MT4 is a proven tool in a fast-evolving fintech landscape in which so much else seems to be changing with every passing month. With over 20 years in the industry and still going strong, MT4 certainly has an impressive track record. Not only that, but it brings a level of familiarity and reassurance that you can only get from legacy-style platforms, but it’s far from a relic.
To show you why MT4 remains as powerful and flexible as it has always been, we’re going to talk you through the top reasons why it is continuing to thrive in 2025. Plus, we’ll make a prediction on what the future holds as MT4 looks to bridge the gap from its 20th year to its 25th.
What is MT4?
While we’re sure you already know, there’s always something to be gained from a succinct recap. MT4 is a trading platform that is mainly used in forex trading. It can also be opened up and used in other markets, including commodities, CFDs, and indices. Some traders also use it to execute spread betting strategies. The new generation of algorithmic traders has also found MT4 to have plenty of power and flexibility when they want to automate complex strategies. Just what you would expect from a platform that is 20 years old and still has plenty of life left in it.
Impressive Longevity
Longevity is something we don’t typically associate with the tech world, especially when it comes to the software side of things. While there will always be a market for retro hardware and games, few of us are willing to accept an antiquated operating system or word processor, for example. So why is it that traders are still choosing to make use of an MT4 download option when there are more recent options out there to choose from?
Aside from the continued technical performance — we will touch on that shortly — MT4 has a sense of familiarity about it that builds trust. Rather than opting for something brand-new from an unknown developer, many traders prefer using something that was the platform of choice of many of their colleagues when they were getting started. It builds trust and ensures that MT4 is one of the first tools that traders will recommend to their more junior peers and colleagues.
Proven Reliability
It’s very easy to write bad software that hangs, crashes, and leaves itself open to malware. MT4 was originally written back in 2005 and has been continually updated and improved ever since. Over the years of refinements, it has become known for its reliability and performance, especially when used across multiple devices. Traders who want the flexibility to be able to work from anywhere often cite this portability as one of the main reasons they chose to move to MT4.
Everyone from new traders to institutional professionals wants a platform they feel comfortable using, and reliability is a big part of that. Knowing that you can open and close positions without being locked out due to a crash or freeze is exactly what’s required for peace of mind. Traders who want to be able to get started without having to worry about technical issues and problems with compatibility often choose MT4 for the same reason.
Easy Customisation
Every trader will have their own likes and dislikes, favourite strategies and things they avoid, and habits that they like to stick to. The ease of customisation on offer with MT4 is all thanks to the MetaQuotes Language 4 programming language that it was written in. The advantage of this language is that it is very easy to learn and has a syntax that is logical and simple. The result is a platform that traders regularly use to create custom scripts, build unique indicators, and set up and execute automated trading robots. This ease of customisation is one of the main reasons MT4 has survived the shift towards predominantly automated trading that is driven by algorithms.
EA Compatibility
The trading world very much hinges on the trader’s ability to start using expert advisors in a way that is consistent, effective, and balanced. MT4 allows traders to integrate EAs into their existing approaches and strategies, making it far simpler to automate a strategy that was originally developed for manual execution. The key point here is that you want to be able to quickly and easily adapt the specifics of how the EA operates, without having to dive too far into the technical details. MT4 is often cited as a platform that allows traders of all abilities and experience levels to do exactly that.
Seamless Mobile Trading
Using platforms like ThinkMarkets across a range of different personal devices is something that many traders choose to do. Trading at home with a laptop or desktop before then monitoring positions while out and about with a phone or tablet, is an increasingly common approach. Many traders also use their mobile devices to consume the built-in educational and training materials that many platforms offer.
Despite the fact that MT4 was created two years before the iPhone launched, it has continued to move with the times and shown that it can readily adapt to the demands of the smartphone era. A major reason for this is the continual reinvestment in the back-end and how it can be adapted and secured across an emerging class of devices.
Flexible Indicators
As every follower of the fintech world will know all too well, there are certain trends and patterns of behavior that come and go. This is the same in any industry, and in the world of trading, there can be significant amounts of money at stake. This is why the ability of MT4 to support flexible indicators is something that has certainly extended its lifetime. Options like moving averages, the Relative Strength Index (RSI), and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) can all be adapted to a wide range of different markets and viewed over multiple timeframes.
Knowing that the platform will allow the trader to adapt their strategy and refine their focus over time is something that makes a real difference. Traders consistently cite the fact that they feel more comfortable with a platform that they know will evolve with their changes in perspective and shifts in their strategic preferences. Rather than being tied to a closed platform that feels shut off to different approaches, traders who use MT4 often talk of the creative side and how it allows them to refine their trades. Because they can improve and optimise their approaches in an iterative manner, they are able to home in on the most important measures and metrics within a given market.
User-Friendly Interface
While a piece of software will not last 20 years, and counting, just because it is user-friendly, this has proven to be an invaluable component of MT4. If you are struggling when it comes to managing trading stress, for example, the last thing you want is a frustrating, confusing, and slow piece of software that you feel you have to re-learn how to use every time you want to trade. MT4 is known for keeping it simple and guiding new traders through their options, and all without sacrificing performance and analytical power in the process.
The continual front-end development that MT4 has undergone has also played a major part. Adapting the interface so that it can fit on all screen sizes in a way that is dynamic and looks natural has certainly extended the platform’s lifetime. Being able to move between devices without losing clarity and engagement has been crucial.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything there is to know about the enduring legacy of MT4, it’s over to you to continue your fintech journey. One thing is for sure: you’re unlikely to find another piece of software that has the longevity, flexibility, and ability of MT4 in the near future.
Also Read: Trading with Trust: How AI and Guarantees Are Reshaping the Signals Game
