Head to head · Updated August 2026
cTrader vs MetaTrader 4
Across the 13 specs we track, cTrader and MetaTrader 4 differ on 9. Neither leads on any measure with a clear better direction — the choice comes down to which feature set fits how you trade.
cTrader
Forex and CFD traders, algo developers, copy traders
Free (broker-funded) — spreads and commissions via chosen broker · Forex, CFDs, Metals, Indices
MetaTrader 4
Forex traders & EA users
Free (provided by 300+ retail forex brokers) · Forex, CFDs, Metals, Indices
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Neither placement nor ranking is for sale. Not financial advice; trading involves risk of loss.
Which one fits you
Choose cTrader if…
- you want one platform across several asset classes
Choose MetaTrader 4 if…
- you want the widest choice of broker to route through
Every spec, side by side
13 specs · 9 differ · clear advantages highlighted
| Spec | cTrader | MetaTrader 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (broker-funded) — spreads and commissions via chosen broker | Free (provided by 300+ retail forex brokers) |
| Free tier | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best for | Forex and CFD traders, algo developers, copy traders | Forex traders & EA users |
| Asset classes | ForexCFDsMetalsIndicesCommoditiesStock CFDsETF CFDsCrypto CFDs (broker-dependent) | ForexCFDsMetalsIndicesCommodities |
| Operating systems | WindowsmacOSWeb (browser-based)iOSAndroidLinux (via cTrader Web) | WindowsmacOS (via wrapper or web)Linux (via Wine)iOSAndroidWeb Browser (MetaTrader 4 Web Terminal) |
| Brokers | IC MarketsPepperstoneFxProFP MarketsAxiICMarketsTickmillOctaFXVantageFBS | IC MarketsPepperstoneOANDAIGFXCMForex.comXMExnessAvaTradeThinkMarketsFP MarketsHFM (HotForex)TickmillFXTMFBSEightcapVantage MarketsHugo's WayAdmiral Markets300+ additional retail brokers worldwide |
| Licence | Unlimited (broker-provided) | Multi-Device |
| Subscription | Free | Free |
| Open source | ✕ | ✕ |
| Support | Forum, Email (via broker for account issues), Spotware direct for platform issues | Broker-Provided, MQL5.com Forum, Email (MetaQuotes) |
| Current version | 5.8 | — |
| Released | 2011 | Jul 2005 |
Green marks the stronger value only where a spec has an unambiguous better direction — a higher split, a faster payout, a lower price. Breadth fields like markets and platforms are left unmarked on purpose: more coverage is different, not automatically better.
cTrader vs MetaTrader 4 FAQ
Is cTrader or MetaTrader 4 better for beginners?+
cTrader is built for forex and cfd traders, algo developers, copy traders; MetaTrader 4 for forex traders & ea users. Beginners usually do better on whichever one their broker already supports — fighting a data or routing setup is a worse first experience than any feature gap.
Which markets can I trade on cTrader and MetaTrader 4?+
cTrader covers Forex, CFDs, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Crypto CFDs (broker-dependent). MetaTrader 4 covers Forex, CFDs, Metals, Indices, Commodities. Coverage on paper still depends on your broker supporting that market through the platform.
Can I run cTrader and MetaTrader 4 side by side?+
Yes, and plenty of traders do — commonly one for charting and analysis, the other for execution. The practical limits are your machine's resources and paying twice for the same market data.