Which firm has easier passing requirements, FTMO or Ultimate Traders?

Ultimate Traders has significantly easier requirements with a single-phase evaluation, no daily loss limits, and no time restrictions. FTMO requires passing two phases with 5% daily loss limits and 30-day deadlines, making it more challenging but also more structured.

Can I trade news events with both FTMO and Ultimate Traders?

FTMO restricts news trading around high-impact events, requiring traders to close positions before major announcements. Ultimate Traders' news trading policy is not clearly specified, which creates uncertainty about what's allowed during volatile market conditions.

Are both FTMO and Ultimate Traders legitimate prop firms?

FTMO is well-established with 4.8/5 stars from 40,000 Trustpilot reviews and 8+ years of operations since 2015. Ultimate Traders is newer (founded 2023) with only 500 reviews and a 4.2/5 rating, making it less proven but not necessarily illegitimate.

Which firm should I choose if I keep failing daily loss limits?

Ultimate Traders would be better since they have no daily loss limits, allowing you to take larger drawdowns during evaluation. However, consider whether this addresses the underlying risk management issues that cause failures at FTMO's 5% daily limit.

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Updated 2026-03-08

FTMO vs Ultimate Traders: Which Prop Firm Is Better?

Traders choosing between FTMO and Ultimate Traders face a decision between an established industry leader and a newer firm with more flexible rules. The core trade-off centers on Ultimate Traders' single-phase evaluation with no daily loss limits or time restrictions versus FTMO's proven two-phase system with bi-weekly payouts and 8+ years of operational history. This comparison examines the key differences in evaluation structure, risk parameters, and operational reliability to help you determine which firm better matches your trading style and risk tolerance.

FTMO

Est. 2015 · Prague, Czech Republic

4.8

41,683 reviews

6 wins

4 ties

4 wins

Ultimate Traders

Est. 2023 · N/A

4.2

500 reviews

Feature

FTMO

Ultimate Traders

Challenge Price ($100K)

$540

N/A

Phase 1 Profit Target

10%

N/A

Phase 2 Profit Target

None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation

Max Daily Loss

No limit✓ No daily loss limit

Max Total Loss

10%

N/A

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%)

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

Ultimate Traders

Pros

+Flexibility to choose between 1-Step or 2-Step challenge process

+No maximum time limits allowing traders to work at their own pace

+Traders retain up to 90% of gains from trading

+Refundable challenge fee after successful completion and first withdrawal

+All challenges run on real servers for authentic trading experience

Cons

−No refund available once login details are provided after payment

−Limited information available about specific trading rules and conditions

−Relatively new firm established in 2023 with limited track record

Our Verdict

Which Should You Choose?

FTMO suits traders who prioritize proven reliability, consistent payouts, and structured progression. With 4.8/5 stars from 40,000 reviews and bi-weekly payouts since 2015, it's the safer choice for traders who can handle a 5% daily loss limit and 30-day evaluation timeline. The two-phase system, while more demanding, provides clear milestones and has funded thousands of traders successfully.

Ultimate Traders appeals to swing traders and those who need maximum flexibility in their evaluation approach. The single-phase system with no daily loss limits, minimum trading days, or time restrictions removes the pressure that causes many traders to fail FTMO's structured program. However, with only 500 reviews since 2023 and unclear payout procedures, it carries higher operational risk.

For most traders, FTMO remains the better choice due to its track record and reliable payout system. Choose Ultimate Traders only if FTMO's daily loss limits have previously caused you to fail evaluations and you're comfortable with the risks of a newer operation.

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 Ultimate Traders if:

→Flexibility to choose between 1-Step or 2-Step challenge process

→No maximum time limits allowing traders to work at their own pace

→Traders retain up to 90% of gains from trading

→Refundable challenge fee after successful completion and first withdrawal

FTMO — Start Your Challenge →Or try Ultimate Traders instead

Most traders choose FTMO based on this comparison

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Frequently Asked Questions

FTMO vs Ultimate Traders FAQ

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Try FTMO →Try Ultimate Traders →

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.