This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
FTMO and FundedNext are two of the most popular prop trading firms in the world. Both offer funded accounts with competitive profit splits, but they take different approaches to evaluation, payouts, and trader support. This guide breaks down every key difference to help you make the right choice.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | FTMO | FundedNext |
|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2022 |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | Up to 95% |
| Challenge Types | 2-step | Stellar (2-step), Express (1-step) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Max Account | $200K | $200K |
| Profit Target P1 | 10% | 8% (Stellar) / 10% (Express) |
| Daily Loss Limit | 5% | 5% |
| Max Loss Limit | 10% | 10% |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Bi-weekly |
| Free Trial | Yes | No |
| Profit From Eval | No | Yes |
Challenge Structure
FTMO
FTMO uses a classic 2-step evaluation: the FTMO Challenge (Phase 1) and Verification (Phase 2). You need to hit a 10% profit target in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2, with a maximum of 30 and 60 calendar days respectively.
The structure is straightforward and has been refined over nearly a decade of operation. FTMO also offers a free trial so you can test the platform before committing.
FundedNext
FundedNext offers two distinct models:
- Stellar Challenge (2-step): 8% target in Phase 1, 5% in Phase 2. More relaxed targets.
- Express Model (1-step): 10% target with a single evaluation phase.
The standout feature is that FundedNext shares 15% of profits earned during the evaluation phase. This is unique in the industry and means you can earn money even before getting fully funded.
Winner: FundedNext — The lower profit targets (Stellar) and profit sharing from evaluation give it an edge.
Profit Split
FTMO offers up to 90% profit split, achievable through their scaling plan. You start at 80% and can reach 90% by meeting consistency targets over multiple payout cycles.
FundedNext goes higher with up to 95% profit split. Like FTMO, you start lower and scale up, but the ceiling is higher.
Winner: FundedNext — 95% vs 90% is a clear advantage for traders generating consistent profits.
Platforms and Execution
FTMO supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade — the widest platform selection among major prop firms. This flexibility means traders can use the platform they're most comfortable with.
FundedNext supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader. While the selection is slightly smaller, it covers the most popular platforms in the industry.
Both firms use reputable liquidity providers, though FTMO has a longer track record of consistent execution quality.
Winner: FTMO — More platform options and a longer track record of execution quality.
Payout Speed and Reliability
FTMO processes payouts on a bi-weekly schedule and has paid out over $200 million to date. The firm's payout reliability is unquestionable — it's the benchmark for the industry.
FundedNext also processes bi-weekly payouts and has been growing rapidly. While they have a good payout track record, they haven't been around as long as FTMO to match that total figure.
Winner: FTMO — Longer track record and higher total payouts inspire more confidence.
Trading Rules
Both firms have similar core rules:
- 5% daily loss limit
- 10% maximum loss limit
- No holding positions over weekends (unless opted in)
- Minimum trading days requirement
FTMO has slightly stricter news trading rules, while FundedNext tends to be more lenient with their Stellar model.
Winner: Tie — Both have fair, clearly stated rules.
Pricing
For a $100K account:
| FTMO | FundedNext |
|---|
| Challenge Fee | ~$540 | ~$499 (Stellar) |
| Refundable? | Yes (on first payout) | Yes (on first payout) |
Winner: FundedNext — Lower fees plus evaluation profit sharing.
Who Should Choose FTMO?
- Traders who value a proven track record and maximum reliability
- Those who want the widest platform selection (especially DXtrade)
- Traders who want a free trial before committing
- Anyone who prioritizes the firm's reputation and longevity
Who Should Choose FundedNext?
- Traders looking for the highest possible profit split (95%)
- Those who want to earn during the evaluation phase
- Traders who prefer lower profit targets (Stellar model)
- Anyone seeking a more aggressive scaling plan
Verdict
Both FTMO and FundedNext are excellent prop firms. FTMO wins on reliability, platform selection, and track record. FundedNext wins on profit split, challenge flexibility, and overall value for money.
For experienced traders confident in their strategy, FundedNext offers better earning potential. For traders who prioritize safety and the peace of mind that comes with an industry pioneer, FTMO remains the gold standard.
You can compare both firms side by side on our comparison tool to see exact pricing and features for your preferred account size.
