Platforms
What are the different trading platforms?
When starting trading wrapping your head around brokers, platforms and trading systems can all be a little confusing.
What are the different trading platforms?
What To Look For When Choosing a Trading Platform?
What is the best trading platform?
This is based on personal preference. Generally, MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are seen as more advanced trading platforms due to legacy and opinion-based,
Which trading platform is best for beginners?
How do I choose a trading platform?
What platforms do professional traders use?
Which platform is better?
Choosing the right trading platform is an important part of your trading.
There is no right or wrong platform – it depends on the features that you are seeking as well as your own experience of the platform itself.
In most cases, it is best to trial MetaTrader (MT4 or MT5) and cTrader to see for yourself where your preference is.
Comparison table of trading platforms
Compare Trading Platforms
Compare our most popular trading platforms MetaTrader 4 and cTrader side by side and see which platform is right for you.
| Developer | Spotware Systems | MetaQuotes Software |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 2011 | 2005 |
| Latest Release Date | 4 February 2017 | 17 December 2016 |
| Accessibility | Windows, Mac, | Windows, MAC |
| Browser Version | cTrader Web | WebTrader |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Smart Phone/ Tablet Version | ||
| ll trading instruments available | XNGUSD not available | |
| Expert Advisors (EA)/Automated Trading support | ||
| Strategy backtesting | ||
| Customisable Charting and Indicators | ||
| Adjustable session times | ||
| Depth of Market Functionality | ||
| Most common platform/largest number of resources | ||
| Advanced take-profit/stop-loss levels | ||
| Custom backgrounds | ||
| Access to historical data through the platform | ||
| Detachable charts for multiple monitors | ||
| Social/Copy Trading Functionality | ||
| Cloud-hosted profiles, templates and passwords |
ll trading instruments available XNGUSD not available
Expert Advisors (EA)/Automated Trading support
Strategy backtesting
Customisable Charting and Indicators
Adjustable session times
Depth of Market Functionality
Most common platform/largest number of resources
Advanced take-profit/stop-loss levels
Custom backgrounds
Access to historical data through the platform
Detachable charts for multiple monitors
Social/Copy Trading Functionality
Cloud-hosted profiles, templates and passwords
Ultimately, the two platforms may not be easily set apart.
We believe that users focused on EAs may be drawn to MT4 due to its wider availability, more online resources and larger online community.
Other traders may be drawn to cTrader by the greater ability to make modifications to the interface and more advanced order options.
We believe a large determinant in deciding the right platform for you is to consider your personal needs and what you think is most important.
Typically, most people go with the platform they are most comfortable with and is the most pleasing to look at.