TheoryCraft vs Obside (2026)
Obside ships an agent that trades for you. TheoryCraft hands you readable, exportable Python you can audit.
Obside turns a prompt into an autonomous bot that places real live orders on your broker. TheoryCraft turns a prompt into readable Python you can audit and run anywhere.
Both read a plain-language idea and use AI to build something. From there the two products part ways on output and intent.
Obside compiles your idea into a proprietary agent that watches the market and auto-executes trades on your connected account. You cannot read that agent, and you cannot export it.
TheoryCraft writes the idea as real Python in a notebook you keep. The AI runs the backtest, validates the edge with walk-forward and Monte Carlo, and hands you exportable code you can read line by line. It never connects to a broker and never trades for you.
You get the work, you can audit it, and it goes wherever you go.
TheoryCraft vs Obside: feature comparison
| Feature | TheoryCraft | Obside |
|---|---|---|
| Standard, portable Python (runs anywhere) |
Readable code you can export and run anywhere, with no lock-in
|
Produces a proprietary autonomous agent, not code you can read or export
|
| Open-source engine (Apache-2.0) |
Free to inspect, fork and run
|
Proprietary
|
| Self-host the open-source engine |
Run the Apache-2.0 core on your own machine
|
Cloud SaaS only
|
| Connect your own AI agent (Claude, Cursor, Codex) via MCP |
Native MCP server
|
No MCP or connect-your-own-agent
|
| Flexible LLM access (included, or your own key) |
Model included on the Managed plan, or your own key across 26 providers
|
In-app model picker metered by credits, not your own keys
|
| Tick-level, event-driven backtesting (no look-ahead bias) |
Accuracy by construction
|
Bar-level backtests, no published look-ahead guarantee
|
| Scientific validation (walk-forward, Monte Carlo, overfit checks) |
Layered Edge, Filters and Risk, each tested independently
|
No walk-forward or Monte Carlo
|
| Historical strategy backtesting |
Across years of market data
|
Fast bar-level backtests
|
| Multi-asset markets |
Forex, equities, metals, commodities, indices
|
Stocks, ETFs, options, forex, crypto
|
| Market data included (1,600+ instruments) |
Forex, EU and US equities, metals, commodities, indices via Dukascopy Bank
|
Stocks, ETFs, options, forex and crypto via brokers, bar-level
|
AI on TheoryCraft vs Obside
Obside is AI-native. Its Copilot turns a plain-language idea, in any language, into a working strategy, and an in-app picker lets you choose between Claude, GPT, Gemini and more (metered by Obside credits). On that front the two products start from the same place.
The difference is what the AI produces and what it does with it:
- Readable Python, not a black box. Every TheoryCraft strategy is readable Python in a notebook you can audit, export and run anywhere. Obside's AI builds a proprietary, black-box agent you cannot read or export.
- Flexible LLM access. Use the model included on the Managed plan, or bring your own key across 26 providers. Obside offers only an in-app picker metered by its own credits.
- Bring your own agent. Connect Claude, Codex, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code or Gemini CLI through TheoryCraft's native MCP server. Obside has no MCP and no connect-your-own-agent.
- An open engine and real validation. TheoryCraft runs on an open-source engine at tick level, with walk-forward and Monte Carlo. Obside's agent runs on bars and trades live.
Both start from a prompt. One gives you proof you keep; the other gives you a bot that places orders.
Why traders choose TheoryCraft over Obside for research
Readable, exportable Python you can audit, not a black-box agent
Obside's AI compiles your idea into a proprietary autonomous agent. You cannot read its logic or export it. TheoryCraft writes standard Python notebooks you can read, export and run anywhere, the same code a quant would write by hand. You can read every line and audit the result yourself.
An open engine, flexible LLM access and MCP
TheoryCraft's tick-level engine is open source under Apache-2.0, so you can run the core yourself. Use the model included on the Managed plan or bring your own key across 26 providers, and connect your own agent over MCP. Obside is a proprietary, cloud-only SaaS with an in-app picker metered by credits and no MCP.
Validation a quant would trust
TheoryCraft replays the market event by event at tick level, so look-ahead bias is avoided by construction, then proves the edge with walk-forward and Monte Carlo. Obside runs bar-level backtests with no published look-ahead guarantee, then auto-executes live orders on your account.
Code you can read and audit, on your terms
TheoryCraft is research, not a live agent. You prove an edge, audit the Python and decide what to do next. Obside hands you a bot that trades on your broker, with nothing you can read or export when you want to understand why it acted.
Stop guessing. Start proving.
Turn an idea into evidence. Build it, backtest it, and see whether the edge is real before you risk capital.
Frequently asked questions
Is TheoryCraft a good Obside alternative?
Yes, for research and validation. Both turn a prompt into a strategy with AI, but TheoryCraft gives you a backtested Python notebook you can read, export and audit on an open-source engine. Obside compiles your idea into a proprietary agent that auto-trades live, not code you can read or export.
Does Obside use AI?
Yes. As of 2026, Obside Copilot turns a plain-language description into a strategy and offers an in-app multi-model picker (Claude, GPT, Gemini and more), metered by Obside credits. The output is the catch: a proprietary autonomous agent, not code you can read or export, with no MCP or your-own-key access.
Can I read and export my strategy as code?
On Obside, no. Its AI builds a proprietary, black-box agent you cannot read or export. TheoryCraft writes a real, exportable Python notebook you can read line by line, audit and run anywhere.
Can I use my own LLM key?
On TheoryCraft, yes. Bring your own key across 26 providers, or use the model included on the Managed plan. Obside offers only an in-app picker metered by its own credits, with no your-own-key access.
Does TheoryCraft place trades like Obside?
No. TheoryCraft is research. It does not connect to your broker or place orders. Obside auto-executes live orders on your connected broker. TheoryCraft helps you prove an edge first, then you trade it wherever you like.