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FxScouts helps traders across the globe by meticulously testing and reviewing online brokers and providing Forex education and market analysis. Our partners compensate us through paid advertising. While partners may pay to provide offers or be featured, they cannot pay to alter our recommendations, advice, ratings, or any other content. Our content and research teams do not participate in any advertising planning nor are they permitted access to advertising campaign data. For more detailed information click this link.

Ida Hermansen
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Ida Hermansen
Edited by
Ida Hermansen
Financial Writer
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Author
Author
Chris Cammack
Partner Manager and Financial Writer

Chris manages the relationships with our partners to provide the best Forex trading experience possible for our users. Chris has 15+ years of research, and editorial and design experience for political and financial publications. His background has given him a deep understanding of international financial markets and the geopolitics that affect them.

Learn more about Chris Cammack
Risk Warning

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 84% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Clients can lose more than they deposit. All trading involves risk.

Advertiser Disclosure

FxScouts helps traders across the globe by meticulously testing and reviewing online brokers and providing Forex education and market analysis. Our partners compensate us through paid advertising. While partners may pay to provide offers or be featured, they cannot pay to alter our recommendations, advice, ratings, or any other content. Our content and research teams do not participate in any advertising planning nor are they permitted access to advertising campaign data. For more detailed information click this link.

Best MT4 Forex Brokers for 2025

Edited by
Author
Ida Hermansen
Edited by
Ida Hermansen
Financial Writer
Learn more about Ida Hermansen
Chris Cammack
Author
Chris Cammack
Partner Manager and Financial Writer

Chris manages the relationships with our partners to provide the best Forex trading experience possible for our users. Chris has 15+ years of research, and editorial and design experience for political and financial publications. His background has given him a deep understanding of international financial markets and the geopolitics that affect them.

Learn more about Chris Cammack

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) has remained the most widely used Forex trading platform for nearly 20 years. Fast, lightweight, and highly customisable, it delivers precise charting, robust automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and reliable execution across market conditions.

Because almost every Forex broker offers MT4, choosing the right one can be challenging. The brokers featured on this page stand out for their tight spreads, strong regulation, high-quality execution, and overall MT4 performance. Our team has tested more than 180 brokers to highlight the best MT4 options for different trading styles, experience levels, and budgets.

Trusted. Transparent. Tested.

For over a decade, we’ve set the standard in forex broker reviews—collecting thousands of data points yearly to deliver unbiased, expert-backed insights.

Skip the trial and error! Below, you’ll find the best forex brokers for Ugandan traders for 2025—thoroughly tested, verified, and ranked, so you can trade with confidence.

Primary Image

Best MT4 Forex Brokers in Uganda for 2025

You can either use the arrow button or swipe on mobile

Official Site
Regulated By
Website Language: English
Support Language: English
Compare
Visit Broker
75.3% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 0
30:1
FCA Regulated BrokersASIC Regulated Forex BrokersCySEC Regulated BrokersDubai Financial Services Authority
Bundesanstalt für FinanzdienstleistungsaufsichtSecurities Commission of the BahamasCapital Markets Authority
1597
90
Yes
Yes
Visit Broker
76% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 100
30:1
ASIC Regulated Forex BrokersFSCA Regulated Forex BrokersCySEC Regulated BrokersFinancial Services Agency
Central Bank of IrelandFinancial Regulatory Services AuthorityIsrael Securities Authority
930
63
Yes
Yes
Visit Broker
71.67% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 3
Unlimited:1
FSCA Regulated Forex BrokersThe Seychelles Financial Services AuthorityCapital Markets AuthorityBritish Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission
Financial Services CommissionJordan Securities Commission
221
100
Yes
Yes
Visit Broker
72.90% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 0
2000:1
FCA Regulated BrokersFSCA Regulated Forex BrokersDubai Financial Services AuthorityFinancial Services Commission
The Seychelles Financial Services AuthorityCapital Markets Authority
1230
53
Yes
Yes
Visit Broker
67% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 0
30:1
FCA Regulated BrokersASIC Regulated Forex BrokersDubai Financial Services AuthorityFinancial Services Agency
Commodity Futures Trading AssociationFinancial Markets Authority of New ZealandBundesanstalt für FinanzdienstleistungsaufsichtBermuda Monetary Authority
19295
80
Yes
Yes
Visit Broker
75% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 100
30:1
FCA Regulated BrokersCySEC Regulated BrokersFSCA Regulated Forex BrokersDubai Financial Services Authority
Securities Commission of the Bahamas
2241
70
Yes
Yes
Visit Broker
69.21% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 5
3000:1
ASIC Regulated Forex BrokersInternational Financial Services Commission
573
72
Yes
Yes
Visit Broker
75.18% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 5
30:1
CySEC Regulated BrokersASIC Regulated Forex BrokersDubai Financial Services AuthorityInternational Financial Services Commission
1554
57
Yes
Yes
Visit Broker
70.81% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 200
30:1
CySEC Regulated BrokersThe Seychelles Financial Services AuthoritySecurities Commission of the BahamasCapital Markets Authority
1744
64
Yes
Yes
Visit Broker
77.41% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 10
1000:1
CySEC Regulated BrokersThe Seychelles Financial Services AuthorityFinancial Regulatory Services Authority
2193
49
Yes
Yes
Pepperstone
4.6
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 0
Max. Leverage
30:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulatorregulatorregulator
Total CFDs
1597
Currency Pairs
90
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
AvaTrade
4.6
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 100
Max. Leverage
30:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulatorregulatorregulator
Total CFDs
930
Currency Pairs
63
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
Exness
4.3
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 3
Max. Leverage
Unlimited:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulatorregulator
Total CFDs
221
Currency Pairs
100
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
HFM
4.4
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 0
Max. Leverage
2000:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulatorregulator
Total CFDs
1230
Currency Pairs
53
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
IG
4.7
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 0
Max. Leverage
30:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
Total CFDs
19295
Currency Pairs
80
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
FxPro
4.4
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 100
Max. Leverage
30:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulator
Total CFDs
2241
Currency Pairs
70
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
FBS
4.3
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 5
Max. Leverage
3000:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulator
Total CFDs
573
Currency Pairs
72
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
XM
4.5
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 5
Max. Leverage
30:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
Total CFDs
1554
Currency Pairs
57
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
IC Markets
4.5
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 200
Max. Leverage
30:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
Total CFDs
1744
Currency Pairs
64
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
NAGA
4.1
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
USD 10
Max. Leverage
1000:1
Regulated By
regulatorregulatorregulator
Total CFDs
2193
Currency Pairs
49
Website Language: English
Yes
Support Language: English
Yes
Find Your Ideal Forex Broker

Compare Forex Brokers

  • Find the best broker for your trading needs
  • Compare spreads, fees, and platforms
  • Read in-depth reviews and analysis

How Brokers Are Scored

FxScouts’ Broker Score and Trust Rating constantly evolve to reflect the forex market’s dynamics. We ensure transparency by incorporating regulator data and user insights. Our in-depth reviews consider over 200 metrics across seven key categories. The radar chart to the left shows how important each category is when calculating a broker’s final score.

  • Trust Rating: Assessment of broker reliability and reputation
  • Trading Costs: Spreads and fees for clear comparisons
  • Platforms: User-friendliness and features 
  • Asset Selection: Forex, stocks, and other available instruments
  • Deposit and Withdrawal: Simple and free deposits & withdrawals
  • Education: Support for beginners and developing traders
  • Customer Support: Accessibility, responsiveness, and expertise


To ensure fairness and transparency, we independently verify broker claims and integrate real-user feedback, regulator data, and live trading tests. The radar chart to the left illustrates the weight of each category in our final scoring system.

Why Our Reviews Set the Standard

Every broker we recommend meets strict trust and safety criteria and is tested for reliability, transparency, and overall trading experience.

Pepperstone

Best For: Ugandan traders seeking tight spreads, fast execution, and support for algorithmic trading

4.61
75.3 of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider

Min. Spread

0 pips

Regulation

CMA, BaFin, SCB, DFSA, ASIC, FCA, CySEC

Min. Deposit

USD 0

Platforms

Pepperstone Platform, TradingView, cTrader, MT5, MT4

Max Leverage

30:1

Why Pepperstone Stands Out

  • Exceptionally Low Costs

    Pepperstone offers razor-sharp spreads starting at 0.0 pips with commissions as low as $3.50 per lot, ideal for scalping.

  • Institutional-Grade Execution

    Pepperstone uses Equinix servers, providing ultra-fast execution with minimal latency—perfect for EA and HFT strategies.

  • MT4 Power Tools & Smart Trader Suite

    Pepperstone enhances MT4 with custom indicators, sentiment tools, and advanced trade management features.

  • Global Multi-Asset Access

    Over 1,200 instruments across Forex, indices, commodities, and shares with localised support in Africa.

Why Pepperstone Falls Short

  • No Native Ugandan Deposit Methods

    Lacks mobile money integration like MTN/Airtel Pay, which is widely used in Uganda.

  • Requires Learning Curve for Raw Accounts

    Commission-based pricing on Raw accounts can confuse newer traders.

Pepperstone | Best For: Ugandan traders seeking tight spreads, fast execution, and support for algorithmic trading

Final Verdict: Is Pepperstone right for you?

Trade if:

  • You're a scalper or algo trader needing top-tier execution
  • You value FCA and ASIC oversight with segregated client funds

Consider Alternatives:

  • You rely heavily on mobile money like MTN or Airtel Pay for funding
  • You prefer brokers with simplified account structures and fixed spreads
Visit Broker
Accepts Ugandan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.00 pips with 0.0 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView platforms supported. Pepperstone Group is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, SCB, DFSA and CMA.

AvaTrade

Best For: Ugandan beginners and copy traders looking for a risk-managed MT4 environment

4.59
76 of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider

Min. Spread

0.9 pips

Regulation

ISA, FRSA, CBI, FSA-Japan, FSCA, ASIC, CySEC

Min. Deposit

USD 100

Platforms

AvaOptions, Avatrade Social, MT5, MT4

Max Leverage

30:1

Why AvaTrade Stands Out

  • AVATradeGo Integration

    Lets you control and monitor your MT4 trades via AvaTrade’s proprietary app—smoother UX for mobile users

  • Risk Management Tools

    Offers AvaProtect, a paid MT4 tool that reimburses losing trades for a time window—ideal for cautious traders

  • Strong Global Coverage

    Presence in South Africa and other African nations helps offer support options closer to Ugandan traders

  • Regulated by Multiple Jurisdictions

    Licenses from FSCA (SA), ASIC, CySEC, and others—strong track record in Africa

Why AvaTrade Falls Short

  • Higher Spread Costs

    Typical EUR/USD spreads start from 0.9 pips, less competitive for scalpers

  • Slower Withdrawals in East Africa

    Some users in Uganda report delays of up to 5 business days for withdrawals via local bank wire

AvaTrade | Best For: Ugandan beginners and copy traders looking for a risk-managed MT4 environment

Final Verdict: Is AvaTrade right for you?

Trade if:

  • You want built-in risk protection on MT4
  • You prefer trading with a broker experienced in African markets

Consider Alternatives:

  • You’re a spread-sensitive scalper or intraday trader
  • You need ultra-fast local withdrawals
Visit Broker
Accepts Ugandan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.90 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. AvaTrade Group regulated by CBI, ASIC, FSCA, BVI FSC & FSA.

Exness

Best For: Ugandan day traders needing high leverage and weekend trading on MT4

4.32
71.67 of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider

Min. Spread

0.1 pips

Regulation

JSC, CMA, FSA-Seychelles, FSC, B.V.I FSC, FSCA

Min. Deposit

USD 3

Platforms

Exness Terminal, MT5, MT4

Max Leverage

Unlimited:1

Why Exness Stands Out

  • Unlimited Leverage Option

    Exness offers unlimited leverage (conditions apply), ideal for traders with solid risk control

  • 24/7 Crypto & Weekend FX Trading

    MT4 supports crypto and forex even during weekends, giving more flexibility

  • Ultra-Low Minimum Deposit

    Start with just $3—perfect for Ugandan traders testing live MT4 strategies

  • Multi-lingual African Support

    Offers Swahili- and English-speaking support for East African users via chat & email

Why Exness Falls Short

  • High Risk of Over-Leveraging

    Unlimited leverage can be dangerous for beginners without risk management tools

  • MT4 Tools Are Basic

    No enhanced add-ons for MT4 like Smart Tools or plugins available from competitors

Exness | Best For: Ugandan day traders needing high leverage and weekend trading on MT4

Final Verdict: Is Exness right for you?

Trade if:

  • You want to start live trading with as little as $3
  • You need crypto or weekend trading on MT4

Consider Alternatives:

  • You lack experience managing high leverage
  • You need advanced MT4 tools and indicators
Visit Broker
Accepts Ugandan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.70 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage Unlimited:1. Islamic account available. MT4, MT5, Exness web trader platforms supported. Exness is regulated by CySEC, FCA, and the FSC.

HFM

Best For: Ugandan beginners and part-time traders who need rich educational content and flexible funding

4.43
72.90 of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider

Min. Spread

0.0 pips

Regulation

CMA, FSA-Seychelles, FSC, DFSA, FSCA, FCA

Min. Deposit

USD 0

Platforms

HFM Trading App, MT5, MT4

Max Leverage

2000:1

Why HFM Stands Out

  • Zero Deposit Requirement

    MT4 accounts can be opened with no upfront deposit—ideal for new or cautious traders

  • Strong African Presence

    HFM has FSCA (South Africa) licensing and runs educational seminars in Africa

  • Extensive MT4 Tutorials

    Beginner-friendly MT4 video guides tailored for African traders

  • Local Deposit Channels

    Supports Ugandan-friendly payment channels, including bank transfers and mobile money partners

Why HFM Falls Short

  • Average Spreads

    Spreads on EUR/USD start from 1.0 pips—higher than ultra-low-spread brokers

  • Account Tiers Add Complexity

    Many MT4 account types can confuse new traders about the best fit

HFM | Best For: Ugandan beginners and part-time traders who need rich educational content and flexible funding

Final Verdict: Is HFM right for you?

Trade if:

  • You’re a beginner looking for education and zero entry barriers
  • You want to deposit via Ugandan mobile money options

Consider Alternatives:

  • You’re a spread-sensitive scalper
  • You prefer simple account structures
Visit Broker
Accepts Ugandan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.00 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 2000:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. HF Markets Group regulated by the FSCA, FCA, FSC, CySEC and the DFSA.

IG

Best For: Ugandan professionals and institutional traders who want FCA oversight and premium execution on MT4

4.69
67 of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider

Min. Spread

0.6 pips

Regulation

BMA, CFTC, FINMA, FMA, BaFin, MAS, DFSA, FSA-Japan, FSCA, ASIC, FCA

Min. Deposit

USD 0

Platforms

TradingView, L2 Dealer, MT4

Max Leverage

30:1

Why IG Stands Out

  • FCA & JSE-Regulated

    One of the few brokers with both UK and South African licenses—great for fund security

  • Extensive Market Range

    Over 17,000 markets, including FX, indices, commodities—much wider than other MT4 brokers

  • Pro-Level MT4 Execution

    Smart routing technology for high-volume MT4 traders, no dealing desk intervention

  • Local Bank Withdrawals to Uganda

    Via SA office, allows faster bank withdrawals to major East African banks

Why IG Falls Short

  • No MT5 or Multi-Asset Platform

    Only offers MT4 and proprietary platforms—limits upgrades

  • Higher Entry Requirements for Pro Tools

    Advanced MT4 tools and analytics require higher deposits or Pro account

IG | Best For: Ugandan professionals and institutional traders who want FCA oversight and premium execution on MT4

Final Verdict: Is IG right for you?

Trade if:

  • You want access to global markets with strong regulation
  • You need premium MT4 execution quality

Consider Alternatives:

  • You’re looking for MT5 or TradingView support
  • You’re a beginner on a tight budget
Visit Broker
Accepts Ugandan Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.85 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. IG, MT4, TradingView, and L2 Dealer platforms supported. IG Group is regulated by FCA, ASIC, and the BMA. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
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What is MetaTrader 4 (MT4)?

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is the world’s most popular Forex trading platform. Known for its speed, reliability, and flexibility, MT4 offers advanced charting, custom indicators, and full support for automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs). It connects directly to your broker’s pricing and execution and is available on desktop, web, and mobile.

How MetaTrader 4 Works

MetaTrader 4 is a trading interface you install on desktop, open in a browser, or run on mobile. Your broker operates the MT4 server behind the scenes, connecting the platform to live pricing and handling every order request. When you open or close a trade, MT4 simply transmits the instruction—your broker determines how it’s executed.

What this means in practice:

  • MT4 is the platform; your broker controls spreads, execution, and available markets.
  • You log in using credentials supplied by your broker, not MetaQuotes.
  • The software is identical across brokers, but the trading experience varies widely depending on server quality and pricing.

Why MT4 Is Still So Popular

Released in 2005, MT4 remains the most widely used Forex trading platform thanks to a combination of speed, stability, and an unmatched ecosystem of trading tools.

Why Traders Continue Choosing MT4

  • Exceptional reliability: MT4 runs smoothly on most devices, even during volatile conditions.
  • Deep technical analysis tools: Advanced charting, multiple indicators, and custom templates support a wide range of strategies.
  • Unmatched customisation: Thousands of user-made indicators, scripts, and utilities extend the platform far beyond its standard tools.
  • Automated trading support: The MQL4 language powers one of the largest libraries of Expert Advisors (EAs) for algorithmic trading.
  • Widespread broker compatibility: Nearly every Forex broker offers MT4, making it easy to switch providers without learning a new platform.
  • Lightweight and fast: MT4 uses minimal system resources, ensuring quick loading and responsive execution.

For many traders, these strengths outweigh MT4’s dated interface and limited built-in features.

MT4 vs Other Platforms

While MT4 remains the dominant Forex platform, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView provide more modern features. The right choice depends on your trading style and asset preferences.

MT4 vs MT5

MT4 is ideal for Forex-only traders or those who rely on long-tested MQL4 EAs. MT5 suits traders who want multi-asset access, more timeframes, more order types, and faster backtesting.


Feature

MT4

MT5

Best For

Forex-only traders

Multi-asset traders

Programming

MQL4

MQL5 (faster, more flexible)

Timeframes

9

21

Pending Orders

4

6

Backtesting

Local, single-thread

Multi-thread + cloud

Interface

Dated

More modern

MT4 vs cTrader

cTrader offers a modern interface, superior built-in charting, and ECN-style execution. MT4 remains the better choice for traders who rely heavily on custom indicators, EAs, and established workflows.

MT4 vs TradingView

TradingView delivers industry-leading charting and a strong social community. MT4 excels at trade execution and automated trading. Many traders analyse on TradingView and execute trades on MT4 to combine the strengths of both platforms.

Which Should You Use?

  • Stick with MT4 if you already use MQL4 indicators or EAs.
  • Choose MT5 or cTrader if you want more asset classes and built-in tools.
  • Use TradingView for charting and MT4 for execution if you want the best of both.

Core MT4 Features and Charting Tools

Most traders spend their time in MT4’s charting window, which is a key reason for its lasting popularity.

  • Chart types: Candlestick, bar, and line charts with full customisation.
  • Timeframes: Nine built-in timeframes from 1-minute to 1-month.
  • Technical indicators: Dozens included by default (MA, RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands), plus thousands from the MT4 marketplace.
  • Drawing tools: Trendlines, channels, Fibonacci tools, and more for manual analysis.
  • Profiles and templates: Save complete chart setups and reuse them across instruments or accounts.

These tools allow traders to create a clean, efficient workspace suited to any strategy.

Getting Started with MT4

Setting up MetaTrader 4 is straightforward, and most brokers make the process beginner-friendly. A demo account is the safest way to learn the platform before trading real money.

1. Choose a Regulated MT4 Broker

Select a well-regulated broker offering tight spreads, fast execution, and strong oversight. Your broker—not MT4—determines your trading conditions.

2. Open a Demo or Live Account

A free MT4 demo account mirrors real market conditions and helps you practise placing trades, managing risk, and navigating the platform.

3. Download or Access MT4

MT4 is available in three main formats:

  • Desktop (Windows): Full functionality, including EAs and custom indicators.
  • WebTrader: Browser-based access with no installation required.
  • Mobile (Android): Ideal for monitoring and managing trades on the go.

Your broker will provide the correct download links and server settings.

4. Log In With Broker Credentials

MT4 accounts are created by your broker. Use the login details in the welcome email to connect your MT4 terminal.

5. Learn the Fundamentals

Get familiar with:

  • Switching chart types and timeframes
  • Adding indicators and drawing tools
  • Placing and modifying market and pending orders
  • Using stop-loss and take-profit levels
  • Saving templates and layouts

Practise on demo first. When going live, start small and scale up as your confidence grows.

Copy Trading on MT4

MT4 supports copy trading through its built-in Signals service and third-party integrations.

How copy trading works:

  1. Choose a verified signal provider based on performance and risk.
  2. Set your preferred lot size and risk parameters.
  3. MT4 automatically mirrors the provider’s trades in real time.
  4. Pause, adjust, or stop copying whenever you like.

Copy trading is useful for learning from experienced traders, but results are not guaranteed. Always review a provider’s history and risk profile.

Automated Trading with Expert Advisors (EAs)

Expert Advisors allow MT4 to run automated strategies written in MQL4. EAs can analyse markets, open trades, and manage positions without manual input.

Key EA features:

  • Write or customise EAs using MQL4.
  • Install free or paid EAs from the MT4 Marketplace.
  • Use MT4’s Strategy Tester to backtest strategies with historical data.
  • Run EAs continuously on your device or a VPS.

Automated trading requires supervision. Poorly designed EAs can be risky, and markets can behave unpredictably. Always test EAs on a demo account first.

Disadvantages of MT4

While MT4 is still the most widely used Forex trading platform, it has notable limitations:

  • Outdated design: The interface feels dated compared to MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.
  • Forex-focused: Limited native support for multi-asset trading.
  • No native Mac app: Requires workarounds or the web version on Mac.
  • Basic backtesting: Single-threaded testing is slower and less precise than MT5’s.
  • Fewer order types and timeframes: Restrictive for advanced strategy development.
  • Ecosystem shifting toward MT5: Many new tools are released in MQL5 only.
  • Minimal ongoing updates: MT4 receives limited development attention from MetaQuotes.

Costs of Using MT4

The MT4 software is free, but trading on it involves several broker-controlled costs:

  • Spreads: The difference between bid and ask; crucial for active traders.
  • Commissions: Common on ECN/raw accounts with tighter spreads.
  • Swap fees: Overnight financing costs, which may be positive or negative.
  • Non-trading fees: Withdrawal, inactivity, or currency conversion fees.
  • Optional extras: Paid EAs, premium indicators, VPS hosting, and data feeds.

Your total trading cost depends far more on your broker than on the platform itself.

How to Choose an MT4 Forex Broker

Since most brokers offer MT4, key differences come from regulation, pricing, and execution.

1. Regulation and Safety

Choose brokers regulated by authorities such as FCA, ASIC, CySEC, or MAS. Strong regulation ensures client-fund protection and transparent operations.

2. Trading Costs

Compare spreads, commissions, and swap rates—especially on the instruments you trade most.

3. Execution Quality

Execution is entirely broker-dependent. Look for stable, low-slippage execution on ECN, STP, or DMA-style accounts.

4. Account Types and Minimum Deposits

Select between Standard, Raw/ECN, micro/cent, or Islamic accounts based on your strategy and deposit size.

5. MT4 Enhancements

Some brokers offer upgraded MT4 tools, such as custom indicators, trading utilities, or VPS services.

6. Platform Access

Ensure the broker supports the MT4 formats you need—desktop (essential for EAs), WebTrader, and mobile.

Platform Availability: Desktop, Web, and Mobile

MT4 works across multiple devices, though each version offers different capabilities.

  • Desktop (Windows): Full MT4 functionality, including EAs, custom indicators, and backtesting.
  • Desktop (Mac): No native app; requires workarounds or the web version.
  • WebTrader: Accessible from any browser but does not support EAs or custom indicators.
  • Mobile (Android): Suitable for monitoring and simple trade management; not ideal for deep analysis.

The desktop version remains the most powerful and flexible option.

Final Thoughts

Despite its age, MetaTrader 4 remains the leading platform for retail Forex traders thanks to its stability, fast execution, and strong technical analysis tools. Its huge ecosystem of EAs, indicators, and community resources continues to set it apart from newer platforms.

However, MT4 is only as effective as the broker you use. Regulation, spreads, execution quality, and support ultimately determine your trading conditions. With a well-regulated broker and disciplined risk management, MT4 remains a reliable and versatile choice for traders of all experience levels in 2025.

"MetaTrader 4 is the most popular Forex trading platform in the world and has been for the last twenty years."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to the most common questions traders ask about the MT4 platform and its features.

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Chris Cammack

Partner Manager and Financial Writer

Chris Cammack

Chris Cammack is partner manager and senior financial writer at FxScouts, specialising in broker relations and forex market analysis. As the former Head of Content (2019–2024), he set editorial standards for all content published at FxScouts, including broker reviews, broker comparison pages and education.


With over a decade of experience in editorial management and partner relations, Chris builds and maintains our relationships with our partners to provide the best Forex trading experience for our users.


He also co-hosts the “Let’s Talk Forex” podcast with Alison Heyerdahl, where he explores trading strategies, industry news, and macroeconomic trends to help traders navigate the markets with confidence.


Alison Heyerdahl

Head of Content

Alison Heyerdahl
Alison joined the team as a writer in 2021. She is the Head of Content for FxScouts. She has a medical degree with a focus on physiotherapy and a bachelor's in psychology. However, her interest in Forex trading and her love for writing led her to switch careers. She has a passion for Forex trading and over a decade of editorial experience researching Forex and the financial services industry, producing high-quality content. She hosts a weekly podcast, "Let's Talk Forex", alongside Chris and has produced over 100 Forex educational videos for the FxScouts YouTube channel. She also writes weekly technical analyses and has tested and reviewed over 120 Forex brokers.

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Financial Writer

Stefan de Clerk
The newest member of our team, Stefan has a degree in Marketing and more than a decade of experience writing quality content in both finance and tech. Stefan's deep fascination with how factors like geopolitical events, big data and market sentiment influence the financial markets drives his passion for Forex trading. He believes that if you want to feel the pulse of the world economy, trade Forex, and if you want to trade Forex, you need well-researched, unbiased and objective information.

                

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