Sabiotrade vs FTMO: Elite Prop Firms Comparison
Introduction
Sabiotrade and FTMO are two leading proprietary trading firms that provide traders with funded accounts to trade financial markets. Sabiotrade stands out with its beginner-friendly approach and competitive profit splits, while FTMO has established itself as an industry pioneer with robust trading infrastructure and comprehensive educational resources. Sabiotrade holds a Trustpilot rating of 3.6/5 from 721 reviews (April 2026). FTMO holds a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating (43,791 reviews, June 2026); FTMO has been an established prop firm since 2015 with 3.5M+ customers worldwide and $500M+ paid in rewards (per FTMO homepage).
Quick Comparison |
||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Sabiotrade | FTMO |
 |
 |
|
| Founded | 2021 (Dublin, Ireland) | 2015 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.5/5 (728 reviews, June 2026) | 4.8/5 (43,791 reviews, June 2026) |
| Account Size Range | Single: $20K – $1M (Essential to Supreme); Day Trading: $20K – $300K | $10K – $200K initial accounts; scaling up to $2,000,000 via Scaling Plan |
| Profit Split | 80% on Essential/Plus; 90% on Advanced/Ultimate/Prime/Supreme; 95% on Apex Day Trading | Up to 90% |
| Evaluation Phases | 1-Step Challenge only (10% profit target, 5% daily loss, 6% trailing max DD) | 1-Step Challenge (10% target, 3% daily, 10% max) or 2-Step Challenge (10%/5% targets, 5% daily, 10% max) |
| Max Drawdown | 5% daily loss limit (previous EOD balance), 6% trailing maximum drawdown (includes unrealised P&L) | 2-Step: 5% daily, 10% max (static from initial balance). 1-Step: 3% daily, 10% max. |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? |
||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Sabiotrade | FTMO |
| Standard Challenge | 1-Step Challenge: 10% profit target, 5% daily loss limit, 6% trailing max drawdown (includes unrealised P&L) | 2-Step Challenge: 10% target Phase 1, 5% target Phase 2; 5% daily, 10% max overall drawdown (static from initial balance) |
| 1-Step / Express Option | The 1-Step Challenge IS the standard evaluation path on Sabio (no separate Express tier) | 1-Step Challenge available (since 2024): 10% target, 3% daily, 10% max drawdown, no minimum trading days advertised |
| Evaluation Period | No time limit on the 1-Step Challenge | No time limits on either Challenge or Verification (FTMO removed time limits in 2024) |
| Demo Account | Free 7-day trial account ($20K demo balance, full platform features) | Free FTMO demo account available to practise before entering the challenge |
| Swing Account | No separate Swing account – weekend and overnight holding permitted on all Sabio tiers | Dedicated Swing Account with extended time frames, weekend holding, and no news-trading restrictions (Standard FTMO Account has news/overnight restrictions on funded) |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? |
||
|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Sabiotrade | FTMO |
| Profit Target (Standard) | 10% (1-Step Challenge) of starting balance | 10% Phase 1, 5% Phase 2 (2-Step Challenge); 10% on 1-Step Challenge |
| Maximum Daily Loss | 5% of previous EOD (end-of-day) balance | 5% on 2-Step Challenge; 3% on 1-Step Challenge (from initial balance, daily) |
| Maximum Overall Loss | 6% trailing maximum drawdown (calculated on high watermark; includes unrealised P&L) | 10% static maximum drawdown from initial account balance (does not trail with profits) |
| Minimum Trading Days | No minimum trading days required | 4 days minimum per phase on the 2-Step Challenge; no minimum advertised on the 1-Step Challenge |
| Trading Style Restrictions | No prohibited styles – scalping, news trading, EAs, hedging, and weekend holding all permitted | News-trading restrictions apply on Standard FTMO Account funded only (Swing Account has no restriction); EAs allowed; no arbitrage or price-latency exploitation |
| Consistency Requirements | Consistency Rule at payout: no single trade can exceed 40% of total cumulative profits | No explicit consistency score; trading patterns reviewed for compliance with risk rules |
| Account Reset | Rule breach closes the account; a new challenge purchase is required to restart (challenge fee is refunded on first payout from a passed account) | Rule breach terminates the account; you can purchase a new FTMO Challenge at any time to restart from Phase 1 (initial fee refundable on first payout from the funded account) |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? |
||
|---|---|---|
| Option | Sabiotrade | FTMO |
| $10,000 Account | Not offered ($20K Sabio minimum – Essential tier from $119) | $89 (FTMO 2-Step Challenge, per firm fee schedule) |
| $25,000 Account | Available between Essential ($20K, $119) and Plus ($50K, $289) tiers | $250 (FTMO 2-Step Challenge) |
| $50,000 Account | Plus tier: $289 (one-time, $50K funded capital, 80% split) | $345 (FTMO 2-Step Challenge) |
| $100,000 Account | Advanced tier: $479 (one-time, $100K funded capital, 90% split) | $439 (FTMO 2-Step Challenge – best value per firm) |
| $200,000 Account | Ultimate tier: $939 (one-time, $200K funded capital, 90% split) | $1,080 (FTMO 2-Step Challenge) |
| Refund Policy | Challenge fee refunded in full on the first payout from the funded account | Initial challenge fee refunded on the first payout from the funded account |
| Coupons | Coupon Code | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? |
||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Sabiotrade | FTMO |
| Trading Platforms | SabioTraderoom (proprietary, QuadCode-powered) only – no MT4, MT5, or cTrader | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader (three platforms supported) |
| Mobile App | Available via dedicated SabioTraderoom mobile app (iOS and Android) | Available via MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader mobile apps |
| Analysis Tools | Standard performance metrics via the SabioTraderoom dashboard | Detailed performance metrics, trading statistics, psychological analysis of trading patterns, and trade journal with automatic categorisation |
| Performance Dashboard | SabioTraderoom dashboard with real-time performance tracking and scaling milestones | Comprehensive performance analytics including benchmarking against successful traders |
| Educational Resources | SabioTrade Academy: weekly webinars, video courses, and Telegram trading signals | Free educational webinars, trading courses, market analysis, and Performance Coaches available for top-performing traders |
Available Options/Products |
||
|---|---|---|
| Option | Sabiotrade | FTMO |
| Tradable Instruments | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, and Stocks CFDs (250+ instruments via SabioTraderoom) | Forex, Indices, Commodities, and Cryptocurrencies only (FTMO does not currently offer Stocks or Bonds; per FTMO Symbols page) |
| Account Currencies | Not publicly specified by firm | Not publicly specified by firm |
| Scaling Program | Up to $1,000,000 on the Supreme Single tier; tier progression Essential → Plus → Advanced → Ultimate → Prime → Supreme | Up to $2,000,000 via Scaling Plan (25% account-balance scale-up per step after 4-month consistency criteria) |
| Account Types | Single Account tiers: Essential, Plus, Advanced, Ultimate, Prime, Supreme; plus Day Trading tiers (Flash, Blaze, Daybreak, Surge, Apex) | Standard FTMO Account and Swing Account; FTMO Challenge available as 2-Step or 1-Step |
| Payout Frequency | Weekly payouts with no minimum withdrawal amount | Bi-weekly payouts (trader-initiated, processed in approximately 8 hours on average per FTMO Scaling Plan page) |
Technical Capabilities/Performance |
||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Sabiotrade | FTMO |
| Execution Speed | Not published by firm | Not published by firm |
| Slippage | Not published | Not published |
| Spreads / Commissions | Spread-based pricing on SabioTraderoom (all costs in bid-ask spread; varies by instrument and session) | Raw spreads plus $5 per lot round-turn commission on Forex (per FTMO Symbols page); competitive spreads with no additional commission on Indices |
| Server Reliability | Not published | Not published |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | EAs permitted within SabioTraderoom; prohibited: latency arbitrage, HFT, and copy trading from unapproved third-party signals | EAs allowed; prohibited: arbitrage, price-latency exploitation, and external manipulation of trading results |
| Trading Hours | Standard market hours per instrument; weekend holding permitted on all account tiers | Standard market hours per instrument; weekend holding permitted on the Swing Account (Standard Account has weekend/overnight restrictions on funded) |
Customer Support & Community |
||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Sabiotrade | FTMO |
| Customer Service Hours | Email and chat support via SabioTraderoom platform (hours not publicly specified) | 24/7 in-house team via live chat, email, WhatsApp, and phone |
| Response Time | Not publicly specified | 24/7 live chat available; bi-weekly rewards average 8-hour processing time (per FTMO Scaling Plan page) |
| Language Support | Not publicly specified by firm | 20 languages (per FTMO support page) including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, German, French, and more |
| Community Features | Discord server, Telegram group, and live weekly webinars hosted by the Sabio team | Active trader community with discussion forums; regular market analysis and trading ideas; 3.5M+ customers worldwide |
| Educational Events | Weekly webinars via SabioTrade Academy | Free educational webinars and trading courses; Performance Coaches available for top-performing traders |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation |
||
|---|---|---|
| Key Element | Sabiotrade | FTMO |
| Strengths | 1-step evaluation (10% target, 5% daily, 6% trailing max DD); challenge fee refunded on first payout; weekly payouts with no minimum withdrawal; account sizes up to $1M (Supreme tier); free 7-day trial; news trading, scalping, EAs, and weekend holding all permitted; proprietary SabioTraderoom platform across 250+ instruments | Most established prop firm in the industry (founded 2015); choice of 1-Step or 2-Step Challenge with no time limits; scaling up to $2M via 4-month consistency criteria; three platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader); bi-weekly payouts with ~8-hour processing; 24/7 support in 20 languages; 3.5M+ customers worldwide; $500M+ paid in rewards |
| Weaknesses | Proprietary SabioTraderoom platform only – no MT4, MT5, or cTrader; 6% trailing max drawdown includes unrealised P&L (open positions count); 40% consistency rule at payout; bank transfer only for withdrawals (no crypto payout); Trustpilot 3.6/5 lower than peers; newer firm (founded 2021) | news-trading restrictions on the Standard FTMO Account funded (Swing Account has none); strict drawdown rules (5% daily, 10% max static); $5/lot round-turn commission on Forex on top of raw spreads; cost tiers can be higher than some peers |
| Best For | Multi-asset CFD traders comfortable with a proprietary platform (no MT4/MT5/cTrader) who want a 1-step evaluation, weekly payouts, fee refund on first withdrawal, scaling up to $1M, and unrestricted news/EA trading with weekend holding | Traders wanting a long-established prop firm with deep infrastructure: choice of 1-Step or 2-Step Challenge, MT4/MT5/cTrader, scaling up to $2M, 24/7 multilingual support, and a verified track record of $500M+ in rewards paid to 3.5M+ customers since 2015 |
| Final Grade | 4.75/5 | 4.55/5 |
| Discount Codes | Coupon Code | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
What makes Sabiotrade popular among users?
Sabiotrade has gained popularity through its 1-step evaluation (10% profit target, 5% daily loss, 6% trailing max drawdown with no time limit), challenge-fee refund on the first payout from the funded account, weekly payouts with no minimum withdrawal, and a proprietary SabioTraderoom platform (QuadCode-powered) across 250+ instruments. Account sizes range from $20K (Essential) up to $1M (Supreme) on the Single category, plus a Day Trading category (Flash to Apex) with 95% profit split on the top tier. Founded 2021 in Dublin, Ireland as CODEVIL IT ENGINEERING LIMITED.
How does FTMO differ from other similar organizations?
FTMO stands out as the most established prop firm in the industry, founded 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic. It offers a choice between a 2-Step Challenge (10% target Phase 1, 5% Phase 2) and a 1-Step Challenge (10% target, 3% daily, 10% max, no minimum trading days advertised). Three trading platforms are supported: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. Scaling reaches up to $2,000,000 via a 25% account-balance scale-up per step (4-month consistency criteria). Customer support is 24/7 in 20 languages via live chat, email, WhatsApp, and phone. Tradable instruments cover Forex, Indices, Commodities, and Cryptocurrencies (per FTMO Symbols page, FTMO does not currently offer Stocks or Bonds). Payouts are bi-weekly with average 8-hour processing.
Are the evaluation fees refundable with both companies?
Yes, both firms refund the challenge fee, tied to the first payout from the funded account. Sabiotrade refunds the full challenge fee on the first withdrawal from a successfully passed account. FTMO refunds the initial challenge fee on the first payout from the funded account similarly. In both cases the refund is contingent on actually reaching a funded payout, so traders need to first pass the evaluation and then trade the funded account to profit before receiving the fee refund. The refund applies to the first account; subsequent challenges require new fees on both firms.
Can I use automated trading systems with these firms?
Yes, both firms allow Expert Advisors (EAs) and automated trading, but with documented restrictions. Sabiotrade permits EAs within SabioTraderoom; prohibited strategies include latency arbitrage, HFT exploiting pricing delays, and copy trading from external signal services or third-party account managers not approved by Sabio. FTMO explicitly allows EAs across its account types; prohibited strategies include arbitrage, price-latency exploitation, external manipulation of trading results, and dangerous trading that could lead to significant slippage. On either firm, rule breaches or manipulative algorithms typically result in account termination.
What happens if I fail the evaluation with either company?
If you fail the evaluation on either firm, you can purchase a new challenge at full price. Sabiotrade: a rule breach (daily 5% or trailing 6%) closes the account and a new challenge purchase is required to restart (the challenge fee is refunded on the first payout from any subsequently passed funded account). FTMO: a rule breach (daily 5% or maximum 10%) terminates the account; you receive a detailed report explaining the breach and can purchase a new FTMO Challenge at any time to restart from Phase 1. Neither firm publicly advertises a guaranteed free retry programme tied to a specific profit-progress threshold.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our team gathered comprehensive data from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and completeness. We analyzed the official websites of both Sabiotrade and FTMO to document current offerings, pricing structures, and program details. We supplemented this with verified user reviews from Trustpilot, TradingView forums, and Reddit communities. Additionally, we conducted interviews with current and former traders from both platforms and consulted industry experts who have analyzed proprietary trading firms extensively.
2. We Examine
All collected information underwent a rigorous verification process by our team of experienced traders and financial analysts. We cross-referenced data points across multiple sources to eliminate inconsistencies and ensure accuracy. Any discrepancies were resolved through direct contact with company representatives. Our experts test-traded on both platforms to personally evaluate the user experience, platform functionality, and execution quality. We paid special attention to terms and conditions documents to understand the nuances of each program beyond marketing materials.
3. We Score
Our scoring methodology evaluates both companies across ten key categories: reputation/trustworthiness, platform reliability, trading conditions, evaluation criteria fairness, pricing, profit-sharing structure, educational resources, customer support quality, account types/flexibility, and additional value-added features. Each category receives a weighted score based on its importance to traders, with reliability and trustworthiness weighted most heavily. We use a 5-point scale with half-point increments to provide nuanced ratings that reflect both quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments.
4. You Choose
Now it’s your turn to make an informed decision based on your specific trading needs and preferences. Consider your trading style, experience level, and financial goals when comparing these firms. If you’re a beginner with limited capital seeking a straightforward path to funding, Sabiotrade may be your better option. If you’re an experienced trader valuing institutional-grade tools and comprehensive education, FTMO might better suit your needs. Remember that success with any prop firm depends on disciplined trading that aligns with their rules and expectations. We recommend starting with a demo account before committing to a paid challenge.
View More Elite Prop Firms Compared: FunderPro vs The Trading Pit
