Between MT4 vs. MT5, which is better?

There is no universal winner. MT4 is simple and focused, which many beginners like, while MT5 adds more markets, more timeframes, deeper tools, and extra order types. Choose the one that fits how you trade today.

Which platform is better for beginners?

Beginners often start with MT4 because its layout is straightforward and less crowded with features. As you grow and want multi-asset access or advanced testing, MT5 becomes more attractive.

What are the main differences between MT4 and MT5?

MT5 offers more timeframes, more built-in indicators and analytical objects, supports netting in addition to hedging, adds market depth, and includes an economic calendar and news feed. MT4 has fewer built-in tools but covers the core needs for forex and CFD trading.

Does MT5 have more indicators and timeframes than MT4?

Yes. MT5 includes 38 built-in indicators and 21 timeframes, while MT4 offers 30 indicators and 9 timeframes.

Can I use my MT4 trading account to log in to MT5?

No. Accounts are not interchangeable. Brokers create separate accounts for each platform, and you need to log in with the correct terminal.

Can I use MT4 indicators or Expert Advisors in MT5?

No. MT4 and MT5 use different programming languages, which means indicators and Expert Advisors are not cross-compatible and usually need to be rebuilt.

Which platform is better if I want to trade shares or more than forex?

MT5 is designed for a wider set of markets, including shares, futures, options, bonds, and commodities, while MT4 focuses on forex with support for CFDs on indices and commodities.

Is MT5 faster or more advanced than MT4?

MT5 was built with a more modern architecture and supports multi-threaded testing and additional order types, which many traders find more efficient for research and strategy development.

Does MT5 support both hedging and netting?

Yes. MT5 supports hedging and also supports netting, which lets you offset positions to manage overall exposure. MT4 supports hedging.

Does MT4 work on Mac and mobile?

MT4 and MT5 run on Windows and mobile. MT5 has official macOS support. MT4 does not have an official macOS build, though brokers may provide a custom solution for Mac.

If I switch from MT4 to MT5, do I need to reinstall my tools?

Yes. You will need MT5-compatible versions of any indicators, Expert Advisors, templates, and profiles. Keep both platforms installed if you want to compare them side by side.

How should a beginner choose between MT4 and MT5?

List your needs first. If you want simple forex trading and a large community of guides and tools, start with MT4. If you want more markets, more chart intervals, market depth, and integrated news, start with MT5. You can install both and practice on the demo to see which one feels natural.

MT4 VS MT5: Which MetaTrader Platform Is Best For Forex Trading?

The 'Macro' Case: Why Platform Choice Matters In 2025

In previous years, choosing a platform was often about which interface you preferred, but in today’s volatile market, the underlying architecture of your software dictates your ceiling. As global investors move beyond traditional currency pairs and into the world of global stocks and commodities, the technical limitations of older software become a primary bottleneck. The shift toward multi-asset trading means that the platform you choose must be able to handle complex data feeds from centralized exchanges without lag.

Furthermore, execution speed has become a pivot point for profitability. As market volatility spikes, the difference between a successful entry and a missed opportunity often comes down to how your platform handles data. MT4, while incredibly stable, was built for a simpler era of trading. MT5 was designed for the ‘Execution Pivot’, utilizing multi-threaded processing to ensure that even during high-impact news events, your platform remains responsive and your orders are processed with modern precision.

Finally, we must consider systemic support. While MetaQuotes continues to provide security updates for MT4, the platform is effectively in ‘maintenance mode’. All modern security features, infrastructure upgrades, and feature expansions are being funneled into MT5. Choosing MT5 today is an investment in a platform that is actively evolving alongside the markets.

Physical Stability (MT4) vs High Performance (MT5)

Traders today face a fundamental choice: they can pay for established reliability with MT4 or they can pay for technological opportunity with MT5. MT4’s reputation for ‘never crashing’ is well-earned; it is a lightweight, 32-bit application that runs efficiently even on lower-spec hardware. This makes it a favorite for the veteran trader who has spent years perfecting a specific Forex strategy and doesn't want to disrupt a working system.

MT5, however, is a 64-bit high-performance machine. It is designed to utilize the full power of modern CPUs, allowing for smoother chart rendering and faster calculations. This is not just about aesthetics; it is about the ability to process more information in less time. For the strategist, MT5 offers a ‘Decision Matrix’ that MT4 simply cannot match, from more timeframes to more built-in technical indicators.

Head-to-Head: The Strategic Comparison

Feature	MetaTrader 4 (MT4)	MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
Primary Focus	Forex & CFD Trading	Multi-Asset (Stocks, Futures, FX)
Architecture	32-bit (Single-threaded)	64-bit (Multi-threaded)
Order Handling	Hedging Only	Hedging & Netting
Timeframes	9 Standard Timeframes	21 Timeframes
Technical Indicators	30 Built-in	38 Built-in
Backtesting	Single-threaded	Multi-threaded (High Speed)
Depth of Market	No	Yes (Native)

3 Strategic Benefits Of Upgrading To MT5

Beyond the basic specs, the true value of MT5 lies in its ‘Financial Engineering’ capabilities. One of the most significant advantages is the move toward a ‘Centralized Strategy’. While MT4 is largely limited to the Over-The-Counter (OTC) Forex market, MT5 was built with the logic of centralized exchanges. This allows traders to manage a truly diversified portfolio, by including direct stock access and futures within a single interface. This consolidated view of wealth is essential for the modern professional.

Efficiency is the second major tool in the MT5 arsenal. For algorithmic traders, the time it takes to backtest a strategy can be the difference between catching a market trend and missing it. MT5’s Strategy Tester is multi-threaded, meaning it can use all the cores of your processor to run thousands of simulations in minutes. In contrast, a similar test on MT4 might take hours. This allows you to optimize your Expert Advisors (EAs) with far greater frequency and precision.

Lastly, MT5 introduces native ‘Depth of Market’ (DOM) functionality. This feature allows you to see the bid and ask prices for a security at different price levels, providing a glimpse into market liquidity and the "intent" of big institutional players. Using the DOM acts as an instant insight policy, helping you time your entries and exits by identifying where the significant buy and sell orders are clustered, a level of transparency that MT4 simply cannot provide.

Algorithmic Trading: The MQL4 vs MQL5 Divide

It is vital to address a major point of friction: The Compatibility Warning. If you are a trader who relies heavily on custom-coded tools, you must know that MT4 Expert Advisors (EAs) and indicators cannot be run on MT5. They are written in different languages (MQL4 vs. MQL5). If you have spent years building a library of tools for MT4, moving to MT5 will require a rewrite or a conversion of your code.

For those who are not ready to make that technical leap, staying with MT4 is a valid strategic choice to maintain your current workflow. If you are sticking with the classic platform, ensure you are using high-quality tools to keep your edge sharp. You can explore our guide on MT4 Indicators and Add-ons to find the specific technical tools that can maximize your current setup.

Which Platform Is Right For You?

The decision ultimately comes down to your personal trading persona. Your platform should not be a hurdle; it should be an extension of your strategy.

Choose MT4 if you are a specialist who focuses exclusively on the Forex market, relies on legacy MQL4 EAs, or prefers a platform with minimal hardware requirements. It remains a powerful, reliable tool for those who value simplicity and stability above all else.
Choose MT5 if you are a strategist who wants to actively manage a multi-asset portfolio including stocks and futures, requires the fastest possible backtesting speeds, or needs advanced analytical features like Depth of Market and expanded timeframes.

If you have decided that the classic route is for you, you can learn exactly how to use MT4 on PC in our detailed step-by-step installation guide.

Selecting your platform is only the first step in your trading journey. Whether you choose the battle-tested MT4 or the high-performance MT5, the best way to understand these tools is through hands-on experience in a risk-free environment. We encourage you to test your strategy today by opening a TMGM Demo Account to see which architecture feels most natural to your trading style.

If you are still looking for ways to enhance your charts with specific technical indicators, visit our MT4/MT5 Indicators & Add-ons Guide to see how to customize your workspace for maximum clarity.