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Trader Workstation vs MetaTrader 5: catalog facts
Trader Workstation	MetaTrader 5
Best for: Active traders with an Interactive Brokers account	Best for: Active traders in forex, stocks and futures who want charting and automated strategies
Free The software is a free download; trading costs and account terms are set by Interactive Brokers.	Free The platform is free; trading happens through a broker, and some market add-ons are paid.
macOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
Access to many asset classes and global markets from one application Advanced order types and risk analysis tools All 3 strengths for Trader Workstation Access to many asset classes and global markets from one application Advanced order types and risk analysis tools Official user guides from the broker	Detailed charting and technical analysis Automated trading with MQL5 and a strategy tester All 3 strengths for MetaTrader 5 Detailed charting and technical analysis Automated trading with MQL5 and a strategy tester Available on desktop, web and mobile
Only works with an Interactive Brokers account Aimed at active traders, so the interface is dense for casual investors	Needs a broker account to trade real money No native Linux build All 3 limitations for MetaTrader 5 Needs a broker account to trade real money No native Linux build Aimed at active traders rather than budgeting
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Trader Workstation interactivebrokers.com Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for MetaTrader 5 metatrader5.com play.google.com/store/apps/details apps.apple.com/us/app/metatrader-5/id413251709 Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.