Why MetaTrader accounts are slower than cTrader

If you are coming from MetaTrader and wondering why EdgeFlo recommends TradeLocker, this article explains the difference and why TradeLocker gives you a better experience — especially if you are based in the US.

You might be used to MetaTrader. It is one of the most widely used trading platforms in the world, and for good reason. But when it comes to connecting your broker to EdgeFlo, TradeLocker gives you a significantly better experience. Here is why.

TradeLocker vs MetaTrader: the key difference

Think of it like two different types of doors.

TradeLocker has an open door. EdgeFlo connects to it directly, and your trade data flows through in real time. A trade happens, EdgeFlo knows instantly.

MetaTrader has a locked door. There is no official way for EdgeFlo (or any external tool) to connect to it directly. To work around this, EdgeFlo used to route everything through a third-party bridge service that sat in the middle, checking your MetaTrader account every few minutes and passing data along.

That extra step meant your trades could take several minutes to appear in your EdgeFlo journal, and syncs would sometimes fail without warning. It is not a bug — it is simply how MetaTrader is built. TradeLocker eliminates that problem entirely.

If you are based in the United States

TradeLocker is the right choice, and for US traders it is the only supported option in EdgeFlo. cTrader is not available to US retail traders due to a restriction set by Spotware, cTrader's developer. This applies across every broker that uses cTrader — it is not an EdgeFlo decision.

TradeLocker was built with US traders in mind. All nine TradeLocker Hub brokers supported by EdgeFlo accept US traders, all offer free demo accounts, and all connect to EdgeFlo with real-time trade syncing.

Tip: Not sure which TradeLocker broker to start with? Reach out to EdgeFlo support and we will help you pick the right one based on how you trade.

If you are outside the United States

You have two supported options: TradeLocker or cTrader. Both connect to EdgeFlo directly with real-time trade syncing — no middleman, no lag.

TradeLocker is the fastest way to get set up if you are starting fresh. cTrader is a great option if your existing broker already supports it. Either way, you will get a noticeably better experience than MetaTrader offered.

How do I make the switch?

Our support team will walk you through it. The process is straightforward:

You tell us where you are based and which broker you currently trade with
We recommend the best platform for your situation
We share a setup guide and stay available while you get connected
Your existing EdgeFlo trade history stays exactly as it is throughout

Most traders are up and running the same day. Contact EdgeFlo support to get started.

Note: Any trades already synced from your MetaTrader account remain in your EdgeFlo journal. Switching platforms does not delete your history.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't EdgeFlo support MetaTrader anymore?

MetaTrader wasn't designed to share data with external tools, which meant trade syncing was slow and delayed — not the experience traders deserve. TradeLocker and cTrader connect directly to EdgeFlo, so we made the move to platforms that actually work well for you.

Is TradeLocker as good as MetaTrader for trading?

For most retail traders, yes. TradeLocker has real-time charts, order management, stop-loss and take-profit controls, a mobile app, and web-based access with no software to install. The biggest difference you will notice in EdgeFlo is the sync speed — trades appear instantly instead of with a delay.

Can I use cTrader instead of TradeLocker?

If you are outside the US, yes. cTrader connects to EdgeFlo in real time and is a great option if your broker supports it. If you are in the US, cTrader is not available — TradeLocker is the supported option for US traders.

Will my MetaTrader trade history disappear?

No. Everything already synced to EdgeFlo from your MetaTrader account stays in your journal. Switching to a new platform only affects new trades going forward.

Do I have to change brokers?

You may not need to. Some brokers support both MetaTrader and TradeLocker, so you might be able to open a TradeLocker account under your existing broker. Contact EdgeFlo support and we will check for you.