MQL4 (MetaQuotes Language 4) is a programming language built into the trading platform. You can use the MQL4 to write the code for Expert Advisors, indicators, scripts, and MT4 function libraries. Blain Reinkensmeyer has 20 years of trading experience with over 2,500 trades placed during that time. He heads research for all U.S.-based brokerages on StockBrokers.com and is respected by executives as the leading expert covering the online broker industry. Blain’s insights have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Chicago Tribune, among other media outlets.

difference between metatrader 4 and 5

Another distinct difference between both platforms is their programming language – MT4 uses MetaQuotes Language 4 (MQL 4) while MT5 uses MetaQuotes Language 5 (MQL 5). This enables them to enter the market by setting an order at a price lower than the current market price. Furthermore, MT5’s hedging feature allows users to open multiple positions simultaneously whereas this isn’t possible on MT4 without using an EA or script. When talking about the assets available on MT4 or MT5, a lot depends on the broker you are using.

Choosing the right platform:

Therefore, traders may need to adjust their trading strategies and familiarise themselves with the new platform’s capabilities. Some brokers offer tools or assistance to facilitate the transition for their clients, such as platform tutorials, webinars, and personalised support from customer service representatives. Additionally, traders should consider any potential impacts on their existing trading strategies, expert advisors, and custom indicators when switching platforms.

MetaTrader 5 is a step ahead with multi-threading servers, additional order types, technical analysis tools, and automated trading strategies with superior back-testing. MetaTrader 5’s automated trading takes an edge over MT4 due to the ability to trade in multiple assets. The EAs are also more advanced as they allow additional inputs, more order types, time frames, market depth, and support for netting and hedging systems.

Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers of 2024

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest differences between MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 to help you decide which is the best option. The information about price movements in the FBS app is provided by TradingView. Go to the FBS website, choose a platform, and find the appropriate format to download. After a discussion of the difference between MetaTrader 4 and 5, we can conclude that both of them serve their main aim. They are perfectly suitable for those who are interested in detailed analysis and finding their perfect ways in this area. Yes, MT5 is safe, the question is whether the broker you are using the platform with is safe.

  • MetaTrader 5 would be a better option if you are looking to complete vast amounts of back-testing or you want to trade on other markets, such as stocks and commodities.
  • As a trader, you might look at the enhanced range of features offered by MetaTrader 5 over MetaTrader 4 and assume that MT5 is an upgraded (and better) version of MT4.
  • Most EAs have a range of customizable parameters that let users specify the position size and risk/reward-related attributes, among other elements, that may be configured before automated trading is enabled.
  • These platforms employ industry-standard security measures, including encryption protocols, secure login procedures, and protection against unauthorised access.
  • The market is decentralized and relatively risky such that if you lose your money, there’s no one to take responsibility but yourself.

MT5 offers more order types, technical indicators, analytical objects, time frames, and charts. MT5 is also good for traders who want to perform complex backtesting, thanks to its advanced Strategy Tester features. We examine a wide range of features and evaluate forex brokers based on our own data-driven MetaTrader-specific variables. We determine whether the broker offers the full platform suite offered by MetaQuotes Software Corp, and we look for a number of supplementary features that can distinguish MetaTrader broker offerings. MT4 and MT5 are both free to use for retail forex traders (though your forex broker will need to offer the platforms to its clients).

Before you trade, AskTraders.

This is especially useful for scalpers who rely on faster orders to take advantage of small price fluctuations before they dissipate quickly. Most notably, MT4 was designed for forex traders while MT5 was developed with stock and futures traders in mind – although both aren’t necessarily limited to each of these pillars. MT4 also offers one-click trading while MT5 does not – instead it focuses on enhanced charting capabilities with more indicators than MT4.

difference between metatrader 4 and 5

Traders can also save all their charts within their profile, so the entire workspace is backed up — including all trend lines and chart configurations. In addition to CFDs and forex trading, MT5 can support stock trading and futures trading, making it more of a multi-asset platform. MT5 also includes advanced functions like utilizing cloud storage to run strategies and to conduct backtesting.

Security Features

When using MetaTrader platforms, such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4) or MetaTrader 5 (MT5), there are automated trading systems known as Expert Advisors (EAs), or Experts for short. Rather, they are the automated trading systems created by traders to execute a trading strategy. Experts, which are automated trading systems in MT4 and MT5, are built by traders and rely on backtesting to prove their profitability. As the famous market adage says, “past performance is not indicative of future results.” The problem with automated strategies is that they rely on the benefit of hindsight bias.

difference between metatrader 4 and 5

MetaTrader 4 is one of the most widely used platforms among brokers. This software has set a standard in the realm of quality platforms and is, therefore, a reliable choice for forex traders. Also referred to as MT4, this platform was released in 2005 and continues to be used by brokers and traders across the globe. If you’re a new trader or you’re only interested in trading forex, you might prefer MetaTrader 4’s straightforward layout and enhanced customization options.

Which forex brokers can I open an account with?

The information confirming executed traders and new orders is also shared through FIX API. Algorithmic or automated trading basically means you automate the entire trading process and allow you to
place successful trades even when your machine is off and you are sleeping. For seasoned forex traders looking to enhance their skills, advanced strategies are essential for achieving greater success.

difference between metatrader 4 and 5

Under US regulations, MetaTrader 5 does not meet the requirements to provide hedging to its users. The regulations stipulate that those trading with US Forex brokers must close their first trade before closing the second one. MetaTrader 4 complies with this method, known as a first-in, first-out (F.I.F.O) basis, but MetaTrader 5 does not, making the risk management What is Buying And Selling Software Program strategy of hedging unavailable. No, however, many brokers that offer access to MT4 also offer access to MT5 and allow you to switch between the 2 platforms as you need. Due to the popularity of MetaTrader 4 among forex and novice traders, FXTM will continue to support both MetaTrader 4 and 5. MT4 offers access to 9 time frames, ranging from 1 minute to 1 month.

Both of these trading platforms offer traders different types of smart orders to make trading easier. There are 6 different types of orders available on MetaTrader 5, and 4 types on MetaTrader 4. Despite MetaTrader 5’s additional benefits, MetaTrader 4 remains a reliable option, can perform at an advanced level and is more readily available from brokers. Many highly successful traders use this platform to execute their trades and stand behind its abilities.

Advantages of MetaTrader 5

At some point, the MetaQuotes even decided to abandon the MT4 support and stop selling licenses to promote the new terminal modification. But ‘something went wrong.’ MT5 didn’t become as successful as the MT4 despite the updates and upgrades, so MetaQuotes decided to use both versions. Hantec Markets does not offer its services to residents of certain jurisdictions including USA, Iran, Myanmar and North Korea.