If you’re trading synthetic indices on Deriv in 2025, two names dominate the conversation: MT5 vs Deriv X. Iβve traded live accounts on both β and while they technically give you access to the same markets, the experience is very different.
Letβs break it down in practical terms so you know which one to go for depending on your strategy, device, and experience level.
What Are Deriv MT5 and Deriv X?
MT5 (MetaTrader 5) is Derivβs classic CFD trading platform β fully featured, customizable, and supported by thousands of tools, bots, and strategies.
Deriv X is the newer, more modern platform β powered by TradingView charts. It looks cleaner, is built for visual traders, and runs great on both desktop and mobile.
So whatβs better?
Letβs dig into that with actual use cases.
Deriv offers multiple platforms β MT5, Deriv X, SmartTrader, and more β each with its own use case.
π See the full guide to Deriv platforms here.
Charting Experience: Old School vs TradingView
If youβre the type of trader who zooms in, draws zones, and analyzes candlesticks to death (like I do when scalping V75), MT5 gives you full control.
But Deriv X feels smoother. Since itβs built with TradingViewβs engine, everything is fast, clean, and intuitive β drawing support zones, adding indicators, and zooming feels snappy.
MT5 Pros:
- You can run custom indicators and expert advisors
- More granular control (timeframes, templates, scripts)
Deriv X Pros:
- Feels modern and visual
- Better for traders whoβve used TradingView before
- Perfect for mobile charting
If you like TradingViewβs look and feel, Deriv X is the more enjoyable platform.
Min Deposit: USD 1
Total Pairs: 100+
Regulators: MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BVIFSC
Execution and Order Types
Hereβs where MT5 wins for me β especially when Iβm trading VIX or trying to scalp Boom 1000.
MT5 gives me full control over order types: market, limit, stop, stop-limit, and custom fills like Fill or Kill.
On Deriv X, execution is more streamlined. You choose your lot size, click buy or sell, and youβre in. Itβs built for simplicity β which is great for newer traders but may feel restrictive to advanced users.
For scalping? I still prefer MT5 β faster entries, better SL/TP control.
If you’re serious about using EAs or precision scalping, MT5 is still king.
π See our full MT5 setup guide for synthetic indices here.
Deriv X is especially great for mobile charting and visual setups β perfect if you’re used to TradingView.
π Hereβs how to get started trading synthetic indices on Deriv X.
Can You Use Bots on Deriv X?
No. At least not yet.
This is a dealbreaker if you use Expert Advisors (EAs) or trading robots. MT5 is the only platform where you can deploy auto-trading bots, backtest strategies, and run logic-based automation.
I have bots that trade engulfing patterns, jump index spikes, and V75 trend breaks β all on MT5. Thatβs just not possible on Deriv X.
π If youβre looking for tested, free bots you can start using now, check out this guide to Deriv Binary Bots.
Asset Access: Same Indices, Different Interface
Both platforms give you access to all synthetic indices: Volatility, Boom & Crash, Step, Jump, Range Break β including the 1s versions.
Thereβs no difference in pricing, spreads, or leverage between MT5 and Deriv X. What changes is how you interact with the market.
Platform Recommendations (Based on How You Trade)
Trader Type | Use MT5 If⦠| Use Deriv X If⦠|
---|---|---|
Scalper | You need speed + EA support | You want clean charts & simple entries |
Swing Trader | You use indicators + risk tools | You prefer TradingView layout |
Beginner | You want full-featured demos | You want mobile simplicity |
Bot Trader | You run automated systems | β Not supported yet |
Price Action | You trade from naked charts | You want visual comfort |
Mobile Trading Experience
Iβve used both apps extensively.
- MT5 Mobile feels more technical, harder to navigate, but powerful once youβre used to it.
- Deriv X Mobile feels like youβre on TradingView β cleaner charts, better drawing tools, easier switching between instruments.
For charting and checking trades on the go, I recommend Deriv X.
For managing bots or running tight scalps, MT5 is the winner.
Is Deriv X the Same as TradingView?
Not quite.
Deriv X is built on TradingViewβs charting engine, but you canβt log in from tradingview.com. Itβs not a full TradingView integration (like OANDA or FXCM), where you can place trades inside TradingViewβs platform.
That said β itβs the closest Deriv has ever come to giving traders a TradingView-like experience.
π Want the full scoop? Read our guide to Deriv + TradingView here.
π Related Guides Youβll Find Useful
- π€ Best Deriv Bot for Small Accounts
Perfect if you’re trading with $10β$50 and want automation that actually works. - π§ Tips for Trading Synthetic Indices
Real-world advice I wish I had when I first started trading these wild markets. - π Best Synthetic Indices for Beginners on Deriv
Not all indices are beginner-friendly. These ones are more forgiving (and still profitable). - π Lot Sizes for All Synthetic Indices
Confused about point value or how much $0.01 lots move? This clears it all up. - π₯ Most Volatile Synthetic Indices on Deriv
Ranked data from actual candle analysis β find out which pairs move the most.
Final Verdict on MT5 vs Deriv X
If youβre new to synthetic indices and want clean charts with easy access: go with Deriv X. If youβre a more serious trader, want to run bots, or prefer total control: MT5 is still king.
Personally? I use Deriv X for analysis and MT5 for actual trading. Thatβs the combo that works.
Want to try both? Open a free Deriv account and you can switch between platforms anytime.
π§ MT5 vs Deriv X β Whatβs Your Favourite?
Iβve shared whatβs worked for me β but now I want to hear from you.
π Do you prefer the flexibility and automation of MT5?
π Or does the clean, TradingView-style experience of Deriv X feel like home?
π Maybe you juggle both depending on what youβre trading or when you’re on the go?
Drop your thoughts in the comments β which platform do you use, and why? Your experience could help another trader make a better decision. Letβs build a community where we learn from each other and grow together. ππ¬
FAQs On MT5 vs Deriv X (Tradingview)
Not always. Deriv X is more beginner-friendly and looks like TradingView, but it doesnβt support bots or custom indicators. MT5 gives you full control, automation, and advanced order types β itβs still the better choice for serious traders.
No β Deriv X doesnβt support bots or expert advisors (EAs). If you want to run automated strategies, youβll need to use Deriv MT5.
MT5. The order control, tighter execution, and support for scripts or bots make it ideal for scalping strategies. Deriv X is great for clean visuals, but itβs limited for fast, precision entries.
Yes. You can switch between Deriv X and MT5 with the same account. Some traders use Deriv X for analysis, then place trades on MT5.
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