The Ultimate Prop Trading Showdown
It's THE question most traders ask before getting started: FTMO or FundedNext? Both are prop trading giants, but with very different approaches. One bets on reliability and experience, the other on accessibility and innovation.
We've compared everything, point by point, to help you make the right call.
Overview: Key Numbers
| Criteria | FTMO | FundedNext |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 (Prague) | 2022 (UAE) |
| Trustpilot | 4.8/5 (40,000+ reviews) | 4.5/5 (61,000+ reviews) |
| Profit Split | 80% → 90% | 80% → 90% |
| Daily Drawdown | 5% | 5% |
| Max Drawdown | 10% | 10% (Eval) / 8% (Express) |
| Min Trading Days | 4 days | 5 days |
| Max Period | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXTrade | MT4, MT5 |
| Payout | 1-2 business days | 1-3 business days |
| Price (100K) | ~€540 | ~€300 (with promos) |
Round 1: Pricing
Winner: FundedNext
This is where FundedNext clearly takes the lead. A $100K challenge at FTMO costs around €540, versus about €300 at FundedNext (especially during frequent promotions). For a trader on a tight budget, the gap is significant.
Plus, FundedNext offers a 15% profit share during evaluation. Even if you don't pass, you can earn a percentage of your gains during the evaluation phase. FTMO doesn't offer this.
FTMO counters with challenge cost refund after first payout and Free Retry, but the entry price remains higher.
Round 2: Reliability and Reputation
Winner: FTMO
No debate here. FTMO has operated since 2015, with 10+ years of flawless payment history. In an industry where firms like MyForexFund or SurgeTrader vanished overnight taking traders' money, FTMO's track record is invaluable.
FundedNext, founded in 2022, has an excellent Trustpilot score (4.5/5 across 61,000+ reviews) and has paid out millions. But 4 years of history doesn't weigh as much as 10+.
Round 3: Trading Rules
Winner: FTMO (slightly)
Rules are very similar, but FTMO wins on one important detail: 4 minimum trading days vs 5. For swing traders, this difference matters. One fewer day means less pressure to take trades "to fill the quota."
Round 4: Trading Platforms
Winner: FTMO
FTMO offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXTrade. FundedNext is limited to MT4 and MT5. If you prefer cTrader, FTMO is your only option between the two.
Round 5: Profit Split
Tie
Both offer 80% scaling to 90%. The path differs slightly, but the end result is comparable.
Round 6: Payouts
Winner: FTMO (slightly)
FTMO processes in 1-2 business days, FundedNext in 1-3 business days. Slim difference, but FTMO is known for near-mechanical consistency. Both offer similar methods (wire, crypto), but FTMO adds Skrill and Visa Direct.
Round 7: Customer Support
Winner: FundedNext
FundedNext is generally considered more responsive. Live chat is fast, and the Discord community is active. FTMO can be slower to respond, especially by email.
Round 8: Special Programs
Winner: FundedNext
FundedNext innovates with 15% profit share during evaluation and an Express model (1 phase, 8% max drawdown) for those who want speed. FTMO sticks to a classic 2-phase model.
Scorecard
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Pricing | FundedNext |
| Reliability | FTMO |
| Trading Rules | FTMO |
| Platforms | FTMO |
| Profit Split | Tie |
| Payouts | FTMO |
| Customer Support | FundedNext |
| Innovation | FundedNext |
Our Final Verdict
Choose FTMO if:
- Long-term reliability is your #1 priority
- You want access to cTrader
- You're a swing trader (4 min days vs 5)
- You want the widest payout method selection
Choose FundedNext if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You want to earn during evaluation (15% profit share)
- You want a 1-phase model (Express)
- MT4/MT5 is enough for your trading
Both are excellent choices. FTMO is the safe bet, FundedNext is the ambitious challenger. Ideally? Try both and keep the one that suits you best.
Check our full comparison for an overview of all prop firms.