A direct comparison to help brokers and prop firms pick the right trading platform.
MT5 Grey Label lets you operate under an existing MT5 server license without needing your own MetaQuotes license, while cTrader requires a direct Spotware agreement. For prop firms, MT5 Grey Label avoids the MetaQuotes ban entirely because your firm is invisible on the server.
| Feature | MT5 Grey Label | cTrader |
|---|---|---|
| License requirement | None (operate under host broker) | Spotware agreement required |
| Setup time | 2 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| Monthly cost | $5 per account (custom scaling) | From $2,000+ |
| Prop firm compatible | Yes (invisible to MetaQuotes) | Yes (no ban issue) |
| MT5 Manager access | Full access | N/A (different platform) |
| Instruments | 2,000+ | Varies by provider |
| Custom branding | Full | Full |
| Algo trading | MQL5 EAs | cAlgo / cBots |
| Mobile apps | MT5 mobile | cTrader mobile |
| Market familiarity | 80%+ of retail traders know MT5 | Growing but smaller user base |
Yes. Some brokers offer both platforms to their clients. However, most firms start with one platform to keep operations simple. MT5 Grey Label is the faster and cheaper option to get started with.
Yes. With a grey label, your prop firm operates under the host broker's license. MetaQuotes only sees the broker, not your firm. You're completely invisible, so there's zero ban risk. Learn more about how grey labels work.
MT5 has the larger market share by far. Over 80% of retail forex traders are familiar with MT4/MT5. cTrader is popular in certain regions but has a much smaller install base. If you want the widest reach, MT5 is the safer bet.
Get your own branded MT5 platform running in 2 weeks. No license needed.