FTMO vs Funded Trading Plus: Data-Driven Comparison for 2026
FTMO and Funded Trading Plus (FTP) are among the most popular prop trading firms in 2026, but their rules, costs, and profit potential differ in ways that matter for real traders. Below, you'll find a head-to-head breakdown using hard numbers, key trade-offs, and actionable insights—so you can make the right choice for your trading style and risk profile.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | FTMO | Funded Trading Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Sizes | $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K | $5K, $12.5K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K |
| Challenge Cost | $155 - $1,080 | $119 - $999 |
| Max Drawdown | 10% (Daily: 5%) | 6% (Daily: 4%) |
| Profit Target | 10% | 10% |
| Profit Split | 80/20 → 90/10 | 80/20 → 100% |
| Leverage | 1:100 | 1:30 |
| Min Trading Days | 4 | 0 |
| Trading Period (Phase 1/2) | 30/60 days | Unlimited |
| Scaling Plan | Up to $2M after 4 months | Up to $2.5M ($5.25M Premium) |
| Payout Speed | Monthly | From Day 0/Day 1 |
| Instruments | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Stocks | Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities |
| News Trading | Yes (no swing during news) | Yes |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | Yes | Yes (auto-close on some programs) |
| US Traders Allowed | Yes | No |
| Special Features | Free retake, strong education, trusted brand | 100% split, instant funding, no min days |
For interactive filtering based on your risk, leverage, and payout preferences, use our side-by-side comparison tool.
Challenge Structure & Evaluation Rules
FTMO
- Two-phase evaluation: 30 days (Phase 1), 60 days (Phase 2)
- Profit target: 10% in both phases
- Daily drawdown: 5%, Max drawdown: 10%
- Minimum 4 trading days per phase
- Tradable assets: Forex, indices, commodities, crypto, stocks
- Leverage: 1:100
- News trading, weekend holding, and EA/algo trading allowed
- Free retake if profit target is met but not the full evaluation
FTMO's evaluation is considered strict: not only is the 10% profit target relatively high, but the daily and overall drawdown limits require tight risk management. Four minimum trading days per phase discourages "one-and-done" lucky runs but is flexible enough for most strategies.
Funded Trading Plus
- Single-phase or instant funding options
- Profit target: 10%
- Daily drawdown: 4%, Max drawdown: 6% (trailing)
- No minimum trading days
- Unlimited time to complete the challenge
- Tradable assets: Forex, indices, commodities, crypto (no stocks)
- Leverage: 1:30
- News trading, weekend holding, and EA/algo trading allowed
FTP's no time limit and no minimum trading days are major advantages for traders who need flexibility—especially swing traders or those with busy schedules. However, the trailing drawdown (which can shrink after payouts) is less forgiving, and the lower leverage (1:30) means you need more capital to size positions compared to FTMO.
Costs & Value
| Account Size | FTMO Challenge Fee | FTP Challenge Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $10K | $155 | N/A |
| $12.5K | N/A | $119 |
| $25K | $250 | $179 |
| $50K | $345 | $299 |
| $100K | $655 | $499 |
| $200K | $1,080 | $999 |
FTP generally undercuts FTMO on challenge fees at every comparable account size, though the differences narrow at higher tiers. For example, a $100K challenge costs $655 at FTMO versus $499 at FTP. However, FTMO's fee includes access to their educational resources and a strong trader support network.
Both firms refund the challenge fee upon successful completion, but only FTMO offers free retakes if you hit the profit target but fail on another rule. FTP's "instant funding" option skips the challenge altogether but comes at a premium cost and stricter rules.
Drawdown Rules: Hidden Pitfalls
FTMO
- Max drawdown: 10% of initial balance (e.g., $10,000 on $100K account)
- Daily drawdown: 5% (e.g., $5,000/day on $100K)
- Drawdown is fixed, not trailing
This means your max loss is capped at $10K, no matter how high your balance grows. The daily limit is calculated from the previous day's close (including open trades), so overnight volatility can trip you up if you hold through the close.
Funded Trading Plus
- Max drawdown: 6% trailing (e.g., $6,000 on $100K, but shrinks as you withdraw profits)
- Daily drawdown: 4% (e.g., $4,000/day on $100K)
- Trailing drawdown applies to equity peak, not just balance
FTP's trailing drawdown is stricter than FTMO's fixed version. For example, if you grow a $100K account to $110K and then withdraw $5K, your new trailing stop is $105K - (6% of $110K = $6,600) = $103,400. This means your risk buffer shrinks after each payout, which can catch traders off-guard.
Profit Split & Payouts
FTMO
- Starts at 80/20 (trader/firm), can scale to 90/10 with consistent profits
- Monthly payouts
- Profit split increases after several payout cycles
Funded Trading Plus
- Starts at 80/20, scales up to 100% profit split
- Payouts from Day 0 or Day 1
- Payout frequency is flexible, but trailing drawdown applies after each withdrawal
FTP's 100% profit split is unmatched among major prop firms, but the catch is the shrinking trailing drawdown after payouts. FTMO's split maxes out at 90/10, but with a fixed drawdown and more predictable payout buffer.
Tradable Instruments & Leverage
| Instrument Type | FTMO | FTP |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | Yes | No |
| Leverage | 1:100 | 1:30 |
FTMO offers a broader range of instruments, including stocks. FTP omits stocks and has lower leverage (1:30 vs 1:100), which can be a major limitation for traders who use high leverage or trade volatile markets. Lower leverage also means you'll need larger stops or smaller position sizes, which could affect your strategy's edge.
Scaling Plans: How Big Can You Grow?
FTMO
- Scale up to $2M after 4 months of consistent profits
- Clear scaling milestones, but slower than FTP
Funded Trading Plus
- Scale up to $2.5M on standard plan, $5.25M on Premium
- Scaling occurs at every 10% profit milestone
FTP's scaling is faster and can reach higher maximums, especially on the Premium track. FTMO's scaling is slower but more predictable. Both firms require consistent, rule-abiding trading to qualify for scaling.
Payout Speed & Flexibility
- FTMO: Payouts are processed monthly. This is reliable, but inflexible for traders who want faster access to profits.
- FTP: Payouts can be requested from Day 0 or Day 1, offering much faster access. However, each payout reduces your trailing drawdown buffer.
For traders relying on frequent withdrawals or cash flow, FTP's payout speed is a big selling point—if you don't mind the increased risk after each payout. FTMO's monthly cycle is slower but safer in terms of drawdown management.
Other Key Rules & Restrictions
- FTMO: No swing trading during high-impact news events. EAs and algos are allowed. US traders accepted.
- FTP: Hedging and grid trading are prohibited. Weekend auto-close applies on some programs. US traders are not eligible.
Who Should Choose FTMO?
- Traders who value a fixed drawdown and predictable risk buffer.
- Those needing higher leverage (1:100) or a wider range of instruments, especially stocks.
- Traders who want a trusted brand with extensive education and support.
- US-based traders or those who use hedging/grid strategies.
- Traders who prefer monthly, stable payouts and are not reliant on frequent withdrawals.
FTMO is also a strong fit for traders who want a clear, step-by-step scaling plan and are willing to adhere to strict evaluation criteria for long-term growth. For an in-depth breakdown, see our FTMO review.
Who Should Choose Funded Trading Plus?
- Traders seeking the highest profit split (up to 100%).
- Those who want instant or flexible funding options with no minimum trading days or time pressure.
- Traders who plan to scale rapidly up to $2.5M or $5.25M on the Premium track.
- Traders who want to request fast payouts (from Day 0/Day 1).
- Swing traders or part-timers who need unlimited time to pass the evaluation.
FTP is best for disciplined traders who can operate within tight (trailing) drawdown limits and don't rely on hedging or grid strategies. For more, see our Funded Trading Plus review.
Non-Obvious Trade-Offs: What Most Reviews Miss
- Trailing Drawdown vs. Fixed Drawdown: FTP's trailing drawdown means your risk buffer shrinks after each payout, increasing blowout risk as you withdraw. FTMO's fixed drawdown is more forgiving for compounding profits.
- Payout Timing vs. Safety: FTP's fast payouts are tempting, but each withdrawal tightens your risk leash. FTMO's monthly payouts are slower but keep your risk profile stable.
- Leverage and Position Sizing: Lower leverage at FTP (1:30) can restrict some strategies, especially for scalpers or those trading volatile assets. FTMO's 1:100 leverage allows for more flexibility, but also more risk if not managed properly.
- Scaling Potential vs. Rule Strictness: FTP offers higher scaling, but requires you to meet tighter risk controls at each step. FTMO's scaling is more gradual but comes with a stable drawdown regime.
- Instrument Coverage: Only FTMO allows stock trading. FTP does not.
Bottom Line: Which Prop Firm is Right for You?
Choosing between FTMO and Funded Trading Plus is less about "which is better" and more about which fits your trading profile and lifestyle. Both have rigorous rules, but they reward different strengths.
- FTMO: Best for traders who want a stable risk buffer, higher leverage, stock trading, and a time-tested, globally trusted platform. Ideal for those who trade frequently and compound profits over time.
- Funded Trading Plus: Best for those who want maximum payout flexibility, no time pressure, and the chance to earn a 100% profit split—but only if you can handle tighter, trailing drawdowns and don't need stocks or high leverage.
If you still aren't sure, use our side-by-side comparison tool to filter by your exact requirements, or check out health grades for both firms at PropSurvivalEngine Health.