FTMO vs 5ers:  Which Firm Offers Easier Rules and a Higher Profit Share?

Choosing the right prop firm can define your trading career. Among the top contenders, FTMO and The5ers stand out, each promising significant capital and opportunity.

The crucial question for traders is straightforward: which one makes it easier to succeed? The FTMO vs 5ers debate often comes down to their fundamental differences in rules and rewards.

This comprehensive analysis breaks down everything that matters: from funding challenges and drawdown rules to trading platforms and payout reliability. H2T Funding will give you a clear verdict on which firm offers a better deal for aspiring funded traders, and help you make the right choice.

1. FTMO vs 5ers: Overview and quick comparison table

Before we explore the specific details, let’s start with a quick overview. The table below provides a side-by-side look at the most important features of FTMO and The5ers. Use it to see how these top prop firms stack up on key metrics at a glance.

Aspect	FTMO	The5ers
CEO	Otakar Suffner	Saul Lokier
Funding Models	2-step	1-step, 2-step, 3-step
Profit Split	80% – 90%	50% – 100%
Profit Target	10% (Step 1) 5% (Step 2)	5% – 10%
Payout Frequency	On-demand after 14 days	On-demand every 14 days
Time Limits	No time limit	No time limit
Minimum Trading Days	4 days	3 days (High-Stakes challenge)
Daily Loss Limit	5%	5%
Maximum Loss Limit	10%	4% – 10%
Instruments	Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Crypto	Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Platforms	MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade	MT5, cTrader
News/Weekend Trading	Restrictions on some accounts	Allowed
Starting Fees	€155 (~$178)	$39

If you are still wondering whether FTMO or The5ers is more suitable for your trading style, don’t worry, H2T Funding has created a visual, easy-to-understand and detailed video analysis of the differences between these two prop firms.

The video will help you clearly see the real advantages and disadvantages, how each model affects the ability to pass the challenge and optimise the payout rate.

👉 You can watch more videos on H2T Funding’s YouTube channel to understand more deeply before making a decision.

Read on to discover which firm offers the best path for your personal trading goals.

2. A deep dive comparison: Key factors for traders

The comparison table gives a great snapshot, but the best choice is found in the details that matter most. This is where we break down the core differences in the FTMO vs 5ers debate, focusing on the rules and conditions that will directly impact your trading experience and success.

2.1. Challenge rules

Passing the evaluation is your first major hurdle. The structure of these funding challenges directly impacts your path to a funded account, and it’s where the firms show their biggest differences. Here’s a detailed comparison of their evaluation rules.

Feature	FTMO	The5ers
Evaluation Model	A standardised 2-step process (Challenge & Verification).	Multiple flexible models (1-step, 2-step, 3-step) like Hyper Growth, High Stakes, and Bootcamp.
Profit Target	10% in Step 1, then 5% in Step 2.	Varies by program, typically 5% to 10%.
Minimum Days	4 trading days are required for each step.	None on most programs. The High Stakes program requires 3 profitable days.
Key Rule Example	Consistent adherence to the Maximum Loss limits is the primary focus.	Enforces specific risk management rules, like a mandatory Stop Loss in the Bootcamp challenge.

The key takeaways from their challenge rules are:

• FTMO provides a structured and predictable path, though its demanding nature often leads to varied success rates among traders. Their focus is on testing your ability to generate profit consistently while staying within clear risk parameters over a short period.
• The5ers offers customised challenges with built-in risk rules. By requiring actions like a mandatory Stop Loss, they test your discipline on a trade-by-trade basis rather than just your overall performance.

2.2. Trading restrictions

A profitable strategy is useless if it violates a firm’s rules. These client restrictions determine your trading freedom, making it crucial to pick a firm that aligns with your trading style. This is where their philosophies on trader autonomy really diverge.

Restriction	FTMO	The5ers
News Trading	Restricted on standard funded accounts (prohibited 2 mins before/after high-impact news).	Mostly allowed, though the High Stakes program also has a 2-minute rule. Bracket strategies are prohibited.
Weekend Holding	Prohibited for funded traders on standard accounts.	Allowed across all programs, making it a clear winner for swing traders.
Expert Advisors (EAs)	Allowed, but using third-party EAs that are widely available is strictly prohibited.	Allowed, but with specific conditions (e.g., every trade must have a Stop Loss, no arbitrage).
Copy Trading	Allowed, but you cannot copy other traders. You must be the sole manager of your accounts.	More flexible. You can copy your own external accounts, but not third-party signals.
Max Capital Limit	A hard cap of $400,000 per trader or strategy on standard accounts.	No single hard cap, but there are limits on combining accounts and strategies (e.g., up to 3 Bootcamp accounts).

In summary, their approaches to restrictions are fundamentally different:

• FTMO enforces discipline through broad limitations, such as restricting when you can trade (no news, no weekends). This creates a more controlled environment.
• The5ers grants more freedom on when you can trade but enforces discipline through specific, trade-level rules. This gives experienced traders more autonomy while still preventing reckless behaviour.

2.3. Account fees

The upfront cost is a practical consideration for every trader. For me, it’s not just about the price tag; it’s about the value you get for that initial investment. 

Let’s break down how the fees for the popular $100K account size compare.

Feature	FTMO	The5ers (High Stakes Program)
Account Size	$100,000	$100,000
Upfront Fee	€540 (approx. $580)	$545
Fee Type	One-time payment, fully refundable.	One-time payment, refundable.

At first glance, the fees look very similar. But the real story is in what those fees buy you.

• FTMO’s value proposition is simple and powerful: Pass the two stages, and you get your money back with your first payouts. It’s a straightforward deal that rewards success. I’ve always appreciated this because it turns the fee into a deposit on your own skill.
• The5ers offers more pathways, which can be a huge advantage. Their High Stakes program is priced competitively against FTMO. However, they also offer lower-cost entry points, like the $39 fee for the $5K High Stakes account. That makes them far more accessible if you want to start smaller and prove yourself before committing more capital.

Ultimately, both firms make the challenge free if you succeed. Your choice depends on your starting capital and whether you prefer one clear path or multiple doors to entry.

2.4. Trading platforms and tradable assets

Your trading platform is your command centre, and the assets you trade are your tools of the trade. As a trader, I know that having access to both the right platform and your preferred markets is essential. A firm that lacks in either area can limit your strategy and your profit potential.

2.4.1. Trading platform

First, let’s look at the software you’ll be using every day. A familiar, stable, and powerful platform is non-negotiable for serious trading.

Feature	FTMO	The5ers
Supported Platforms	MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade	MT5, cTrader, WebTrader
Variety	Offers the widest range of popular platforms.	Covers the key modern platforms.
Accessibility	All platforms are available across Desktop, Web, and Mobile.	All platforms are available across Desktop, Web, and Mobile.

This is a category where both firms are strong, but they cater to slightly different needs.

• FTMO is the clear winner in variety. By offering MT4, MT5, cTrader, and even DXtrade, they ensure that virtually every trader can find a familiar and comfortable environment. If you are a long-time MT4 user with a library of custom tools, FTMO makes the transition seamless.
• The5ers focuses on modern, powerful platforms. By providing MT5 and cTrader, they cater to traders who want advanced charting tools and superior execution. Their browser-based WebTrader also offers great flexibility for trading on the go without any downloads.

For most traders, either firm offers a top-tier platform experience. However, if you are an MT4 loyalist, FTMO has the undeniable edge. If you’ve already moved on to MT5 or cTrader, both firms will serve you exceptionally well.

2.4.2. Tradable assets

Next, let’s see what markets you can actually trade. A great platform is useless if you can’t access the assets where your strategy has an edge.

Asset Class	FTMO	The5ers
Forex	Yes	Yes
Indices	Yes	Yes
Metals/Commodities	Yes	Yes
Cryptocurrencies	Yes	Yes
Stocks	Yes	No

The offerings are very similar, but with one key difference. Both provide deep liquidity across Forex, Indices, Metals, and Crypto. However, FTMO also offers Stock CFDs, giving it a distinct advantage for traders who want to include individual company stocks in their portfolio. If your strategy relies on trading stocks like AAPL or TSLA, FTMO is the only choice between the two.

2.5. Profit split & Scaling plans

Your long-term earning potential is defined by two things: the profit split and the firm’s growth opportunities. A great firm not only pays you well but also gives you a clear path to managing more capital. This is where FTMO and The5ers offer two very different, but equally compelling, visions for your future.

Feature	FTMO	The5ers
Default Profit Split	80% for the trader.	Varies from 50% to 80%, depending on the program.
Maximum Profit Split	90% through the Scaling Plan.	Up to 100% + fixed bonuses on the High Stakes plan.
Scaling Speed	Steady Growth: Account increases by 25% every 4 months if conditions are met.	Aggressive Growth: Account can double upon hitting a 10% profit target (Hyper Growth).
Scaling Cap	Up to $2,000,000.	Up to $4,000,000 on the Hyper Growth plan.

Your choice here depends entirely on your ambition and trading style. FTMO offers a stable, high-paying career path, while The5ers provides the potential for faster, more exponential growth in both capital and payouts.

3. Trading conditions: Leverage, commission, and slippage

Beyond the big rules, the day-to-day trading conditions are what shape your profitability. Low costs and good execution can be the difference between a winning and losing trade. I always look at these numbers closely, because they directly impact my bottom line.

3.1. Leverage

Leverage determines your buying power. More leverage means larger position sizes, but also higher risk. Here’s how they compare on their main 2-step evaluation programs.

Asset	FTMO (2-Step)	The5ers (2-Step High Stakes)
Forex (FX)	1:100	1:100
Indices	1:50	1:25
Crypto	1:3	1:2

For Forex trading, both firms offer the industry standard of 1:100 leverage, giving you plenty of firepower. However, FTMO has a clear advantage on indices, offering double the leverage of The5ers’ High Stakes program. This could be a deciding factor for traders who focus on assets like the US30 or NAS100.

3.2. Commission

Commissions are the direct cost of doing business. Lower fees mean more of your profits stay in your pocket.

Asset	FTMO	The5ers
Forex (FX)	$5 per standard lot	$4 per standard lot
Metals	0.0014% per volume	0.0001% per lot
Indices	$0 (Commission-free)	$0 (Commission-free)
Crypto	0.0650% per volume	0.0001% per lot
Stocks	0.0040% per volume	Not listed
Energy	$0 (Commission-free)	0.0001% per lot

Here, The5ers is the more cost-effective option for FX traders, with a $4 per lot commission compared to FTMO’s $5. FTMO shines by offering commission-free trading on both Indices and Energy, which is a significant advantage for traders who specialise in these markets.

For other assets like Metals and Crypto, the commission structures are different (volume vs. per lot), making a direct comparison difficult without specific trade examples. However, both offer competitive rates.

3.3. Slippage

Slippage is a reality of trading that no one can escape, especially during high-volatility news events. It’s the difference between your expected price and the actual execution price.

FTMO is very transparent about this. They state that their execution model uses institutional liquidity providers to create a real-market environment. This means both positive and negative slippage can occur, just as it would in live trading. Their goal is to minimise it, not to eliminate an unavoidable market factor.

The5ers operates under similar real-market conditions. While not as detailed in their public-facing material, their model is also designed to simulate a genuine trading environment. Ultimately, the best measure of slippage often comes from user experience, which we’ll touch on in the Reddit feedback section.

4. FTMO vs 5ers payout process

After all the hard work, getting paid is what matters most. A smooth, reliable, and fast payout process is the ultimate sign of a trustworthy prop firm. For me, this is non-negotiable. Let’s see how FTMO and The5ers handle your profits.

Feature	FTMO	The5ers
Payout Frequency	On-demand after an initial 14-day cycle. Can be changed to a bi-weekly schedule.	Bi-weekly (every 14 days).
Profit Split	80%, increasing to 90% with the scaling plan.	Starts at 50-80% (depending on the program) and can scale up to 100%.
Minimum Withdrawal	$20 for Bank Wire and $50 for Crypto	$150 (after the profit split is applied).
Withdrawal Fees	No processing fees for most methods.	2-3% commission on payouts via Bank Transfer or Crypto. No fee for HUB Credits.

The differences here are significant and can influence your choice:

• FTMO offers a very trader-friendly and efficient payout system. The low minimum withdrawal amounts and absence of processing fees mean you can access your profits easily, no matter how small. I’ve always found their on-demand system to be a huge plus for flexibility.
• The5ers, while offering an incredible ceiling with their 100% profit split, has a slightly more rigid process. The higher minimum withdrawal of $150 and the commission on payouts are important factors to consider. This structure may be better suited for traders aiming for larger, less frequent withdrawals.

In short, FTMO is optimised for fast and flexible access to your earnings. While The5ers is built to maximise your long-term reward potential, even if it even comes with a few extra conditions on withdrawals.

5. Real trader feedback with FTMO vs 5ers Reddit and other communities

Data tables and official rules are one thing, but the real test often comes from the unfiltered experiences of other traders. To get a sense of the community sentiment, I looked at discussions on platforms like Reddit and Facebook where traders share their honest opinions.

A clear theme emerges from these conversations:

The feedback highlights a few key points. Traders on Reddit frequently praise The5ers for its tighter spreads and flexible rules, making it a favourite for scalping. In contrast, FTMO is often described as the choice for those who want bigger capital and faster rewards but can handle pressure.

This sentiment is strongly supported by thousands of reviews on Trustpilot, where both firms boast an identical 4.8-star Excellent rating, cementing their status as industry leaders.

The Trustpilot reviews echo the themes from social media. Users praise FTMO as the gold standard for its fast and reliable payouts. Meanwhile, The5ers is commended for its beginner-friendly approach and lack of unnecessary restrictions. The consensus is clear: both are elite prop firms, and the best choice depends on your personal trading style.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

7. Final verdict: Which prop firm should you choose?

The FTMO vs 5ers debate doesn’t have a single winner because they are both elite firms playing different games. Your choice should not be based on which one is best, but on which one is the best fit for you. Both have proven that they reliably pay traders and provide a genuine opportunity to build a trading career.

To make your final decision, consider this simple breakdown:

• Choose FTMO if: You are a disciplined trader who thrives in a structured environment. You are confident in your strategy, want a clear and predictable career path, and are motivated by achieving a very high 90% profit split.
• Choose The5ers if: You are an experienced trader who values freedom and flexibility.  You may be a scalper, news trader, or swing trader who prefers looser rules. If you’re focused on fast, aggressive growth and the appeal of 100% payouts, this model fits you well.

No matter which firm you aim for, your success ultimately starts with a solid foundation of knowledge and a well-tested strategy. Building these skills is the most important investment you can make.

To continue building that foundation, we invite you to explore more in-depth guides and articles at H2T Funding.