Start with the actual trading rules
A scalping EA aims to capture small, short-term moves automatically. The label alone does not tell you how it enters, how long it holds a losing trade or whether it adds positions. Before comparing returns, ask for the entry rule, exit rule, maximum simultaneous positions and position-sizing method.
A grid EA can close winning baskets quickly while holding losing baskets much longer. A breakout EA can exit quickly too, but its entry is triggered by a price break. Neither should be described as a scalper solely because some trades are short.
Put execution costs beside the average trade
Small targets leave less room for costs. As an illustrative calculation, if a strategy captures an average $1.00 price move before costs and spread plus slippage consume $0.30, only $0.70 remains before commission. This is a price-distance example, not account profit: actual cash amounts depend on the broker's contract size and trade volume.
Record the spread at the times the EA actually trades, commission per round trip and differences between requested and filled prices. Compare the same broker symbol and account type; a screenshot from a different execution environment is not enough.
Use a repeatable MT5 test
- Save the EA version, inputs, broker, symbol specification, dates and starting balance with every report.
- Use the Strategy Tester's real-tick mode where available, and inspect the history and tester logs for missing data.
- Test execution delay and verify the commission assumptions. Real ticks improve historical detail but cannot reproduce every live fill.
- Reserve a separate forward period rather than choosing settings on the entire history, then observe the same configuration on demo.
- Compare equity drawdown, worst trade or basket, holding time and exposure alongside profit and win rate.
Where Quantora's Gold robots fit
Quantora Smart Grid MT5 is a buy-only adaptive grid system. Quantora Breakout is an XAUUSD breakout EA for MT5 with one position at a time and a protective stop. These are different strategy categories; the current catalogue does not list a dedicated scalping EA.
Use the linked product pages to compare their rules and setup requirements. A backtest is historical evidence, not a promise of future returns, and a stop order does not guarantee its requested fill price during a gap.
