MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are the undisputed giants in the retail trading space. While MT4 has been the industry standard for Forex for nearly two decades, MT5 is the technologically superior successor, built to handle multi-asset trading, including Stocks, Futures, and Cryptocurrencies.



As analysts from Backcom App, we understand that platform stability is the bedrock of successful algorithmic and high-frequency trading. Let’s dive into a comparison of the technical architecture and real-world performance of MT4 and MT5.



Technical Architecture: A Foundational Difference in Stability



The core difference in stability stems directly from how the two platforms were engineered.



MT4: The Proven, Lightweight Veteran



- Architecture: MT4 is a 32-bit, single-threaded application.

- Stability Advantage: Because it is older, simpler, and less resource-intensive, MT4 is incredibly lightweight and has a proven track record of stability over years of use solely for Forex. Its simplicity minimizes the potential for software conflicts and crashes.

- Stability Caveat: Single-threaded architecture means that if one process (like a heavy backtest or a complex EA) stalls, the entire platform can slow down or become unresponsive. It is also limited to processing fewer instruments (symbols) than MT5, which could become a stability issue for brokers offering a vast array of assets.



MT5: The Modern, Multi-threaded Powerhouse



- Architecture: MT5 is a 64-bit, multi-threaded platform.

- Stability Advantage: The multi-threaded nature is the key to its stability. MT5 can distribute different taskslike running multiple indicators, processing new market data, and executing orders—across different processor cores simultaneously. If one thread stalls, the core trading functions remain responsive. This makes it inherently more robust under heavy load.

- Performance: MT5 also boasts significant improvements in performance speed, utilizing an optimized codebase that results in faster execution and, critically for algorithmic traders, 5-10 times faster multi-currency backtesting.



Read more:

- https://www.ekdarun.com/forum/topic/94925/is-an-stp-broker-model-better-for-small-traders?

- https://www.pho-thong.com/forum/topic/36696/how-does-an-ecn-broker-execute-client-orders-quickly?



Stability in Modern Markets: Multi-Asset and Crypto Trading



The stability requirements for trading the decentralized Forex market are different from those required for trading exchange-based assets like stocks and cryptocurrencies.



Crypto and Multi-Asset Support



MT4 was not originally designed to handle the massive tick data and exchange execution required for non-Forex assets. MT5, however, was explicitly built to support:

1. Exchange Markets: Its structure properly handles the Depth of Market (DOM) and partial fill policies required for trading centralized assets.

2. Cryptocurrency: Trading Crypto CFDs demands immense processing power due to the 24/7 nature and frequent, high-volume price movements. MT5's multi-threaded, 64-bit design is simply better equipped to handle this continuous data stream with superior stability.



The MQL Language Difference



The programming languages also affect stability:

- MQL4 (MT4): Simpler, procedural. Vast library, but less flexible for building complex, stable trading systems.

- MQL5 (MT5): Object-oriented, better suited for developing advanced, scalable, and more stable Expert Advisors (EAs) that run on the multi-threaded architecture.



Backcom App's Verdict: Which Platform to Choose for Stability?



In a direct comparison of underlying architecture and capability under modern trading conditions, MT5 is technologically more stable and efficient than MT4.

- For the Pure Forex Trader: If you only trade major Forex pairs and rely on a simple, proven EA from the huge MT4 library, MT4 remains perfectly stable and reliable.

- For the Advanced / Multi-Asset Trader: If you trade Cryptocurrencies, want to diversify into stocks, require fast, multi-currency backtesting, or use complex, modern EAs, MT5 is the superior and more stable choice. Its multi-threaded architecture ensures that the platform performs reliably, even when conducting heavy analysis while simultaneously managing live positions.



Your choice should align with your trading scope. But from a purely technological standpoint, MT5 offers the superior foundation for long-term, high-performance stability.



Author: Takah Rahman