Ctrader

What Is cTrader? Definition, Features, and How It Compares to MT4/MT5

Definition:
cTrader is a professional trading platform developed by Spotware Systems in 2010, designed for Forex and CFD trading with a focus on ECN (Electronic Communication Network) execution, transparency, and advanced charting.

Explanation:
Unlike MetaTrader platforms, which dominate retail Forex, cTrader gained popularity among traders who value direct market access, detailed order control, and modern interface design.

It is often offered by brokers with ECN/STP models, making it especially attractive to scalpers, day traders, and algorithmic traders.

📊 cTrader Features

True ECN/STP Execution: Direct access to liquidity providers with minimal dealing desk intervention
Depth of Market (DOM): Shows full order book for better execution insight
Advanced Charting: Dozens of timeframes, detachable charts, multiple layouts
Order Types: Market, limit, stop, stop-limit, trailing stop, market range
cAlgo (Automated Trading): Built-in algo system using C# language
Backtesting & Optimization: Strong for algo traders, comparable to MT5
Interface: Modern, clean design with fast order execution
Cross-Device Access: Desktop, web, and mobile

🆚 cTrader vs. MetaTrader (MT4/MT5)

Feature	cTrader	MT4	MT5
Launch Year	2010	2005	2010
Execution Model	True ECN/STP	Market Maker/ECN via broker	Multi-asset + ECN via broker
Programming Language	C# (cAlgo / cTrader Automate)	MQL4	MQL5
Depth of Market (DOM)	Advanced, full order book	Limited	Improved vs. MT4
Charting Tools	Very advanced, user-friendly	Basic	Strong, multi-timeframe
Popularity	Niche (pro/scalpers)	Widely used (retail traders)	Growing as MT4 replacement

🌍 Why cTrader Is Important

Designed for professional traders needing direct market access
Great for scalping and algorithmic trading
Offers more transparency than many MetaTrader setups
Strong community but smaller than MT4/MT5 ecosystem

Example (Trading):
A scalper uses cTrader to open a Sell order on EUR/USD with Depth of Market (DOM) visibility, ensuring the order is filled with minimal slippage.

Related Terms:
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), ECN Broker, STP, Automated Trading, Depth of Market

Category:
Trading Platforms / ECN Infrastructure

✅ FastPip Tip:

If you’re a scalper or algo developer comfortable with C#, cTrader offers transparency and execution speed unmatched by many MT4/MT5 setups.

📣 Related Resources from FastPip

✅ Compare brokers offering cTrader on our Broker Review Page
✅ Follow scalpers trading on cTrader via our Copy Trading Platform
✅ Read our Blog for platform comparisons: MT4 vs MT5 vs cTrader