You’ve most likely previously seen MetaTrader 5 (MT5) if you’re venturing into the realm of proprietary trading, also known as prop trading. For forex and CFD traders in particular, it’s somewhat of the holy grail of trading platforms. For good reason, the majority of prop companies swear by it. However, a common query in the community is whether MT5 is better suited for desktop or mobile use. Depending on your trading style, lifestyle, and the setup of your prop firm, each version has advantages.
The Desktop Version: The Full Trading Experience
Power and Precision
The desktop edition is your best friend if in-depth technical analysis is your thing. It provides everything from sophisticated backtesting and one-click trading to customized indicators and chart configurations. You may easily handle several positions, separate your charts, and create up intricate EAs (Expert Advisors).
With complete control, excellent performance, and all the bells and whistles at your fingertips, MT5 on desktop is similar to operating a sports car. For a reason, prop firms typically advise or even mandate that traders utilize the desktop application for live trading and evaluations. It simply has greater capability.
Real Estate Matters
One of the biggest advantages of desktop MT5 is screen space. Let’s be honest—trying to monitor multiple currency pairs, keep an eye on your economic calendar, and execute trades on a tiny phone screen is a juggling act most of us don’t want to attempt.
With desktop, especially if you’re using dual or triple monitors, you can have your charts on one screen, the depth of market (DOM) on another, and maybe even your trading journal open on the side. It’s a dream setup if you’re a data junkie.
Custom Indicators and EAs
Most prop traders who take their strategy development seriously rely on custom indicators or automated trading systems. And you can’t really install or test those on mobile. The desktop version supports custom scripts, bots, and just about any plug-in you can imagine.
This is a dealbreaker for a lot of funded traders. If you’re doing anything beyond basic manual trading, desktop is where it’s at.
The Mobile Version: Trade on the Go
If the desktop version is your home base then mobile is your backup plan—the app that keeps you connected when you’re out grabbing coffee or stuck in traffic.
Convenience Is King
There’s no denying how convenient MT5 mobile is. It’s fast, simple, and surprisingly powerful for an app you carry around in your pocket. You can monitor your open positions, check your margin levels, and execute market or pending orders in just a few taps.
For prop traders who travel or have full-time jobs, mobile is a game-changer. You’re no longer chained to your desk. See a setup forming during your lunch break? Whip out your phone and take the trade.
Real-Time Alerts & Notifications
This is one area where mobile really shines. You can get push notifications when price hits a key level or when your order executes. It’s the kind of feature that gives you peace of mind when you’re away from your screens.
You can even set custom alerts on desktop and have them push to your phone. So, in a way, you can combine both platforms to create a hybrid workflow that keeps you in the loop 24/7.
Emergency Situations
Ever had your internet go down mid-trade? Or maybe your computer decided to update right when you’re about to close a position? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
Having MT5 trading platform on your phone gives you a lifeline. You can jump in, close or modify orders, and stop the bleeding if something goes sideways. For prop traders dealing with real capital and tight drawdown rules, having that backup plan is non-negotiable.
When Desktop Is the Better Choice
Prop Firm Evaluations or Challenges
Most evaluations require you to demonstrate consistency, risk management, and sometimes even trade frequency. You’ll need all the tools at your disposal to make that happen. Desktop MT5 gives you a full command center where you can plan, analyze, and execute like a pro.
Algorithmic or Strategy-Based Trading
Using bots or even just fine-tuning a strategy with custom indicators? You need the desktop version. There’s just no way around it.
Scalping or Intraday Trading
If you’re entering and exiting positions quickly, you’ll want the speed and precision of desktop. Slippage, order delays, and mistaps on a tiny phone screen can wreck your strategy if you’re scalping tight spreads.
When Mobile Might Actually Be Better
Swing or Position Trading
If you’re holding trades for days or weeks, you’re not glued to the screen all day. You just need a tool to check in occasionally and maybe make a few tweaks. MT5 mobile does the job beautifully.
You’re On the Move A Lot
Whether you travel for work or just don’t have a dedicated trading desk, MT5 mobile lets you stay in the game. Many prop traders work part-time or juggle multiple gigs, and the mobile app keeps the door open.
As a Secondary Safety Net
Even if desktop is your main tool, mobile MT5 is perfect for backup. It’s like a fire extinguisher—you hope you never have to use it but you’ll be glad it’s there when something goes wrong.
