Platform Wars: MT4 vs MT5 vs cTrader - Which is Best in 2026?

1. MetaTrader 4 (MT4): The Legacy King

Launched in 2005, MT4 is still the most popular platform in the world. Why? Simplicity and Robots.

• Best For: Algo traders using MQL4 and Forex-only traders.
• Pros: Thousands of free indicators and EAs available online. Runs on any potato PC.
• Cons: Outdated design, cannot trade Stocks (shares), slower backtesting.

2. MetaTrader 5 (MT5): The Modern Standard

It looks like MT4, but under the hood, it is a beast.

• Best For: Multi-asset traders (Stocks + Forex) and serious backtesting.
• Pros: 64-bit architecture (faster), Depth of Market (DOM), built-in economic calendar, supports real Stocks/Futures.
• Cons: MQL4 code does not work on MT5 (you must rewrite your bots).

3. cTrader: The Scalper's Dream

If MT4 is Windows 98, cTrader is macOS. It is slick, fast, and intuitive.

• Best For: Manual scalpers and visual traders.
• Pros: Beautiful interface, advanced take-profit settings (scale out easily), server-side trailing stops.
• Cons: Fewer automated strategies (cBots) available compared to MetaTrader.

The Verdict

• Choose MT4 if: You rely on specific custom indicators or EAs that haven't been updated.
• Choose MT5 if: You want to trade Stocks/Crypto alongside Forex, or need powerful backtesting.
• Choose cTrader if: You trade manually and value a modern, clean interface with fast execution features.

Recommended Brokers

• For MT4/MT5: Exness (Low Spreads) or XM (Bonus).
• For cTrader: Pepperstone or IC Markets.