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MT4 / MT5 Platforms
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are the industry standard trading platforms for forex and CFD traders. They are favored for their advanced charting and massive ecosystem of Expert Advisors (EAs).
Editor's Top Picks
How We Calculate Trust Scores
40
Regulation Quality
Tier-1 regulators (FCA, SEBI, CFTC) score highest
20
Years in Business
Longer track record = higher trust
15
User Base & Market Share
More active users indicate platform stability
25
Reviews & Ratings
Trustpilot scores and internal ratings
Top 5 MT4 / MT5 Platforms Brokers Compared
| Broker | Trust Score | Min Deposit | Withdrawal Speed | Fees Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | No Minimum | 1-2 business days | 4/5 | |
| 92 | 100 USD | 1-2 business days | 4.5/5 | |
| 90 | No Minimum | 1-2 business days | 4/5 | |
| 90 | No Minimum | 1-2 business days | 4/5 | |
| 90 | No Minimum | 1-2 business days | 5/5 |
MT4 vs MT5: Which is better?
MT4 was built specifically for forex trading and remains the most popular platform globally due to its massive library of custom indicators and EAs. MT5 is its successor, offering a modern architecture, faster execution, more timeframes, and native support for exchange-traded stocks and futures. If you rely on old EAs, stick to MT4. For everything else, MT5 is superior.
Algorithmic Trading (EAs)
The primary draw of MetaTrader is its support for MQL4/MQL5 programming, allowing traders to fully automate their strategies via Expert Advisors (EAs). When running EAs, look for brokers offering VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting to ensure 24/7 uptime and zero-latency execution.
Pros of MT4 / MT5 Platforms
- Industry standard with a massive community
- Unparalleled support for automated trading (EAs)
- Highly customizable interface and custom indicators
- Lightweight software runs on almost any PC
Cons of MT4 / MT5 Platforms
- Interface looks dated compared to modern web platforms
- Mac support is often clunky (requires Wine or web version)
- No native cloud syncing for charts and layouts
How to Get Started with MT4 / MT5 Platforms Brokers
01
Pick a MetaTrader Broker
Ensure the broker officially licenses MT4 or MT5 servers.
02
Create an MT Account
Open an MT4/MT5 specific account type in the broker dashboard.
03
Download the Terminal
Download the customized MetaTrader terminal from your broker.
04
Login to Server
Enter your account number, password, and select the correct live server.
05
Install Custom EAs
Drag and drop your custom indicators or EAs into the data folder.
What to Look For
MT4 vs MT5
MT4 is the classic platform primarily for forex. MT5 is faster, supports more asset classes (like real stocks), and has better backtesting capabilities.
Automated Trading (EAs)
MetaTrader is unmatched for algorithmic trading. Ensure your broker has low latency execution if you run high-frequency EAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my MT4/MT5 EAs on any broker?
Yes, as long as the broker supports MT4 or MT5, you can run your Expert Advisors. However, execution speed and spreads will vary by broker, which affects EA performance.
Is MetaTrader free to use?
Yes, the MetaTrader software is provided for free by brokers to their clients.