FTMO vs The Funded Trader: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between FTMO and The Funded Trader face a classic trade-off between proven reliability and easier evaluation terms. FTMO brings nearly a decade of experience and stellar reviews (4.8/5 from 40,000 traders) but demands stricter challenge requirements, while The Funded Trader offers more lenient rules like an 8% Phase 1 target and no daily loss limits but comes with significantly lower trust ratings (3/5 from 22,000 reviews). This comparison breaks down the key differences in challenge structure, trading rules, costs, and reliability to help you decide which firm aligns with your trading style and risk tolerance.
F
FTMO
Est. 2015 · Prague, Czech Republic
4.8
40,000 reviews
VS
3 wins
3 ties
8 wins
TF
The Funded Trader
Est. 2021 · Fort Lauderdale, USA
3
22,000 reviews
Feature
FTMO
The Funded Trader
Challenge Price ($100K)
$540
$489✓ Lower entry cost
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
8%✓ Easier to pass
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%
N/A
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%)
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
+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
The Funded Trader
Pros
+Multiple challenge types including one-step and three-step evaluations
+High maximum funding allocation up to $2.5M across different challenges
+VIP program offering up to 95% payout split
+News trading allowed on most challenges
+Fast payout eligibility in as little as 7 days on some challenges
Cons
−Simulated trading environment only, not real money trading
−Limited account size options shown in comparison table
−Proprietary technology monitoring may restrict some trading styles
−Maximum concurrent funded account limit of $600K
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
The Funded Trader suits aggressive traders and scalpers who need maximum flexibility — its 8% profit target (versus FTMO's 10%), single-phase evaluation, and absence of daily loss limits make it significantly easier to pass. News traders also benefit from unrestricted news trading, unlike FTMO's restrictions during high-impact events.
However, FTMO is the better choice for most serious traders despite its stricter requirements. The firm's 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from 40,000 reviews versus The Funded Trader's concerning 3/5 from 22,000 reviews signals a massive difference in trader satisfaction and operational reliability. FTMO's nine-year track record, superior payout systems, and consistent rule enforcement justify the higher challenge difficulty — you want a firm that will actually pay you when you succeed, not just one that's easy to pass.
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.