FTMO vs Lux Trading Firm: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between FTMO and Lux Trading Firm face a decision between an established industry leader and a newer challenger with more flexible rules. The most significant differences lie in evaluation structure—FTMO requires a two-phase challenge while Lux offers single-phase evaluation—and risk management, where Lux eliminates daily loss limits but restricts total drawdown to 6% versus FTMO's 10%. This comparison examines challenge costs, risk parameters, payout structures, and trading restrictions to determine which firm better serves different trading styles. Both firms restrict news trading and offer 80% profit splits, but their approaches to trader evaluation and risk management differ substantially.
F
FTMO
Est. 2015 · Prague, Czech Republic
4.8
40,000 reviews
VS
5 wins
3 ties
6 wins
LT
Lux Trading Firm
Est. 2021 · London, UK
4
1,000 reviews
Feature
FTMO
Lux Trading Firm
Challenge Price ($100K)
$540
$260✓ Lower entry cost
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
10%
Phase 2 Profit Target
5%
None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation
Max Daily Loss
5%
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
Max Total Loss
10%✓ More drawdown room
6%
Min Trading Days
4 days
0 days✓ More flexible
Time Limit (Phase 1)
30 days
No limit✓ No time limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 90%)✓ Higher profit split
80%
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
Lux Trading Firm
Pros
+Offers the largest account sizes in the industry up to $10,000,000
+1-stage evaluation process with instant funding available
+100% evaluation fee refund after passing first stage
+Instant withdrawals with no fixed payout cycles
+Real A-book execution with direct liquidity provider partnership
Cons
−Complex risk consistency rules requiring fixed percentage allocation per trade
−High-frequency trading and automated EAs strictly prohibited
−Single trade profit limited to 5% of profit target per stage
−Higher evaluation fees compared to many competitors
−Static 6% drawdown limit that doesn't move with account growth
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
FTMO suits traders who prefer established track records and need maximum drawdown room for longer-term strategies. With 10% total drawdown versus Lux's 6%, swing traders and position holders get significantly more breathing room, while the 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from 40,000 reviews provides confidence in operations and payouts. The higher $540 challenge cost is offset by more generous risk parameters and proven reliability.
Lux Trading Firm better serves aggressive day traders and scalpers who can operate within tight 6% total drawdown but need freedom from daily loss limits. The single-phase evaluation at $260 entry cost appeals to traders confident in their abilities who want faster access to funded accounts. However, the 4/5 rating from only 1,000 reviews reflects limited operational history.
Recommendation: Choose FTMO if you're a beginner or swing trader who values proven reliability and needs maximum drawdown protection. Choose Lux if you're an experienced day trader or scalper who can manage tight overall risk but needs unlimited daily trading flexibility.
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.