📊 MT4 vs MT5 · Full Comparison · May 2026
Headway Broker MT4 vs MT5 — Which Platform Should You Use?
A complete comparison of MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 on Headway Broker — instruments, speed, tools, and which one the majority of Headway traders actually use.
Open Account — Choose Your PlatformLast updated: May 2026
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Quick verdict: use MT5 on Headway Broker
MT5 has more instruments (including synthetic indices), more order types, faster execution, and better charting. MT4 is only recommended if you have existing Expert Advisors built for it or specifically prefer the older interface.
MT4 vs MT5 on Headway — Side-by-Side Comparison
MT4
MetaTrader 4 — Legacy
Legacy
Instruments~400
Synthetic indices✗ No
Order types4 pending
Timeframes9
Economic calendar✗ No
Hedging✓ Yes
MQL languageMQL4
Execution speedGood
MT5
MetaTrader 5 — Recommended
Recommended ⭐
Instruments500+
Synthetic indices✓ Yes (10 types)
Order types6 pending
Timeframes21
Economic calendar✓ Built-in
Hedging✓ Yes
MQL languageMQL5
Execution speedFaster
Critical difference: Headway's synthetic indices (BOOM 100, BOOM 200, CRASH 100, CRASH 200, VOL 10, VOL 20, VOL 80, FLAME, STORM) are exclusively on MT5. If you want to trade synthetics, you must use MT5. There is no workaround.
When to Choose MT4 vs MT5 on Headway
Choose MT4 if you...
- Already have MT4 Expert Advisors (EAs) running
- Prefer the older, simpler MT4 interface
- Only trade standard forex pairs and metals
- Have scripts coded in MQL4 specifically
Choose MT5 if you...
- Want to trade synthetic indices (BOOM, CRASH, VOL)
- Are new to MetaTrader — start on the better platform
- Want more timeframes (21 vs 9) and order types
- Want the built-in economic calendar for news trading
- Want maximum instrument access (500+ vs ~400)
FAQ — Headway Broker MT4 vs MT5
MT5 is recommended for most Headway traders. It has more instruments (including synthetic indices), more order types, 21 timeframes vs 9, a built-in economic calendar, and faster execution. Only use MT4 if you have existing MT4 Expert Advisors or specifically prefer the older interface.
No. Headway's synthetic indices (BOOM 100, BOOM 200, CRASH 100, CRASH 200, VOL 10, VOL 20, VOL 80, FLAME, and STORM indices) are only available on MT5. They are not available on MT4. If trading synthetics is your goal, you must use MT5.
Yes. You can open separate trading accounts on MT4 and MT5 under the same Headway profile. Run them simultaneously in different windows. This is useful for running MT4-specific EAs while also trading synthetics or using MT5 features on a separate account.
No. Headway's spreads and commissions are the same on both MT4 and MT5 for the same account type. The differences between the platforms are in features and available instruments, not in trading costs.
FX
Headway Brokers Editorial Team
Platform Research · headwaybrokers.com
MT4 and MT5 feature comparison verified against MetaQuotes documentation and Headway's live platform as of May 2026. Trading involves significant risk.
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