The MT5 download for Mac is free, but it's less straightforward than on Windows — so it's worth knowing your real options before you start. There's no single universal Apple-silicon build of MetaTrader 5 from MetaQuotes; instead, Mac users get MT5 through a broker's macOS app, the browser-based WebTrader, or by running the Windows terminal on their Mac. All three work on modern Macs, including M-series chips.
Your options for MetaTrader 5 on a Mac
- Broker's macOS app — the easiest route if your broker offers one (often a Wine-based wrapper of the Windows terminal).
- MT5 WebTrader — runs in any browser, nothing to install; ideal for quick access.
- Windows MT5 via Parallels Desktop or CrossOver — the full desktop experience, including MQL5 indicators and EAs.
- MT5 on iPhone or iPad — the mobile app is a solid companion; see MT5 for iOS.
MetaQuotes doesn't currently offer one universal native Mac build, so use your broker's Mac app, WebTrader, or the Windows terminal in Parallels/CrossOver. All three are reliable on modern Macs, including M-series chips.
How to get MT5 on your Mac
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Open an account with a Mac-friendly broker
Pick a regulated broker that offers MT5 with a macOS app or WebTrader, and open an account — a free demo is fine. They provide your download link and login details.
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Download the broker's Mac app, or open WebTrader
Download your broker's macOS MetaTrader 5 app, or open their MT5 WebTrader, which runs in any browser with nothing to install.
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Allow the app if macOS blocks it
If macOS warns that the app is from an unidentified developer, open
System Settings ▸ Privacy & Securityand click Open Anyway — only for an app you downloaded from your broker. -
Log in with your account number, password, and server
Open MetaTrader 5, choose your broker's server, and log in with your login number and password. You're ready to chart and place demo trades.
Indicators and Expert Advisors on Mac
If you rely on custom indicators or automated strategies, the desktop terminal is what you need. On a Mac, the most dependable way to run them is the Windows MT5 terminal inside Parallels Desktop or CrossOver. Remember that MT5 tools must be written in MQL5 — your old MT4 (MQL4) files won't run. WebTrader and lightweight wrapper apps are great for charting and manual trading, but have limited support for custom code.
Start MT5 on your Mac
XM provides MetaTrader 5 across desktop and WebTrader plus a free demo and a $5 minimum — an easy way to get started on macOS.
⚠ Trading forex and CFDs is high-risk and most retail traders lose money. This is not financial advice.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission if you open a broker account through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Next steps
Practise on a free demo with virtual money, compare brokers in our best MT5 brokers guide, or set up the full desktop version on Windows — see also how to install MT5. Prefer the classic? MT4 for Mac.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a native MT5 for Mac?
There isn't a single universal native build from MetaQuotes for Apple silicon. In practice, MetaTrader 5 on Mac is provided as a broker-packaged app (often a Wine-based wrapper) or used through WebTrader in a browser. You can also run the Windows version via Parallels Desktop or CrossOver.
Does MT5 work on Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
Yes. You can use your broker's Mac app, the browser-based WebTrader, or run the Windows MT5 terminal in a virtual machine such as Parallels or CrossOver. Charting and trading perform well on Apple silicon.
Can I use MT5 on a Mac without downloading anything?
Yes. MT5 WebTrader runs in any modern browser with no installation — your broker provides the link. It's the quickest way to use MetaTrader 5 on a Mac.
Can I run Expert Advisors on a Mac?
Custom indicators and Expert Advisors need the desktop terminal. The most reliable way on a Mac is to run the Windows MT5 terminal inside Parallels Desktop or CrossOver. Remember MT5 EAs must be written in MQL5 — MT4 EAs won't run.
Is MT5 for Mac free?
Yes. The MetaTrader 5 platform is free to download and use on Mac. You only need a funded broker account to trade live; a demo is free.
Should I use MT5 or MT4 on my Mac?
Both work the same ways on a Mac — broker app, WebTrader, or a Windows virtual machine. Choose MT5 for multi-asset markets and the economic calendar, or MT4 for forex and the larger ecosystem of tools. Many brokers offer both.
Trading foreign exchange and contracts for difference (CFDs) carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage can work against you as well as for you. You could lose some or all of your deposited funds; do not trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Nothing on MT4Download.com is financial, investment, or trading advice. Consider your circumstances and seek independent advice if needed.