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If you're planning to start a forex brokerage in 2025, choosing the right trading platform is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. Two names dominate the industry: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

Being both grey label solutions that allow brokers entry into the market at the lowest possible cost and at lightning speed, the question that really needs to be asked is: Should you locate an MT4 Grey Label or an MT5 Grey Label for your forex brokerage?

What Is a Grey Label Solution?

A grey label trading platform is offered by a master broker under a branded version. Here, you get to operate your branded sites or domains under another broker's infrastructure, specifying your own spreads and commissions instead of directly leasing a platform license from MetaQuotes. 

Perfect for:

• IBs evolving into brokers
• Startups with limited budgets
• Entrepreneurs testing forex markets
• Crypto or fintech companies adding forex products

With MT4 and MT5 grey labels, you get all the front-end, features, and branding minus the worries about whether you have a server and license, not to mention a heavy upfront investment.

MT4 Grey Label: The Tried-and-Tested Standard

Introduced in the year 2005, MT4 had the biggest impact on the evolution of the retail forex industry. Even today, it is loved by the trading community. 

Advantages of choosing an MT4 Grey Label:

• Simple–Lightweight with user-friendly UI.
• Well-Adopted–Most of the traders are already familiar with MT4. 
• Lower Cost–It is generally more affordable than MT5. 
• Huge EA Community–There are thousands of expert advisors and indicators to choose from.
• Faster Setup–It is quicker to set up and to run.

 Limitations:

• Forex-only: No native support for stocks, futures, or indices.
• No multi-threading: Slower processing on newer hardware.
• Outdated architecture: MetaQuotes has stopped selling new MT4 white labels.
• No built-in economic calendar or advanced tools.

MT4 is perfect for:

• Budget-focused brokers
• FX-only trading environments
• Brokers targeting regions where MT4 is still dominant (e.g., Africa, Southeast Asia)

MT5 Grey Label: The Future-Proof Upgrade

After its launch in 2010, MT5 was considered an upgrade by many but needed a heavy dose of adoption. Now, in 2025, MT5 remains the platform of choice for brokers looking toward building a business geared for the future.

MT5 Grey Label Advantages

• Multi-Asset Support - Forex, stocks, commodities, crypto, and the like.
• Faster Execution - Multi-threaded, 64-bit architecture.
• Economic Calendar - Planning ahead for traders.
• Improved Order Types - Risk management
• Better Regulation Compatibility - FIFO, NFA, etc.

 Limitations:

• Higher cost than MT4
• Traders may need time to adjust if migrating from MT4
• Fewer legacy EAs and indicators

MT5 is ideal for:

• Brokers targeting high-end traders
• Firms offering diverse assets beyond forex
• Startups that want to scale in the long term

MT4 vs MT5 Grey Label: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature

MT4 Grey Label

MT5 Grey Label

Launch Year

2005

2010

Asset Support

Forex only

Multi-asset (FX, stocks, crypto)

Speed & Processing

32-bit, single-threaded

64-bit, multi-threaded

Built-in Tools

Basic

Advanced (calendar, market depth, etc.)

Order Types

Limited

More variety

Market Demand

Still strong in emerging regions

Growing globally

EA Compatibility

Huge community support

Still catching up

Regulatory Support

Basic

Advanced (NFA, FIFO, etc.)

Price Point

More affordable

Slightly higher

Long-term Viability

Stable but phasing out

Future-proof

How to Choose Between MT4 and MT5 Grey Label

Here's how to make the right choice according to your business goals, target market, and budget:

• Choosing MT4 Grey Label is a wise choice if:
• You are just starting with a limited capital
• Most of your clients are forex traders.
• You want to target countries where MT4 is still the favorite.
• Quick launch with standard features.

Choose MT5 Grey Label If:

• You’re targeting multi-asset trading.
• You want a modern, fast, scalable platform.
• You’re focused on long-term brokerage growth.
• You want better tools for technical and fundamental traders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring your audience: Don’t force MT5 if 90% of your clients prefer MT4.
• Underestimating MT5’s potential: It’s more than just a newer MT4—MT5 unlocks real growth opportunities.
• Skipping platform training: Both platforms require a bit of learning for your team and your traders.
• Going too big too soon: Start with a grey label. Move to white label once revenue justifies it.

Final Thoughts: MT4 vs MT5 Grey Label – What’s Right for You?

Therefore, one cannot say for sure since both MT4 grey label and MT5 grey label provide excellent means to start an FX brokerage without the pressing technical and financial burdens. If simplicity, low budget, and a proven demand from traders are what you are looking at, then MT4 grey label will be your launch pad.

If your ideas for the development include varieties in their purest sense and with modern features, then MT5 grey label shall be your basic land.

With both platforms, you will be getting your own branded terminal, access to real-time markets, and a fast track to becoming a recognized forex broker.