/ MetaTrader 4 vs MetaTrader 5: Which is Better in 2025?

MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are two popular platforms for trading on financial markets. They were developed by MetaQuotes and have been the standard in the trading world for many years. Both programs provide access to global markets, allow traders to analyze charts, open and close trades, and use automated trading systems. The popularity of these platforms is due to their reliability, convenience and wide range of features. Despite the fact that MetaTrader 5 was created as a more modern version, MetaTrader 4 is still actively used in many brokerage companies. In 2025, traders face an important question: which of these platforms is better suited for efficient trading?

Interface and usability

MetaTrader 4 is famous for its simplicity and convenience. It has a classic interface with a familiar layout of tools. Most traders are already accustomed to it and have no difficulty in mastering it. MetaTrader 5 looks more modern and offers more functions, but some users find its interface overloaded. Newcomers may need time to adapt, but in general the logic of work is similar to the previous version.

Functionality and analysis capabilities

Both platforms provide powerful technical analysis tools, but MetaTrader 5 offers more time intervals for charts, as well as additional indicators. It also has a built-in economic calendar that helps you track important news and market events. MetaTrader 4 supports fewer order types than its successor. Pending orders Buy Stop Limit and Sell Stop Limit have appeared in the fifth version, which give more flexibility in trading.

Trade execution and speed

MetaTrader 5 uses multi-threaded mode, which allows faster data processing and order execution. This is especially useful for algorithmic trading and scalping. MetaTrader 4 works in single-threaded mode, which can create delays with a large number of simultaneously opened orders. However, for most traders this difference is not so critical.

Compatibility with Expert Advisors and scripts

MetaTrader 4 has the MQL4 programming language, which has long established itself among developers of Expert Advisors and indicators. There are many ready-made solutions for automated trading available on the Internet. MetaTrader 5 runs on the MQL5 language, which is more powerful and faster, but is incompatible with the code from MT4. This means that old Expert Advisors will have to be redesigned or new ones will have to be found.

Availability with brokers

Although MetaTrader 5 was designed as a replacement for the fourth version, many brokers still support MT4 and offer it to clients. This is due to the high popularity of the platform and the availability of a huge number of users. At the same time, more and more brokers are switching to MetaTrader 5 as it meets modern requirements and offers advanced features. MT4 may lose support in the future, but so far this has not happened.

Hedging support

One of the key considerations when choosing a platform is hedging support. MetaTrader 4 allows you to open counter positions on the same instrument, which is convenient for some strategies. MetaTrader 5 initially did not support hedging, but later this feature was added. However, there are still brokers who provide MT5 only in netting mode, where counter positions are summarized instead of existing separately.

Bottom line

If you want simplicity, convenience and compatibility with older Expert Advisors, MetaTrader 4 remains a good choice. If you want to take advantage of all the modern market features, faster data processing and advanced analysis functions, MetaTrader 5 is the best option. MetaTrader 5 looks more promising for 2025, but the final choice depends on your preferences and trading requirements.