Why EAs need a VPS
An EA running on a local computer stops trading if the computer is off, internet disconnects, or Windows restarts for updates. A VPS runs continuously and is located in a data centre close to the broker matching engine, reducing latency.
Latency requirements by strategy type
- Scalping EAs: require 1-5ms latency. VPS location is critical — must be in the same data centre as the broker servers.
- Swing EAs (H4/D1): tolerate 50-500ms latency. A standard $10-15/month VPS is sufficient.
- Grid EAs: usually deployed on H1-H4; standard VPS sufficient.
Typical VPS providers
Major FX VPS providers include Forex VPS, BeeksFX, and Vultr. Some brokers including XM provide free VPS to qualifying accounts.