More and more, forex trading VPS services are increasing in popularity. This is especially true with the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence, trading robots, and AI trading tools that require round-the-clock access to the market.
If you’re new to the trading VPS space, you’re likely at the junction where you’re looking to choose between the MT5 VPS and a traditional third-party forex trading VPS. In the rest of this piece, we’ll help you create clear distinctions between each VPS service and what you should settle for.
What is the MT5 VPS?
The MT5 VPS is a virtual server straight from MetaQuotes, the creators of MetaTrader 5. It serves as a cloud-based control center for your MT5 platform, allowing your Expert Advisors (EAs), signals, and charts to run continuously, even if your internet connection acts up.
The most significant benefit of the MT5 VPS is that it is provided by MetaQuotes. Many traders already use the MT5 trading platform, so using their VPS is simply easier. You get a VPS, and you still stay in the MetaQuotes ecosystem.
Another great benefit of the MT5 VPS is that, with MT5 being one of the most popular and largest trading platforms, it already has data centers at strategic trading centers worldwide. And traders using their VPS get access to this wealth of resources at affordable prices.
What is a Traditional Trading VPS?
A traditional trading VPS, in contrast, offers a more generalized yet powerful virtual private server environment tailored to trading. While fully capable of hosting MT5, it provides greater flexibility for managing multiple trading platforms, custom applications, and other ancillary trading software.
In addition to being able to host multiple platforms, traditional VPS services offer high performance, more flexibility and lots of customization options
MT5 VPS Vs. Traditional Trading VPS: How Do They Compare?
We’ll see how the MT5 VPS performs against its traditional trading VPS counterparts based on the following criteria:
- Performance
- Uptime and Reliability
- Cost and Value
- Ease of Use and Setup
- Customization and Scalability
- Security
- Support and Management
- Broker and Platform Compatibility
Before we delve into a more detailed comparison, this table provides a quick overview.
| Feature | MT5 VPS | Traditional Trading VPS |
| Performance | Decent for basic strategies | Much better for speed, multitasking, and heavy loads |
| Uptime and Reliability | Works round the clock | Varies from one provider to another. Reputable providers are up round the clock. |
| Cost and Value | Affordable | Usually more expensive |
| Ease of Use and Setup | Super simple (just use MT5) | Slightly technical |
| Customization and Scalability | Very limited. You’re stuck with what you get. | Full control. Install what you want and upgrade anytime as your trading grows. |
| Security | Locked down by MetaQuotes | You manage security (or choose a host that does) |
| Support and Management | Dedicated to the MT5 only. Responses may be slow. | Faster responses, with a wider range of assistance offered. |
| Broker and Trading Platform Compatibility | MT5 only | MT4, MT5, cTrader, and more |
| Best for | New traders, single-account setups | Experienced traders, multiple accounts, algo trading, and the sort. |
And now, to the details:
1. Performance (Latency and Speed)
The speed and responsiveness of your trading environment are paramount, as they directly influence trade execution and slippage.
For the MT5 VPS, its services are specifically designed to meet the demands of MT5. Server locations are often strategically chosen to minimize latency to major Forex brokers, which can be advantageous for MT5 users. It is safe to say that as long as you’re on the MT5 VPS, latency should not be your problem.
High-quality traditional trading VPS services also deliver excellent performance through robust hardware and network infrastructure. They also boast servers in major trading centers around the world. Some even lease or colocate servers in the same data centers where major exchanges have their servers.
That said, a traditional trading VPS has the added advantage of performance customization. Traditional trading VPS providers allow you to select server locations to sync with your broker’s data center, which can further reduce latency. Plus, you can beef up the hardware for complex EAs or high-frequency trading, giving you a performance edge.
2. Uptime and Reliability
As far as uptime and reliability are concerned, the MT5 VPS and reputable traditional trading VPS offer round-the-clock services. MT5 VPS relies on MetaQuotes’ rock-solid infrastructure, so downtime is almost unheard of. As long as you can place trades on your MT5 (which is true round the clock), the VPS server remains active.
Traditional trading VPS providers typically promise 99.9% uptime, but the quality of this service varies from one provider to another. Top providers have robust setups with backups and redundancy, but do your homework to avoid sketchy ones.
Note: Some users on Reddit have complained that MT5 VPS sometimes fails to start up on Mondays in some locations. Although we have not experienced this and have no means to substantiate this claim, it is still worth mentioning nonetheless.
3. Cost and Value
MT5 VPS solutions are generally more economical, as they are often streamlined and optimized for a single application. This can make them an accessible option for traders exclusively using MT5.
Traditional trading VPS pricing varies significantly from one provider to another. Basic plans can match MT5 VPS costs, but if you want extra power (more CPU, RAM, or SSD), you’ll pay more. Given their enhanced flexibility and resource allocation, traditional trading VPS services may require a higher overall investment.
4. Ease of Use and Setup
The MT5 VPS service is designed for straightforward setup, frequently including pre-installed MT5 and intuitive configuration processes, making it highly accessible for beginners.
While still user-friendly, setting up a traditional trading VPS requires a higher level of technical proficiency. For instance, you’ll need Remote Desktop Connection to connect to your VPS server and then go ahead to install MT5 (or other platforms) and set up your trading tools on the server yourself. It’s not rocket science, but it can feel like a chore if you’re not techy. Nevertheless, most providers offer comprehensive guides and robust support.
5. Customization and Scalability
Customization and scalability options on the MT5 VPS may be limited, as their primary function is to run the MT5 effectively. There’s an exasperatingly apparent lack of flexibility with the MetaQuotes VPS when compared to regular trading VPS providers.
For instance, you can only connect your VPS to one trading account at a time. This can be a huge hassle, especially if you have multiple accounts across various brokers. Also, MT5 VPS doesn’t allow Expert Advisors (EAs) to enable DLL imports for security reasons. Many EAs require DLL imports, which automatically disqualifies them from being able to work on the MetaQuotes VPS.
If there’s any area where traditional trading VPS servers beat the MT5 VPS, it’s in customization and scalability. They provide extensive flexibility for installing various trading platforms, indicators, and tools, with the ability to easily upgrade resources (CPU, RAM, storage) as your requirements expand. This adaptability is invaluable for sophisticated trading environments.
6. Security
It’s easier to guarantee the security of the MT5 than other normal trading VPS providers. Why? MT5 VPS comes with MetaQuotes’ built-in encryption and platform-specific security, ensuring that your trades and trading data are secure.
Traditional trading VPS services typically incorporate advanced security features, including firewalls, DDoS protection, and regular backups, providing a highly secure environment for all trading activities. However, the specific protection measure will depend on the provider. Irreputable trading VPS providers may even lie about some of their security features. That’s why you should stick only to the reputable ones.
7. Support and Management
MT5 VPS includes MetaQuotes’ support, which is dependable but focused on MT5 issues. If your server acts up, they’ve got your back. But note that they might not be the fastest to respond to your concerns, due to the sheer number of customers they have.
And while traditional trading VPS support varies, the best providers offer 24/7 assistance with prompt responses and sometimes even managed services, such as server setup and configuration. Check what’s included before you commit.
8. Broker and Trading Platform Compatibility
Primarily focused on MT5, MetaQuotes VPS will not offer the same level of integrated support for other trading platforms or a wide array of brokers if you intend to run multiple instances concurrently. As it is, you can only use one trading account on the VPS at a time. That’s a huge limitation on compatibility.
A traditional trading VPS offers superior compatibility with brokers and trading platforms because they aren’t tied to the MT5 alone. You can install and operate multiple trading platforms and connect to various brokers without inherent limitations.
Which Should You Use?
Now that you know what shines where, let’s help you simplify the decision of whether to use MT5 VPS or a traditional trading VPS service
Choose MT5 VPS If:
- Your primary trading platform is MetaTrader 5.
- You are new to VPS solutions and prefer a straightforward, pre-configured setup.
- Cost-effectiveness is a key consideration, and you seek a solution specifically optimized for MT5.
- Your trading heavily relies on Expert Advisors and signals, requiring a stable environment dedicated to MT5.
Choose traditional trading VPS if:
- You already use or plan to use multiple trading platforms (e.g., MT4, MT5, cTrader).
- Your trading demands extensive customization and scalability for complex strategies or custom applications.
- You prioritize maximum control over your trading environment and desire the flexibility to install diverse software.
- You have a more substantial budget and seek a robust, versatile, and future-proof solution for all your trading endeavors.
Conclusion
Both MT5 VPS and traditional trading VPS solutions present significant advantages for traders aiming to hop on the VPS trading trend. An MT5 VPS offers a highly optimized and user-centric environment for MetaTrader 5, which is ideal for those who are singularly focused on this platform.
On the other hand, a traditional trading VPS offers unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and control, which positions it as a powerful choice for traders with diverse or evolving requirements.
Ultimately, those are what your considerations will depend on.
