Traders choosing between FTMO and The5ers face a fundamental decision between traditional structured evaluations versus flexible, single-phase challenges. FTMO offers more generous risk parameters with 5% daily loss and 10% total drawdown, while The5ers eliminates time pressure entirely with no evaluation deadlines and no minimum trading days. This comparison examines their challenge structures, risk management rules, payout terms, and trading restrictions to help you determine which firm aligns with your trading style and risk tolerance.
F
FTMO
Est. 2015 · Prague, Czech Republic
4.8
40,000 reviews
VS
7 wins
2 ties
5 wins
T
The5ers
Est. 2016 · Raanana, Israel
4.8
21,000 reviews
Feature
FTMO
The5ers
Challenge Price ($100K)
$540
N/A
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
10%
Phase 2 Profit Target
5%
None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation
Max Daily Loss
5%✓ More daily loss room
3%
Max Total Loss
10%✓ More drawdown room
6%
Min Trading Days
4 days
None✓ No minimum
Time Limit (Phase 1)
30 days
No limit✓ No time limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 90%)
100%✓ Higher profit split
FTMO
Pros
+Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)
+Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached
+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
The5ers
Pros
+Scale up to $4M in funded trading capital with industry-leading spreads
+Up to 100% profit split with transparent one-time fees
+Unlimited time limit for evaluations with no consistency rules
+24/7 support and guidance with free educational resources
+10+ years active with 262K funded traders and reliable payouts
Cons
−Limited leverage at 1:30 compared to some competitors
−One-time fee of $260 applies to all account sizes
−Daily pause rule at 3% may limit aggressive trading strategies
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
FTMO suits aggressive traders and scalpers who need maximum risk room and can handle time pressure. With 5% daily loss versus The5ers' 3%, and 10% total drawdown versus 6%, FTMO gives you significantly more breathing room for volatile strategies. The 30-day time limit and 4-day minimum trading requirement favor active traders who can consistently execute their edge.
The5ers appeals to methodical traders who prefer patience over pressure and want maximum profit retention. The single-phase evaluation with no time limits removes psychological pressure, while the 100% payout split beats FTMO's 80-90% rate. However, the tighter 3% daily loss and 6% total drawdown limits restrict position sizing for aggressive strategies.
Bottom line: Choose FTMO if you're an experienced trader who needs risk flexibility and can handle deadlines. Choose The5ers if you prioritize keeping 100% of profits and prefer trading without time constraints, accepting tighter risk parameters as the trade-off.
Choose FTMO if:
→Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)
→Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached
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.