MetaTrader 5 vs Custom Trading Platforms – Which is Best for You?

By 2025, traders can choose from more trading platforms than ever before. One of the most common is MetaTrader 5, or MT5 for short. MT5 is a well-established platform for trading for forex and CFDs, and is well-known and trusted by traders globally, if not the world standard.

However, there are many brokers providing custom trading platforms that can provide an altogether more custom experience, unique features, competitive edge, among other benefits. 

The question then turns to: MT5 or a custom trading platform – which is right for you?

Whether you are looking for the best MT5 broker in 2025 or simply exploring trading with low spreads, understanding the distinction between MT5 and custom-built platforms will help you to differentiate and make a decision. At Elan Securities, we offer both choices – our globally used MT5 platform and a proprietary trading platform so traders can choose what is best tailored to them.

Part 1: Understanding MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

What is MT5?

MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is an improved version of MetaTrader 4, developed by MetaQuotes. It is more than a forex trading platform — it also allows trading of CFDs, commodities, stocks, and even futures. Since it was launched, MT5 has become the industry standard with great tools for traders to analysis and execute trades.

Key Features of MT5

1. Multi-asset support – Trade in forex, indices, commodities cryptocurrencies, and stocks through a single platform.
2. High-tech charting -38 technical indicators, 44 graphical objects, 21 timeframes.
3. Algorithmic trading – Includes support for Expert Advisors (EAs) and automated strategies.
4. Market Depth (DOM) – A real-time order book for order execution.
5. Strategy Tester – Backtest and optimise strategies using historical data.
6. Mobile & Web Access – Trade on the move from anywhere.

Advantages of MT5

• Familiar, trusted, and globally recognised.
• Large community of developers and traders.
• Thousands of third-party plug-ins, indicators etc.
• Straightforward, easy to migrate from MT4.

Limitations of MT5

• The user interface may be challenging for total beginners.
• Customisation is limited to proprietary platforms.
• Some brokers restrict features (depends on licensing).

Part 2: What Are Custom Trading Platforms?

Definition

Custom trading platforms are built and created by brokers, and provide a branded and authentic offering. A custom platform is distinct from MT5 because it is a third-party product like MT5, and it fully belongs to the broker, you can change its design and features even execution features. 

Key Features of Custom Platforms

1. An intuitive interface – Built for new traders and those with more experience
2. No account or wallet management issue – You can deposit, withdraw, and manage an account all on one platform
3. Custom software tools – Unique indicators, analytics, and AI
4. Better performance – More execution of trades with improve servers
5. Clean mobile experience – Very easy to use app and a built for a modern day trader

Advantages of Custom Platforms

• Brokers can customize features that you can’t do with MT5
• Easier for a new trader – A simplified dashboard
• Direct client support and account management is a seamless experience
• Generally ready with lower spreads and better speed in execution

Limitations of Custom Platforms

• Communities will be smaller than MT5
• Limited plug-ins available from third-party developers. 
• Traders who have experience with MT5 or MT4 may require some skill/learning curve.

Part 3: MT5 vs Custom Trading Platform – A Detailed Comparison

Feature	MetaTrader 5 (MT5)	Custom Trading Platform
Popularity	Global industry standard	Broker-specific
Assets Supported	Forex, stocks, CFDs, commodities, crypto	Depends on broker (Elan supports multi-asset)
Charting & Tools	Advanced, 38+ indicators	Customisable, may integrate AI/ML
Algorithmic Trading	Full support for EAs and scripts	Depends on broker (may support automation)
Execution Speed	Strong, but varies with broker servers	Optimised with direct broker control
Ease of Use	Complex for beginners	Beginner-friendly interface
Community & Support	Massive global developer base	Broker’s own support system
Customisation	Limited to available plug-ins	Fully tailored features
Best For	Experienced traders, algo traders, multi-asset investors	Beginners, mobile-first traders, those who want simplicity

Part 4: Why Low Spreads Matter in 2025

Spread costs should be one of the main factors when considering the question of mono trading versus a custom trading platform.

• Also keep in mind that low spreads = low trading cost.
• Scalawaw and high-frequency traders are particularly so.
• In 2025, brokers were competing among themselves to spread the prices. Therefore, it does not matter what trading platform you are trading on, only as long as it has the lowest spreads.

At Elan Securities, we focus on having ultra-low spreads across both our MT5 and custom trading platforms. Whether a trader utilizes our MT5 or custom platform, enabling this cost-effectiveness is part of their trading benefit.

Part 5: Elan Securities – Offering the Best of Both Worlds

Why Elan Offers MT5

• Voted best broker on the MT5 platform in 2025, we offer traders all tools available to MT5 users. 
• Our customized infrastructure results in no downtime all major asset classes, as well as small latency.
• Traders to the ability to utilize Expert Advisors (EAs), take advantage of more advanced analytics, and plug into the 5 million + users that make up the global MT5 community.

Why Elan Built a Custom Trading Platform

• We also understand that not all traders want the complexity of MT5, it can be overwhelming, especially new traders.
• Our custom trading platform is lightweight, easy to navigate, and mobile-first.
• The additional benefit of our custom trading platform is its several educational tools and risk management features.
• No amount of features mean anything if the spreads are not low and execution is not fast.

The Elan Advantage

• Flexibility: Decide between MT5 or ELA Platforms.
• Low Spreads: Designed for beginner and professional traders.
• Trust: Regulated, transparent, and internationally reliable.
• Round-the-clock assistance: Human + AI meaning we’ll respond to all of your trading inquires.

Part 6: How to Choose the Right Platform for You

1. If you’re a beginner:
   
   • Experience Elan’s tailored trading platform and the ease of trading.
   • Low spreads and user-friendly navigation with free educational content.
     
2. If you’re an advanced trader:
   
   • MT5 is perfect if you’re using advanced analytics, EAs, and an international community.
     
3. If you want flexibility:
   
   • Use both. Use MT5 for backtesting advanced strategies,
   • Elan’s platform for making quick trades when you are out.

Part 7: The Future of Trading Platforms in 2025

• AI analytics will be the norm. 
• Low spreads will continue to be a broker’s unique value proposition.
• Custom trading platforms will grow as broker’s look to differentiate their offering.
• MT5 will still dominate, but more traders will look for hybrid products i.e., what Elan offers.

Conclusion

There is no definitive answer to the debate of MT5 vs custom trading platform; MT5 is still the industry giant: powerful, reliable and feature-rich. However, custom trading platforms are becoming increasingly popular due to their simplicity, novelty and customary advantages of the broker.

In Elan Securities, one does not have to make a choice. We offer both options:

• MetaTrader 5 – Advanced features To the advanced trader.
• Elan Custom Platform- Beginner and traders who want it simple with the lowest spreads.

So the real decision is: What’s your trading style? 

Whichever option you select, in 2025 you will be trading smarter, safer and more profitably with Elan Securities.