MetaTrader 5 is an improved version of the MT4 trading platform, MT5 covers more than just forex trading. It enables access to a diverse range of asset classes such as commodities, stocks, and forex. An efficient and powerful trading tool for both skilled and novice traders.

The MT5 broker you choose can be the key to a successful trading experience. This guide explores the top MT5 brokers, providing an in-depth comparative analysis to help you select one that best aligns with your trading needs. All brokers listed below are regulated and reputable.

Top MetaTrader 5 Brokers

Pepperstone: Good for beginners for educational material and tools
FP Markets: Tight spreads and a wealth of trading tools
AvaTrade: Best for social and automated trading
FXPro: A market leader but not many advanced features
ActivTrades: A wide selection of accounts and trading tools

MetaTrader 5 (MT5) broker

MT5 Brokers – What You Need to Know

  • MT5 is built for serious multi-asset trading: With faster execution, more order types, and advanced tools like depth of market and multi-currency back-testing, it’s a clear step up from MT4.
  • Not every MT5 broker gives you the full experience: Some limit what you can trade or restrict automated strategies. The difference is in the details: asset access, execution quality, and trading conditions.
  • All listed brokers are regulated and offer negative balance protection: You won’t find offshore setups here. Each broker provides a level of security and compliance that ensures client funds are protected.

Broker
Platforms
  • cTrader

  • MetaTrader 4

  • MetaTrader 5

  • TradingView

Features
  • Market Analysis & News

  • Smart Trader Tools

  • cTrader Automate

  • Free Autochartist

Open Account

75% of retail investors lose money when trading forex (CFDs) with this provider

Notable Benefits
  • Pepperstone offers tight spreads (starting from 0.0 pips), no commission, fast and reliable execution of trades and orders.
  • A good fit for news traders and beginners, with free market analysis, research, trading tools, and educational materials available.

  • Trade over 60 currency pairs and currency indices with a broker regulated by seven major financial regulators.

  • Pepperstone may not suit every trader, as it offers limited social trading features and lacks a proprietary trading platform.

Broker
Platforms
  • WebTrader

  • MetaTrader 4 & 5

  • cTrader

  • TradingView

Features
  • Social Trading

  • Traders Toolbox

  • Myfxbook AutoTrade

  • Free Autochartist
Open Account
Notable Benefits
  • Spreads start as low as 0.0 pips, no commission, low swap rates, raw pricing, fast execution, and no trading restrictions.

  • A wealth of trading tools is available, including TradeMetric, Traders Toolbox, Trading Central, Calculators, and MAM/PAMM.

  • A range of tools and features for experienced traders: Virtual Private Servers (VPS), ECN pricing, auto-trading, and scalping.

  • Some traders may have concerns about the absence of FCA regulation and the fee charged for trading signals.

Broker
Platforms
  • WebTrader

  • MetaTrader 4

  • MetaTrader 5

  • AvaOptions
Features
  • Copy Trading

  • AvaProtect

  • Algorithmic Trading

  • Trading Academy

Open Account

66% of retail investors lose money when trading forex (CFDs) with this provider

Notable Benefits
  • Razor sharp pricing with some of the most competitive spreads in the industry, available on multiple trading platforms.

  • A wide range of automated trading platforms including AvaSocial and DupliTrade, you can and copy the trades of the best traders.
  • AvaProtect is an exclusive risk management tool, it allows you to get your money back on losing trades (extra fees apply).

  • Inactivity period starts just after 2 months and incurs $10 (or currency of your account) and admin fee if inactive for one year.

Broker
Platforms
  • FxPro WebTrader

  • MetaTrader 4

  • MetaTrader 5

  • cTrader

Features
  • Technical Analysis
  • Market News

  • Education Material

  • FXPro VPS

Open Account

76% of retail investors lose money when trading forex (CFDs) with this provider

Notable Benefits
  • FxPro is a market leader, offering a high-quality trading experience with low spreads for both new and experienced traders.
  • No transaction fees on all deposits or withdrawals, with a wide range of funding methods available.

  • Offers no distinct features or free trading tools. Provides only what most forex brokers do, with nothing that sets it apart.

Broker
Platforms
  • ActivTrader

  • MetaTrader 4

  • MetaTrader 5

  • TradingView

Features
  • Trading Central

  • Market Buzz

  • Extra Funds Protection
  • No Fees With 1:1 Leverage

Open Account

84% of retail investors lose money when trading forex (CFDs) with this provider

Notable Benefits
  • ActivTrades offers tight spreads (starting from as low as 0.5 pips), no commission on forex trades, and fast execution.

  • An extensive collection of free trading tools, including Technical Views, Economic Insight, Crowd Insight, Economic Calendar.

  • State of the art trading infrastructure, additional funds insurance to protect you up to $1,000,000, excellent customer service.

  • Deposit and withdrawal fees: 1.5% charge for credit/debit card deposits (no fee on the first deposit) and a £9 fee for bank transfer withdrawals. Currency conversion rate of 0.5% applies.

1. Pepperstone

An ideal broker choice for both beginners and experienced traders, Pepperstone was launched in 2010 and is based in Australia. Over time, it has become a popular trading brand in the country thanks to its zero minimum deposit requirement which accommodates the less experienced traders.

Be aware that its list of financial instruments is relatively limited when compared to some other forex brokers. You have access to a total of over 1,000 assets with this platform.

Key Features of Pepperstone

  • Smart trading tools that help expand your trading tool kit and improve overall user experience.
  • Offers a built-in auto chart tool that helps you to easily spot perfect trade setups and improve your profit margins.
  • Provides access to Razor accounts with low spreads starting from as low as 0.0 pips with commissions added. This is especially instrumental for advanced traders.
  • Supports VPS Hosting. This attribute allows you to conduct automated trading strategies without disruption.
  • Provision for API trading which supports algorithmic trading. This feature is especially useful for advanced traders who are looking to develop customer trading systems.

Why is Pepperstone the Best Broker for MT5 Trading?

Apart from allowing you to trade multiple currency pairs, Pepperstone allows you access to diverse asset classes with profitable spreads starting from 0.0 pips. This broker also provides multiple technical indicators and order types, perfect for the seasoned trader.

Pepperstone is also renowned for its fast order execution speed of less than 50 milliseconds. No minimum deposit requirement also helps it to attract new investors.

And that’s not all. Pepperstone offers free demo accounts to new customers which is especially handy for novice traders who want to experience the platform’s user interface before they decide to use it or not. But the thing that makes Pepperstone stand out against competitors is its ability to support MAC users since the MT5 isn’t always compatible with iOS devices.

2. FP Markets

On the hunt for a broker that offers full MT5 support and is focused on delivering a fast and reliable trading experience? Then FP Markets is a great choice.

With over two decades of operation in the brokerage industry, FP Markets is popular for its low-cost and fast execution. It’s also multi-regulated falling under ASIC and CySEC financial authorities, this provides traders with confidence that their investments are well secured.

You can access it from anywhere in the world and enjoy zero restrictions on trading strategies applied. This is handy, especially for traders who prefer scalping and the use of EA advisors.

3. AvaTrade

This online broker was launched in 2006 and boasts a wealth of experience spanning over two decades. One of the best brokers in the industry, AvaTrade ranks high thanks to its dedicated customer support offered in multiple languages and an extensive list of financial instruments.

The platform is also registered under reputable tier-1 financial regulators like the FCA, CySEC, FRSA, and ASIC. AvaTrade is especially ideal for novice traders due to its extensive educational resources that can help you understand trading concepts better.

However, the platform’s advanced research capabilities and easy access to Trading Central is what truly makes it stand out against competitors. This cutting-edge tool helps beginners to master basic and technical analysis needed to perfect your trade setups.

Key Features of AvaTrade

  • Access to the economic calendar. By receiving financial news in real-time, you get to make correct trading decisions. Be aware that sudden market shifts can impact the trading environment and require quick response to avoid losses.
  • AvaTrade boasts great customer support with specific account managers assigned to each account. The support is crucial, especially for novice traders.
  • Supports social and copy trading functions. This allows novice trades to learn from seasoned traders and learn expert trading strategies essential for market access.
  • Access to VPS hosting.

4. FxPro

FxPro is a top broker choice for CFD and forex traders thanks to its outstanding customer service. With over two decades in operation, this trading platform has become a notable name globally. Its headquarters is based in London and it is multi-regulated and registered under the CySEC, MiFID, and FCA financial authorities.

This award-winning broker deals in multiple asset classes and currency pairs providing you with a solid MT5 trading environment. Its access to Trading Central is also an added advantage for traders of all levels regardless of their expertise. However, the minimum deposit qualification of $100 is relatively high compared to its competitors.

Key Features of FxPro

  • Provides educational resources to support novice traders and guide them on how to set up the best trades.
  • Regulated by tier-1 financial institutions improving its overall trust rating and guaranteeing the safety of investor funds.
  • Provision of the FxPro wallet which facilitates easy withdrawals and funding.
  • Zero commissions for standard accounts with low spreads. Swap charges and small mark-ups are instead applied.
  • Extensive customer support thanks to the inclusion of multiple language use on the platform.

5.ActivTrades

With over 20 years of experience in the brokerage industry, ActivTrades has positioned itself as a reliable and efficient choice for traders. This is due to its expansive offering of CFD instruments, great layout and intuitive user interface, and provision of multiple account currencies.

Key Features of ActivTrades

  • Cost-effective trading thanks to its low spread on the EUR/USD currency pair compared to its competitors.
  • Allows instant deposits through multiple avenues like Skrill, MPESA, and Neteller.
  • Comprehensive customer services with multilingual support.

A Brief History of the MT5 Trading Platform

Launched exactly five years after its predecessor the MT4 in 2010, MT5 is an online trading platform that allows you to trade in multiple assets like forex, bonds, and stocks. It is a product of the MetaQuotes Software Corporation.

But to operate in it, you need to partner with a broker. They dictate which financial instruments you can trade in on the platform. Unlike the MT4, significant upgrades were made to this new version.

However, it took a while for traders to embrace the MT5 thanks to its predecessor’s popularity. But over time, its improved settings have made it a more preferred choice for the advanced trader. Its advanced capabilities that have enhanced the trader’s tool kit, improved order execution speeds, and widened the range of financial instruments continue to make it a popular choice for the seasoned trader.

Why Choose MetaTrader 5(MT5)?

Almost all traders have interacted with the MT5 platform at least once in their lifetime thanks to the widespread popularity of its predecessor, the MT4. However, it wouldn’t have enjoyed broad adoption were it not for its advanced capabilities and unmatched benefits.

Here’s why traders pick MT5:

  • Diverse Assets Class Trading: MT5 provides you with access to more than just forex trading. You can trade a wide range of financial instruments including but not limited to indices, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and even metals! This offers a significant profit advantage, especially for seasoned traders.
  • Comprehensive Trading Toolkit: The new upgrades added to the MT5 help you to better monitor your trades, stay up to date with your account’s history, and receive real-time alerts. All of these help to enhance your trading experience and improve overall performance.
  • Improved Order Execution Speeds: Fast response times are crucial for successful day trading. The new 64-bit technology guarantees better trading performance due to reduced data chocking and slippage.
  • Real-time News Updates: You need to always be up to speed with current market events and news. MT5 provides you with instant news directly on the platform enhancing overall user experience and decision-making. Be aware that these events can drastically impact market prices.
  • Efficient Analysis and Charting Mechanisms: MT5 provides advanced tools, 21 time-frames, and multiple built-in indicators to help you analyse market trends better and easily spot profitable trade setups.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Navigating and setting up trades can be challenging. Having a platform with a great layout, easy-to-understand monitoring dashboard, and comprehensive trading options can significantly elevate your trading experience. MT5 features all these making it a popular trading choice for many.
  • Built-in Signal Service: As a beginner, you may need to duplicate trades from seasoned traders before you get a hang of the strategies to use. The in-built signal service on the platform allows you to do this improving your chances of market success.

What to Consider When Selecting an MT5 Broker

A smart broker choice for you is one that matches your trading style. Be aware that not all of them operate and function in the same way.

You don’t want to keep switching from one platform to another just because you didn’t check out its capabilities from the start. It’s a waste of both time and money – both of which are almost impossible to recover.

Here’s what you should look out for:

  • The Range of Trading Instruments Offered: You must identify the financial instruments you want to trade in before choosing a broker. Checking the options available for trading allows you to pick the best choice for your trading requirements. Not all brokers offer the same products.
  • Fees Charged: Are there any hidden costs? Go for brokerages that are transparent and fully disclose all commissions and fees charged to your spreads or withdrawals. Your trading can be rendered meaningless if you’re losing out on cash that you aren’t aware of.
  • Broker Regulations: How can you trust that your broker is efficient when there isn’t an institution overseeing its operations? You don’t. All reputable and competent MT5 brokers are governed by renowned authorities within their countries of operation. Good examples include the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia.
  • Provision for Demo Accounts: Most beginners benefit from this feature. It allows you to practice virtual trades without the risk of losing real money. Not only does this allow novice traders to sharpen their day trading skills and knowledge, but it also helps you gain the confidence that’s necessary when dealing with real funds. Some brokers provide limited access to demo accounts for a maximum period of 30 days while others offer unlimited access.
  • Additional Plug-ins and Tools for MT5: Granted, the MT5 platform features faster performance compared to its predecessor. However, this means nothing if the broker you choose doesn’t improve your order execution speeds. Lagging servers can significantly affect your trading experience and impact your profits overall.
  • Security: You must ensure that the broker you partner with can guarantee the safety of your investments. Do they have an active operational license? What does their track record show?

You can assess this through client reviews and conducting research through online forums. Remember to also check their security protocols. A good MT5 broker has solid structures in place to ensure that client data is safe. This can be implemented through encryption and other additional cybersecurity measures.

  • Minimum Deposit and Account Type: A broker that offers multiple account options provides you with trading flexibility. It gives you a chance to customise your trading conditions to match your risk appetite. Meanwhile, low deposit requirements enhance accessibility which is especially great for beginners.
  • Cross-platform Compatibility: There have been complaints from MAC users that the MetaTrader platforms aren’t user-friendly. If you use iOS devices, it’s best to select a broker that has customised their software to support MT5 trading.

A good broker is defined by much more than whether they offer MT5 or not. Their efficiency lies in their structure and how they operate. These are some of the key determinants of your market trading success.

Best MT5 Brokers to Elevate Your Trading Experience

Selecting the right trading platform is important. But the choice of a broker requires even more thoughtful consideration.

The MT5 platform is the industry’s gold standard for trading financial instruments. With it, you get to enjoy more flexibility, power, and market access allowing you to form and spot the best trade setups.

But the MT5 is more than just a trading platform. It’s an impressive and powerful tool that’s useful to both novice and advanced traders. This is why it’s a popular choice among top online brokers and the brokerage industry overall.

MT5 has ranked as a top trading platform for a long time. But you need to select the right broker to maximise the benefits and profitability.