FTMO Global Platforms: MT4 vs MT5 vs cTrader vs DXtrade (Which to Pick?)
Last verified: August 28, 2025 · Built for 2026 searches
Quick comparison
| Platform | Best for | Standout strengths | Key limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 | Legacy EAs; lightweight discretionary FX & indices | Massive third-party ecosystem, simple UI, low resource usage | Older tester; fewer order types than MT5; development focus has shifted toward MT5 |
| MT5 | Multi-asset traders; advanced algos/backtests | Depth of Market, more pending order types, economic calendar, multi-threaded strategy tester & optimizations | MQL5 is not drop-in compatible with many old MQL4 EAs—migration/refactor may be required |
| cTrader | Manual traders who want a clean DOM/ladder feel; C# coders (cAlgo) | Excellent Depth of Market views, detachable charts, native C# automation (cTrader Automate) | Smaller third-party marketplace than MetaTrader (though native tools are strong) |
| DXtrade | Web-first traders; quick setup without installs | Browser-based, modern UI, handy watchlists & instrument info; strong broker-side risk controls | Newer retail ecosystem; algorithmic tooling is more limited than MT5/cTrader |
MT4: the evergreen workhorse
Who it’s for: discretionary FX/indices traders who value speed and simplicity; traders running proven legacy EAs that don’t require MT5’s tester features.
Strengths
- Light resource footprint with a familiar UI many traders can drive blindfolded.
- Huge library of indicators/EAs and tutorials; quick to customize layouts and alerts.
- Stable for basic discretionary trading and straightforward EA deployment.
Trade-offs
- Older strategy tester—fine for basic checks but far behind MT5’s optimization engine.
- Fewer built-in order types; advanced workflow often relies on add-ons.
- If you’re starting fresh, you’ll likely get more longevity moving to MT5.
Setup tips
- Download from FTMO’s official portal; ensure you select the correct FTMO server in the login window.
- Back up your templates/profiles periodically; MT4 custom setups are easy to lose during updates or migrations.
- Map platform time to your local session schedule to avoid surprises at rollover.
MT5: modern multi-asset with a powerhouse tester
Who it’s for: traders who need more order types, better DOM, and serious backtesting/optimization; multi-asset traders; quant-inclined teams.
Strengths
- Additional pending orders (e.g., buy stop limit / sell stop limit) and DOM improve entry precision.
- Multi-threaded Strategy Tester and optimization enable faster model iteration; supports multi-currency testing and robust reports.
- Economic calendar and richer order attributes built in; long-term development focus remains on MT5.
Trade-offs
- MQL5 differs from MQL4; many legacy EAs require refactoring or re-purchase in MQL5.
- Because it does more, MT5 can feel busier—plan your workspace thoughtfully and save profiles for news vs. swing sessions.
Setup tips
- Install, then search for the FTMO server if it doesn’t appear on first pass.
- Use separate data folders per account type to keep configurations clean.
- Run small benchmark backtests to confirm tester agents and optimize CPU usage.
cTrader: clean UI and serious manual execution (plus C# automation)
Who it’s for: manual traders who want a polished interface and advanced Depth of Market; developers who prefer C# for algos.
Strengths
- Excellent DOM (Standard/Ladder), quick order staging, and detachable charts for multi-monitor setups.
- cTrader Automate (cAlgo) uses C#—ideal for .NET devs; good documentation for market data/market depth.
- Thoughtful UI details: hotkeys, advanced order panels, and easy workspaces.
Trade-offs
- Smaller marketplace than MetaTrader; some third-party tools may need porting.
- Backtest/optimize tooling is solid but the community scale is smaller than MT5’s.
Setup tips
- Start with a clean workspace—chart templates for London/NY sessions and one ladder DOM for your main symbol.
- If coding, scaffold a small Automate bot to log depth/latency so you can baseline fills by session.
- Watch Trading Updates for cTrader-specific weekend maintenance windows.
DXtrade: web-first convenience with modern risk UX
Who it’s for: traders who value fast access across devices, minimal installs, and a clean browser-based interface.
Strengths
- Runs in the browser with modern UX, handy instrument info, and quick watchlist management.
- Broker-side emphasis on uptime and risk controls; great when traveling or switching devices.
- Excellent “second screen” choice if your main workstation is locked down.
Trade-offs
- Algorithmic ecosystem is newer; fewer third-party tools vs MT5/cTrader.
- If you depend on custom bots, you’ll likely prefer MT5 or cTrader.
Setup tips
- Pin session-hours and maintenance notes into your workspace so they’re always one click away.
- Use separate browser profiles for multiple logins to avoid cache collisions.
- Test your hotkeys and order-ticket behavior during both quiet and busy sessions.
Strategy-based recommendations
Scalping around session opens
cTrader (ladder DOM, fast manual flow) or MT5 (order types + DOM). Keep slippage logs by hour; avoid thin rollover unless your edge is built for it.
Algorithmic swing/intraday
MT5 for the tester/optimizer; or cTrader Automate if you’re a C# shop. Validate on a free trial before paying for a Challenge.
Travel-friendly discretionary
DXtrade for web convenience and quick instrument context; MT5 WebTerminal as a backup if you already run MT5.
Legacy EA pipelines
MT4 makes sense if your EA edge is proven; otherwise consider porting to MT5 for long-term support and tester benefits.
Operational checklist (weekly)
- Trading Updates: scan weekly for maintenance and holiday changes.
- Symbol hours/specs: confirm in your platform before news, rollovers, or expiry dates.
- Platform time vs local time: map CE(S)T/GMT+3 posts to your timezone; set calendar alerts ahead of opens/closes.
- Templates & profiles: back up custom layouts so updates don’t wipe them.
- Latency baseline: log ping and execution timestamps by session; consider a VPS near servers if you scalp or automate.
FAQs — FTMO Global Platforms
Which FTMO Global platform is best for passing the Evaluation?
None guarantees a pass. Choose the platform that reduces execution friction for your style: MT5 for richer order types and testing, cTrader for clean manual execution and C# bots, DXtrade for quick web access, and MT4 if you rely on specific legacy EAs.
Can I use the same indicators and EAs across MT4 and MT5?
MT4 (MQL4) and MT5 (MQL5) are different languages. Some vendors provide both versions; otherwise you’ll need to refactor or re-purchase for MT5.
Does cTrader support algorithmic trading?
Yes. cTrader Automate (cAlgo) is C#-based, great for .NET developers. You can backtest, optimize, and run strategies with solid documentation.
Is DXtrade suitable for advanced users?
Yes for discretionary trading with a modern, browser-based workflow. For heavy automation, MT5 or cTrader are stronger choices.
Are trading hours the same on all platforms?
Instrument hours can differ, and holidays/maintenance affect availability. Always check hours inside your platform and review Trading Updates weekly.
Can I switch platforms after I start?
You select a platform during configuration. If you need to change later, contact FTMO support to review the permitted process for your account.
Do I need a VPS?
A VPS helps if you run EAs 24/5, scalp during volatile overlaps, or travel often. Pick a server region with low ping to the broker infrastructure.
I’m in the USA—can I use FTMO Global platforms?
U.S. residents should use FTMO US, which runs MT5 in netting/FIFO mode and disallows hedging. Confirm eligibility on FTMO US pages.
Official resources
- FTMO Global — Platforms FAQ
- FTMO — Trading Updates (maintenance & holidays)
- FTMO — Symbols (hours & notes)
- MetaTrader 5 — official site
- cTrader — Depth of Market
- DXtrade — overview
FTMO provides simulated trading and educational tools. Performance in simulation does not guarantee future results. This page includes a partner affiliate link.
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