Specialist algorithmic trading developers since 2020 — MT4/MT5 EAs, Pine Script, trade copiers, and risk automation for traders in 15+ countries. View our services · Contact us
How much does custom Expert Advisor development cost? is one of the most searched questions from traders ready to automate. There's no single price — it depends on strategy complexity, platform, testing depth, and ongoing support. This guide gives realistic ranges and what drives the quote so you can budget and compare developers fairly.
Typical Price Ranges (2026)
Ranges vary by developer experience and region. These are industry ballparks for professional specialist firms, not $50 Fiverr scripts:
- Simple MT4/MT5 indicator — $200 – $800
- Basic EA (1–2 entry conditions, fixed SL/TP) — $800 – $2,500
- Intermediate EA (multi-filter, trailing, news filter) — $2,500 – $6,000
- Advanced multi-strategy or risk platform — $6,000 – $25,000+
- Trade copier (local, multi-slave) — $1,500 – $5,000
- Telegram or TradingView bridge — $1,000 – $4,000
- Full signal provider platform — $8,000 – $40,000+
What Increases the Price?
- Vague or changing requirements — pay for clarity upfront with a written spec
- Many indicators, timeframes, or symbols in one EA
- Prop firm rule engines and compliance logic
- Custom dashboards, licensing systems, or payment integration
- Extensive optimization and walk-forward reporting
- Rush delivery (less than standard timeline)
- Ongoing maintenance retainers
What Should Be Included in the Quote
- Full source code (MQL4/MQL5 or agreed stack) — you own it
- Backtest report with settings documented
- Demo forward-test period before final payment milestone
- Installation guide and parameter explanation
- Bug-fix window (commonly 30–90 days)
- NDA if strategy confidentiality matters
EAs under $300 from non-specialists often lack risk controls, break on broker change, or use repainting logic. Rebuilds cost more than doing it right once.
Fixed Price vs Hourly
Fixed price works when scope is documented. Hourly suits open-ended research or maintenance. Most traders prefer fixed milestones: 30% start, 40% beta delivery, 30% after forward test — never 100% upfront with unknown developers.
How to Get an Accurate Quote from Nowzana
Send your strategy rules in writing, example charts, platform (MT4/MT5), symbols, broker type, and whether you need copier, Telegram, or dashboard integration. The more complete your spec, the faster we return a fixed timeline and price — usually within one business day.
Need this built for your strategy?
Nowzana builds custom MT4/MT5 EAs, Pine Script, trade copiers, and risk systems for traders worldwide. Free consultation — response within 4 hours.
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