FTMO vs The5%ers: Which Funded Trading Program is Best in 2026?
2026-07-18 | Category: Comparisons
A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of FTMO and The5%ers. We analyze evaluation steps, profit split limits, drawdown rules, and payout speeds.
When selecting a proprietary trading firm, **FTMO** and **The5%ers** stand as two of the most popular and respected institutions in the industry. However, their evaluation structures, drawdown models, and payout rules differ significantly.
In this deep-dive guide, we compare FTMO and The5%ers across every key metric so you can choose the optimal capital partner for your trading strategy.
### 1. Evaluation Models & Account Options
* **FTMO:** Known for its classic 2-step evaluation challenge (Phase 1: 10% target; Phase 2: 5% target). FTMO offers account sizes ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 with scaling up to $2,000,000.
* **The5%ers:** Offers both a **Hyper Growth 1-step evaluation** and **Instant Funding** programs. Traders who prefer bypassing multi-step evaluation challenges often favor The5%ers.
### 2. Drawdown & Risk Parameters
* **FTMO:** Enforces a 5% daily maximum drawdown and a 10% overall max drawdown limit based on initial account balance.
* **The5%ers:** Features custom drawdown rules depending on the program. The Hyper Growth model features a static 6% maximum drawdown, which is much friendlier to swing traders.
### 3. Profit Split & Payout Speeds
| Feature | FTMO | The5%ers |
|---|---|---|
| **Default Profit Split** | 80/20 (Up to 90/10 with scaling) | 50/50 to 100% depending on tier |
| **First Payout Window** | 14 days after funded stage | On-demand upon reaching target |
| **Scaling Horizon** | +25% capital every 4 months | Double account size at each 10% target |
### Summary Recommendation
* **Choose FTMO if:** You are a disciplined FX scalper or day trader who wants MT5/TradingView compatibility with standard 2-step challenges and maximum scaling.
* **Choose The5%ers if:** You prefer instant funding, 1-step challenges, or balance-based static drawdown rules without aggressive daily caps.