31 March 2020
MetaTrader 4 is a trading platform that also enables traders to cunduct an extensive technical analysis using the platform. While TradingView is mainly built for charting. TradingView doesn't offer order placement. When comparing MT4 to TradingView, the focus is on charting tools.
MetaTrader 4 has its strengths and weaknesses. MT4 is highly responsive and reliable, MetaTrader marketplace is full of algorithms and the platform is designed for Forex traders
On the other hand, TradingView enables traders to conduct more extensive analysis using more tools, have access to analyzing more financial instruments and user-friendly experience.
Other differences for MetaTrader 4 and TradingView include things such as accessibility. MT4 usually requires a person to register with either a broker or the software company that created the platform, while TradingView is freely available online, but it does have a paid version that unlocks new features.
Despite these advantages and disadvantages, there is actually no need to make a choice on which one to use. Traders can simply use both MT4 and TradingView together. They could simply do their charting work on TradingView and then place trades over on MT4. In fact, it is one of the most common ways people trade nowadays.
In order to truly determine the difference between these two platforms, we need to look into tools, design, and performance in detail.
Don't know where to start? Watch our Beginner's introduction to Forex video
Pros and Cons of both platforms
Charting is an essential part of trading. Having a proper platform for conducting an extensive technical analysis can make or break a trader. In this paragraph, we will compare TradingView vs MetaTrader 4 and discuss the pros and cons of both platforms to discover what each of them has to offer. In addition, we'll discuss the differences between MT5 and TradingView. When discussing MetaTrader 4 vs TradingView, it's worth mentioning that both platforms are highly popular and respected among traders.
MT4 pros
MetaTrader 4 has quite a lot of advantages when comparing it to TradingView. These advantages are:
- Direct access to market
- Simplistic but outdated design
- Amazing performance
Let’s further expand the topic below.
Direct access to the market
As already mentioned previously, MT4 allows traders to directly place orders on the market, and no wonder, MetaTrader is a trading platform. Direct access makes high-frequency trading easier. Whereas, using TradingView in combination with other trading platforms is beneficial for position trading, where time for planning and for decision-making is greater.
The time it takes to take all of your analysis from TradingView and place an order on MT4 could be decisive when it comes to frequent intraday trading. Forex is extremely volatile, even one second can change the whole direction of the market. Placing orders straight from your charting platform is extremely convenient.
Simplistic design
MetaTrader 4 is one of the very first trading software programs that is highly reliable and capable. The platform has simplistic design, which makes it seem outdated and less user-friendly, however, the simplicity brings its benefits. For instance, the trading platform is highly reliable. The platform was released in 2005 and was designed for trading currency pairs.
However, when we mention TradingView vs MT4 in terms of design, it is very hard to give MT4 the edge due to how more modern TradingView seems. TradingView has much more modern design, but MT4 is loved by Forex traders today as it brings reliability and simplicity.
Amazing performance
MetaTrader 4's performance has survived the tests of time. It is the most popular platform today for trading Forex. Most brokers are offering this amazing platform to their clients. As we've already mentioned, MT4's simple design provides great performance. The platform still looks very similar to what it looked like in 2005. It's worth mentioning that due to its old age and popularity, the MT4 has the largest pool of trading algorithms called Expert Advisors that are accessible via MetaTrader Marketplace.
MT4 cons
MT4 is not perfect. In addition to looking outdated, there are some more drawbacks:
- Lack of indicators
- A limited number of instruments
- Timeframes
Lack of indicators
MetaTrader 4 has about 30 built in indicators, that is less than what majority of trading platforms are offering today. On the upside, the market is full of both paid and free trading indicators. However, choosing an indicator that works can be a challenge for some. Not all Expert Advisors that are accessible in the market are working properly, and it's always best to conduct research before purchasing or downloading an EA.
When we compare MetaTrader4 and TradingView in terms of indicators, TradingView is obviously the winner due to more advanced indicators available on the platform.
A limited number of instruments
Another disadvantage of MT4 is the number of instruments that one has available for trading. You see, there is no universal MT4 platform. It’s usually tied to the broker you are registered with. If the broker doesn’t have USD/JPY on its platform, then you don’t get to do charts or analyze that pair. In general, MT4 is built for solely trading currency pairs. Nowadays, you can find brokers that are also offering some indices and other assets as well, however the number is mostly limited.
Timeframes
Which is better MT4 or TradingView in terms of timeframes? The answer is simple, TradingView has an obvious advantage. MT4 has only 9 timeframes, whereas TradingView has 15.
TradingView pros
Some of TradingView’s advantages include:
- The community
- No registration
- Almost every instrument
The community
One of the biggest advantage that TradingView has over MT4 is its community. In fact, when comparing MT4 vs TradingView, it is impossible not to mention the community. People with lots of experience sometimes make guide posts or just showcase how they conducted research and analyzed the charts. Trading community can greatly improve skills of novice traders. Having a large trading community not only produces learning opportunities, but also increases traders' motivation.
No registration
Registration is super easy with TradingView. The platform is free to use, however, for accessing more options, indicators and tools, the platform charges traders with monthly subscription fees. TradingView also allows people to make posts about their trades, comment on other posts, and generally take part in the discussion within the community. The most important part is that it is mostly free. The only thing a paid version does is that it adds more tools and capabilities.
Almost every instrument
Another great advantage of TradingView is that it does not have to be associated with a broker. It’s an independent platform that can display charts for any type of asset. Not only does this include almost every currency pair, but also stocks, commodities, bonds,indices, etc. TradingView is a charting platform that has access to much wider trading instruments than any trading platform.
TradingView cons
On the downside, TradingView is only for charting and doesn't offer order placement capabilities that can be offsetting for high frequency traders and scalpers. What's more, TradingView is not as reliable as MetaTrader 4.
Both of these platforms have their advantages and disadvantages, but this does not mean that you have to choose only one. The beauty of these two is that you can use both at the same time. Many traders use TradingView for charting and MetaTrader 4 for order placement.
TradingView compared to MetaTrader 5
MetaTrader 5 vs TradingView is a more fair comparison in terms of charting capabilities. MetaTrader 5 has 21 timeframes. More than 80 built in technical indicators and analytical tools. The platform is built for multi asset trading, however, MT5 vs TradingView offers less trading instruments and charting tools. On the upside, traders can use MetaTrader marketplace and download trading algorithms and additional indicators, which is not possible in TradingView. When comparing TradingView vs MetaTrader 5, it's important to note that TradingView can work similarly to MT5 and MT4, meaning, trader can conduct market analysis on TradingView and place orders on MT5. TradingView has access to almost every financial market that is publicly traded today. TradingView is better looking and much user-friendly than MetaTrader platforms, however, the MT platforms are highly reliable and have the ability to place orders straight on the charts, which is highly convenient for intraday, high frequency traders.
MT4 vs TradingView - key takeaways
MetaTrader Platforms are trading platforms, while TradingView is a charting platform. MetaTrader platforms have outdated interface, limited instruments and tools, however, they are highly reliable which explains their popularity. TradingView has a modern design and access to most financial markets. The platform is free, however, for more accessing more tools, traders are charged with subscription fees. Many traders analyze markets using the TradingView and place orders using MetaTrader platforms.
FAQ on MT4 and TradingView
Which platform is best for a beginner - MetaTrader vs TradingView?
Both TradingView MT4 platforms have sufficient tools and features that would be enough for a beginner trader. However, TradingView's interface is more intuitive and user-friendly.
Why is MT4 more popular?
When we compare TradingView to MT4, MT4 is more popular because it is directly connected to the financial markets. The platform is old but highly reliable, affordable and simple, which explains why it's still so high in demand today. Almost every broker offers MetaTrader platforms to Forex traders.
Will I require a strong device to run these platforms?
No, MetaTrader 4 and TradingView have no high system requirements. The charting platforms were created to be widely accessible in mind. One of the main reason why MetaTrader platforms stay simple is that it makes them easy to run on various computers.
What is better, TradingView or MT5?
The answer to that question depends on the trader. Both platforms have its strengths and weaknesses. TradingView is highly user-friendly and offers more tools for analysis, however, MT5 is more reliable and has the ability to directly place orders. Many position traders use both platforms simultaneously. TradingView is generally used for analyzing the markets and MT5 for order placement.
How is TradingView different from MetaTrader 5?
When comparing MetaTrader 5 vs TradingView, it's important to note that MT5 is a trading platform, whereas TradingView is a charting software. MT5 has limited trading instruments and outdated interface, however, it's highly reliable and capable platform which keeps it in high demand in the modern world. TradingView vs MT5 has a slick design, extensive tools for market analysis and access to most trading instruments. MT5 and TradingView are both free to use, while TradingView charges subscription fees for unlocking additional features.
