One of the first technical decisions a new broker faces is MT4 vs MT5. Both are MetaQuotes platforms, both are trusted, but they differ in meaningful ways. This guide cuts through the noise so you can choose the right platform — or offer both.

The core difference: single-asset vs multi-asset

MT4 was built for forex and CFDs and remains beloved for its simplicity and the huge ecosystem of Expert Advisors and indicators around it. MT5 is a multi-asset platform — forex, stocks, futures and more — with more order types, more timeframes, an economic calendar, and far faster strategy backtesting. If you plan to expand beyond FX, MT5 is more future-proof.

Performance and reporting

MT5's 64-bit, multi-threaded architecture handles more instruments and faster processing, and its reporting is richer out of the box — useful as you scale. MT4's strength is familiarity and the depth of its third-party EA and plugin ecosystem.

Trader preference still matters

Many traders simply prefer the platform they learned on. That's why a large share of brokers offer both MT4 and MT5, letting clients choose. The cost of offering both is mostly operational — which a capable CRM absorbs.

Why the CRM layer is what really matters

Whichever you choose, the experience your team and clients get depends on how well your CRM integrates. Forexty connects natively to MT5, MT4, cTrader, Match-Trader and DXtrade — account creation, groups, leverage and live trade data — so you can run one or several platforms from a single system, with one bridge and one risk view.

Deciding your platform as part of a launch? See how to start a forex brokerage, or book a demo to see multi-platform management live.

Frequently asked questions

MT5 is the newer, more capable platform — more asset classes, more order types, faster backtesting and richer reporting. MT4 remains widely used and familiar to many traders. "Better" depends on your asset mix and client base; many brokers offer both.
Yes. Many brokers run both to satisfy traders who prefer one or the other. A capable CRM manages multiple servers of each from a single system — Forexty supports MT5 and MT4 (plus cTrader, Match-Trader and DXtrade).
Yes. MT5 was designed for multi-asset trading — forex, stocks, futures and more — whereas MT4 is focused on forex and CFDs. If you plan to expand beyond FX, MT5 is the more future-proof choice.
Both integrate via their Manager APIs. With Forexty, MT5/MT4 connect natively for account creation, group management, leverage control and live trade data, so the CRM experience is consistent across platforms.

Run MT5, MT4 and more from one CRM

Forexty integrates natively with MT5, MT4, cTrader, Match-Trader and DXtrade.

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Related: Trading Platforms How to Start a Forex Brokerage Forex CRM Bridge & Liquidity