If you’re launching or scaling a brokerage, one decision will shape the future of your business: your trading platform. Although MT4 and MT5 have long competed for dominance, the platform you choose today can significantly affect client satisfaction and operational efficiency
The key? Don’t just follow the crowd—match the platform to your business model.
In this article, we’ll walk through how MT4 and MT5 stack up from a broker’s perspective. We’ll compare technical features, available broker tools, trading capabilities, and long-term considerations. Plus, you’ll find real-world examples to help you decide which trading platform fits your goals.
MT4 vs MT5: Quick Feature Snapshot
Let’s start with the essentials. Here’s a table that summarizes core differences:
| Criteria | MT4 | MT5 |
| Launched | 2005 | 2010 |
| Designed For | Forex trading | Multi-asset trading |
| Programming Language | MQL4 | MQL5 |
| Timeframes | 9 | 21 |
| Order Types Supported | 4 | 6 |
| Economic Calendar | No | Yes |
| Depth of Market (DOM) | No | Yes |
| Strategy Testing | Single-thread | Multi-thread, real ticks |
| License Availability | Limited | Widely available |
The Trading Focus: Forex vs Multi-Asset
MT4: Forex-Centric Simplicity
MT4 was specifically designed for Forex trading, making it highly efficient for currency-focused brokers. Its lightweight design and fast execution have made it a long-standing favorite in the FX space.
If you run a Forex-only operation and need to launch quickly, MT4 remains a solid option.
MT5: Built for Diversification
MT5 was designed to expand beyond Forex. It supports stocks, indices, commodities, and futures, making it a better fit for brokerages planning to offer multi-asset trading platforms.
For example, a broker targeting clients in Europe who want access to both FX and equities would benefit from MT5’s flexibility.
Broker Tools and Platform Management
Running a brokerage is about more than just charts and indicators—you need back-office tools, integration options, and reliable vendor support.
MT4 Tools and Add-ons
- Huge catalog of plugins, from CRM integrations to liquidity bridges
- Mature support ecosystem
- Easier to find developers for custom tools (MQL4)
But here’s the catch: many add-ons are outdated or require custom patching due to MT4’s aging architecture.
MT5 for Brokers
- Native support for more order types and instruments
- Built-in reporting, calendar, and DOM
- Streamlined with modern APIs
If you need advanced broker tools out of the box and fewer third-party dependencies, MT5 is stronger from a backend perspective.
Algo Trading and Strategy Testing
Algorithmic trading is growing fast, and your platform must keep up.
For algorithmic traders, MT4 provides a basic single-thread testing environment, suitable for simple strategies and novice developers. MT5 offers improved algorithmic trading performance via multi-threaded testing and tick-based simulation.
If your brokerage caters to algo-savvy traders, the choice is clear.
Interface and User Experience
Traders don’t just care about tools—they want a clean, intuitive platform.
Why Some Traders Still Prefer MT4
- Familiar layout with minimal distractions
- Quick to install and run
- Smaller learning curve for Forex traders
MT4 feels like a no-frills toolkit. But for many, that’s exactly the appeal.
MT5 Offers More—but Requires More
- Extra timeframes (up to 21)
- More built-in indicators
- Advanced charting and order types
The interface is more sophisticated—great for technical traders but potentially overwhelming for beginners.
Compliance and Reporting
Financial regulation is tightening across the globe. Brokers now need to demonstrate transparency, reporting accuracy, and trade audit trails.
MT5 is far more suited to this reality:
- Built-in economic calendar
- Native Depth of Market
- Easier to generate detailed trading reports
MT4, while still functional, often needs third-party patches to meet current compliance standards.
Support and Licensing: Long-Term Viability
Here’s an important point: New server licenses for MT4 are no longer available. This limits options for brokers starting new operations. While the platform can still be accessed through resellers and is still popular, MT5 is the better choice. It receives regular updates and offers better long-term compatibility.
| Licensing Factor | MT4 | MT5 |
| New Server Licenses | Not available | Available |
| White Label Options | Yes, via resellers | Yes, and growing fast |
| Long-Term Platform Updates | Limited | Full |
For a new brokerage, MT5 is the more future-proof choice. For existing MT4 brokers, the decision to stick or switch depends on client demand and platform needs.
Real-World Broker Use Cases
Case A: A Small Forex Brokerage in Latin America
Chose MT4 because the client base was familiar with it, and the firm wanted quick onboarding and low infrastructure costs.
Case B: A Multi-Asset Broker in Southeast Asia
Went with MT5 to support stock CFDs, commodities, and crypto pairs—all managed under one platform.
Case C: A European Broker Under MiFID II
Migrated to MT5 to meet evolving regulatory standards and provide audit-ready reporting tools.
Each case has its logic—and yours will too. It depends on your region, regulation, market size, and trader sophistication.
Should You Offer Both Platforms?
Some brokers run MT4 and MT5 side by side. It’s possible—but complex.
Pros:
- Capture both beginner and advanced traders
- Offer flexibility in marketing and packages
Cons:
- Double infrastructure cost
- More technical and support staff needed
- Confusion for new clients during onboarding
If you’re just starting out, stick to one and grow from there.
The Bottom Line for Brokerages
MT4 and MT5 both offer value—but for different types of brokerages.
- MT4 remains strong for Forex-focused startups, offering a simple, trusted platform with plenty of plugins.
- MT5 is better for growth-oriented, multi-asset brokers, giving more control, better data handling, and long-term flexibility.
And if you’re still unsure, don’t worry. Still deciding between MT4 and MT5? Book a free consultation with our platform specialists now! We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your region, target market, and business goals.
FAQ: MT4 vs MT5 for Brokers
Is MT4 being phased out?
New MT4 server licenses are no longer available, but the platform remains widely used. Many brokers continue operating it through resellers, and support is expected to continue for the foreseeable future
Does MT5 work with Forex?
Yes, MT5 supports Forex and all other major asset classes, making it a broader solution than MT4.
Is MT5 harder to use?
It has a steeper learning curve but offers more features. Many traders adapt quickly and prefer the added depth.
Can I transfer my clients from MT4 to MT5?
Not directly. They’ll need to create new accounts on MT5, and trading robots or indicators will need rewriting in MQL5.
Which platform is cheaper to launch?
MT4 often has lower startup costs—if you can find a reseller. MT5 has more official support but may cost more initially.