MT4 or MT5: Which MetaTrader Platform Is Right for You?

[Valetax]

What Is MetaTrader 4 (MT4)?​

MetaTrader 4 (MT4), launched in 2005 by MetaQuotes, is a widely used forex trading platform known for its simplicity, reliability, and user-friendly features. Built specifically for currency trading, MT4 offers:

• Real-time data and charting tool
• Custom indicators and Expert Advisors (EAs) for automation
• Fast trade execution

Despite newer alternatives, MT4 remains a favorite for its lightweight design, ease of use, and a massive ecosystem of third-party tools.

What Is MetaTrader 5 (MT5)?​

MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is the next-generation platform launched in 2010 to support a broader range of financial markets. While MT4 focuses on forex, MT5 expands into stocks, indices, commodities, and futures.
Key features of MT5 include:

• Multi-asset trading
• 38 technical indicators and 44 charting tools
• An economic calendar
• Advanced backtesting for automated strategies

MT5 also uses a more sophisticated programming language (MQL5) and provides better performance, especially for complex trades and analysis.

MT4 vs MT5: Key Differences​

Feature	MT4	MT5
Markets	Forex only	Forex + stocks, indices, commodities
Order Types	4 basic types	6 types including stop-limit
Timeframes	9 options	21 options
Indicators	30	38
Strategy Testing	Single-pair	Multi-pair, multi-threaded
Economic Calendar	No	Yes
Market Depth	No	Yes
Language	MQL4	MQL5
Community	Larger, established	Growing rapidly

MT4 is best for forex traders who value simplicity and speed.
MT5 is ideal for those who want advanced tools and access to multiple asset classes.

Is MT4 Still Relevant in 2025?​

Yes. MT4 remains a top choice for retail forex traders due to its:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Robust support for automated strategies
• Widespread broker adoption
• Strong global trading community

Although MetaQuotes is now focusing on MT5, MT4 is still widely supported. Traders continue to rely on it for its reliability and extensive third-party tools.

Why MT5 Isn’t Just an Upgrade​

MT5 isn’t simply an improved version of MT4 — it’s a different platform with different goals. MT4 was created for straightforward forex trading, while MT5 caters to more advanced, multi-market strategies. MT5 includes features that MT4 never had — like an economic calendar, multi-asset support, and Depth of Market data. However, it’s not backward compatible, which is why many traders still stick with MT4.

Choosing between the two depends on your strategy and what markets you want to trade. Whether you're comfortable with MT4 or ready to explore MT5, Valetax equips you with the tools, platforms, and support to trade confidently.

 

[Valetax]

For competitive trading, prioritize platforms with low-latency execution, advanced charting, a wide range of order types, and algorithmic trading support. Features like CopyTrade and strong community tools can add value. Always choose a regulated platform with strong data security—for reliability and performance.

 

[OscarR]

Good explanation! I’ve used both and while MT5 has some cool extras, MT4 still feels like the classic go-to. Depends on what you need but you can’t really go wrong with either.

 

[hayseed]

Good explanation! I’ve used both and while MT5 has some cool extras, MT4 still feels like the classic go-to. Depends on what you need but you can’t really go wrong with either.

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and if you compared mt3 to mt5, you'll really warm up to those cool extras......

long gone but not forgotten, mt3......h
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[fargana]

Personally I started on MT4 for its simplicity—but after about six months I switched to MT5 for access to stocks and built‑in depth‑of‑market tools. Now I can seamlessly analyze multi‑asset strategies

 

[Zerologic]

I am still using MT4 for now, and my feeling was convenience, but I also tried to use MT5 to practice. Overall, if MT4 is still available to use, I will stick with this platform, except later MT4 already shuts down later, I will convert to MT5.

 

[fargana]

Speaking from experience, I started on MT4 but switched to MT5 once I dabbled in indices and stocks—those extras made a big difference. However, I still use MT4 for simple FX scalping due to its lightness and familiarity

 

[rmufti68]

Exactly mine preference is also with the MT4 till it stop working then i better go with the mt5.

 

[OscarR]

I’ve tried both platforms but I personally prefer MT4. It’s just simpler to navigate and everything feels more straightforward. It has all the essential tools I need without being too cluttered which makes the whole trading experience smoother for me.