The5ers vs FTMO - Elite Prop Firms Comparison
Introduction
If you are comparing The5ers and FTMO, you are looking at two heavyweight forex firms that reward different priorities. The5ers, based in Israel and operating since 2016, has built its name on a generous payout structure and a tiered program ladder, paying up to a 100% profit split through its Hyper Growth, High Stakes and Bootcamp programs. FTMO, the older of the two at 2015, is one of the most reviewed prop firms anywhere, holding a 4.8/5 Trustpilot score across more than 43,000 ratings, and it pays up to 90%. For traders, the trade-off is reputation and convenience on one side against take-home share and entry cost on the other. The5ers lets you start small and cheaply, with High Stakes challenges from around $39, and runs entirely on MetaTrader 5. FTMO asks more upfront, from roughly $89 to over $1,000 for its largest accounts, but it refunds that fee after your first profit withdrawal and supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader. Evaluation styles differ as well: The5ers spreads traders across three branded programs covering 1, 2 and 3-step routes, while FTMO keeps a leaner 1-Step or 2-Step model. Risk parameters are similar, with both enforcing a 5% daily loss limit and a 10% profit target, and both scale funded capital into seven figures. Choose The5ers if the 100% split, low entry price and program variety matter most; choose FTMO if you want the largest track record, more platform choice and a refundable fee.
Quick Facts
| Feature | The5ers | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Founded | 2016 | 2015 |
| Profit Split | 80-100% | 80-90% (2-Step); 90% flat (1-Step) |
| Maximum Account Size | $4,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | 3 | 2 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.8 | 4.8/5 (43,791 reviews) |
| Expert Grade | 9 | 9.1 |
Program Types
| Program | The5ers | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | High Stakes (2-Step) | Yes |
| Advanced Program | Hyper Growth (1-Step) | FTMO Challenge + Verification |
| Scaling Options | Bootcamp (3-Step) | Yes |
| Demo Account | Available | No |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | The5ers | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 5-10% | 10% then 5% (2-Step); 10% (1-Step) |
| Maximum Drawdown | 10% | 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step) |
| Minimum Trading Days | 3 | 4 per phase (2-Step); none (1-Step) |
| News Trading | Yes | Restricted on Standard; unrestricted on Swing |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | The5ers | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| $10K Account | $39 | $79 |
| $25K Account | $176 | $199 |
| $50K Account | $278 | $319 |
| $100K Account | $545 | $499 |
| $200K Account | Not available | $999 |
| Refund Policy | No | 100% refund 2-Step with first payout; 1-Step non-refundable |
| Coupons / Discount | The5ers discount | FTMO discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | The5ers | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 5, cTrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | No | Yes |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | No | Yes |
| Bonds | Not available | Available |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | Yes |
Payout
| Feature | The5ers | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | Bi-weekly; minimum $150 threshold; bank 3%, Wise/crypto 2%, Hub Credits 0% | Bi-weekly via bank transfer, e-wallets, wire transfer, cryptocurrencies |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | The5ers | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Established 2016, 30,000+ verified payouts, Profit scales to 100%, No time limits, Multiple program options | Full fee refund on 2-Step; static drawdown; no consistency rules; zero withdrawal commission; scaling to $2M |
| Weaknesses | Non-refundable fees, Strict drawdown rules, US traders restricted, Withdrawal fees (2-3%), News trading prohibited on High Stakes | No reset product; 1-Step fee never refunded; 50% Best Day Rule blocks payouts; 1-Step payout resets buffer |
| Best For | Structured traders seeking established firm with clear scaling path | 2-Step recommended for most; 1-Step only if 90% split outweighs other concerns |
FAQ
What makes The5ers popular among users?
How does FTMO differ from other similar organizations?
Which firm is better for new traders?
Can I use EAs (Expert Advisors) with these firms?
What happens if I fail the evaluation?
Which firm is cheaper to start with, The5ers or FTMO?
The5ers is cheaper to enter. Its High Stakes challenges start at around $39, while FTMO’s fees begin near $89 and rise above $1,000 for its largest accounts. FTMO does, however, refund its fee after your first profit withdrawal, which narrows the gap for traders who pass and get paid.
Do The5ers and FTMO support the same trading platforms?
Not quite. The5ers runs entirely on MetaTrader 5. FTMO is broader, supporting MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader, so if you prefer MT4 or cTrader specifically, FTMO is the more flexible choice.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our team gathered comprehensive data directly from The5ers and FTMO official websites, terms of service documents, and public communications. We supplemented this with hundreds of verified customer reviews from Trustpilot, TrustScore, and industry forums. We also interviewed current and former traders from both firms to gain firsthand insights about their experiences, and consulted industry experts who regularly analyze prop trading firms.
2. We Examine
Our financial analysts and professional traders meticulously verified all information for accuracy. We cross-referenced company claims against real trader experiences and documentation. When discrepancies were found, we contacted the companies directly for clarification. Our testing team created accounts with both firms to personally evaluate the platforms, execution quality, and support responsiveness. We paid particular attention to verification processes, withdrawal procedures, and actual trading conditions.
3. We Score
Each company was scored across 15 different criteria including account options, evaluation difficulty, pricing structure, profit splits, scaling opportunities, technology, instrument selection, customer support, educational resources, and community feedback. Each category received a weighted score based on its importance to traders, with critical factors like account security and withdrawal reliability receiving highest priority. Scores were normalized on a 5-point scale and regularly updated to reflect company changes.
4. You Choose
This comparison provides a data-driven foundation for your decision, but your specific trading style should guide your choice. Consider whether you prefer The5ers’ patient approach with no time limits (ideal for swing traders and developmental strategies) or FTMO’s more structured challenge with superior technology (better for confident day traders). Review your own trading methodology, time commitment, and risk tolerance. We recommend starting with a smaller account size to test the waters with either firm before making larger commitments.
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