MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a widely used electronic trading platform for forex and CFD trading. Known for its powerful features, MT4 enhances the trading experience with advanced market analysis tools, automated trading capabilities through expert advisors (EAs), and seamless trade execution. The platform can be accessed via the official MetaTrader website or through brokers that support MT4.
As one of the most popular forex trading platforms, MT4 is trusted by millions of traders worldwide. While it is not open-source, it offers extensive customization options, allowing traders to enhance their strategies with various plugins and tools. Most brokers provide MT4 for free, making it an accessible choice for both beginners and experienced traders.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about MetaTrader 4, including its features, latest updates, and how to make the most of its capabilities. Keep reading to explore the full potential of MT4
History of the MetaTrader 4 Trading Platform
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) was developed by MetaQuotes Software, a Russian software company, and officially released in 2005. However, its origins date back to 2002, with several earlier versions leading up to MT4’s final launch after extensive research and development.
Between 2007 and 2010, MT4 underwent multiple updates, enhancing its functionality and expanding its reach. During this period, several top forex brokers integrated the platform, further driving its adoption. One of the key reasons behind MT4’s widespread popularity was its support for third-party expert advisors (EAs) and custom scripts, allowing traders to automate their strategies and enhance their trading experience.
Today, MetaTrader 4 remains a dominant force in forex trading, known for its reliability, flexibility, and powerful analytical tools.
MT4 Platform Features
From the beginning of MetaTrader 4, it had an immense amount of features that make them unique and popular. Additionally, over the years, they have developed more features, tools, and robots. We have researched about MT4 features and filter all the unique offering. The list provided below contains all the outstanding features.
User-Friendly Interface
One of MetaTrader 4’s biggest strengths is its user-friendly design. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, MT4 provides an intuitive interface that makes navigation easy. You can quickly monitor open positions, customize charts, and access essential tools from a single dashboard.
Additionally, the platform is available across multiple operating systems and devices, ensuring a seamless trading experience no matter where you are. Even if you’re new to MT4, it takes just a few minutes to familiarize yourself with its layout and functions.
Customization
MT4 offers unmatched customization options, making it one of the most adaptable trading platforms. Even without coding knowledge, traders can personalize the platform, modify settings, and tailor their workspace.
For those who want to go further, custom indicators and scripts can be created, allowing traders to fine-tune their strategies and enhance performance.
Advanced Charting Tools
While MT4’s charting capabilities may not be the most advanced on the market, they still provide strong analytical features to help traders make informed decisions.
Key charting features include:
- Nine timeframes for in-depth price analysis
- Three chart types: Candlestick, bar, and line charts
- Pre-installed technical indicators for easy market analysis
- The ability to add custom indicators and strategy testing tools
Trading System
The MetaTrader 4 platform comes equipped with a versatile trading system that supports multiple execution modes.
MT4 offers:
Instant execution with two market orders and four pending orders Two stop orders Trailing stop function Quick trading directly from the chart Tick chart feature for precise entry and exit points
Additionally, the latest MT4 updates now support exchange trading, with real-time market data, a built-in economic calendar, and advanced price movement insights.
Technical Analysis
If you’ve struggled with limited technical analysis tools on other platforms, MetaTrader 4 will be a game-changer.
Key analysis features:
- 9 timeframes to track price movements
- 30 built-in indicators
- 24 graphical tools for comprehensive market analysis
- The ability to spot trends, identify entry/exit points, and anticipate market moves
Security
MetaTrader 4 prioritizes high-level security for both traders and brokers. The platform uses encrypted data exchange between servers and client terminals, ensuring that your information remains protected. Additionally, MT4 supports RSA digital signatures for extra security, so you can trade with confidence.
Fast Execution Speed
Speed is crucial in trading, and MT4 delivers faster trade execution compared to many competitors. Unlike other platforms, MT4 doesn’t require third-party connections for exchanging protocols, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
Web Trading
No need to install software—MT4’s web trading allows you to trade directly from any browser, on any device or operating system, with the same security and encryption as the desktop version.
MT4 Web Trading Features: Trade from any browser Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux One-click trading Real-time market quotes via Market Watch Secure, encrypted data transfer Supports all order types 9 timeframes, 24 graphical tools, and 30 indicators Trading history access
Mobile Trading
For traders who are always on the go, MetaTrader 4’s mobile app (available for iOS and Android) provides full trading functionality from anywhere.
MT4 Mobile Features:
Full trading control, just like on desktop All order types and execution modes available Zoomable candlestick, bar, and line charts 9 timeframes for detailed analysis Forex news updates 24 analytical tools & 30 technical indicators Built-in chat function to communicate with other traders
Whether you’re on vacation or simply away from your computer, you can execute trades anytime, anywhere.
Algorithmic Trading (Auto Trading)
MetaTrader 4 supports algorithmic trading, which allows traders to use automated trading robots (Expert Advisors) to analyze market conditions and execute trades without manual intervention.
With the MQL4 programming language, traders can also create their own trading robots and strategies, making MT4 a powerful tool for automation and efficiency.
MetaTrader Market
MetaTrader 4 features its own built-in marketplace for forex trading applications, offering a vast selection of technical indicators and trading robots.
2,100+ technical indicators and 1,700+ trading robots Free and commercial downloads available Try products before purchasing Secure payment methods Ability to rent robots for short-term use
This marketplace makes it easy to find and test trading tools that fit your strategy.
Copy Trading – Trading Signals
Want to follow professional traders? MT4 offers copy trading, allowing you to automatically replicate the trades of experienced traders in real-time.
Unlike other platforms where manual copying is required, MT4 automates the entire process. With over 3,200 free trading signals available, you can choose the best strategy to suit your needs.
Best Forex broker for MT4 2025
With hundreds of brokers offering MetaTrader 4, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. To help traders find the best MT4 forex brokers, we follow a set of key criteria that ensures security, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
1. Regulation and Security
The first and most crucial factor is regulation. Trading with a regulated MT4 broker ensures that your funds are protected and that the broker operates under strict financial guidelines. Unregulated brokers pose significant risks, so we always verify licenses from authorities such as: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (UK) The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) (US) The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
2. Execution Speed
MT4 itself is known for its fast trade execution, but broker integration can sometimes cause delays. Slow execution speeds can lead to slippage, which can result in potential trading losses. That’s why we assess brokers based on: Server speed and stability Order execution time Latency and slippage rates
3. Deposit and Withdrawal Process
A good broker should have a seamless deposit and withdrawal system. We evaluate brokers based on:
Fast and hassle-free transactions Variety of payment methods (credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets) Transparent withdrawal policies
4. Transaction Costs (Spreads & Commissions)
While many brokers offer MetaTrader 4 for free, their commission and spread structures can vary significantly. Some brokers charge high commissions, while others offer low-cost trading with tighter spreads. We compare brokers based on: Spreads (fixed vs. variable) Commission rates Overnight swap fees
MT4 on Other Devices
MT4 trading offers a wide variety of devices. MT4 aimed to distribute for all and made it available for almost all the devices and operating systems. Download options for different devices are available on their website. MT4 Forex brokers are available for-
- Android
- iOS
- Linux
- Windows
- Mac
Advantages of Using MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
MetaTrader 4 is one of the most trusted and widely used trading platforms in the forex industry. Its reliability and powerful features make it a top choice for both traders and brokers.
Key Benefits of MT4:
Real-time market access – View live market prices and liquidity instantly. Comprehensive analysis tools – Offers a variety of technical and fundamental analysis indicators to assist traders. Multiple order types – Provides flexibility to execute various trading strategies efficiently. High-security standards – Ensures safe data transfers and transactions, protecting traders from cyber threats. Automated trading – Enables traders to use Expert Advisors (EAs) for hands-free trading, reducing manual effort.
Disadvantages of MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
While MT4 is a powerful and versatile platform, it does have a few limitations:
Limited timeframe customization – Although MT4 offers 9 preset timeframes, traders cannot create custom timeframes. Occasional bugs – Despite continuous improvements, minor glitches may still appear from time to time. No new broker licenses since 2018 – MetaQuotes stopped issuing new MT4 licenses, so traders with newer brokers might not have access to MT4.
Customer Support
They provide support from 10 different countries. When it comes to customer support, MT4 provides prompt customer support for the traders and MetaTrader 4 brokers. However, they have everything on their platform, and you may not need to contact them. Instead, if you face any problems contacting your MT4 broker first might get you the solution.
