FTMO vs The5ers: Which Prop Firm Is Better in 2026? Full Trader Comparison

When it comes to funded prop trading, FTMO and The5ers stand out as two of the most talked-about firms among retail traders.

In this comparison, we break down FTMO and The5ers across funding programs, account sizes, evaluation styles, and profit opportunities — so you can make an informed choice based on real features, not just marketing claims.

FTMO vs The5ers (Quick Summary)

Here’s the short version if you’re in a hurry:

• FTMO uses a structured two-phase evaluation (Challenge + Verification) with clear deadlines and disciplined risk rules. It’s often favored by traders who value consistency and professional trading habits.
• The5ers offers multiple pathways including instant funding, Bootcamp, and High Stakes, with no strict time limits on many programs and automatic scaling at profit milestones.
• Profit Potential: FTMO offers up to ~90% profit split; The5ers can go up to 100% profit share in select programs.
• Account Growth: FTMO has scaling plans that increase capital gradually, while The5ers can grow accounts rapidly — doubling capital at profit checkpoints up to approximately $4 million.
• Best For: FTMO suits disciplined, consistency-oriented traders. The5ers works well for traders who prefer flexible evaluation timing and structured growth milestones.

Funding Programs & Account Models Compared

FTMO follows a classic prop firm model where traders go through a two-stage evaluation: a Challenge phase to prove profitability and a Verification phase to demonstrate consistency before getting funded. Each phase has defined profit targets and time limits, and the evaluation must be completed in sequence. This approach is designed to simulate professional risk conditions and prepare traders for funded accounts.

The5ers, on the other hand, has a diverse set of funding paths that cater to different trader needs. Their main programs include:

• Bootcamp: Multi-stage progression where traders hit smaller profit targets and grow accounts gradually.
• Hyper Growth / Instant Funding: A one-step model where traders can access funding directly after meeting a profit target, often with no fixed time limit.
• High Stakes: A two-phase evaluation with different profit thresholds and daily drawdown limits.

Unlike FTMO’s fixed 30- and 60-day windows, many of The5ers’ programs have no time limit, letting traders reach targets at their own pace — a major appeal for swing or news traders.

Account Sizes & Capital Scaling Potential

Side-by-Side: Account Sizes & Growth

Initial Account Sizes	~$10K – $200K	~$5K – up to ~$320K+ (varies by program)
Maximum Funding Potential	Scales toward ~$2M (through performance tiers)	Up to ~$4M with profit milestones
Scaling Structure	Periodic increases based on performance	Automatic doubling at profit thresholds
Funding Path Flexibility	Two-phase standard model	One-step, multi-stage, and growth plans

FTMO’s account sizes typically range from about $10,000 to $200,000 initially, with incremental increases available through their Scaling Plan for consistently profitable traders.

The5ers also offers a wide range of starting sizes, often from small accounts (e.g., ~$5,000) up to larger tiers and — critically — supports growth up to around $4 million through structured profit milestones and doubling rules. This scaling model lets traders expand capital more aggressively as performance improves.

Overall, traders looking for rapid capital expansion without repeated evaluations may prefer The5ers, while those who prioritize structured performance reviews and analytics often lean toward FTMO.

Profit Split & Trader Rewards

Profit split directly affects how much of your trading performance you actually keep — and this is one area where FTMO and The5ers differ in philosophy.

Side-by-Side: Profit Split Comparison

Starting Profit Split	~80%	~50%–80% (depends on program)
Maximum Profit Split	Up to ~90%	Up to 100% (on advanced levels)
Profit Split Increase	Performance-based scaling	Automatic increases with account growth
Profit During Evaluation	❌	❌

How the Profit Models Compare

FTMO starts most traders at an 80% profit split, which can increase to 90% once certain performance milestones are reached under its Scaling Plan. The structure is simple, predictable, and rewards consistency over time — appealing to traders who want clarity and stability.

The5ers uses a tiered profit-sharing system that evolves as your account grows. Early-stage accounts may start with lower profit splits, but as traders hit profit milestones and scale up, the split increases — in some cases reaching 100% profit share at higher funding levels. This makes The5ers particularly attractive to traders focused on long-term capital growth and compounding rather than immediate high payouts.

Key takeaway: FTMO offers higher profit share earlier, while The5ers rewards patience and long-term performance with increasingly favorable splits.

Trading Challenges & Evaluation Process

The evaluation process determines how quickly — and under what pressure — a trader can access funded capital.

Side-by-Side: Evaluation Structure

Evaluation Model	Two-step (Challenge + Verification)	One-step & multi-stage programs
Time Limits	Yes (Challenge & Verification)	Often no time limits
Profit Targets	Fixed per phase	Smaller targets per growth stage
Minimum Trading Days	Required	Usually not required

Evaluation Style Breakdown

FTMO requires traders to pass a two-phase evaluation:

1. Challenge Phase – hit a profit target within a defined time window
2. Verification Phase – demonstrate consistency under the same risk rules

This structure is intentionally demanding and designed to filter for disciplined, repeatable performance.

The5ers, by contrast, focuses less on short-term deadlines and more on gradual progression. Many of its programs allow traders to reach profit targets without time pressure, making them better suited for swing traders or traders who avoid over-trading to meet deadlines.

Evaluation verdict:

• Prefer deadlines and clear benchmarks → FTMO
• Prefer flexibility and pacing → The5ers

Drawdown Rules & Risk Management

Risk management rules are where many traders succeed or fail — and both firms take this area seriously, though with different enforcement styles.

Side-by-Side: Risk Rules

Rule Type
Daily Drawdown	~5%	~3%–5% (program-dependent)
Maximum Drawdown	~10%	~6%–10% (program-dependent)
Drawdown Type	Mostly static	Static or trailing (varies by program)
Risk Enforcement	Strict and consistent	Structured but more flexible

Risk Philosophy Compared

FTMO applies strict, clearly defined drawdown limits that remain consistent across evaluation and funded stages. Breaching daily or total drawdown rules leads to immediate account failure, reinforcing disciplined position sizing and risk control.

The5ers also enforces firm drawdown limits, but these vary by program and are often paired with lower profit targets. Some accounts use trailing drawdown models, especially in growth-focused plans, which tighten risk management as equity increases.

In practice: FTMO favors traders with precise risk control, while The5ers favors traders who can manage risk gradually as capital scales.

Trading Platforms & Tools Supported

Execution quality and platform familiarity can significantly impact performance — especially for algorithmic or high-volume traders.

Side-by-Side: Platforms & Tools

Platform / Tool
MetaTrader 4	✔️	✔️
MetaTrader 5	✔️	✔️
cTrader	✔️	❌
Proprietary Dashboard	✔️ Advanced analytics	✔️ Performance tracking
Expert Advisors (EAs)	✔️ Allowed	✔️ Allowed

Platform Experience

FTMO supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader, giving traders flexibility across discretionary, algorithmic, and institutional-style execution environments. Its proprietary analytics dashboard is one of the most detailed in the industry, offering deep insights into risk metrics, behavior, and performance patterns.

The5ers focuses primarily on MetaTrader platforms, which suits most retail traders. While its analytics tools are simpler, they align closely with its growth-based funding model, helping traders track progress toward the next scaling milestone.

Platform verdict:

• Advanced analytics & platform choice → FTMO
• Simple execution & growth tracking → The5ers

Allowed Trading Strategies

Trading flexibility matters, especially for traders who rely on specific execution styles, holding periods, or automation.

Side-by-Side: Trading Rules & Strategy Freedom

Strategy / Rule
Scalping	✔️ Allowed	✔️ Allowed
Swing Trading	✔️ Allowed	✔️ Allowed
Day Trading	✔️ Allowed	✔️ Allowed
News Trading	⚠️ Restricted during major events	✔️ Generally allowed
Expert Advisors (EAs)	✔️ Allowed (with rules)	✔️ Allowed
Copy Trading	⚠️ Limited	⚠️ Limited
Weekend Holding	✔️ Allowed (conditions apply)	✔️ Allowed

Strategy Flexibility Explained

FTMO allows most common strategies, including scalping and algorithmic trading, but applies specific restrictions around high-impact news events. These rules are designed to limit excessive risk during volatile releases and may affect traders who specialize in news-based strategies.

The5ers is generally more permissive with trading styles, including holding trades through news and across sessions, depending on the program. This flexibility is one reason swing traders and position traders often gravitate toward The5ers.

Strategy verdict:

• News-sensitive, rule-based trading → FTMO
• Flexible execution & longer holds → The5ers

Payouts, Withdrawals & Payment Methods

Fast and reliable payouts are a top priority for funded traders — and both firms have solid reputations, with some key differences.

Side-by-Side: Payout Structure

First Payout	After funded stage + payout cycle	After profit milestone
Payout Frequency	Monthly (bi-weekly option available)	Bi-weekly or milestone-based
Processing Time	Typically 1–2 business days	Often within 24–48 hours
Profit Cap	No hard cap	No hard cap

Payment Methods

Both FTMO and The5ers support popular withdrawal options such as:

• Bank wire transfers
• Cryptocurrency payments
• Selected e-wallets (availability varies by region)

FTMO is known for its predictable payout schedule, which appeals to traders treating prop trading like a structured income stream.

The5ers often feels faster in practice, especially for traders hitting growth milestones frequently, making it attractive for those focused on rapid compounding.

Payout verdict:

• Predictable income cycles → FTMO
• Faster access to profits → The5ers

Fees, Refunds & Overall Cost

Understanding the true cost of entry is critical — especially when choosing between structured evaluations and growth-based funding.

Side-by-Side: Cost Structure

Cost Element
Evaluation Fee	Yes (varies by account size)	Yes (varies by program)
Refund Policy	✔️ Fee refunded after first payout	❌ Generally non-refundable
Ongoing Fees	❌ None	❌ None
Reset Fees	Optional	Program-dependent

Cost Analysis

FTMO charges an upfront evaluation fee, but refunds it after the trader’s first funded payout, effectively reducing long-term cost for successful traders. This refund policy is one of FTMO’s strongest trust signals.

The5ers typically does not refund program fees, but offsets this by offering longer-term capital growth and higher profit split potential at advanced stages.

Cost verdict:

• Lower long-term cost after success → FTMO
• Growth-focused investment mindset → The5ers

Customer Support & Trading Community

Support quality and educational resources play a major role in trader success — especially for those new to prop trading.

Side-by-Side: Support & Community

Support Channels	Email, live chat	Email, ticket system
Response Speed	Fast (often same day)	Fast (varies by region)
Education Resources	✔️ Extensive (articles, psychology, analytics)	✔️ Structured growth guidance
Community Presence	Strong global reputation	Tight-knit, growth-focused

Support Experience

FTMO stands out for its educational ecosystem, including performance coaching, trading psychology insights, and one of the most respected analytics dashboards in the prop trading space.

The5ers focuses more on mentorship-style progression, helping traders move through funding tiers with clear performance expectations rather than heavy analytics.

Support verdict:

• Education, analytics & structure → FTMO
• Mentorship & growth guidance → The5ers

Extra Features & Unique Advantages

Beyond funding and payouts, both prop firms offer distinct extras that can significantly influence trader experience and long-term success.

🔍 FTMO: Standout Extras

• Advanced Analytics Dashboard: One of the most comprehensive in the prop industry, offering deep insights into risk, behavior, and consistency.
• Trading Psychology Resources: Educational content focused on mindset, discipline, and emotional control.
• Scaling Plan: Gradual account growth for traders who meet performance and consistency criteria.
• Strong Brand Reputation: FTMO is often seen as the industry benchmark for professionalism and transparency.

🔍 The5ers: Standout Extras

• Aggressive Capital Scaling: Accounts can double at profit milestones, with growth potential up to ~$4M.
• No Time Pressure (on many programs): Ideal for swing traders and those avoiding forced trading.
• Higher Long-Term Profit Share: Potential to reach up to 100% profit split at advanced levels.
• Growth-Oriented Structure: Feels closer to a long-term capital partnership than a short-term challenge.

Extra features verdict:

• Analytics, discipline & structure → FTMO
• Capital growth & flexibility → The5ers

FTMO vs The5ers: Pros & Cons Summary

✅ FTMO Pros

• Highly structured and transparent evaluation process
• Strong risk management framework
• Industry-leading analytics and educational tools
• Refundable evaluation fee after first payout
• Trusted, long-established brand

❌ FTMO Cons

• Strict drawdown and news trading rules
• Time limits can pressure some trading styles
• Slower capital scaling compared to growth-focused firms

✅ The5ers Pros

• Multiple funding models (Bootcamp, Instant, Growth)
• No strict time limits on many programs
• Aggressive scaling with high capital ceilings
• Potential for 100% profit split at higher tiers
• Flexible approach to trading styles

❌ The5ers Cons

• Lower profit split at early stages
• Program fees typically non-refundable
• Fewer advanced analytics tools compared to FTMO

Which Prop Firm Should You Choose?

Choosing between FTMO and The5ers ultimately comes down to how you trade and what you value most.

👉 Choose FTMO if:

• You prefer clear rules and structured evaluations
• You value advanced analytics and performance insights
• You’re focused on consistency and risk discipline
• You want a refundable fee model after proving profitability

👉 Choose The5ers if:

• You want flexible timelines and fewer deadlines
• You’re aiming for aggressive capital growth
• You trade swing or position strategies
• You’re focused on long-term compounding and higher profit splits

🎯 Final Takeaway

Neither FTMO nor The5ers is “better” in absolute terms — they simply serve different types of traders. FTMO rewards discipline and structure, while The5ers rewards patience, flexibility, and growth-oriented performance.

Final Verdict: The5ers,vs,FTMO

After comparing FTMO and The5ers across funding models, account sizes, profit splits, evaluations, risk rules, platforms, payouts, and trader support, one thing is clear: there is no universal “best” prop firm — only the best fit for your trading style.

FTMO stands out as the better choice for traders who value structure, discipline, and professional-grade analytics. Its two-step evaluation, strict risk rules, refundable fee, and industry-leading performance dashboard make it ideal for traders who want to build consistency and treat prop trading like a long-term career.

The5ers, on the other hand, shines for traders who want flexibility and aggressive capital growth. With multiple funding paths, fewer time constraints, scalable accounts that can grow into the millions, and the potential for 100% profit split, it appeals strongly to swing traders and growth-focused professionals.

FAQ: FTMO vs The5ers

Is FTMO or The5ers better for beginners?

FTMO is generally better for beginners because of its structured evaluation process, clear rules, and extensive educational resources. The5ers may suit beginners who prefer flexibility, but its growth-based model is often easier to navigate after gaining some experience.

Which prop firm is easier to pass: FTMO or The5ers?

Many traders find The5ers easier to pass due to no strict time limits and smaller profit targets per stage. FTMO is more demanding, especially for traders who feel pressured by deadlines.

Does FTMO or The5ers offer instant funding?

The5ers offers instant or one-step funding programs, depending on the plan. FTMO does not offer instant funding — all traders must pass its evaluation process first.

Which firm has better profit split potential?

FTMO offers up to 90% profit split, while The5ers can reach 100% profit split at higher funding levels. FTMO provides higher profit share earlier; The5ers rewards long-term growth.

Are FTMO fees refundable?

Yes. FTMO refunds the evaluation fee after your first successful payout on a funded account. The5ers’ program fees are generally non-refundable.

Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with FTMO and The5ers?

Yes, both FTMO and The5ers allow Expert Advisors, provided they comply with each firm’s trading rules and risk guidelines.

Which prop firm allows news trading?

FTMO places restrictions on trading during major news events, while The5ers is generally more flexible, depending on the program.

Can I scale my account with FTMO and The5ers?

Yes. FTMO offers gradual scaling based on consistency and performance. The5ers offers aggressive scaling, with accounts potentially growing up to several million dollars.

Is FTMO or The5ers more suitable for swing traders?

The5ers is typically more suitable for swing traders due to no time pressure and flexible holding rules, while FTMO is more suited to disciplined day traders.

Are FTMO and The5ers legitimate prop trading firms?

Yes. Both FTMO and The5ers are well-established, reputable prop firms with a strong track record of paying traders globally.