Smooth Brains AI vs 3Commas: Comparison 2025
Detailed comparison of two automated trading platforms. See which one is right for you.
| Feature | Smooth Brains AI | 3Commas |
|---|---|---|
| Custody | ✅ Self-custodial (funds stay in your Hyperliquid account) | ❌ Custodial (requires API keys with withdrawal permissions) |
| Platform | Hyperliquid (DEX) | Multiple centralized exchanges |
| Verified Backtests | ✅ 12+ years of data, publicly available | ❌ Limited or unavailable |
| API Key Permissions | ✅ Trade-only (cannot withdraw funds) | ❌ Requires withdrawal permissions |
| Fees | 20% performance fee (only on profits) | Subscription + trading fees |
| KYC Required | ✅ No KYC (Hyperliquid DEX) | ❌ Depends on exchange |
| Transparency | ✅ Real-time TVL, user count, trade history | ❌ Limited transparency |
Custody: The Biggest Difference
✅ Smooth Brains AI: Self-Custodial
Your funds never leave your Hyperliquid account. We use trade-only API keys that cannot withdraw funds. This means:
- Zero custody risk
- You maintain full control at all times
- You can revoke access instantly
- Even if Smooth Brains AI shuts down, your funds are safe
❌ 3Commas: Custodial
3Commas requires API keys with withdrawal permissions to function properly. This means:
- Your funds are accessible to the platform
- Higher custody risk
- Dependent on 3Commas' security practices
- If 3Commas is compromised, your funds could be at risk
Platform: DEX vs CEX
Smooth Brains AI: Hyperliquid (DEX)
Built on Hyperliquid, a decentralized exchange:
- No KYC requirements
- Non-custodial by design
- Low fees (0.02% maker, 0.05% taker)
- High liquidity and deep order books
- On-chain transparency
3Commas: Centralized Exchanges
Works with multiple centralized exchanges (Binance, Coinbase, etc.):
- KYC required (depends on exchange)
- Custodial by design
- Higher fees (varies by exchange)
- Subject to exchange regulations
- Less transparency
Verified Backtests: Transparency Matters
✅ Smooth Brains AI
12+ years of verified backtests (2013-2025) with:
- Publicly available data downloads
- Complete trade logs
- Equity curves per strategy
- Regime-specific analysis
- You can verify everything yourself
❌ 3Commas
Limited or unavailable backtest data:
- No publicly available backtests
- Limited historical data
- Difficult to verify performance claims
- Relies on user testimonials
Fees: Performance-Based vs Subscription
Smooth Brains AI
20% performance fee (only on profits):
- No upfront costs
- Only pay when you profit
- Aligned incentives
- No subscription fees
3Commas
Subscription + trading fees:
- Monthly subscription required
- Pay regardless of performance
- Additional trading fees
- Can be expensive for large accounts
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Smooth Brains AI if:
- You want self-custodial trading (funds stay in your account)
- You value verified backtests and transparency
- You prefer performance-based fees (only pay on profits)
- You want to trade on a DEX without KYC
- You manage $50K-$500K capital and want institutional-grade automation
Choose 3Commas if:
- You're comfortable with custodial trading on centralized exchanges
- You need multiple exchange support
- You prefer subscription-based pricing
- You want more strategy options (grid trading, DCA, etc.)
- You're okay with less transparency on backtests
Conclusion
The choice between Smooth Brains AI and 3Commas comes down to your priorities:
- Self-custody vs convenience: Smooth Brains AI prioritizes self-custody and security, while 3Commas prioritizes convenience and multiple exchange support.
- Transparency vs features: Smooth Brains AI offers verified backtests and transparent metrics, while 3Commas offers more strategy options.
- DEX vs CEX: Smooth Brains AI is built for DEX trading (Hyperliquid), while 3Commas works with centralized exchanges.
If self-custody, verified backtests, and transparency are important to you, Smooth Brains AI is the better choice. If you need multiple exchange support and more strategy options, 3Commas might be a better fit.
Ready to try Smooth Brains AI?
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