MetaTrader 4 vs 5: Which to Use?
Both are from MetaQuotes, both are dominant — but they are not interchangeable. Here is the real difference traders care about.
Core differences
MT4 uses MQL4 and is built around forex; MT5 uses MQL5, adds more timeframes, an economic calendar, more order types and a built-in marketplace. MT5 is the newer engine; MT4 has the larger third-party EA and indicator ecosystem.
Which should you pick
If your strategies, EAs and indicators depend on MT4's huge community, stay on MT4. If you want more assets, deeper history and modern order management, MT5 is the better long-term base. Note: MT4 and MT5 accounts are usually separate at a broker.
When a broker's own platform wins
Some brokers offer proprietary web/app platforms with simpler UX or unique risk tools (like deal cancellation or AI insights). For pure CFD or social trading, these can beat MetaTrader for casual users.
Related glossary terms
New to the jargon here? These plain-English definitions will help.