The short answer
If you are starting fresh in 2026: MT5. Every metric is better — more timeframes, more indicators, multi-asset, active development, better backtester, and the Android APK distribution situation is cleaner.
If you have existing MQL4 EAs with live track records: MT4 until you need a specific MT5 feature. Migration is non-trivial and breaking a working EA for platform aesthetics is a bad trade.
The Android APK question (the reason this page exists)
mt5 apk download has grown +679% YoY (6,600/mo). metatrader 5 download apk has grown +517% YoY. This is not a random spike — it is driven by two real events:
- Google Play Store removals (2024): Google removed several MT4 and MT5 app binaries from the Play Store in 2024 due to financial-services compliance requirements. Users who had the app installed kept it; new installs on many Android devices failed via the Play Store route.
- Broker-to-MT5 migrations: Many brokers who offered MT4 as a primary platform began pushing users to MT5 as MetaQuotes ended new MT4 broker licence sales in 2022.
The safe install path:
- iOS: MetaTrader 5 is available on the App Store — no sideloading required
- Android: Download the APK from MetaQuotes directly (metatrader5.com/en/mobile-trading/android/) or from your broker’s official app page. Do NOT download MT5 APKs from third-party sites — malware-bundled fake MT5 APKs are a known vector for forex trading account theft.
See the full guide: How to install MT5 on Android safely
Feature comparison
| Feature | MT4 mobile | MT5 mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Timeframes | 9 (M1 to MN) | 21 (M1 to MN) |
| Built-in indicators | 30 | 38 |
| Order types | Market, Limit, Stop, Stop Limit | + Stop Limit, Buy/Sell by |
| Multi-asset | Forex + CFDs | Forex + CFDs + Stocks + Futures |
| One-click trading | Yes | Yes |
| EA management (mobile) | No (desktop only) | No (desktop only) |
| Active MetaQuotes development | Minimal | Active |
| Play Store status (Android, 2026) | Restricted in some regions | Available (check your broker’s page) |
Broker availability — who supports which
| Broker | MT4 | MT5 | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | UK/EU/AU |
| IC Markets | Yes | Yes | AU/EU |
| Tickmill | Yes | Yes | UK/EU/AU |
| OANDA | Yes (bridge) | Limited | US/UK/EU/AU |
| eToro | No | No | UK/EU/AU |
| Plus500 | No | No | UK/EU/AU/US |
The verdict on mobile specifically
On mobile, the gap between MT4 and MT5 is wider than on desktop. MT5’s mobile app has been updated to reflect modern mobile UX conventions more recently than MT4. The 21 timeframes vs 9, the additional indicators, and the multi-asset dashboard make MT5 the materially better mobile experience even for traders who primarily run EAs on desktop.
Open MT5 account with Pepperstone
See also: MetaTrader 4 review · How to install MT5 on Android safely · What is an Expert Advisor? · Best MT4/MT5 brokers