FTMO vs FundedNext: Best Prop Firm for 2026 Revealed!

FTMO vs FundedNext—Which prop firm is the right choice for you in 2026? If you’re having trouble making a decision, you’re not alone. Both proprietary trading firms are widely discussed across professional trading communities and are frequently compared by traders looking for funded capital.

This comprehensive comparison outlines all verified details, enabling you to select the best firm and begin trading with confidence.

FTMO vs FundedNext (Quick Summary)

Don’t have time to read the full comparison? Here’s the short version:

• FTMO is best for traders who want structure, discipline, and advanced analytics. It uses a strict two-step evaluation, offers up to 90% profit split, and focuses on long-term consistency.
• FundedNext is better for traders who want flexibility and faster payouts. It offers one-step, two-step, and instant funding models, profit sharing during evaluation on some plans, and profit splits of up to 95%.
• Easier to pass: FundedNext (more flexible rules, fewer time limits)
• Better analytics & coaching: FTMO
• Faster withdrawals: FundedNext (often within 24 hours)
• Best for beginners: FTMO (structured learning environment)
• Best for experienced traders: FundedNext (speed and incentives)

👉 Bottom line: Choose FTMO if you thrive under clear rules and consistency. Choose FundedNext if you prefer flexibility and faster access to profits.

FTMO vs FundedNext – Overview

Founded	2014	2022
Maximum Profit Split	Up to 90% (95% with Scaling)	Up to 95%
Payout Speed	Monthly	Within 24 hours
Challenge Time Limit	Yes (30/60 days)	No time limit
Profit Share in Challenge	No	Yes (15%)
Scaling Plan	Yes (25% every 4 months)	Limited scaling
Trading Platforms	MT4, MT5, cTrader	MT4, MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader
News Trading	Allowed (with restrictions)	Allowed (except Express model)
Drawdown Limits	5% daily / 10% overall	5% daily / 10% overall (flexible enforcement)
Customer Support	24/5	24/7 (50-second response time)
Website	Visit FTMO →	Visit FundedNext →

FTMO vs FundedNext: Company Background

Reputation and experience are important when choosing a prop trading firm. FTMO, founded in 2014 and based in the Czech Republic, is one of the most respected names in the industry. It has earned a strong reputation for its structured evaluation process, trader-friendly conditions, and thriving community of successful traders. Many professionals consider FTMO the benchmark for prop trading success. Want to know more? Check out our full FTMO review.

FundedNext, launched in 2022 and headquartered in the UAE, is a rising star in the prop trading world. Despite being newer, it has gained traction by offering faster payouts, profit-sharing during the challenge phase, and no time limits on evaluations. Its flexible, trader-first approach makes it an appealing alternative to FTMO’s structured model. Curious about what sets FundedNext apart? Please read our complete FundedNext review.

While both firms aim to provide traders with capital to scale their strategies, they differ in how they structure their funding programs and account sizes.

Funding Programs & Account Models Compared

One of the first things traders look at when evaluating funded prop firms is how they structure their funding programs — because the model affects how quickly and easily you can get capital and start trading.

📌 Side-by-Side: Funding Models

Model Structure	Two-step evaluation: Challenge ➝ Verification	Multiple models: 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant Funding
Free Trial / Demo	✔️ Free Trial available	✔️ Free Trial available
One-Step Challenge	❌	✔️ (Stellar 1-Step)
Two-Step Challenge	✔️ Standard only	✔️ (Stellar 2-Step & Stellar Lite)
Instant Funding	❌	✔️ (Stellar Instant)

📍 What This Means

FTMO uses a classic two-step challenge model, where traders must first pass a profit target in the Challenge phase and then confirm consistent performance in the Verification phase before accessing funded capital. This standardised structure focuses on discipline and risk management.

FundedNext, on the other hand, has a more diverse set of programs:

• One-Step Challenge — hit the profit goal and you’re funded immediately, no verification needed.
• Two-Step Challenges — similar to FTMO but with more plan types (Stellar 2-Step & Stellar Lite).
• Instant Funding — skip the challenge entirely and get funded instantly, suited to confident, experienced traders.

This flexibility means FundedNext can be appealing for traders who want faster access to capital or different paths tailored to their trading style — whereas FTMO’s model is more rigid but widely recognised across the industry.

Account Sizes & Capital Scaling Potential

Once a trader understands how a firm structures access to capital, the next big question is: how much capital can I trade? Larger account sizes and scaling pathways mean more earning potential.

📌 Side-by-Side: Account Sizes & Scaling

Feature
Entry Account Sizes	$10,000 – $200,000 (standard)	$5,000 – $300,000 (standard)
Max Initial Allocation	$200,000	$300,000
Scalability	Up to ~$2,000,000 via Scaling Plan	Up to ~$4,000,000 via Scale-Up Plan
Scaling Frequency	Periodic performance-based increases	Review every ~4 months for eligibility

📍 Key Differences Explained

Account Sizes: FundedNext generally starts traders at smaller account sizes (as low as $5K) and offers larger initial maximums (up to $300K) than FTMO’s standard max of around $200K.

Capital Scaling:

• FTMO has a well-known Scaling Plan that increases a funded account by 25% after meeting specific performance benchmarks — ultimately pushing balances potentially into the millions over time.
• FundedNext typically scales faster — accounts can grow by up to 40% per cycle and potentially reach allocations up to around $4,000,000 for consistently profitable traders.

This means that FundedNext’s scaling model can lead to larger capital faster, especially for aggressive or consistently profitable traders, while FTMO’s scaling is steady and gradual, appealing to more traditional performance builders.

Profit Split & Trader Rewards

Profit split determines how much you keep from successful trades — a critical metric for evaluating long-term profitability.

📌 Side-by-Side: Profit Split & Rewards

Feature
Max Profit Split	Up to 90%	Up to 95% (varies by plan)
Profit Split During Evaluation	❌	✔️ (some models pay challenge profits)
Increase With Scaling	✔️	✔️
Payout Speed	1–2 business days after earning period	Typically within 24 hours after request
Additional Rewards	Scaling bonus (higher split after milestones)	Some plans pay profits even during challenge

📍 What Traders Need to Know

Profit Split:

• FTMO traders can earn up to 90% of net profits once funded. The split starts around 80%, then increases to 90% as traders progress through the Scaling Plan or meet performance criteria.
• FundedNext can offer splits as high as 95% depending on the specific challenge or funded account model. Some FundedNext plans even allow traders to keep profit shares earned during evaluation — something FTMO does not typically offer.

Payout Timing:

• FundedNext also tends to have faster payout timelines — often processing withdrawal requests within 24 hours, sometimes with compensation if deadlines aren’t met.
• FTMO processes payouts within 1–2 business days after the requisite trading period.

Rewards & Incentives:

• FundedNext’s model rewards performance even before full funding — which can boost a trader’s earnings early on.
• FTMO’s scaling incentives, while slower, are well-established and reliable across the industry.

Trading Challenges & Evaluation Process

Before a trader can access real prop firm capital, they must pass an evaluation process — and FTMO and FundedNext take distinctly different approaches.

Side-by-Side: Evaluation Structure

Evaluation Type	Two-step (Challenge + Verification)	Multiple: 1-Step, 2-Step, Stellar Lite & Instant funding
Challenge Phase	Must complete before funding	Varies by model
Time Limits	Standard: 30 days (Challenge), 60 days (Verification)	No time limits on many challenges
Profit Target (Phase 1)	~10%	~8–10% (depends on model)
Profit Target (Phase 2)	~5%	~4–5% (Stellar 2-Step)
Minimum Trading Days	Required (e.g., 10 days)	Often fewer or none required
Profit Share During Challenge	❌	✔️ (e.g., ~15% profit share in many models)

📍 How These Processes Work

FTMO’s Challenge + Verification:
FTMO uses its classic two-phase evaluation where traders first complete a Challenge by hitting a profit target while respecting strict risk rules, then must prove consistency in a Verification phase before being funded. Time limits are standard (e.g., 30 days for Challenge and 60 days for Verification), and FTMO typically requires a minimum number of active trading days to prevent “one-trade passes.”

FundedNext’s Flexible Models:
FundedNext, by contrast, offers a suite of evaluation paths (including one-step and two-step challenges plus instant funding models). Many of these options do not impose time limits, giving traders greater flexibility to meet targets at their own pace. Some FundedNext plans even reward traders with profit share during the challenge itself, which FTMO does not offer.

🔎 In summary: FTMO’s structure is more traditional and disciplined — good for traders who thrive under clear deadlines — while FundedNext’s flexible challenge options can reduce pressure and allow traders to focus solely on hitting targets.

Drawdown Rules & Risk Management

Risk rules are designed to protect the firm’s capital — and the details can make or break a trading approach.

Side-by-Side: Risk Rules

Rule
Daily Drawdown Limit	~5% of initial account balance	~4–5% (varies by model)
Maximum Drawdown	~10% of initial balance	~8–10% (depends on model)
Leverage	Up to ~1:100 (varies by instrument)	Up to ~1:100 (varies by model)
News Trading	Allowed with specific rules	Allowed (varies by challenge)
Weekend Holding	Traditionally restricted in FTMO	More flexibility in many models

These risk rules are designed to simulate real institutional risk management rather than retail-style trading.

📍 Key Risk Management Differences

FTMO Risk Discipline:
FTMO enforces strict risk limits throughout both the Challenge and Verification phases and into funded accounts — such as a 5% maximum daily drawdown and a 10% total drawdown limit relative to the starting balance. These hard caps aim to ensure traders demonstrate consistent risk control.

FundedNext Risk Rules:
FundedNext also implements similar daily and total drawdown limits, but the exact thresholds depend on the specific challenge model (some Stellar Lite offers tighter limits, while standard models match FTMO’s 5%/10% rules). Additionally, FundedNext tends to be a bit more flexible with drawdown enforcement — for example, allowing traders to exit active trades even if the “daily limit equity” is touched before closing positions.

🔎 In practice: Both firms expect disciplined risk management, but FTMO’s rigid caps and consistency requirements are often cited as stricter, while FundedNext provides slight breathing room and risk settings tailored to different strategies and challenge tiers.

Trading Platforms & Tools Supported

The trading platform and tool ecosystem matter for execution quality, strategy compatibility, and trader comfort.

Side-by-Side: Supported Platforms

Platform / Tool
MetaTrader 4	✔️	✔️
MetaTrader 5	✔️	✔️
cTrader	✔️	✔️
Match-Trader	❌	✔️
DXtrade	✔️ (for some accounts)	❌
Futures Platforms	❌	✔️ (Futures available on select plans)
Automated Tools / EAs	✔️	✔️

📍 Platform Breakdown

FTMO Platforms:
FTMO traders can choose between MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, with some accounts also accessible via DXtrade — giving them a broad range of execution styles and tools for both discretionary and algorithmic trading.

FundedNext Platforms:
FundedNext similarly supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader, with additional access to Match-Trader in select models and offers futures trading on some plans — expanding the tradable market suite beyond just CFDs.

💡 Expert Advisors (EAs) & Automation: Both firms allow the use of EAs and automated strategies on supported platforms, though rules on how they’re deployed (e.g., consistency of strategy across accounts) may vary by model.

Allowed Trading Strategies

Understanding which trading styles are permitted or restricted at a prop firm is essential, especially if you rely on specific strategies like scalping, EAs, or news trading.

Side-by-Side: Trading Strategies

Strategy
Scalping	✔️ Allowed	✔️ Allowed*
Swing Trading	✔️ Allowed	✔️ Allowed
Algorithmic Trading (EAs)	✔️ Allowed (subject to limits)	✔️ Allowed*
News Trading	✔️ Allowed with rules	✔️ Allowed (varies by model)
Hedging	✔️ Allowed within account	✔️ Allowed within account
High-Frequency Trading	❌ Restricted	❌ Restricted

Restrictions apply equally to all traders and are intended to prevent system abuse rather than limit legitimate strategies.

📍 How FTMO & FundedNext Compare

FTMO:
FTMO supports a wide range of legitimate trading strategies — from scalping and swing trading to discretionary and algorithmic trading — as long as the approach reflects real market conditions and complies with risk rules. EAs are allowed, but if they generate excessive server messages or hyperactivity, FTMO may request changes or take action. FTMO also has very specific news trading windows — for standard funded accounts, opening/closing trades immediately around key news releases is restricted, though swing-style accounts exist that remove these constraints.

FundedNext:
FundedNext also allows many strategies including scalping, swing, and automated trading. However, it explicitly forbids abusive or exploitative techniques like certain forms of high-frequency trading, latency arbitrage, grid strategies, “quick-strike” methods, and some hedging across accounts under its Terms of Service. Copy trading across unrelated accounts, group hedging, and other exploitative tactics are also prohibited and can lead to account termination.

Bottom Line: Both firms allow standard strategies used by most professional traders. FTMO’s rules focus on ensuring real-market behavior and server stability, whereas FundedNext’s policies are more detailed in outlawing specific exploitative tactics — so check restrictions carefully before deploying automated or high-frequency systems.

Payouts, Withdrawals & Payment Methods

Once you’re funded and profitable, how quickly and easily can you get paid? This section breaks down payout speed, methods, and flexibility.

Side-by-Side: Payouts & Methods

Payout Timing	1–2 business days after request	Typically within 24 hours
Minimum Trading Days Before Payout	~14 days of trading before first withdrawal eligible	Depends on challenge rules
Payment Methods	Bank wire, Visa/Mastercard Send, Skrill, Crypto	Bank cards, PayPal, Skrill, Apple/Google Pay, Crypto, local methods
Local Payment Options	❌	✔️ Many local options in over 10 countries
Payout Guarantee	No strict guarantee, processed after review	24-hour payout guarantee (sometimes with bonus if delayed)

📍 What This Means for Traders

FTMO:
Once you meet the payout conditions (typically after around 14 days of trading with profit), you can request a withdrawal. FTMO reviews the request and usually processes it within 1–2 business days, with multiple payment options including bank transfers, card transfers, e-wallets like Skrill, and cryptocurrencies. Fees from intermediary services may apply on certain methods, though FTMO itself does not charge extra.

FundedNext:
FundedNext emphasizes speed and convenience, promising payouts often within 24 hours of the request and offering a wider range of local payment methods as well as major global options like PayPal and crypto. Some plans include a written payout guarantee — and in certain cases, a cash bonus if they miss the deadline. The broader payment mix helps traders across regions avoid expensive banking intermediaries.

Winner for Flexibility & Speed: FundedNext tends to be faster with more local payment options, while FTMO offers solid global methods with slightly slower processing.

Fees, Refunds & Overall Cost

Evaluating cost efficiency is crucial — especially if you’re paying upfront challenge fees and want to know how they stack up.

Side-by-Side: Fees & Refunds

Cost
Challenge Fee	Yes – varies by account size	Yes – varies by plan
Fee Refundable	✔️ Fully refunded on first payout	✔️ Refund policy varies
Fee-to-Target Ratio	Moderate-high depending on account	Often lower, more competitive
Hidden Fees	None disclosed beyond standard payment processing	None widely reported

📍 Cost Breakdown

FTMO:
You pay a challenge fee upfront based on the account size you select. The good news is that FTMO refunds that fee in full upon your first successful payout, making the evaluation effectively cost-free if you pass. While the fee relative to profit targets can be higher on larger account sizes, the refund policy and access to its established scaling and reward system make FTMO’s structure highly transparent.

FundedNext:
FundedNext also charges fees for its various challenge plans (Stellar Lite, 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant). These fees are typically competitive and often lower relative to profit targets, especially on smaller accounts, making entry more accessible. Many plans include refund options upon passing, but these policies can vary by the specific challenge and account model — so it’s important to confirm before you sign up.

Costs at a Glance: FTMO’s refundable fee structure is clear and trader-friendly, while FundedNext offers lower entry costs in many plans but variable refund terms that require attention.

Customer Support & Community

Support quality can make a big difference when issues arise — whether it’s payout questions, challenge rules, or trading disputes.

Side-by-Side: Support + Community

Feature
Support Availability	24/7 live chat & email	24/7 support with very fast response
Languages Supported	20+ languages	Multi-language support
Community Size	Large educational community	Very large global community
Educational Content	Webinars, articles, performance coaches	Tutorials, chats, webinars

📍 Support Highlights

FTMO:
FTMO offers 24/7 live chat and email support available in over 20 languages — ideal for global traders needing help on rules, payouts, or evaluations. Beyond support tickets, FTMO’s ecosystem includes performance coaching, analysis tools, webinars, and a strong trader community, which benefits both new and experienced traders.

FundedNext:
FundedNext emphasizes rapid response times, with 24/7 support and some of the fastest reply times in the industry. It also fosters a large trader community with millions of members across platforms, providing peer insight, group learning, and crowd-sourced challenge tips. Educational content includes tutorials and regular sessions to help traders adapt to challenge rules or funded conditions.

Support Summary: FTMO’s structured educational ecosystem and multilingual support suit traders who value detailed guidance, while FundedNext’s rapid 24/7 response and massive global community benefit traders who thrive in fast-paced interactive environments.

Extra Features & Unique Advantages

Beyond rules, profit splits, and platforms, extra features often tip the scale when traders are choosing between FTMO and FundedNext. These added benefits can improve performance, reduce friction, or simply make the trading experience smoother.

🔍 Side-by-Side: Unique Features

Proprietary Analytics Dashboard	✔️ Advanced	✔️ User-friendly
Performance Coaching	✔️ Professional coaching tools	❌
Equity Simulator / Statistical Tools	✔️ Extensive	✔️ Basic
Profit Share During Evaluation	❌	✔️ (selected plans)
Instant Funding Option	❌	✔️
Payout Speed Incentives	❌	✔️ (24-hour guarantee on some plans)
Global Brand Recognition	Very strong	Growing rapidly

What Sets Each Firm Apart

FTMO’s Strengths:
FTMO is widely regarded as an industry benchmark thanks to its deep analytics ecosystem. Traders get access to:

• Advanced performance metrics
• Psychological and behavioral insights
• Equity curve and risk diagnostics
• Professional trading coaching tools

These features appeal strongly to traders who want to analyze and refine their edge over time, not just trade for short-term payouts.

FundedNext’s Advantages:
FundedNext focuses on speed, flexibility, and trader incentives, offering:

• Profit sharing even during evaluations (on some models)
• One-step and instant funding paths
• Fast payouts with guarantees
• Wider payment options

This makes FundedNext especially attractive to traders who want faster monetization and fewer structural hurdles.

Feature Verdict:
FTMO excels in professional trading development, while FundedNext shines in accessibility, incentives, and speed.

FTMO vs FundedNext: Pros & Cons Summary

To simplify everything covered so far, here’s a concise pros and cons breakdown for each prop firm.

✅ FTMO Pros

• Highly reputable and globally trusted
• Strong risk management framework
• Excellent analytics and performance tools
• Transparent rules and refund policy
• Reliable, consistent payouts
• Ideal for disciplined, long-term traders

❌ FTMO Cons

• No one-step or instant funding options
• No profit share during evaluation
• Time limits and strict drawdown rules
• Slightly slower payouts than some competitors

✅ FundedNext Pros

• Multiple funding models (1-step, 2-step, instant)
• Profit share during evaluation (selected plans)
• Faster payouts, often within 24 hours
• More flexible challenge structures
• Wider range of payment methods
• Higher potential profit split (up to 95%)

❌ FundedNext Cons

• Rules vary significantly between plans
• Some strategy restrictions are more complex
• Analytics tools are less advanced than FTMO’s
• Brand reputation still maturing compared to FTMO

FundedNext or FTMO: Which Prop Firm Should You Choose?

There’s no single “best” prop firm — the right choice depends entirely on your trading style, goals, and experience level.

Choose FTMO if:

• You value structure, discipline, and consistency
• You want advanced analytics and performance coaching
• You’re comfortable with a two-step evaluation
• You prefer a globally established prop firm
• You’re building long-term trading credibility

Choose FundedNext if:

• You want faster access to funded capital
• You prefer flexible evaluation models
• You like earning profit even during challenges
• You want faster payouts and more withdrawal options
• You trade confidently and value speed over structure

Compare also ↓

Compare other prop trading firms to see which prop firm actually fits your trading style.

• FTMO vs Topstep
• FTMO vs The5ers: Which Prop Firm Is Better in 2026?
• FundingPips vs FTMO
• FTMO vs SeacrestFunded

Final Verdict: FundedNext vs FTMO

Both FundedNext and FTMO are legitimate, well-established prop trading firms — but they are designed for different types of traders.

FTMO remains the gold standard for traders who value:

• Structure and discipline
• Clear, time-tested evaluation rules
• Advanced performance analytics
• Long-term capital growth through consistency

It’s a strong fit for traders who see prop trading as a professional career path, not just a fast payout opportunity.

FundedNext, on the other hand, is built for traders who prioritize:

• Faster access to capital
• Flexible evaluation paths
• Profit opportunities even during challenges
• Speed, incentives, and payout efficiency

Its diverse funding models and aggressive trader rewards make it appealing to experienced traders who already trust their edge and want fewer hurdles.

Bottom Line

There is no universal winner.

• FTMO is better for disciplined, process-driven traders
• FundedNext is better for flexible, performance-focused traders

The best choice depends on how you trade, how fast you want funding, and how much structure you need to perform at your best.

FAQ

Is FTMO better than FundedNext?

FTMO is better for traders who prefer structured evaluations, strict risk rules, and advanced analytics. FundedNext is better for traders who want flexible challenges, faster payouts, and higher potential profit splits. Neither is objectively “better” — it depends on your trading style.

Which prop firm is easier to pass?

FundedNext is generally considered easier to pass due to flexible rules, no time limits on many plans, and lower profit targets on some models. FTMO is more challenging but emphasizes consistency and discipline.

Can beginners use FTMO or FundedNext?

Yes, beginners can use both. However, FTMO’s structured evaluation and analytics tools are often better suited for newer traders learning discipline, while FundedNext may suit confident beginners with proven strategies.

Do FTMO and FundedNext really pay traders?

Yes. Both FTMO and FundedNext have long histories of paying funded traders. Payout speed is typically faster with FundedNext, while FTMO is known for reliability and consistency.

Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with FTMO or FundedNext?

Yes, both firms allow EAs and automated trading, but exploitative strategies, high-frequency trading, and abusive arbitrage techniques are prohibited. Always review each firm’s strategy rules before deploying bots.

Which prop firm has faster withdrawals?

FundedNext usually processes withdrawals within 24 hours, sometimes with payout guarantees. FTMO typically processes payouts within 1–2 business days after the profit period.

Written by the MarketsXplora Research Team — a finance-focused editorial group specializing in forex brokers, prop trading firms, and trading platforms. Our content is based on publicly available data, verified firm documentation, and ongoing analysis of trader feedback.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Trading involves risk, and funded trading programs may not be suitable for all traders.