About this guide: xemsignup.com is an independent affiliate website. Platform information on this page is sourced from XM Global's official trading tool documentation and MetaQuotes Software Corp's published platform specifications. MT4 and MT5 are trademarks of MetaQuotes Software Corp. All XM accounts are managed by regulated entities: XM Global Limited (FSC Belize, license 000261/397), Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd (CySEC Cyprus, license 120/10), Trading Point of Financial Instruments Pty Ltd (ASIC Australia, AFSL 443670), and Trading Point MENA Limited (DFSA Dubai, license F003484).
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) — XM's Established Forex Trading Platform
MetaTrader 4 was developed by MetaQuotes Software Corp and released in 2005. It became the most widely used retail forex trading platform in the world over the following decade, largely because of two things: a straightforward interface that beginners can learn quickly, and MQL4 — a proprietary programming language that lets traders build, buy, or share automated trading strategies (Expert Advisors) and custom indicators.
Despite MT5 being the newer platform, a significant portion of XM's client base continues using MT4. The main reason is the EA library: there are far more MT4 Expert Advisors available from the trading community than MT5 equivalents, and the two platforms do not share compatibility — an MT4 EA cannot be ported to MT5 without being rewritten in MQL5.
Six key features of XM MetaTrader 4
Expert Advisors and trading robots
MT4 supports automated strategies via EA programs written in MQL4. EAs can be sourced from online communities, the MetaQuotes marketplace, or built from scratch using the built-in MQL4 editor.
50+ built-in technical indicators
Standard installation includes over 50 indicators covering trend, oscillator, volume, and less common analytical tools. Multiple indicators can be stacked on the same chart simultaneously.
Three order types with one-click trading
Market orders, fixed-price orders (Buy Limit/Sell Limit), and stop orders (Buy Stop/Sell Stop) are all supported. One-click trading, partial close, take profit, stop loss, and trailing stop are also available.
High chart customisation
Graphical objects — horizontal lines, trend lines, Fibonacci retracements — are built in and customisable by colour, width, and style. Layouts and templates can be saved and reused.
Multi-chart module view
Multiple chart windows can run simultaneously on one screen — different timeframes of the same pair, or different instruments entirely. Each window runs independently with its own indicator set.
Access to all XM instruments
Forex pairs, commodity CFDs, stock index CFDs, precious metals, energies, and cryptocurrency CFDs are all tradable on MT4. The only instruments unavailable on MT4 are individual shares from the XM Shares Account.
Supported devices for XM MT4
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) — XM's Next-Generation Trading Platform
MT5 is the successor to MT4, developed by the same team at MetaQuotes. It was designed as a more capable platform for traders who need more analytical tools, faster processing, and access to a wider range of instruments. XM's MT5 builds on MT4's established stability while adding features that matter most to active and professional traders.
One point that surprises many traders: MT5 is not an upgraded version of MT4 that you can switch to seamlessly. They are separate platforms with separate account logins and incompatible automation languages. If you switch from MT4 to MT5, your existing MT4 EAs will not work without a full rewrite in MQL5.
Five standout differences in XM MetaTrader 5
21 chart timeframes vs MT4's 9
MT5 adds finer timeframe granularity: 2, 3, and 20-minute charts, a 2-hour chart, and several others not available in MT4. This matters most for traders who rely on precise intraday entries across multiple timeframes simultaneously.
80+ built-in technical indicators
MT5 ships with over 80 indicators as standard — significantly more than MT4's 50. The additions include newer analytical tools for candlestick analysis, market breadth, and multi-timeframe overlays.
Enhanced Strategy Tester for multi-asset backtesting
MT5's Strategy Tester supports cross-asset backtesting — you can test a strategy across multiple instruments and timeframes simultaneously. MT4's Strategy Tester is limited to one instrument per test.
Faster processing and smoother operation
MT5's processing architecture is significantly faster than MT4. The difference is most noticeable when running complex EAs, scanning multiple charts, or in high-volatility conditions when platform stability matters.
Required for XM Shares Account (individual stocks)
MT5 is the only platform on which the XM Shares Account — for trading individual US, UK, and German company stocks — is supported. MT4 does not have access to this instrument category.
Familiar interface for MT4 users
Despite the additional functionality, MT5's interface closely mirrors MT4's layout. Traders who know MT4 typically require only a short adjustment period to become comfortable on MT5.
Supported devices for XM MT5
XM Web Trader — Trade in Your Browser with No Download or Installation
XM Web Trader delivers a full trading interface through any modern browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — without requiring you to install any software. You log in using the same account number and password you use for the desktop MT4 or MT5 application. The data is synchronised: positions opened on Web Trader are visible immediately on your desktop application and vice versa.
Who Web Trader is most useful for
Web Trader is practical in two specific situations. The first is when you are on a computer that is not your own — a shared office machine, a hotel business centre computer, or a friend's laptop — where installing software is not an option. The second is for quick account checks when your primary device is not available. You can review open positions, place or close trades, and monitor live prices without needing the full desktop application.
It is not designed to replace the desktop platform for day-to-day trading. Features that depend on local processing — running Expert Advisors, full Strategy Tester access, and complex multi-chart layouts — require the desktop MT4 or MT5 installation.
What you need to use XM Web Trader
- An active XM real or demo account (MT4 or MT5 credentials)
- A modern browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
- Internet connection — no additional software or plugins needed
XM Mobile App — iOS and Android Trading on Any Smartphone
XM offers separate mobile applications for MT4 and MT5 — both available on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. The apps are developed by MetaQuotes, the same company behind the desktop platforms, and provide a consistent experience across devices. You log in with the same account number and password used on the desktop application.
What you can do on the XM mobile app
- View live bid/ask prices across all XM instruments
- Place, modify, and close market orders, limit orders, and stop orders
- Set and manage take profit and stop loss levels
- View open positions, pending orders, and account balance in real time
- Access interactive charts with timeframe selection and indicator overlays
- Set price alerts to be notified when an instrument reaches a specified level
- Access your XM Member Area for account management and deposit requests
Mobile app limitations compared to desktop
Expert Advisors (trading robots) run locally on the machine where MT4 or MT5 is installed — they do not operate through the mobile app. If you need an EA to run continuously while you are away from your desk, it must remain running on a desktop installation or a VPS. The mobile app is designed for monitoring and manual trading, not automated strategy execution.
Strategy Tester functionality is also desktop-only. Custom indicators can be viewed on the mobile app if they are already attached to the chart from the desktop, but cannot be installed or configured through the app itself.
Access all four platforms with one XM account
One verified XM account gives you MT4, MT5, Web Trader, and mobile app access simultaneously. Open your account in under 5 minutes.
MT4 vs MT5 — Full Feature Comparison Table
The most commonly searched comparison for XM traders. All figures below come from official MetaQuotes and XM platform documentation.
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2005 | 2010 |
| Programming language | MQL4 | MQL5 |
| EA compatibility (with the other) | Not compatible | Not compatible |
| Chart timeframes | 9 | 21 |
| Built-in indicators | 50+ | 80+ |
| Order types | 3 main types | 6 pending order types |
| Strategy Tester | Single product | Multi-product / multi-timeframe |
| Processing speed | স্ট্যান্ডার্ড | Enhanced (faster) |
| Windows desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mac desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web Trader (browser) | ✓ | ✓ |
| iOS mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
| XM Shares Account support | Not supported | ✓ Required |
| Standard / Micro accounts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ultra Low accounts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Available EA library size | Larger (older ecosystem) | Growing |
| Learning curve for MT4 users | N/A | Low — similar interface |
Which XM Trading Platform Should You Use?
The right answer depends on what you actually need. Here is a straightforward breakdown by trading profile.
Your priority is the EA ecosystem or you are new to trading
- Rely on a specific Expert Advisor written in MQL4
- Want access to the largest existing library of trading robots and custom indicators
- Are new to MetaTrader and prefer a simpler starting interface
- Do not need stock trading or advanced multi-timeframe analysis
- Are moving an existing MT4 setup from another broker to XM
Your priority is analytical power, stock trading, or multi-asset testing
- Want to trade individual shares via the XM Shares Account
- Need more than 9 chart timeframes for detailed intraday analysis
- Run multi-product backtests in the Strategy Tester
- Prefer a faster, more modern platform architecture
- Are starting fresh and not tied to an existing MT4 EA
You need temporary or secondary access without installing software
- You are on a computer where installing applications is not possible
- You need to quickly check or close positions from an unfamiliar device
- You want a no-friction backup access method alongside the desktop app
You trade on the go or need real-time position monitoring away from your desk
- You want to monitor open positions and prices from your phone
- You place manual trades during commutes or travel
- You set price alerts for instruments you are watching
- Note: EAs and Strategy Tester require the desktop application
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