Top-Rated MetaTrader 4 (MT4) Brokers In 2026

Since launching in 2005, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) has become a favorite with active traders thanks to its excellent charting, customization, automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), and widespread support from brokers.

Delve into DayTrading.com’s pick of the best MT4 brokers. Every provider has been tested by our expert team, which includes experienced traders who have spent countless hours developing their own MetaTrader algorithms.

6 Top-Rated MetaTrader 4 Brokers

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As of our latest tests in October 2026, we've evaluated 143 brokers and found these 6 best for trading on MT4:

Tested with a live trading account Accepts traders from Switzerland Your capital is at risk. Trade only with funds you can afford to lose.

1. Our top pick in Switzerland
   1

   AvaTrade

   4.9/ 5

   Visit AvaTrade Read review
   • Demo account
   • Min. deposit: $100
   • Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
2. 2

   Eightcap

   4.6/ 5

   Visit Eightcap Read review
   • Demo account
   • Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSC, SCB, FSA
   • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradeLocker
   71.28% of retail traders lose money when trading CFDs
3. 3

   Fusion Markets

   4.6/ 5

   Visit Fusion Markets Read review
   • Demo account
   • Regulator: ASIC, VFSC, FSA
   • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade
4. 4

   XM

   4.8/ 5

   Visit XM Read review
   • Demo account
   • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
   • Min. deposit: $5
5. 5

   Trade Nation

   4.4/ 5

   Visit Trade Nation Read review
   • Demo account
   • Regulator: FCA, ASIC, CMVM , FSCA, SCB, FSA
   • Platforms: TN Trader, MT4, TradingView
6. 6

   IC

   4.8/ 5

   Visit IC Read review
   • Demo account
   • Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
   • Min. deposit: $200

Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.

Why Are These The Brokers With The Best MT4 Integration?

Here is why we think these are the top MT4 brokers:

1. AvaTrade is the top-rated MT4 broker in Switzerland in 2026 4.9/5 When we tested AvaTrade’s MT4, execution was really stable but slightly slower than average, with spreads from 0.9 pips and no commission. The platform supports micro accounts and offers solid EA automation. Mobile MT4 was responsive, and AvaTrade includes proprietary tools like AvaProtect for risk management, enhancing the standard MT4 toolkit.
2. Eightcap 4.6/5 During testing, Eightcap’s MT4 provided rapid execution, spreads from 0.0 pips on Raw account, and a $3.50 per side commission per standard lot, totaling approximately 0.76 pips all-in cost. Platform supports micro lots and offers seamless EA automation. Mobile MT4 was responsive, and integration of Capitalise.ai enabled code-free algorithmic trading.
3. Fusion Markets 4.6/5 In our tests, Fusion Markets’ MT4 impressed with ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips plus $7 per lot commission on ECN accounts. Execution was fast and reliable, ideal for scalpers and EAs. The platform supports micro lots, automation, and mobile trading. While add-ons are minimal, the core MT4 experience is smooth and cost-effective.
4. XM 4.8/5 Throughout our tests, XM’s MT4 delivered reliable execution with spreads from 0.6 pips on majors and no commission on standard accounts. The platform supports micro lots, extensive custom indicators, and seamless EA automation. The mobile version is stable, while XM’s proprietary add-ons enhance trade management and market analysis beyond vanilla MT4 features.
5. Trade Nation 4.4/5 When we used Trade Nation’s MT4, it delivered the full charting package, indicators and drawing tools that we're used to seeing. Full EA automation worked well; mobile MT4 was stable. While MT4 excludes some instruments compared to their TN-Trader platform, copy-trading can be enabled via the “TradeCopier” add-on.
6. IC 4.8/5 When we tested IC’s MT4, execution was consistently among the fastest we've seen - ideal for high-frequency strategies. Spreads averaged 0.1 pips on EUR/USD with a $7 per lot commission. EA automation, VPS integration, and advanced tools like Depth of Market made the platform a standout for serious algo traders.

Compare The Top-Rated MT4 Brokers On Key Attributes

Find the right MT4 broker for you with our comparison of key features:

Compare The Top-Rated MT4 Brokers On Key Attributes

Broker	MT4 Integration	Instruments	Regulators
AvaTrade	✔Yes	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures	ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct)
Eightcap	✔Yes	CFDs in Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto	FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSC, SCB, FSA
Fusion Markets	✔Yes	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto	ASIC, VFSC, FSA
XM	✔Yes	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies	CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, SCA, FSA, FSC-Belize, FSC-Mauritius, CMA-Kenya, CMA-UAE
Trade Nation	✔Yes	CFDs, Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting (UK and Ireland only), Cryptos (Bahamas entity only)	FCA, ASIC, CMVM , FSCA, SCB, FSA
IC	✔Yes	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto	ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya

How Safe Are These MT4 Brokers?

How reliable are the top MT4 brokers and do they have features that help protect your funds?

How Safe Are These MT4 Brokers?

Broker	Trust Rating	Guaranteed Stop Loss	Negative Balance Protection	Segregated Accounts
AvaTrade	4.5 / 5	✘No	✔Yes	✔Yes
Eightcap	4.3 / 5	✘No	✔Yes	✔Yes
Fusion Markets	4.1 / 5	✘No	✔Yes	✔Yes
XM	4.5 / 5	✘No	✔Yes	✔Yes
Trade Nation	4.3 / 5	✘No	✔Yes	✔Yes
IC	4.6 / 5	✘No	✔Yes	✔Yes

Mobile MT4 Trading Comparison

Are these brokers good for trading on MT4 from mobile?

Mobile MT4 Trading Comparison

Broker	Mobile Apps	iOS Rating	Android Rating	Smart Watch App
AvaTrade	iOS & Android	4.3 / 5	4.0 / 5	✘No
Eightcap	iOS & Android	4.8 / 5	4.4 / 5	✘No
Fusion Markets	iOS & Android	4.8 / 5	4.4 / 5	✘No
XM	iOS, Android & Windows	4.7 / 5	3.9 / 5	✘No
Trade Nation	iOS & Android	4.5 / 5	4.5 / 5	✘No
IC	iOS & Android	3.1 / 5	4.2 / 5	✘No

Are The Top MT4 Brokers Suitable For Beginners?

Traders new to MT4 should use brokers that allow trading with virtual money (a demo account) alongside other features that beginners will benefit from.

Are The Top MT4 Brokers Suitable For Beginners?

Broker	Demo Account	Minimum Deposit	Minimum Trade	Education Rating	Support Rating
AvaTrade	✔Yes	$100	0.01 Lots	4.5 / 5	4.3 / 5
Eightcap	✔Yes	$100	0.01 Lots	3.5 / 5	4.0 / 5
Fusion Markets	✔Yes	$0	0.01 Lots	3.0 / 5	4.5 / 5
XM	✔Yes	$5	0.01 Lots	4.8 / 5	4.9 / 5
Trade Nation	✔Yes	$0	0.1 Lots	4.2 / 5	4.9 / 5
IC	✔Yes	$200	0.01 Lots	3.5 / 5	4.5 / 5

Compare Advanced Trader Features

Are these brokers with MT4 integration suitable for advanced traders?

Compare Advanced Trader Features

Broker	Automated Trading	VPS	AI	Pro Account	Leverage	Low Latency	Extended Hours
AvaTrade	Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader	✘No	✔Yes	✔Yes	1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)	✔Yes	✘No
Eightcap	Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader	✔Yes	✘No	✘No	1:500	✔Yes	✘No
Fusion Markets	Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader	✔Yes	✘No	✘No	1:500	✔Yes	✘No
XM	Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader	✔Yes	✔Yes	✘No	1:1000	✔Yes	✘No
Trade Nation	Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader	✘No	✘No	✘No	1:30 (FCA, CMVM, ASIC), 1:200 (FSCA, SCB), 1:500 (FSA)	✘No	✘No
IC	Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade	✔Yes	✘No	✘No	1:5000	✔Yes	✘No

Compare The Ratings Of Top MT4 Brokers

Discover how the top MT4 brokers stack up in key areas from our hands-on tests.

Compare The Ratings Of Top MT4 Brokers

Broker	Trust	Platforms	Assets	Mobile	Fees	Accounts	Research	Education	Support
AvaTrade	4.5 / 5	4.3 / 5	4.5 / 5	4.2 / 5	3.8 / 5	4.3 / 5	4.3 / 5	4.5 / 5	4.3 / 5
Eightcap	4.3 / 5	4.3 / 5	3.6 / 5	4.6 / 5	3.8 / 5	4.0 / 5	3.5 / 5	3.5 / 5	4.0 / 5
Fusion Markets	4.1 / 5	4.0 / 5	3.5 / 5	4.6 / 5	4.4 / 5	4.2 / 5	3.5 / 5	3.0 / 5	4.5 / 5
XM	4.5 / 5	4.8 / 5	4.5 / 5	4.3 / 5	4.0 / 5	4.5 / 5	4.3 / 5	4.8 / 5	4.9 / 5
Trade Nation	4.3 / 5	3.9 / 5	3.7 / 5	4.5 / 5	4.3 / 5	4.2 / 5	3.9 / 5	4.2 / 5	4.9 / 5
IC	4.6 / 5	4.0 / 5	4.1 / 5	3.7 / 5	4.6 / 5	4.0 / 5	4.0 / 5	3.5 / 5	4.5 / 5

Compare Fees For Trading On MT4

The cost of trading on MT4 with a broker will add up over time.

Compare Fees For Trading On MT4

Broker	Cost Rating	Fixed Spreads	Inactivity Fee
AvaTrade	3.8 / 5	✔Yes	$50
Eightcap	3.8 / 5	✘No	$0
Fusion Markets	4.4 / 5	✘No	$0
XM	4.0 / 5	✘No	$5
Trade Nation	4.3 / 5	✔Yes	$0
IC	4.6 / 5	✘No	$0

Community Sentiment

See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Community Sentiment

Broker	Our Users' Rating	Trustpilot Score	Trustpilot Reviews	iOS App Rating	Android App Rating
AvaTrade	4.3 / 5	4.8 / 5	13597	4.3 / 5	4.0 / 5
Eightcap	4.0 / 5	4.1 / 5	3907	4.8 / 5	4.4 / 5
Fusion Markets	3.6 / 5	4.8 / 5	10175	4.8 / 5	4.4 / 5
XM	4.6 / 5	2.0 / 5	3132	4.7 / 5	3.9 / 5
Trade Nation	4.0 / 5	4.4 / 5	2166	4.5 / 5	4.5 / 5
IC	4.3 / 5	3.0 / 5	2	3.1 / 5	4.2 / 5

How Popular Are These MT4 Brokers?

Some traders prefer the most popular MT4 brokers, i.e those with the most clients.

• XM 20,000,000
• AvaTrade 400,000
• IC 200,000
• Fusion Markets 100,000
• Eightcap 80,000

Why Trade On MT4 With AvaTrade?

4.9/ 5

Visit AvaTrade AvaTrade review

AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets.

AvaTrade quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures

Regulator

ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct)

Platforms

WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade

Minimum Deposit

$100

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ZAR

Pros

• The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
• Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
• Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.

Cons

• AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
• The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
• While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.

Visit AvaTrade AvaTrade review

Why Trade On MT4 With Eightcap?

4.6/ 5

Visit Eightcap Eightcap review

Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row.

Eightcap quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs in Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Regulator

FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSC, SCB, FSA

Platforms

MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradeLocker

Minimum Deposit

$100

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

• Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title for 2025 and 'Best TradingView Broker' for 2025.
• After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.
• Eightcap Challenges, the broker's prop trading firm, is multi-regulated, removing the third-party risks we commonly see with white-label prop firms, and its tailoring its funded accounts to crypto traders with around 150 crypto pairs, plus it's integrated into the TradingView interface.

Cons

• Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of 800+ instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
• Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
• The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.

Visit Eightcap Eightcap review

Why Trade On MT4 With Fusion Markets?

4.6/ 5

Visit Fusion Markets Fusion Markets review

Fusion Markets is a standout option for forex traders looking for excellent pricing with spreads near zero, industry-low commissions and recently TradingView integration. It’s a particularly good broker for Australian traders where the company is headquartered and regulated by the ASIC.

Fusion Markets quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Regulator

ASIC, VFSC, FSA

Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade

Minimum Deposit

$0

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

• Fusion Markets is set up to support algo traders with a sponsored VPS solution and a 25% discount if you opt for the NYC Servers VPS for MT4 or cTrader.
• Fusion Markets continues to impress with its pricing that provides tight spreads with below-average commissions that will appeal to active day traders.
• Withdrawal processing times have been slashed to under an hour and can be processed 24/7, making it faster and easier for active traders to withdraw any gains.

Cons

• Fusion Market trails alternatives, notably IG, in the education department with limited guides and live video sessions to upskill new traders.
• While the selection of currency pairs trumps most rivals, the broker's alternative investment offering is average with no stock CFDs beyond the US.
• The demo account expires after 30 days, limiting its potential as a useful trading tool alongside a real-money account.

Visit Fusion Markets Fusion Markets review

Why Trade On MT4 With XM?

4.8/ 5

Visit XM XM review

With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years.

XM quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies

Regulator

CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, SCA, FSA, FSC-Belize, FSC-Mauritius, CMA-Kenya, CMA-UAE

Platforms

MT4, MT5, TradingCentral

Minimum Deposit

$5

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, ZAR

Pros

• XM secured a category 5 license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates in late 2025, strengthening its regulatory credentials and making it a strong option for traders in the Middle East.
• XM’s growing roster of 1,400+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
• XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.

Cons

• Although trusted and generally well-regulated in some regions, XM also has global entities registered with the weak regulators like FSC (Belize) and FSA (Seychelles), whilst UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
• XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
• XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader, which is favored over MetaTrader by some serious traders for its smoother user experience and superior charting package.

Visit XM XM review

Why Trade On MT4 With Trade Nation?

4.4/ 5

Visit Trade Nation Trade Nation review

Trade Nation suits discretionary traders who want to speculate on major indices like the US 500 or liquid FX pairs, and want the predictable all-in costs of fixed spreads. In tests, we found the fixed-spread TN Trader environment particularly useful for trading around scheduled economic releases owing to its reliable charting environment and because published spreads stayed capped.

Trade Nation quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting (UK and Ireland only), Cryptos (Bahamas entity only)

Regulator

FCA, ASIC, CMVM , FSCA, SCB, FSA

Platforms

TN Trader, MT4, TradingView

Minimum Deposit

$0

Minimum Trade

0.1 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK

Pros

• In testing of the TN Trader account under normal market conditions, fixed spreads held while fills were prompt on major forex pairs, with a slight drift in the entry level as price ticked between click and fill.
• Trade Nation accounts can now be linked with TradingView, providing advanced multi-charts and the ability to execute trades directly.
• Trade Nation's 2026 partnership with Volt has sped up payments for Australian traders, who can now make instant deposits and withdrawals using PayID, with the faster payout capabilities planned for clients in the UK and EU.

Cons

• Withdrawals can take up to five business days, which is around the industry average but slower than the 1-3 days we’re increasingly seeing brokers offer in an attempt to quash withdrawal complaints from retail investors.
• The 2–20% rebate scheme is closed to FCA, CMVM, and ASIC clients, meaning active day traders in these regions who would benefit from transaction rebates cannot claim them.
• Offshore SCB and FSA entities allow retail clients up to 1:200 and 1:500 leverage compared to 1:30 in regions like the UK, Europe and Australia, so an FSA client can have 16 times the exposure of a UK retail client on the same trade, but with less oversight and no compensation scheme.

Visit Trade Nation Trade Nation review

Why Trade On MT4 With IC?

4.8/ 5

Visit IC IC review

IC (formerly IC Markets) offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders.

IC quick facts

Demo Account

✔Yes

Instruments

CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto

Regulator

ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya

Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower

Minimum Deposit

$200

Minimum Trade

0.01 Lots

Account Currencies

USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

• IC offers fast and dependable 24/7 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
• IC secured DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its seamless, industry-leading MetaTrader integration, refined over years to maximize the platform experience.
• You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.

Cons

• Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
• There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
• Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.

Visit IC IC review

How Did We Pick The Top-Rated MT4 Brokers?

To compile a list of the top-rated brokers that support MT4, we:

How To Choose A MetaTrader 4 Broker

There are six key questions to ask yourself when choosing a broker with access to MetaTrader 4:

1. Does the broker support MT4 on your preferred device?

Almost every brokerage we’ve assessed supports the downloadable desktop client, web-accessible terminal, or iOS and Android-friendly mobile app. However, consider your needs:

• Desktop: Ideal for advanced traders needing full features, customization and offline access to historical data. It also has superior speeds because it directly connects to the broker’s servers.
• Web: Suitable for beginners, but lacks custom indicators and automated trading. It may also have slower speeds that could impact fast-paced strategies like day trading.
• Mobile: Great for the growing class of on-the-go traders. The app has been downloaded over 10 million times, although the Android version gets slightly higher user ratings than its Apple counterpart.

2. Does the broker support your desired instruments on MT4?

While all MT4 brokers offer forex trading, some increasingly provide additional asset classes like stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto.

Check available instruments before funding an account, as some brokers (eg AvaTrade) may not offer specific products like options trading on MT4.

3. Does the broker offer low trading fees?

Look for brokers with tight spreads and low or zero commissions, especially if you’re a day trader dealing in high volumes. However, be aware that some brokers may offer wider spreads on MT4 than on their proprietary platforms.

ECN MT4 brokers like Pepperstone are great for low fees, with spreads starting at 0.0 and 25%+ rebate programs for active traders.

4. Does the broker provide an MT4 demo account?

Most brokers offer MT4 demo accounts, letting you test strategies risk-free. These typically last 14-30 days and come with $10,000-$100,000 in virtual funds.

If you need ongoing access to MT4 demo mode, brokers like IC Markets offer unlimited paper trading as long as you’re active.

5. Is the broker trustworthy?

Not all MT4 brokers are regulated by reputable authorities, which increases the risk of you falling victim to trading scams and can limit access to safeguards like negative balance protection.

6. Does the broker offer unique MT4 add-ons?

Some brokers provide a superior MT4 trading experience with extra features to inform trading decisions.

For example, Pepperstone offers 28 indicators and EAs through its MT4 Smart Trader Tools.

Getting Started With MT4

Download our free MetaTrader 4 Tutorial PDF.

I’ve spent a lot of time over the years trading on MT4. My verdict? MT4 is a solid platform for traders at all levels. Its balance of power and simplicity is one reason it’s stood the test of time. From advanced charting and analysis to automated trading, it offers everything you need to be successful in today’s fast-paced markets.

Drawing on my direct experience with MT4, I’ll walk you through its key features, how you can customize it to fit your style, and share tips to help you get up and running smoothly.

Downloading And Installing

Getting MT4 up and running is pretty straightforward:

• Go to the official MetaTrader 4 website or your broker’s site to download the platform.
• Run the installer and follow the instructions.
• Once installed, open MT4 and log in with your trading account details.

You’ll then be presented with your platform in default form, which will look something like the one below. The standard settings can vary slightly depending on the broker you use to open your MT4 account.

Navigating The Platform

• Market Watch: This is where you’ll see live prices for all the instruments you can trade – right-click on an asset to open a chart or place an order.
• Navigator: This window gives you quick access to your accounts, indicators, Expert Advisors, and scripts.
• Terminal: This is your command centre for monitoring trades, account history, and alerts.

The Terminal option below is your go-to place to start when your account is opened and when you log in to your MT4 platform. Here, you can pick up mail, see messages from your broker, check out relevant articles, read news, click on strategy ideas, and see all your trading activity.

Get familiar with the icons at the top of the platform navigation. They serve as shortcuts to many features and options.

Placing Your First Trade

Ready to make a day trade? Here’s how you do it:

• Open a chart by right-clicking on an instrument in the Market Watch window.
• Press F9 or click “New Order” to bring up the trading window.
• Set your order type, stop loss, take profit and lot size, then hit “Buy” or “Sell.”

Once you get more confident with your trading plan, strategies, and platform, you can use one-click trading after you’ve set up your trading parameters. Just right-click a chart, and the menu below appears.

Customizing The Platform

Once you familiarize yourself with the basics, you can dive deeper into customization. Set up hotkeys, adjust chart settings, or add indicators that match your trading style.

MT4 gives you the freedom to make the platform truly yours.

Key Features For Active Traders

Market Watch And Charting

When you first open MT4, you’ll notice the “Market Watch” window on the left side.

This is where you can keep track of live prices for various instruments, whether you’re into forex, commodities, or CFDs. But that’s just a start on how personalized you can make it happen with the charts.

MT4 gives you several chart types, including candlesticks, bars, and lines, so you can visualize price movements however you prefer.

You can also break down the charts by timeframes, ranging from one minute to one month, which helps you spot trends whether you’re scalping or holding for longer.

Technical Indicators And Analysis Tools

MT4 comes loaded with 30 built-in indicators, such as Moving Averages, RSI, MACD, and Bollinger Bands.

If you want to get deep into the technicals, you can add custom indicators; thousands are free, or you can even code your own if you know MQL4.

These tools help with analyzing the market and making decisions. For example, combining the RSI with a Moving Average can help you spot potential reversal points or confirm trends.

The indicators are listed on the right-hand side of the platform under an icon with a green plus sign. Click it, and the various indicator groupings, such as trend indicators, will appear in a drop-down menu.

Automated Trading With Expert Advisors (EAs)

One of MT4’s standout features is automated trading using Expert Advisors (EAs). These are essentially bots that can execute trades based on your strategy without needing you to monitor the market 24/7.

You can either write your own EAs, download free ones, or purchase more advanced options from the MT4 marketplace. This is a huge benefit for traders who want to diversify their strategies or run multiple systems simultaneously.

To find examples of scripts (EAs) you can experiment with, simply roll over the view button, select navigator and the menu will appear.

Order Types And Execution

MT4 offers different order types, making it flexible for all kinds of traders. Whether you want to jump into a trade right now or set up an order for later, you have options:

• Market Orders let you trade instantly at the current price.
• Pending Orders let you set up future trades at your desired price (like buy limits or sell stops).
• Stop Orders automatically close your position if it hits a certain level.
• Trailing Stops move your stop loss as the price moves in your favour, helping lock in profits without manual adjustments.

Click the new order icon at the top of the navigation to place an order. You’ll then be able to select from a list of all the currency pairs your broker offers.

Trading Signals And Copy Trading

MT4 also has a built-in “Trading Signals” feature that allows you to follow and copy trades from experienced traders. This feature is super helpful if you’re just starting out or don’t have the time to stay glued to your screen.

You can access this service by clicking the help button in the nav. You then see a drop-down menu that lists several MQL5 topics. Market and signals are listed there.

You can choose from thousands of signals, and expert advisors in a marketplace in which experienced traders will share their code; some charge, and some don’t.

Customization Options

Custom Indicators And Scripts

One of the coolest things about MT4 is how customizable it is. You can add custom indicators and scripts to fit your specific trading style.

Workspace Layouts

MT4 allows you to create and save different workspace layouts. You can set up multiple chart layouts for various strategies and easily switch between them.

If you want the four most traded currency pairs horizontally on your chart, you can save your layouts; simply click file and click profiles. Or click the chart icon at the end of the top nav bar and choose save template.

Custom Timeframes

While MT4 has nine default timeframes, you can add custom ones if you need even more precision. There are ways to tweak the settings or use custom scripts to achieve this.

Chart Themes And Templates

MT4’s charts are fully customizable. You can change colours and themes and even save templates for future use.

Should I Use MT4 Or MT5?

For beginners or those primarily interested in forex trading, MetaTrader 4 is the obvious choice. If you’re an advanced trader wanting additional, sophisticated tools, you may prefer MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of MT4 and MT5 so you can see where they differ:

Bottom Line

MetaTrader 4’s enduring popularity comes from its blend of power, flexibility, and ease of use. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, MT4 offers advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs) and copy trading, making it versatile for different strategies.

One of the biggest reasons MT4 remains a top choice is its approachability. It offers a comprehensive range of features without overwhelming users, and its clean, user-friendly interface means that traders can start placing trades right out of the gate.

Plus, the platform’s customizability ensures that as active traders grow and refine their strategies, MT4 can grow with them.

Add in the large, active community that continuously develops custom indicators, scripts, and strategies, and you’ve got a platform that stays relevant year after year.

So despite increasing competition from the newer and more advanced MetaTrader 5, plus competitors like cTrader and TradingView, MT4’s ability to offer professional-grade tools while remaining accessible to active traders of all levels makes it a front-runner in the day trading world.

To find the right provider for your needs, turn to our rankings of the highest-rated MT4 brokers for day trading.

FAQ

Is MetaTrader 4 A Broker?

MetaTrader 4 is not a broker. It is an electronic trading platform licensed to online brokers. The brokerages then offer the platform to their traders.

How Does MetaTrader 4 Work?

MetaTrader 4 facilitates access to financial markets through its online trading platform. The platform is split between a client and a server module. The server component is licensed to MT4 brokers while the client portal is used by the broker’s clients.

Is MetaTrader 4 Free At Online Brokers?

MetaTrader 4 is free to download and use. However, you’ll pay the usual fees when you place trades, such as spreads, commissions and overnight fees (you can avoid these if you day trade).

We’ve observed some brokers offering wider spreads on MT4 than on their proprietary platforms, so investigate the cost structure before signing up.

Is MetaTrader 4 Safe To Use?

MetaTrader 4 is a relatively secure platform that uses 128-bit encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA) and data segregation. However, online trading itself is risky.

Only risk what you can afford to lose and pick an MT4 broker regulated by a trusted body according to DayTrading.com’s Regulation & Trust Rating.

Is MetaTrader 4 Available For Prop Trading?

The availability of MT4 at proprietary trading firms has been greatly reduced following a crackdown by MetaQuotes in 2024. MetaQuotes forced many forex brokers to terminate “grey-labeling” agreements with prop firms. The crackdown primarily hit firms onboarding US clients due to strict regulatory limits on retail CFDs, which are banned in the US.