- Choose FTMO if: You want the industry’s benchmark brand, a decade-long verified payout history, and the widest platform choice.
- Choose FundedNext if: You want to earn a profit share during the evaluation itself and a faster guaranteed payout window.
Table of Contents
FTMO and FundedNext are the two most searched names in proprietary trading, and traders comparing them are usually choosing between brand trust and headline economics. FTMO set the template for the modern two-step evaluation back in 2015 and remains the benchmark other firms are measured against, while FundedNext has grown into the largest Trustpilot presence in the industry by innovating on profit share during the evaluation itself. This guide breaks down pricing, drawdown rules, payout speed, and real Trustpilot data so you can decide which firm actually fits how you trade.
The problem: The most common regret among funded traders is discovering a hidden consistency rule or a tighter-than-expected daily loss limit only after money is already on the table. FTMO’s pricing sits meaningfully above budget competitors, which stings if you fail an evaluation and have to buy a retry. FundedNext’s 15% challenge-phase profit share sounds generous, but traders often overlook that daily loss limits on some Stellar tiers are stricter than FTMO’s, meaning a single bad session can end the attempt before the profit-share kicks in. Reading the fine print on drawdown type and daily limits before paying is the single best way to avoid losing a challenge fee to a rule you didn’t know existed.
Quick Comparison
| FTMO | FundedNext | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €79 (~$85) per $10K 1-Step challenge | $41.99 per $6K Stellar 2-Step account |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Free Trial | Yes (Free demo challenge, same rules) | No |
| Best For | Traders who prioritize a decade-long track record and maximum reliability | Traders who want to get paid even on a failed evaluation attempt |
| Ease of Use | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Support Rating | 9 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Start FTMO Challenge → | Explore FundedNext → |
Pros & Cons
- 10-year track record since 2015 with $500M+ self-reported payouts
- Challenge fee refunded with first profit split
- Up to 90% profit split via Scaling Plan
- Four platform options: MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade
- Higher fees than most competitors (€79+ vs $30-40 elsewhere)
- 80% base profit split, below the 90%+ some newer firms offer from day one
- No instant funding option — must pass a 1- or 2-step evaluation first
- Earns traders 15% of profits during the evaluation phase, even on a failed attempt
- Up to 95-100% profit split on Stellar and Rapid programs
- 24-hour payout guarantee for funded accounts
- Largest Trustpilot review base of any major prop firm (65,000+)
- Daily loss limits are tighter than FTMO’s on several programs
- Payout and payout-volume figures are self-reported, not third-party audited
- Newer brand than FTMO, with a shorter verified operating history
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
| Feature | FTMO | FundedNext | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.8/5 (46,885+ reviews) | 4.5/5 (65,000+ reviews) | FTMO |
| Max Profit Split | Up to 90% | Up to 100% | FundedNext |
| Starting Challenge Fee | ~$85 (€79) | $41.99 | FundedNext |
| Profit Share During Evaluation | No | Yes, 15% | FundedNext |
| Payout Speed | Bi-weekly cycle after Verification | 24-hour guarantee | FundedNext |
| Integrations | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade, Match-Trader | — |
Final Verdict
Winner: FundedNext
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FTMO or FundedNext better for beginners?
FTMO’s structured two-phase evaluation and extensive Account MetriX analytics make it easier for beginners to learn disciplined risk management. FundedNext’s profit share during the evaluation can soften the cost of a failed attempt, which is helpful for traders still building consistency, but its tighter daily loss limits on some tiers can punish beginners who size positions too aggressively.
Which firm has the higher Trustpilot rating?
FTMO holds a 4.8/5 rating from over 46,800 reviews as of mid-2026, slightly ahead of FundedNext’s 4.5/5. However, FundedNext has accumulated a larger absolute review volume of over 65,000, giving it a broader base of trader feedback even with a marginally lower average score.
Does either firm let me keep profit if I fail the challenge?
Yes, this is FundedNext’s signature feature: traders earn 15% of any profit generated during the evaluation phase, even if the challenge is ultimately failed. FTMO does not offer this; if you fail an FTMO evaluation, the fee is forfeited and no interim profit share is paid.
Which firm is cheaper to start with?
FundedNext’s smallest Stellar 2-Step account starts around $41.99 for a $6K account, while FTMO’s cheapest $10K 1-Step challenge starts at €79 (~$85). FundedNext is consistently the lower-cost entry point across comparable account sizes.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) on funded accounts with either firm?
Both firms permit algorithmic trading and EAs on funded accounts under their published rules, though both prohibit high-frequency, latency-arbitrage, and tick-scalping strategies. Always confirm the current EA policy on each firm’s help center before deploying an automated strategy, as rules are updated periodically.