With so many new trading platforms popping up over the past decade, it’s fair to ask why so many traders are still sticking with MetaTrader 4?
It might seem outdated at first glance, but in 2025, MT4 remains the most widely used platform among retail forex traders worldwide. That’s not by accident.
Traders keep coming back to it for the same reasons they always have: speed, stability, execution, and the ability to tailor it to their style. Those strengths haven’t faded; in fact, they’ve become more valuable as platforms get more cluttered and over-engineered.
For forex and CFD traders especially, the MT4 trading platform has gone from legacy software to trusted workhorse. It’s not about nostalgia. It’s about a platform that’s kept pace with the people who use it and continues to deliver where it counts.
A Proven Framework That Hasn’t Needed Reinventing
Launched in 2005, MT4 was designed with forex trading in mind. It offered fast order execution, intuitive charting, and a lightweight interface that could run on virtually any computer… all features that made it an instant hit with self-directed traders.
Despite the launch of MetaTrader 5, which introduced additional asset support and some backend upgrades, many traders stuck with MT4. The reason? MT4 had already built a strong foundation, particularly in the forex and CFD space, and its upgrades didn’t feel like a clear win for those already embedded in the MT4 ecosystem.
Fast forward to today, and the story hasn’t changed much. MT4 still does what many traders need it to do without distraction, lag, or feature bloat.
Why Traders Still Choose MT4 in 2025
The decision to stick with MT4 in 2025 isn’t based on nostalgia. It’s based on practical, measurable benefits that continue to match the needs of retail traders in real-world conditions.
Execution Speed and Platform Efficiency
MT4 was built to be fast, and it still is. In an era where many platforms are weighed down by added layers of complexity, MT4 remains light and responsive. This matters during high-volatility moments when execution speed can make the difference between profit and slippage.
Traders focused on short-term setups, scalping, or breakout strategies often find MT4 faster to operate and less prone to delay during major news events.
EA Compatibility and Algorithmic Trading
One of MT4’s standout features has always been its support for Expert Advisors (EAs), automated trading scripts written in MQL4. The ecosystem around these tools is massive, with thousands of existing strategies available and a large community of developers continuing to build and refine them.
For traders who rely on automation, the stability of EA performance on MT4 is a major reason to keep using the platform. Many proprietary and third-party bots are still coded exclusively in MQL4, and migrating to another language or platform isn’t always worth the effort.
Strong Third-Party Ecosystem
Over the years, MT4 has developed a vast network of indicators, plugins, and analytics tools that extend far beyond what’s available natively. This flexibility gives traders the freedom to build highly customised setups without needing a brand-new interface or platform redesign.
Because the ecosystem is so well established, you’re rarely starting from scratch. Whether you’re looking for a volatility indicator, a trade journal plugin, or advanced backtesting tools, someone has already built it, and you can usually implement it without breaking the platform.
Comparing MT4 to Newer Platforms
While newer platforms often highlight features like multi-asset integration or expanded chart types, those additions don’t necessarily translate to better trading outcomes. For many in the retail space, MT4 offers a simpler, more focused experience that’s perfectly aligned with their actual trading activity.
Here’s where MT4 still excels:
- Clarity of interface – You’re not overwhelmed by tabs, widgets, or pop-ups
- Low system load – Can run multiple chart windows smoothly on modest hardware
- Precision tools – Strong native support for Fibonacci, trendlines, and basic indicators
- Trusted broker integration – Almost every major forex broker continues to support MT4 with full functionality
That last point matters. The fact that providers like ThinkMarkets still offer full MT4 compatibility signals just how much demand there still is from retail users, and how essential the platform remains to their trading habits.
MT4 and Mobile Trading
While MT4’s desktop application is its most powerful version, the mobile app still serves a huge segment of users who want to check positions, monitor price movement, or place quick trades on the go.
The app is fast, relatively lightweight, and doesn’t try to replicate a full charting environment, which is arguably a good thing. It allows traders to act, not overanalyse, when away from their main setup.
For time-sensitive alerts or basic order management, the mobile version of MT4 remains practical and dependable.
Use Cases That Keep MT4 Relevant
MT4 continues to dominate in specific trading styles where efficiency and simplicity matter more than multi-asset integration or flashy design.
These include:
- Forex scalping and short-term trading – Fast execution, clean charts, no bloat
- Algorithmic strategies using EAs – Built-in compatibility and community support
- Technical trading with custom indicators – Thousands of tried-and-tested tools
- Multi-account setups via MAM/PAMM – Widely supported by brokers, especially in fund or account management contexts
Many professional or semi-professional traders still use MT4 exclusively for these reasons. The platform’s flexibility allows them to stay focused without distractions, which is something that’s increasingly rare in an expanding marketplace.
Longevity Through Consistency
It’s easy to forget just how long MT4 has been in active use and how few platforms in the trading world have shown that kind of staying power. Its longevity isn’t an accident. It reflects how well the platform continues to meet the real needs of its user base.
Newer platforms may appeal to broader asset classes or introduce different types of UI, but MT4 has never tried to be everything to everyone. It’s built for focused trading, primarily forex and CFDs, and has done that job consistently for nearly two decades.
That kind of consistency builds trust. It’s why, even in 2025, many traders are still opening new MT4 accounts, downloading custom indicators, and building strategies that rely on its stable framework.
The Future of MT4
There’s been speculation for years about how long MT4 will remain supported. Regulatory changes, evolving broker infrastructure, and MetaQuotes’ own focus on MT5 have all contributed to rumours that MT4 might eventually fade.
But that hasn’t happened. And as long as the demand continues, from traders who value what MT4 delivers, it’s unlikely to disappear overnight.
Many brokers still actively invest in MT4 hosting, plugin support, and client onboarding. As long as the community stays strong and the platform remains stable, there’s little incentive for active traders to switch just for the sake of change.
FAQs
Is MT4 still supported by brokers in 2025?
Yes. Most major brokers continue to support MT4 due to ongoing demand. It remains fully functional for forex and CFD trading and is still offered as a standard option by many providers.
What’s the main difference between MT4 and MT5?
MT4 focuses primarily on forex and CFDs, with a simpler interface and support for MQL4-based Expert Advisors. MT5 offers multi-asset support and an updated backend, but it’s not a direct upgrade; it’s a different platform entirely.
Can I use automated strategies on MT4?
Absolutely. MT4 is well known for its support of Expert Advisors (EAs). Many traders use custom or third-party bots for automated trading directly within the platform.
Is MT4 good for beginners?
Yes, especially for those focused on forex. Its clean layout, ease of navigation, and huge library of tutorials make it accessible for new traders, while still offering the depth needed for more advanced strategies.
Will MT4 be phased out soon?
There’s no confirmed timeline. While some brokers are encouraging a shift to MT5, MT4’s continued popularity and active user base suggest it will remain available and supported for the foreseeable future.
