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MT4 vs MT5: Which Should You Use?

Updated 30 October 2026 · Written by Broker Atlas Guides Desk · Data checked by Broker Atlas Data Desk

Short answer

Use MT5 unless you depend on an MT4-only indicator or EA. MT5 has 21 timeframes against MT4's 9, six pending order types instead of four, a built-in economic calendar and depth of market, and supports both hedging and netting accounts. MT4 programs (MQL4) don't run on MT5 without rewriting, which is the main reason people stay on MT4.

Side by side

From MetaQuotes’ own platform pages:

MT4 MT5
Timeframes 9 21
Pending order types 4 6
Stop orders 2 + trailing stop 2 + trailing stop
Programming language MQL4 MQL5
Position accounting Hedging (separate positions) Netting or hedging
Depth of market — Yes
Economic calendar — Built in
Strategy tester Single currency Multi-currency

MetaQuotes’ indicator counts are inconsistent across its own pages, so we don’t compare them.

When MT5 is the better choice

  • New traders. Start on the current platform; most brokers add new features and instruments there first.
  • Multi-asset trading. Stock, index and crypto CFDs are often MT5-only or wider on MT5.
  • Strategy testing. The multi-currency tester lets you test EAs across several symbols. See EA setup.
  • Shorter timeframes. M2, M3, M10, H2 and other intermediate frames are only on MT5.

When MT4 still makes sense

  • You use an EA or indicator only available for MT4.
  • Your broker’s MT4 account has conditions you prefer (some brokers price accounts differently by platform).

Brokers and platforms

BrokerPlatformsVisit broker
XMFeatured4.9/5Editorial ratingMT4 / MT5 / XM App✓Visit
Titan FX3.7/5MT4 / MT5 / WebTrader✓Visit
FXGT4.1/5MT4 / MT5 / FXGT App / FXGT Trader✓Visit
XS.com4.1/5MT4 / MT5 / XS Trading App✓Visit
BigBoss3.2/5MT4 / MT5✓Visit

XM Global lists MT4, MT5 and its own app; Titan FX lists MT4, MT5, WebTrader and a mobile app. More options on best MT5 brokers.

Switching from MT4 to MT5

  1. Open a new MT5 account with your broker (MT4 logins don’t work on MT5).
  2. Install MT5 and log in: see how to use MT5.
  3. Choose a hedging-mode account if you hold opposite positions (hedging rules).
  4. Replace MT4 EAs with MQL5 versions.

On a phone, see the MT5 mobile app guide.

Best MT5 Brokers 2026

BrokerPlatformsMin depositVisit broker
XMFeatured4.9/5Editorial ratingMT4 / MT5 / XM App1,000:1$5Visit
Vantage4.3/5MT4 / MT5 / Vantage AppUnlimited$50Visit
Exness4.2/5MT4 / MT5 / Exness Terminal / Exness Trade app2,000:1Standard from about $10Visit
HFM4.1/5MT4 / MT5 / HFM App2,000:1$0Visit
XS.com4.1/5MT4 / MT5 / XS Trading App2,000:1No minimumVisit
FXGT4.1/5MT4 / MT5 / FXGT App / FXGT Trader5,000:1$0Visit
Titan FX3.7/5MT4 / MT5 / WebTrader2,000:1No minimumVisit
easyMarkets3.7/5easyMarkets Web/App / MT4 / MT5 / TradingView2,000:1$25Visit
Axi3.5/5MT4 / MT5 / Axi app1,000:1No fixed account minimumVisit
EBC Financial3.5/5MT4 / MT5 / EBC app500:1From $10Visit
AXIORY3.4/5MT4 / MT5 / cTrader2,000:1$10Visit
BigBoss3.2/5MT4 / MT52,222:1No minimum depositVisit

Frequently asked questions

Is MT5 better than MT4?

On features, yes: more timeframes, more order types, a faster multi-currency tester and more instruments. MT4's advantage is its huge library of existing EAs and indicators.

Can I use MT4 EAs on MT5?

Not directly. MT4 uses MQL4 and MT5 uses MQL5. An EA has to be rewritten or converted.

Can I hedge on MT5?

Yes, on a hedging-mode account. MT5 supports both netting and hedging; MetaQuotes describes it as supporting both order accounting systems.

Do all brokers offer both?

Most of the brokers we cover do. XM Global and Titan FX list both MT4 and MT5.

Can I use MT5 on my phone?

Yes. MetaQuotes publishes MT4 and MT5 apps for phones, and your broker account works in the app that matches its platform. Charts and order types on mobile are more limited than on desktop.