Head-to-head comparison · 2026
FTMO vs The5ers
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Quick verdict
- The5ers is $115 cheaper to get funded on a 50K account ($249 vs $364, activation fees included).
- Both use static drawdown.
- FTMO pays out faster (on demand / bi-weekly vs every 14 days).
- The5ers has the higher maximum profit split, 100% against 90%.
Market
Forex / CFD
Forex / CFD
Founded
2014
2016
Total cost to funded
$364
Best$249
Eval cost
$364
$249
Activation fee
-
-
Pricing model
One-time
One-time
Challenge type
1-Step
2-Step
Drawdown type
Static
Static
Max profit split
90%
Best100%
First profit
90% reward share
80% to 100% split, fee refunded, $3,000 payout cap
Payout speed
On demand / bi-weekly
Every 14 days
Max account
$2.0M
Best$4.0M
Consistency rule
Best day max 50% of profit
None
News trading
Allowed
Allowed
Platforms
MT4DXtradecTraderMT5
MT5cTrader
Strengths & watch-outs
FTMO
Strengths
- One of the longest-running, best-known prop firms
- Single-step evaluation with no time limit
- 90% reward share, no activation fee
Watch-outs
- Priced in euros: EUR 319 for 50K (about $364)
- Fee is non-refundable on the 1-Step
- 3% daily loss limit and a 50% best day rule
The5ers
Strengths
- Fee refunded once you reach Pro Trader, plus a $25 reward after step 1
- No time limit, no consistency rule
- Profit split scales from 80% up to 100%
Watch-outs
- Two steps: 10% then 5% profit target
- 4% daily loss, 8% max loss, 3 profitable days per step
- Payouts capped at $3,000, $300 minimum withdrawal
🐨 Which should you choose?
Choose FTMO if you want faster payouts.
Choose The5ers if you want the lower cost to get funded, a higher profit split and more room to scale up.
Written from our verified data for a 50K account, or the closest size a firm offers. Always check each firm's current terms before buying.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account (or the closest size a firm offers). Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.