How to choose a forex Expert Advisor for MT5

1. Ask for a backtest on real ticks

The MetaTrader 5 Strategy Tester can model ticks from bar data or replay the real ticks stored by the broker. A result built on modelled ticks can look far better than reality, especially for scalpers and grids. Look for the mode name "Every tick based on real ticks" and a history quality close to 100%.

2. Read the drawdown before the profit

Profit is a number you hope for, drawdown is a number you must survive. Check maximum drawdown on equity, not only on balance, because open losing trades hide inside floating equity. Ask yourself whether you would really keep the EA running through that drop.

3. Look for a public live signal

A live signal on MQL5 shows real trades on a real or demo account, with the growth and drawdown calculated by the platform, not by the seller. A backtest is a claim; a signal that has lived through several market regimes is evidence.

4. Understand the strategy family

Trend following, mean reversion, grid, martingale and scalping fail in different ways. A serious seller tells you which one it is and what market conditions hurt it. If the description only says "AI" or "100% accuracy", move on.

5. Check costs and delay

Spread, commission, swap and execution delay decide whether an edge survives. A good test includes realistic spreads and an order delay (for example 500 ms). Short-term systems die quietly when delay is ignored.

6. Look at the length and the months

Several years that include trends, ranges and shocks tell you more than a lucky quarter. Count how many months are positive and look at the worst one, not only the average.

7. Check how risk is sized

Fixed lots, percentage risk and lot growth with the balance give very different outcomes. Know which one the headline result used, and whether the product offers lower-risk presets.

8. Verify account requirements

Leverage, minimum deposit, symbol, timeframe, hedging account type and broker conditions must match yours. An EA tuned for one symbol is not a general tool.

9. Read the refund and support terms

The MQL5 Market lets you test a demo version in the Strategy Tester before buying. Use it, and read the seller's updates and comments.

10. Start small and watch

Run it on a demo or a small account first. Compare its first weeks with the backtest for the same period. Differences are information.

The Eudora standard

Every Eudora engine passes these ten checks in public. Real-tick backtests with execution delay, monthly results, a live MQL5 signal for each engine and a demo you can run in your own tester before you pay. Argo posted 60 of 60 positive months on real ticks. Albireo posted 69 of 69 with a 500 ms delay on every order. That is the bar we hold ourselves to.