MetaTrader 5
Use MQL5 Market for the EA licence, installation and updates.
Gold automation platform guide
MT5 EA or cTrader cBot?
Choose the workflow that fits your account
The strategy name is only one part of the decision. Your broker platform determines the package, marketplace licence, installation path and tester workflow you will actually use.
Platform decision
The practical differences
| Question | MetaTrader 5 EA | cTrader cBot |
|---|---|---|
| Package | An Expert Advisor made for MetaTrader 5. | A cBot made for cTrader. |
| Official Store path | MQL5 Market product page, licence and terminal installation. | cTrader Store product tied to the active cTrader ID; cloud synchronisation must be enabled for delivery. |
| Historical testing | MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester supports multiple tick-generation modes, including real-tick testing when broker history is available. | cTrader Backtesting supports server tick/M1/H1 sources, configurable commission and spread, plus standard or visual testing. |
| Settings evidence | Save the exact EA inputs, symbol, timeframe, dates, balance, leverage, modelling mode and completed report. | Save the cBot parameters or `.cbotset`, symbol, timeframe, dates, capital, commission, spread, data source and completed HTML report. |
| Gold symbol check | Both require the broker's actual XAUUSD, GOLD or suffixed symbol and its contract size, tick value, volume limits, session and costs. | |
| Live deployment | Only after exact-package testing and demo observation. A Store listing, loaded bot, enabled button or historical report is not proof of live profitability. | |
Platform references: MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester documentation, cTrader cBot backtesting documentation, and cTrader Store installation documentation.
Verified marketplace paths
Choose the edition made for your platform
cTrader
Use cTrader Store for the cBot package associated with your cTrader ID.
Some strategies have editions on both platforms, but builds, version numbers, settings and marketplace identities can differ. Do not assume an MT5 report proves the behaviour of the cTrader package—or the reverse.
Before considering live risk
Use the same evidence standard on either platform
- Confirm identity. Record the platform, product name, Store product number, version and installed package.
- Match the broker environment. Verify the Gold symbol and all trading specifications.
- Complete the historical run. A configured screen or enabled Play button is setup evidence, not a result.
- Export the evidence. Retain the report, settings, logs, dates, data source, costs, leverage and starting capital.
- Review losses as well as gains. Inspect equity drawdown, losing periods, concentration and execution sensitivity.
- Forward-test on demo. Compare actual order handling with the historical assumptions before considering live exposure.
Common questions
MT5 and cTrader bot FAQ
Is MT5 or cTrader better for Gold trading bots?
Neither is universally better. Start with the platform supported by your broker and marketplace licence, then compare the exact build, settings, testing workflow and operating requirements.
Can an MT5 EA run in cTrader?
No. They are separate platform packages. Use the edition made for the platform you operate.
Do backtests prove live profitability?
No. Historical simulations depend on data, costs, execution assumptions, broker specifications and settings. They do not guarantee future or live performance.
Risk disclosure
Automated trading involves substantial risk. Marketplace availability, software controls and historical testing do not guarantee profit, a maximum loss or compatibility with a specific broker or prop-firm rule set. Test independently and never risk money you cannot afford to lose.