses.
- Smart Trade and Terminal: For manual traders, this offers advanced order types like trailing stops, multiple take profits, and one-click execution across exchanges. It supports hedge mode for long/short positions.
- Portfolio Management: Connect multiple exchange accounts, view unified analytics, and rebalance portfolios. Features include paper trading for risk-free practice and a bot marketplace to copy top-performing strategies from other users.
- Copy Trading: Beginners can mirror trades from experienced users in real-time, making it accessible without deep market knowledge.
- Mobile App and API Access: Trade on the go with iOS/Android apps. Public APIs allow for custom integrations.
- Community and Education: Over 134,000 members in forums, plus tutorials, webinars, and contests for strategy sharing.
- Security: Non-custodial (no fund access), 2FA support, and encrypted payments. However, users should secure their API keys diligently.
These features make 3Commas versatile for strategies like scalping, swing trading, or long-term holding.
How to Use 3Commas
Getting started with 3Commas is straightforward, even for beginners. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the platform’s setup process:
- Sign Up and Account Creation: Visit the official website of 3Commas and register with an email. Enable 2FA for security. New users get a free trial or basic plan to explore.
- Connect Exchanges: From the dashboard, add your crypto exchanges via API keys (found in your exchange account settings). Use “Fast Connect” for seamless integration without full API permissions. This allows 3Commas to trade on your behalf but not withdraw funds.
- Set Up a Bot: Navigate to the “Bots” section. Choose a type (e.g., DCA Bot). Configure parameters like base pair (e.g., BTC/USDT), entry conditions, safety orders (for averaging down), take-profit levels, and stop-loss. Use presets for quick starts or customize for advanced strategies.
- Backtest Your Strategy: Before launching, use the backtesting tool to simulate performance on historical data. Adjust settings based on results (e.g., ROI, win rate, drawdown).
- Go Live: Activate the bot. Monitor via the dashboard or app. Use Smart Trade for manual adjustments if needed.
- Portfolio Monitoring and Optimization: Check analytics for performance metrics. Rebalance as markets change, and review bots weekly to tweak parameters.
- Copy Trading (Optional): Browse the marketplace, select a top bot or trader, and subscribe to mirror their moves automatically.
Tips: Start with paper trading to practice. Review trades daily/weekly to identify patterns. For best results, combine with market analysis tools like TradingView signals.
Pricing
3Commas offers tiered plans to suit different needs:
- Free Plan: Limited to 1-2 bots, basic features, and no advanced backtesting.
- Pro Plan: $29/month (or $174/year) – Unlimited bots, Smart Trades, and paper trading.
- Expert Plan: $49/month (or $294/year) – All features, including unlimited backtests and priority support.
Payments via card, BTC, ETH, or stablecoins. Note: Residents of sanctioned countries may have restrictions. Free trials and discounts are often available through contests or affiliates.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface with tutorials for beginners. | Past security breaches (2022-2023) raised concerns, though mitigated now. |
| Powerful automation reduces emotional trading and saves time. | Limited free plan; advanced features require paid subscription. |
| Multi-exchange support and non-custodial security. | Support team sometimes criticized for response times or knowledge. |
| Backtesting and copy trading for strategy optimization. | Not ideal for complete novices without some crypto knowledge. |
| Active community and regular updates. | Geographic restrictions on prizes/rewards. |
User Feedback
User reviews of 3Commas are generally positive, with an average rating of 4.5/5 on Trustpilot (1,766 reviews) and similar scores on G2 and Capterra. Many praise its reliability, ease of use, and profitability potential.
- Positive Experiences:
- “I’ve used 3Commas for 4 years; it’s matured with great features.” Another user noted, “Excellent for DCA bots and Smart Trades; constant improvements.”
- On X, traders share successes like 15-30% annual returns with low risk. Beginners appreciate the learning curve and paper trading: “As a new trader, it’s easy and safe.”
- Criticisms:
- Some report support issues: “Platform good, but support is horrible.” Others mention the 2023 breach, advising caution with API keys. Recent 2025 feedback highlights backtesting contests and community engagement.
Overall, users value the automation for consistent results, but emphasize starting small and securing accounts.
Alternatives
If 3Commas doesn’t fit, consider Bitsgap (strong arbitrage focus), CryptoHopper (custom indicators), or Pionex (built-in bots on exchange). Each offers similar automation but varies in pricing and ease.
Conclusion
3Commas is a solid choice for crypto traders seeking automation and efficiency, especially with its backtesting and bot variety. It’s helpful for reducing risks and scaling strategies, but users should prioritize security. If you’re new, start with the free plan and tutorials. For advanced users, the Expert tier unlocks full potential. Always trade responsibly—past performance isn’t indicative of future results. Visit 3commas.io to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
3Commas is non-custodial, meaning it doesn’t hold your funds, only accessing trades via API keys. It supports 2FA and encrypted payments. However, past API key breaches in 2022-2023 highlight the need to secure your keys and avoid phishing.
Yes, 3Commas is beginner-friendly with tutorials, a free plan, and copy trading. However, some crypto knowledge helps to understand bot settings and market risks.
No, trading involves risks, and 3Commas doesn’t guarantee profits. Use backtesting and paper trading to refine strategies, but market volatility can lead to losses.