MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is a multi‑asset trading platform that supports foreign exchange, stocks, futures and CFDs. Traders choose a virtual private server (VPS) to host MT5 because it keeps platforms running 24/7, avoids local power or internet outages, and reduces latency to brokers. A VPS acts like a remote Windows or Linux computer that continues processing trades even when the user’s device is offline. This guide describes the hardware and network considerations for selecting a VPS plan and provides recommendations based on the scale of trading.
Baseline MT5 system requirements
Below is a quick-reference for baseline MetaTrader 5 (MT5) system requirements across desktop and mobile, plus a note on the 64-bit installer transition. These specs are modest, so any modern VPS easily meets them—just make sure you’re on a 64-bit OS going forward.
MT5 baseline requirements (desktop & mobile)
| Platform | OS version | CPU | RAM | Storage / Display | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows desktop | Windows 7 or later (32/64-bit) | Dual-core (recommended) or ≥1 GHz | ≥ 1–2 GB | ~50–150 MB free | Windows client; current installers are 64-bit only (see below). |
| macOS desktop | macOS 10.14+ | Dual-core (recommended) | 4 GB | — | Comparable resources to Windows in practice. |
| Android mobile | Android 5.0+ | — | ~2 GB | — | Mobile app requires far fewer resources than desktop. |
| iOS mobile | iOS 12+ | — | — | ~50 MB app size | Lightweight footprint. |
*64-bit installer transition (important)
Beginning with MT5 build 3930 (Sept 2023), MetaQuotes stopped providing 32-bit installers. Previously installed 32-bit versions functioned only until 1 January 2024. To ensure compatibility, choose a 64-bit VPS (e.g., Windows Server 2019/2022 or a modern 64-bit Linux environment).
Key factors when ordering an MT5 VPS
- CPU (cores & clock speed)
Plan for ≥1 vCPU per actively traded terminal; heavy EAs may need more. Prefer higher single-core clocks (~2.5–3.5 GHz+) to reduce execution lag during fast markets. - RAM (capacity & headroom)
Start at 2–4 GB for light use, then add ~1–2 GB per additional terminal. Keep ≈20% free RAM to handle news spikes and avoid paging. - Storage (type & size)
Use SSD/NVMe for fast I/O. Allocate 15–40 GB for light setups; 50–100 GB if you keep large histories/logs or run backtests. Rotate/purge logs periodically. - Operating system & architecture (64-bit)
Choose a 64-bit OS to match current MT5 builds—Windows Server 2019/2022 is the simplest, best-supported path. (Linux via Wine is possible but adds overhead.) - Network (latency, jitter, bandwidth, location)
Host near your broker’s region (e.g., London/New York/Tokyo/Singapore) to cut round-trip time. 1–2 Mbps is fine for basics; 10 Mbps+ helps multi-account/copy trading. Prioritize low latency and low jitter over raw port speed. - Uptime & reliability (SLA, redundancy, monitoring)
Look for 99.9–99.99% SLAs, redundant power/network, and 24/7 monitoring. Managed options that handle patching/backups reduce operational risk. - Security & maintenance (hardening & hygiene)
Enable 2FA, keep the OS patched, lock down RDP/SSH with firewall rules/IP allow-lists, and run reputable AV/EDR. Schedule periodic reboots, monitor CPU/RAM, and maintain snapshots/backups of terminals/EAs/profiles.
Recommended VPS specifications by trading profile
The table below summarizes typical VPS specifications for MT5 traders based on usage level. These recommendations combine vendor guidelines and industry practice. Always tailor them to your own trading style, number of terminals and EAs.
| Example trading activities | Recommended CPU | Recommended RAM | Storage | Network | Rationale & sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Manual trading or 1 light EA, a few charts/symbols | 1–2 vCPU @ 2.0–3.0 GHz | 2–4 GB | 15–20 GB SSD/NVMe | 1–2 Mbps | Broker/official pages show very low MT5 minimums (Win7+, ~1 GHz CPU, 1–2 GB RAM, 50–150 MB disk), so these specs add safe headroom while staying lean. Use 64-bit OS due to 64-bit-only installers from build 3930. |
| Medium Multiple charts/EAs, or 2 terminals with moderate activity | 2–4 vCPU @ 2.5+ GHz | 4–8 GB | 30–40 GB NVMe | 5–10 Mbps | MT5’s richer analytics vs MT4 benefits from more CPU/RAM than bare minimums; sizing adds capacity for indicators/market depth and keeps ~20% RAM headroom for news spikes. Stay on 64-bit. |
| Heavy Scalping/multi-symbol EAs, copy trading, 3–4+ terminals | 4–8 vCPU @ 3.0+ GHz | 8–16 GB | 50–100 GB NVMe | 20+ Mbps (1 Gbps port ideal) | Execution-sensitive setups gain from higher single-core clocks and more cores; locate the VPS near your broker’s engine (LD4/LD5, NY4, TY3, SG) to minimize round-trip time. Proximity/colocation reduces latency and slippage. |
| Research / backtesting Strategy Tester, optimizations, large history sets | 8–16 vCPU @ 3.0+ GHz | 16–32 GB | 100–250 GB NVMe | 20+ Mbps | Backtests are CPU/IO-intensive; NVMe and more cores/RAM cut run times. Still ensure 64-bit OS as 32-bit builds are deprecated (older 32-bit installs ceased after Jan 1, 2024). |
Conclusion
Ordering a VPS for MT5 trading is more than choosing the cheapest plan; it requires matching hardware and network resources to your specific trading style. MT5 runs on modest hardware, but multi‑asset support, advanced charting and multiple EAs consume more CPU and memory than older MT4. Use at least a dual‑core, 64‑bit VPS with 2 GB RAM for basic setups and scale up to multi‑core CPUs and 16 GB or more of RAM for algorithmic or high‑frequency trading. Select NVMe storage for fast I/O, ensure low‑latency connections to your broker, and prioritise uptime and security. By assessing your workload, following guidelines for CPU and RAM per terminal, and monitoring resource usage, you can choose a VPS that keeps your MT5 platforms running smoothly and gives you the speed and reliability needed to compete in today’s markets.
