MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5)—developed by MetaQuotes Software—are two of the most widely used platforms in the global online trading ecosystem. In Southeast Asia, a region witnessing rapid growth in retail trading activity, both platforms have secured strong footholds. This article explores MT4 vs. MT5, comparing their popularity in Southeast Asia, usage trends, broker support, and what’s driving trader preferences across the region.
MT4: Still the Dominant Force in Retail Trading
Market Share and Regional Reach
MT4 continues to dominate retail forex trading worldwide, with over 90% of forex brokers offering it as a core platform. In Southeast Asia, MT4 maintains widespread usage due to its ease of use, rich ecosystem of indicators and Expert Advisors (EAs), and long-standing presence in the market.
Broker Adoption in Southeast Asia
In major Southeast Asian markets like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, most licensed and offshore brokers list MT4 as a default option. Its proven stability and support for automated trading tools make it a top choice, especially for newer traders.
Mobile Trading and Accessibility
In Malaysia, for instance, over 75% of retail trades are executed via mobile apps. MT4’s mobile version is particularly popular, favored for its intuitive design and fast order execution. The platform’s light resource usage also contributes to its widespread adoption on smartphones and tablets across the region.
MT5: Gaining Momentum Among Advanced Traders
Growing Global Share
While MT4 leads in broker availability, MT5 is steadily gaining popularity, especially among advanced traders. According to industry data, MT5 now accounts for over 54% of MetaTrader trading volume, reflecting its expanded capabilities such as multi-asset trading, depth of market, and additional order types.
Adoption in Southeast Asia
More brokers in Southeast Asia are now offering MT5 to meet rising demand for diversified trading tools. In Singapore and the Philippines, where traders often look beyond forex to stocks and indices, MT5’s multi-asset support makes it increasingly attractive.
Country-Level Insights: MT4 vs. MT5 Usage
Malaysia
With a well-developed trading infrastructure, Malaysian brokers commonly offer both platforms. MT4 is favored for mobile use, while MT5 is gaining traction among traders seeking more advanced features and access to non-forex instruments.
Thailand
Thai brokers heavily promote MT4 and MT5, often branding them as award-winning third-party platforms. MT4 is especially popular for demo accounts and educational use, while MT5 is marketed toward traders interested in broader market access.
Indonesia and Vietnam
Although detailed adoption metrics are limited, the broad presence of MT4 across local and international brokers in Indonesia and Vietnam suggests high penetration. Vietnamese brokers, in particular, highlight MT4’s library of technical tools to appeal to local retail traders focused on chart analysis.
Why Traders in Southeast Asia Choose MT4 or MT5
MT4 Strengths
- Access to 25,000+ EAs and custom indicators
- Large user community and extensive support resources
- Lightweight platform with low system requirements
MT5 Advantages
- Native support for multiple asset classes (stocks, futures, forex, etc.)
- More advanced order types and timeframes
- Built-in economic calendar and enhanced analytical tools
Broker and Regulatory Considerations
MT4 and MT5 platforms are commonly offered by brokers regulated by authorities like MAS (Singapore) and SCM (Malaysia), providing users with added trust and operational transparency.
Looking Ahead: Will MT5 Overtake MT4 in Southeast Asia?
Gradual Platform Transition
While MT4 continues to dominate due to its simplicity and extensive user base, MT5 is slowly gaining ground, especially among traders looking for multi-asset exposure. Many new brokers now highlight MT5 in their onboarding processes and educational content.
Future of MT4
MetaQuotes has indicated a strategic focus on MT5, with limited updates planned for MT4 in the future. As brokers shift their support toward MT5, traders in Southeast Asia may increasingly be encouraged—or required—to migrate.
Conclusion
MT4 vs. MT5: How popular are these platforms in Southeast Asia? The answer depends on trader profiles and evolving market trends. MT4 remains the go-to for its simplicity, reliability, and massive ecosystem, while MT5 is rapidly rising as the platform of choice for more sophisticated traders seeking deeper functionality and broader asset coverage.
In Southeast Asia’s fast-growing trading markets, both platforms are likely to coexist in the near term, but MT5’s momentum suggests a long-term shift is underway. Whether you’re a mobile-first forex trader or a multi-asset investor, Southeast Asia offers a dynamic landscape where both MT4 and MT5 have a strong and growing presence.
