Soft4FX is a well-regarded MetaTrader 4 plugin for manual backtesting. But it has two major friction points: it costs money ($97–$197) and requires an existing MT4 installation and broker connection to function. For traders who just want to test their price action strategies on real historical data, this is significant setup overhead.
FXAbsolute eliminates both obstacles. Open your browser, click once, and you're backtesting GBPUSD or USDJPY on real data in under 30 seconds.
Choose by workflow
NOTE 07The best Soft4FX alternative depends on what you test
A browser replay tool suits discretionary rules that need drawing, annotation, and quick access. An MT4 plug-in can suit a trader whose existing workflow depends on that terminal. Compare the complete practice loop rather than declaring a winner from price or feature count alone.
- Time setup from launch to the first hidden candle.
- Place and review one trade on each candidate.
- Check data range, export needs, and operating-system constraints.
- Confirm current vendor pricing from the vendor before publishing it.
A useful alternative removes friction from your actual test, not somebody else’s checklist.
Soft4FX vs FXAbsolute — Full Comparison
| Feature | FXAbsolute | Soft4FX Forex Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ✅ Free (GBPUSD, USDJPY) / $16/mo Pro | ❌ $97–$197 one-time |
| Requires MT4 | ✅ No | ❌ Yes — MT4 mandatory |
| Requires broker | ✅ No | ❌ Yes — broker data download |
| Download required | ✅ No — browser only | ❌ Yes — MT4 + plugin install |
| Setup time | ✅ 30 seconds | ❌ 2–4 hours (MT4 setup + data) |
| Bar-by-bar replay | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-timeframe switching | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Drawing tools | ✅ Trendlines, fib, h-lines, rectangles | ✅ Full MT4 set |
| Trade journal | ✅ Built-in with win rate, PF, RR | ✅ Yes |
| Automatic statistics | ✅ Included | Varies by workflow |
| Mobile compatible | ✅ Yes | ❌ Desktop only |
| Pairs available | 15 instruments (all free) | All broker pairs |
| Data years | 2021–2026 (5 years) | Broker-dependent |
Where Soft4FX Wins
✅ FXAbsolute Wins
- All 15 instruments included free
- 30-second setup vs hours
- No MT4, no broker, no download
- Automatic trade journal
- Works on mobile/tablet
- Actively maintained in 2026
✅ Soft4FX Wins
- More pairs (broker-dependent)
- More data history (broker-dependent)
- Custom indicator support via MT4
- Speed controls (Turbo version)
- Familiar MT4 interface for MT4 users
True Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | FXAbsolute | Soft4FX |
|---|---|---|
| Software license | $0 | $97–$197 |
| MT4 platform | Not needed | $0 (but broker required) |
| Historical data | Included | $0–$50 (broker quality varies) |
| Setup time (your hourly rate × hours) | ~0.5 hours | ~4 hours minimum |
| Learning curve | Minimal | MT4 plugin configuration |
| Effective total cost | $0 to start | $97–$250+ effectively |
The Free Soft4FX Alternative — Try It Now
All 15 instruments free forever. No MT4, no broker, no download. Start backtesting in 30 seconds.
Open FXAbsolute Free →