Which is cheaper, FTMO or BrightFunded?

FTMO is cheaper with a $540 entry fee for the $100K challenge compared to BrightFunded's $558. The $18 difference may seem small, but FTMO also offers better scaling opportunities and has a more established refund policy.

Does BrightFunded really have no time limit on Phase 1?

Yes, BrightFunded offers unlimited time to complete Phase 1, while FTMO requires you to hit the 10% profit target within 30 days. This makes BrightFunded more suitable for traders who need flexibility in their challenge timeline.

Which prop firm is more trustworthy and established?

FTMO has a stronger track record with 9 years in operation since 2015 and 40,000 Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.8/5 stars. BrightFunded launched in 2023 with 1,500 reviews at 4.4/5, making it less proven but still positively reviewed.

Should beginners choose FTMO or BrightFunded?

Beginners should lean toward BrightFunded due to the lower 8% Phase 1 profit target and unlimited time limit, which reduces pressure while learning. However, FTMO's extensive educational resources and established support system also benefit new traders willing to handle stricter requirements.

This page may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Updated 2026-03-08

FTMO vs BrightFunded: Which Prop Firm Is Better?

Traders choosing between FTMO and BrightFunded face a decision between an established industry leader and a newer firm with more flexible challenge terms. FTMO offers lower entry costs ($540 vs $558 for $100K challenges) and extensive track record with 40,000 Trustpilot reviews, while BrightFunded removes time pressure with unlimited Phase 1 duration and lower profit targets (8% vs 10%). This comparison examines challenge difficulty, payout structures, trading restrictions, and reliability to help you choose the right fit for your trading style and experience level.

FTMO

Est. 2015 · Prague, Czech Republic

4.8

41,683 reviews

7 wins

4 ties

3 wins

BrightFunded

Est. 2023 · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

4.4

1,500 reviews

Feature

FTMO

BrightFunded

Challenge Price ($100K)

$540✓ Lower entry cost

$558

Phase 1 Profit Target

10%

8%✓ Easier to pass

Phase 2 Profit Target

Max Daily Loss

Max Total Loss

10%

Min Trading Days

4 days✓ More flexible

5 days

Time Limit (Phase 1)

30 days

No limit✓ No time limit

Payout Split

80% (up to 90%)

N/A

FTMO

Pros

+Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)

+Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached

+Multiple platform options (MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade)

+Strong payout track record — $500M+ total paid to traders

+Performance coaching and FTMO Academy included

Cons

−News trading restricted (2 min buffer around major events)

−Higher challenge prices than most competitors at same account sizes

−Scaling plan slower than rivals (25% increase every 4 months)

−Maximum initial allocation capped at $200K before scaling

BrightFunded

Pros

+15% evaluation profit reward on all evaluation phase profits

+Lightning-fast payouts guaranteed within 24 hours

+No consistency rules allowing flexible trading approach

+Weekly payout frequency for funded accounts

+Scale to unlimited account size with up to 100% profit split

Cons

−Relatively new firm established in 2023 with limited track record

−Higher challenge fees for larger account sizes compared to some competitors

−Limited platform options compared to some established firms

Our Verdict

Which Should You Choose?

FTMO suits experienced traders who can handle stricter requirements in exchange for proven reliability and lower costs. With a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from 40,000 reviews and nine years in operation, it offers the security serious traders need, plus advantages like lower entry fees and more flexible minimum trading days. However, the 30-day time limit and 10% profit target make it challenging for newer traders.

BrightFunded better serves beginners and part-time traders who need breathing room to develop their skills. The unlimited Phase 1 time limit and 8% profit target create less pressure, while weekly payouts provide faster access to earnings than FTMO's bi-weekly schedule. The trade-off is higher fees and limited track record as a 2023 startup with only 1,500 reviews.

For most traders, FTMO's established reputation and lower costs outweigh the stricter requirements, making it the better choice unless you specifically need BrightFunded's more lenient challenge structure.

Choose FTMO if:

→Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)

→Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached

→Multiple platform options (MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade)

→Strong payout track record — $500M+ total paid to traders

Choose BrightFunded if:

→15% evaluation profit reward on all evaluation phase profits

→Lightning-fast payouts guaranteed within 24 hours

→No consistency rules allowing flexible trading approach

→Weekly payout frequency for funded accounts

FTMO — Start Your Challenge →Or try BrightFunded instead

Most traders choose FTMO based on this comparison

Affiliate disclosure: links above may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

FTMO vs BrightFunded FAQ

Related Comparisons

Fundednext vs Ftmo →Ftmo vs Fundingpips →Ftmo vs The Funded Trader →Fundednext vs Brightfunded →Fundingpips vs Brightfunded →The Funded Trader vs Brightfunded →

Try FTMO →Try BrightFunded →

Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.