How inter‑exchange arbitrage works—and why scanners are essential
Inter‑exchange arbitrage exploits price differences for the same cryptocurrency across venues. When a coin is quoted lower on one exchange and higher on another, you buy on the first and sell on the second almost simultaneously, locking in the spread. Manual tracking is unrealistic: quotes update every second and latency decides the outcome. That’s why arbitrageurs rely on dedicated scanners and trackers that surface profitable mispricings and alert you in real time.
This review highlights the most reliable, effective services for crypto arbitrage. We explain how they differ, which exchanges and networks they cover, how automation is implemented, and what to evaluate when choosing.
What is inter‑exchange arbitrage and why scanners matter
Spread: price difference for the same coin across exchanges. Example: BTC at $30,000 on Exchange A vs $30,300 on Exchange B → spread ≈ 1%.
Slippage: the gap between expected and executed price due to limited depth at the top of the book. Lower liquidity increases the chance you’ll “eat” your edge.
Liquidity (order book): resting bids/asks across price levels. The deeper the book, the more stable execution.
Funding rate: periodic financing between longs and shorts on perpetuals. Arbitrage can be built on funding‑rate differences across exchanges.
Hedging: taking an offsetting position (e.g., in futures) instead of transferring coins — to neutralize directional risk.
Trade example: you pre‑fund USDT on two exchanges. A scanner flags BTC/USDT with a ≈ 1% spread. You buy BTC on Exchange A and simultaneously sell BTC on Exchange B. If fees and slippage are below the spread, you capture net profit. The edge is speed.
- Stage part of your capital on several exchanges in advance to eliminate transfer delays.
- Configure scanner filters: minimum profit, target coins and venues.
- On a signal, execute immediately — manually or via auto‑trading.
How arbitrage trackers work
- Data sources. Quotes arrive via exchange APIs and refresh every few seconds. Shorter intervals mean more accurate signals.
- Arbitrage types. Inter‑exchange, intra‑exchange, triangular, cyclic, plus futures basis/funding plays.
- Notifications. Alerts via email, Telegram bots or app push — so you don’t have to stare at screens.
- Automation. Some platforms can execute via your API keys (trade‑only permissions). Others run in signal‑only mode for safer onboarding.
Tip: begin with services that don’t require API keys. Learn the mechanics with minimal risk; later, switch to auto‑trading — but keep permissions limited to trading.
Top services for inter‑exchange arbitrage (scanners and bots)
Arbitrage Scanner
Global
- Ideal for: active traders who care about signal latency and global coverage.
- Key features: instant Telegram alerts, spread/anomaly analytics, futures & funding ideas, practical community case studies.
- Pricing: from ≈ $99/month depending on features; short trial available.
✅ Pros
- Very fast signals and frequent refresh cadence.
- Dozens of exchanges and networks, flexible filters, pro‑grade tooling.
- Signal‑only mode without API keys — safer to start.
❌ Cons
- Pricier than basic scanners.
- Feature‑dense UI — beginners need onboarding time.
Tip: start with the trial and pre‑set minimum‑profit and target‑exchange filters to reduce noise and ramp into repeatable trades faster.
Key point: Arbitrage Scanner shines with speed and breadth — an excellent primary signal source when deploying meaningful capital.
3Commas
Auto-Bots
- Ideal for: beginners and those who want to combine arbitrage with bots and a convenient terminal.
- Key features: DCA/grid bots, Smart Trade with take‑profit/stop‑loss, mobile app, copy‑trading.
- Pricing: from ≈ €0–50/month depending on features and plan limits.
✅ Pros
- Low entry barrier: intuitive UI and ready‑made bot presets.
- Broad toolset beyond arbitrage — convenient all‑in‑one.
- Web and mobile apps for on‑the‑go control.
❌ Cons
- Arbitrage module is basic — less coverage and analytics than specialist scanners.
- Auto‑trading requires trade‑only API permissions — higher OPSEC demands.
Tip: start on the free tier and grant trade‑only API permissions; use 3Commas for terminal/execution while sourcing fast signals from a dedicated scanner — better speed and risk control.
Key point: 3Commas is a handy “combiner” for starting and automating; for deeper arbitrage analytics, pair it with a specialist scanner.
Arby Trade
Pro-Analytics
- Ideal for: traders who want to validate spread robustness and focus on executable opportunities, not just on‑screen percentages.
- Key features: web dashboard with visualized trades, Telegram alerts, TradingView indicators.
- Pricing: from ≈ $30–70/month by plan; frequent promos/discounts.
✅ Pros
- Reliability scoring (dynamics, volumes, transfer latency).
- Hedge instead of moving coins.
- Telegram signals and indicators for custom strategies.
❌ Cons
- Refresh cadence slower than top premium leaders.
- Exchange coverage focused on majors.
Tip: combine Arby Trade with a faster scanner (e.g., Arbitrage Scanner) to cross‑check reliability in real time.
Key point: best for those who want analytical oversight of pairs and hedge options without moving assets.
KoinKnight
Multi-Arbitrage
- Ideal for: traders seeking extra ideas and stats; best as an auxiliary tool.
- Key features: accounts for fees and depth, filters by exchange/coin, alerts, optional API.
- Pricing: subscriptions for 10/30/90 days with a demo; longer plans are more economical.
✅ Pros
- All core arbitrage types in one interface.
- Displays books and calculates net profit after fees.
- Flexible filters and alerting.
❌ Cons
- Slower refresh versus modern scanners.
- Busy interface can overwhelm newcomers.
Tip: use KoinKnight for ideas/statistics; execute timely trades via a faster scanner for the edge.
Key point: great for analysis and training; combine with a high‑refresh tool for active arbitrage.
ArbiTool
Profit-Calc
- Ideal for: traders who prefer sizing and slippage checks before entry.
- Key features: return calculator, payment via crypto/cards/PayPal, test drive without registration.
- Pricing: limited free mode and paid plans; price varies with load and active users.
✅ Pros
- Accurate calculator with depth/fees — great for pre‑trade validation.
- Free mode to explore the workflow and test strategies.
❌ Cons
- Variable subscription cost complicates long‑term budgeting.
- Functionality and coverage behind premium leaders.
Tip: use ArbiTool as a calculator to vet trades before committing — helps avoid phantom spreads and drawdowns in thin markets.
Key point: useful for calculation and assessment; as a stand‑alone scanner, it suits analysis more than high‑frequency execution.
Xypher
Free-Access
- Ideal for: newcomers who want to grasp the mechanics and test pairs at zero cost.
- Key features: basic filters and alerts, news aggregation and analytics in one dashboard, straightforward web UI.
- Pricing: fully free tier plus an inexpensive Pro plan with extra features and API access.
✅ Pros
- Unlimited free access.
- Clear interface — smooth learning curve.
❌ Cons
- Basic coverage and limited analytical depth.
- No mobile app for push alerts.
Tip: start with Xypher to learn mechanics and validate a strategy; then upgrade to paid scanners for faster signals.
Key point: ideal as a starter tool — simple, free, and practical — before moving to professional solutions.
Coingapp (mobile)
Mobile-App
- Ideal for: those who want to dismiss weak pairs at a glance and track the market away from the desk.
- Key features: volume and market‑cap filters, notifications, broad exchange/coin coverage.
- Pricing: completely free with no hidden subscriptions.
✅ Pros
- Mobile convenience with intuitive color logic.
- Push alerts and wide venue coverage.
❌ Cons
- Refresh speed below desktop premium scanners.
- Stability depends on device and app version.
Tip: enable minimum‑size and target‑exchange filters; leave push for “green” pairs only — less noise, faster reaction.
Key point: a great “pocket” monitor; confirm signals in a desktop scanner before entry.
Argo P2P
P2P-Scanner
- Ideal for: arbitrageurs working with fiat rails, banking systems and local currencies.
- Key features: fast listing checks, fee/limit accounting, personal onboarding consults.
- Pricing: from $35/week and $89/month; limited demo for KZT market.
✅ Pros
- High refresh frequency and accurate listing display.
- Tuned for real P2P scenarios: fees, limits, bank rates.
❌ Cons
- Narrow specialization — not for classic inter‑exchange arbitrage.
- Paid access; free mode is limited by markets/time.
Tip: compare rates across countries/currency pairs to find above‑average spreads even at small size.
Key point: strong for fiat and local‑currency P2P; combine with CEX scanners for spot arbitrage.
P2P.Army
P2P + CEX
- Ideal for: professionals mixing P2P and classic arbitrage and scaling across markets.
- Key features: bank/FX rate monitoring, P2P listing stack, flexible Telegram alerts, CEX integrations.
- Pricing: free basic plan and paid subscriptions from $100/month with extended analytics.
✅ Pros
- P2P and CEX combined in one panel — convenient for cross‑segment flows.
- Wide currency/venue coverage, advanced analytics, flexible alerts.
❌ Cons
- Higher price for professional tiers.
- Complex interface — time to master.
Tip: use P2P.Army for regional‑spread analysis plus CEX rate monitoring — reveals cross‑pairs ordinary P2P scanners miss.
Key point: a powerful “two‑in‑one” for experienced arbitrageurs; optimal for larger size and international currencies.
Summary table of inter‑exchange crypto arbitrage services
| 🧰 Service | 🌍 Coverage | ⏱️ Refresh rate | 🔔 Alerts | 🤖 Automation | 💵 Pricing | 💡 Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arbitrage Scanner | 80+ CEX & networks | ⚡ Lightning‑fast | Telegram bot | Signals without API | Premium | Max speed and market coverage |
| 3Commas | Top CEX | Fast | Email/mobile | Bots available | Free/Paid | Arbitrage embedded in the trading suite |
| Arby Trade | Popular CEX | Fast | Telegram | Signal‑based | Mid‑price | Deep analytics and reliability filters |
| KoinKnight | CEX + multiple types | Moderate | Email/TG | Optional | Affordable | Good for analysis and ideation |
| ArbiTool | Major CEX | Moderate | Web | No | Free/Paid | “Net” profit calculator with depth |
| Xypher | CEX and DEX | Fast | No | Free | Simple start at zero cost | |
| Coingapp | 60+ exchanges | Fast | Push notifications | No | Free | Mobile monitoring in real time |
| Argo P2P | P2P platforms | ⚡ Very fast | Web/TG | No | Paid | P2P arbitrage analytics |
| P2P.Army | P2P + 50 exchanges | Fast | Telegram | Yes | Premium | All‑in‑one for pros |
Tip: start on free plans to gauge interface comfort and alert speed before subscribing.
How to choose the right crypto‑arbitrage service
- Speed & alerts. Lower latency = higher chance to capture pairs; aim for instant Telegram/push/email alerts.
- Coverage. Ensure your venues and assets are supported; wider coverage = more opportunities.
- Automation. For auto‑trading, look for safe API integration; if you prefer manual control, signals are enough.
- Price vs. edge. Weigh subscription cost against expected edge; test with free tiers or short trials.
- Support & community. Active chats, FAQs and responsive support speed up learning.
Tip: don’t choose on price alone — a cheap, laggy scanner can cost more than a premium one with accurate, timely signals.
Key point: the “best” scanner matches your pace, avoids bloat, and reliably pays for itself with profitable trades.
Risks and constraints people often overlook
Important: unusually “fat” spreads often stem from a thin book, maintenance on an exchange, or regulatory frictions. Always verify liquidity and venue status before entry.
Tip: keep a reserve of liquid assets across several exchanges — this lets you act on signals without transfers and reduces market impact.
Pros and cons of using scanners
✅ Pros
- Instant signals save time and help catch short‑lived dislocations.
- Objective data improves entries and reduces emotion (FOMO, panic).
- One interface for dozens of venues and assets; filters tailored to your playbook.
❌ Cons
- Tech outages/API throttling can happen — keep a fallback plan.
- Advanced scanners need time to configure well.
- Free tiers are limited; without fees/liquidity in the model, it’s easy to break even.
Key point: scanners accelerate discovery and cut noise, but profits come from discipline, fast execution and precise cost accounting.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Where do I start if I’m a complete beginner?
How do I quickly estimate net profit?
When should I hedge instead of transferring the coin?
Is connecting API keys to arbitrage services safe?
What’s the minimum budget to begin?
Does it make sense to use multiple scanners?
Key takeaways from our review of crypto‑arbitrage services
For fast arbitrage, two variables dominate — signal latency and breadth of exchange coverage. Premium scanners lead here, reacting within seconds. To get started without extra spend, free or low‑cost tools are fine: they help you learn the mechanics and build your playbook. There is no single “best” tool — choose by style, entry frequency and your working market (CEX, DEX or P2P).
The pragmatic setup is 2–3 tools at once: a fast signal scanner, a secondary monitor for confirmation, and a terminal or bot for execution. Discipline matters just as much: pre‑compute fees, set risk limits, and stick to clear entry/exit rules.
Key point: a scanner speeds discovery and reduces noise, but consistent profit follows from