Pionex alternative? Exchange bots vs. Nova, compared

Pionex is popular because its trading bots are built into the exchange itself. You don't connect API keys and you don't pay a separate subscription. If you are looking for a "Pionex alternative", you may want to keep your funds on another exchange, or you may want stricter risk controls. This page compares the facts. We make Nova, so we are not neutral; we only use facts from public pages, with a link and the date we checked them.

How Pionex works (from its public pages)

From the Pionex blog articles on bot fees and on grid bot fees (checked on 28 October 2026):

• Pionex is an exchange with built-in bots. The bots run inside Pionex, so you deposit your funds on Pionex.
• No separate bot subscription. Pionex does not charge a monthly or activation fee for its built-in bots.
• Trading fees still apply. The standard spot fee is 0.05% per executed trade. A full grid cycle (a buy and a sell) means two fees.
• Other costs can apply, such as futures funding, spreads and withdrawal fees, as Pionex itself explains.
• Pionex offers several bot types, including grid and DCA bots, and futures products.

Pionex is clear on its own blog that a free bot can still lose money. Fees and rules can change; check the current fee page in your account.

How Nova works

Nova is a trading app that works with an exchange account you already have (or open yourself). From the Nova home page and the terms:

• Non-custodial. Nova never holds your money. Your funds stay on your own exchange account. You connect an API key without withdrawal rights. 2FA is mandatory.
• Exchanges for live trading (spot): KuCoin, Bybit, Bybit EU, Bitget and HTX.
• Paper mode by default. Every account starts with virtual money on live prices. Going live is your own choice, at your own risk.
• Mandatory stop-loss on every order, risk limits that can only be tightened, and a kill switch that stops all new orders with one button (plus a confirmation).
• Plans: Free (€0: 1 exchange key, 3 alerts, 1 strategy), Pro (€9.99 per month) and Premium (€24.99 per month). Your exchange charges its own trading fees on top.

Side by side

• Where your funds are: with Pionex, on Pionex. With Nova, on your own account at a supported exchange; Nova cannot withdraw.
• Cost of the software: Pionex bots have no separate subscription. Nova has a Free plan; paid plans cost €9.99 or €24.99 per month.
• Trading fees: Pionex charges its own trading fee (standard spot 0.05% per trade). With Nova you pay the trading fees of your own exchange.
• Stop-loss: at Pionex you choose your own bot settings. In Nova a stop-loss is required on every order.
• Practise first: Nova starts every account in paper mode.
• Bot types and futures: Pionex offers more bot types and futures. Nova is spot only and offers fewer strategies.

When Pionex may suit you better

If you want many bot types in one place, futures, or no software fee at all, and you are fine with keeping your funds on Pionex, Pionex offers that and Nova does not.

When Nova may suit you better

Nova may fit you better if you prefer to keep your funds on an exchange you already use (KuCoin, Bybit, Bitget or HTX), if you want a stop-loss you cannot skip, or if you want to practise with virtual money first. Read more about custodial vs. non-custodial wallets and about what paper trading can and cannot tell you.

Fees: always do the maths

Whatever tool you use, every filled order costs a fee. A bot that trades often can pay a lot in fees over a month. Before you start, write down the fee per trade, how many trades you expect and what that adds up to. Also decide how much you would lose if your stop-loss is hit; how to calculate your position size explains a simple method.

How to try Nova carefully

1. Practise in paper mode first and watch how your stop-loss and risk limits behave.
2. If you go live, create an API key on your exchange with trading rights only, no withdrawals.
3. Start small, and only with money you can afford to lose.

Create a free account (paper mode). No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nova an exchange like Pionex?

No. Nova is an app that connects to your own exchange account. It does not hold your funds.

Is Nova free?

The Free plan costs €0 and includes paper mode and live spot trading on 1 exchange. Your exchange still charges its trading fees.

Can I move my Pionex bots to Nova?

Not directly. Nova has its own strategies and does not import bots. Stop your old bots first so two tools never trade the same money.

Is a bot with a stop-loss safe?

Every bot carries risk. A stop-loss limits your loss per trade, but slippage and price gaps can make a loss bigger than planned. You can lose money.