The5ers vs City Traders Imperium: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Choosing between The5ers and City Traders Imperium comes down to whether you prioritize flexibility or easier passing conditions. The5ers offers a 100% profit split and no minimum trading days, while City Traders Imperium provides an easier 8% Phase 1 target and no daily loss limits. Both firms have solid track records but serve different trading styles. This comparison examines their challenge requirements, payout structures, and trading restrictions to help you pick the right fit.
T
The5ers
Est. 2016 · Raanana, Israel
4.8
21,000 reviews
VS
3 wins
4 ties
6 wins
CT
City Traders Imperium
Est. 2018 · London, UK
4.2
1,500 reviews
Feature
The5ers
City Traders Imperium
Challenge Price ($100K)
N/A
$412
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
8%✓ Easier to pass
Max Daily Loss
3%
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
Max Total Loss
6%✓ More drawdown room
5%
Min Trading Days
None✓ No minimum
3 days
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
100%✓ Higher starting split
80% (up to 100%)
Payout Frequency
monthly
weekly✓ Faster payouts
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
City Traders Imperium
Pros
+Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
+Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
+Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
+Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
+24/7 multilingual customer support with 1-hour first response time
Cons
−No refunds available once any trading activity occurs on the account
−Limited information about specific trading instruments and leverage ratios
−Relatively high instant funding fees compared to challenge options
−VIP benefits require meeting specific performance criteria
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
The5ers suits experienced traders who want maximum profit retention and trading flexibility. With its 100% payout split and no minimum trading days requirement, it's ideal for selective traders who take fewer, higher-conviction trades. The 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from 21,000 reviews also demonstrates superior track record and trader satisfaction.
City Traders Imperium works better for active traders and scalpers who need looser risk management rules. The 8% Phase 1 target versus The5ers' 10% makes it 20% easier to pass, and the lack of daily loss limits suits aggressive trading styles. News traders will also prefer CTI since they explicitly allow trading through major announcements.
For most traders, The5ers is the better choice due to the 100% profit split and stronger reputation. The higher Phase 1 target is manageable for competent traders, and keeping 20% more of your profits long-term outweighs the slightly tougher passing conditions.
Choose The5ers if:
→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
Choose City Traders Imperium if:
→Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
→Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
→Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
→Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
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.