Yes. The MT5 platform itself is free to download from MetaQuotes or any MT5-compatible broker. Every EA and indicator on this page is also free, with no licence keys or subscriptions required.

No, not directly. MT5 uses .ex5 files and the MQL5 programming language. MT4 uses .ex4 files and MQL4. The two are not cross-compatible. However, many EAs and indicators have separate MT4 and MT5 versions — check each individual tool's page to confirm platform support.

Open MT5, click File → Open Data Folder → MQL5 → Experts (for EAs) or Indicators. Paste the .ex5 file. Restart MT5. The tool appears in the Navigator panel. Drag it onto a chart, enable AutoTrading (for EAs), and it runs. Full step-by-step guide

Depends on the strategy. M1-M5 scalpers typically work from $100 minimum. Grid and martingale recovery EAs usually need $1,000-$3,000 to survive drawdown sequences. Each EA review on ForexCracked states its recommended starting balance.

Yes, but each EA must have a unique magic number to avoid order conflicts. Most MT5 EAs let you set the magic number in the input dialog when you attach the EA to a chart. Run each EA on a separate chart.

A low-spread ECN broker with full MT5 support. Popular choices include IC Markets, Exness, and Pepperstone. Check current spreads, execution speed, and EA compatibility before committing.

MetaTrader 5 is the latest trading platform from MetaQuotes, released after MT4. It supports multi-threaded backtesting, depth of market data, 21 timeframes, and a built-in economic calendar. MT5 is faster and more powerful than MT4, though MT4 remains popular because it has more third-party tools available.