Sway Funded vs FTMO: Elite Prop Firms Comparison
Introduction
Sway Funded and FTMO are two leading proprietary trading firms offering traders the opportunity to access funded accounts after passing evaluation challenges. FTMO, established in 2018, has built a strong reputation with a 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating across 5,000+ reviews, known for its robust trading platform and comprehensive educational resources. Sway Funded, a newer entrant founded in 2022, has quickly gained popularity with a 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating from 800+ reviews, offering competitive profit splits and trader-friendly evaluation parameters. Both firms cater to traders seeking capital without personal financial risk, but differ significantly in their assessment models and compensation structures.
Quick Comparison
|
| Feature |
Sway Funded |
FTMO |
|
 |
|
| Founded |
2022 |
2018 |
| Trustpilot Rating |
4.2/5 (800+ reviews) |
4.5/5 (5,000+ reviews) |
| Profit Split |
Up to 90% |
Up to 90% |
| Account Sizes |
$10,000 to $200,000 |
$10,000 to $200,000 |
| Evaluation Phases |
1-Phase Model |
2-Phase Model |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals?
|
| Program |
Sway Funded |
FTMO |
| Standard Challenge |
Single-phase challenge with profit target of 8%, no time limit |
Two-phase challenge: Phase 1 (10% profit target in 30 days) and Phase 2 (5% profit target in 60 days) |
| Express Challenge |
Not offered |
One-day evaluation with 10% profit target and stricter rules |
| Swing Account |
Available with weekend holding allowed |
Available with specific weekend holding parameters |
| Scaling Plan |
Account growth up to $1,000,000 after consistent performance |
Account growth up to $2,000,000 with structured scaling tiers |
| Demo Account |
Free demo available for practice |
Free demo challenges available periodically |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test?
|
| Criteria |
Sway Funded |
FTMO |
| Profit Target |
8% (single phase) |
10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) |
| Time Limit |
No time limit |
30 days (Phase 1), 60 days (Phase 2) |
| Maximum Daily Loss |
5% of account balance |
5% of initial account balance |
| Maximum Overall Loss |
10% of account balance |
10% of initial account balance |
| Minimum Trading Days |
5 trading days required |
10 trading days required (Phase 1), 5 trading days (Phase 2) |
| Trading Hours |
24/5 trading permitted |
24/5 trading permitted, restricted during major news events |
| Scaling Opportunities |
Account growth based on consistent profit generation |
Account growth after every 10% profit in funded phase |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay?
|
| Option |
Sway Funded |
FTMO |
| $10,000 Account |
$99 |
$155 |
| $25,000 Account |
$199 |
$250 |
| $50,000 Account |
$299 |
$345 |
| $100,000 Account |
$499 |
$540 |
| $200,000 Account |
$799 |
$1,080 |
| Refund Policy |
Fee refunded after first profit withdrawal |
Fee refunded after first profit withdrawal |
| Coupons |
Coupon Code |
Coupon Code |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use?
|
| Platform Feature |
Sway Funded |
FTMO |
| Trading Platforms |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader |
| Analytics Dashboard |
Basic trader statistics and performance metrics |
Advanced analytics, trade journal, performance metrics |
| Mobile App |
Not available, web portal only |
Available for iOS and Android |
| Educational Resources |
Basic webinars and trading guides |
Extensive library, mentorship, regular webinars, coaching |
| Trading Community |
Growing Discord community |
Large established community with active forums |
Available Options/Products
|
| Options |
Sway Funded |
FTMO |
| Tradable Assets |
Forex, Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies |
Forex, Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Bonds, Stocks |
| Account Types |
Standard, Swing Accounts |
Normal, Swing, Aggressive Accounts |
| Currency Options |
USD, EUR |
USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK |
| Leverage Options |
1:100 |
1:100 (Normal), 1:30 (Swing), 1:200 (Aggressive) |
| Payment Methods |
Credit Card, PayPal, Crypto |
Credit Card, Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, Crypto |
Technical Capabilities/Performance
|
| Feature |
Sway Funded |
FTMO |
| Execution Speed |
Average execution times of 100-150ms |
Fast execution times of 50-100ms |
| Spreads |
Moderate (slightly wider than market average) |
Competitive (tighter than industry average) |
| Server Reliability |
Good, occasional weekend maintenance |
Excellent, minimal downtime |
| EAs/Algorithms |
Allowed with restrictions |
Allowed with clear guidelines |
| Withdrawal Processing |
1-3 business days |
1-2 business days |
Customer Support & Resources
|
| Support Feature |
Sway Funded |
FTMO |
| Support Hours |
24/5 support via email and chat |
24/7 support via email, chat, and phone |
| Response Time |
Usually within 24 hours |
Often within 4-6 hours |
| Educational Content |
Growing library of articles and videos |
Extensive library of courses, webinars, and tutorials |
| Language Support |
English, Spanish |
10+ languages including English, Spanish, German, French |
| Community Engagement |
Monthly webinars, Discord community |
Regular contests, trader spotlights, active social media |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
|
| Key Element |
Sway Funded |
FTMO |
| Strengths |
Single-phase evaluation, no time limits, lower entry costs, trader-friendly rules |
Established reputation, comprehensive educational resources, wider asset selection, multi-currency support, advanced analytics |
| Weaknesses |
Newer company with less established track record, fewer educational resources, limited platform options |
Higher entry costs, more stringent evaluation process, stricter time constraints |
| Best For |
Traders who prefer flexibility without time pressure, beginners looking for more achievable challenges, traders with inconsistent schedules |
Serious traders seeking a well-established program, traders who value extensive resources, traders comfortable with time-limited challenges |
| Final Grade |
4.3/5 |
4.7/5 |
| Discount Codes |
Coupon Code |
Coupon Code |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
FAQ
What makes Sway Funded popular among users?
Sway Funded has gained popularity primarily for its flexible, no-time-limit evaluation process, which removes the pressure of meeting profit targets within strict deadlines. Traders appreciate the single-phase challenge model with its straightforward 8% profit target, allowing them to trade at their own pace. The lower entry costs compared to competitors and full fee refund after the first profit withdrawal also contribute significantly to its appeal. Many users specifically mention the trader-friendly rules and responsive customer support as key factors in choosing Sway Funded.
How does FTMO differ from other similar organizations?
FTMO stands out from competitors through its comprehensive ecosystem built around trader success. Unlike many prop firms that focus solely on evaluation, FTMO offers extensive educational resources, advanced analytics tools, and personalized coaching. Their two-phase evaluation model, while more demanding, is designed to identify disciplined traders with consistent strategies. FTMO’s multi-currency account options, diverse asset selection (including stocks), and transparent scaling program that can reach up to $2,000,000 in account size make it particularly attractive to professional traders. Their established track record since 2018 and verification of payouts contribute to their industry-leading reputation.
Which firm offers better profit splits to traders?
Both Sway Funded and FTMO offer competitive profit splits reaching up to 90%, but their structures differ slightly. Sway Funded typically starts traders at an 80% profit split and increases to 90% after consistent performance. FTMO begins at 70% for newly funded traders and scales up to 90% based on performance milestones and account longevity. For many traders, the effective difference is minimal, as both firms offer industry-competitive splits. The decision should factor in other considerations like evaluation difficulty, account sizes available, and additional fees rather than focusing solely on the profit percentage difference.
Can I hold positions over weekends with both companies?
Yes, both Sway Funded and FTMO allow weekend position holding, but under different conditions. Sway Funded offers dedicated Swing accounts where weekend holding is explicitly permitted with minimal restrictions. FTMO allows weekend holding on their Swing accounts as well, but with more specific parameters regarding position sizing and risk management. For both firms, standard accounts typically discourage overnight holding into weekends, especially during high-volatility periods or major economic events. Always check the most current rules for each specific account type, as weekend holding policies can be adjusted based on market conditions.
Which firm is better for beginners versus experienced traders?
For beginners, Sway Funded generally offers a more accessible entry point with its single-phase evaluation, no time limit, and lower entry fees. The less stringent rules allow newer traders to develop their strategies without the pressure of tight deadlines. Experienced traders often prefer FTMO for its established reputation, comprehensive analytics tools, and more extensive educational resources. FTMO’s structured two-phase evaluation better suits disciplined traders with proven strategies. However, individual preferences vary – some experienced traders appreciate Sway Funded’s flexibility, while certain beginners may value FTMO’s structured approach and educational materials to accelerate their learning curve.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our comparison data was meticulously gathered from multiple authoritative sources including the official websites of Sway Funded and FTMO, verified Trustpilot reviews, trader forums like ForexFactory and Reddit, and direct feedback from current and former users of both platforms. We also analyzed public financial data, social media sentiment, and industry publications covering proprietary trading firms. All information was cross-referenced to ensure accuracy and recency, with particular attention to evolving terms and conditions.
2. We Examine
Our team of trading experts with combined experience of over 30 years in proprietary trading analyzed the collected data to identify key differences, advantages, and potential concerns with each platform. We applied standardized evaluation criteria to assess features like platform reliability, execution quality, withdrawal processes, and customer support responsiveness. Several team members have personal experience with both platforms, providing practical insights beyond marketing claims. We also consulted with independent industry analysts to validate our findings.
3. We Score
Our scoring methodology follows a comprehensive 100-point system distributed across multiple weighted categories: Reputation & Trustworthiness (20%), Evaluation Process & Rules (20%), Platform & Tools (15%), Cost Structure (15%), Educational Resources (10%), Customer Support (10%), and Additional Features (10%). Each category contains multiple subcriteria rated on a scale of 1-10. The final scores are normalized to a 5-point scale, with fractional points indicating nuanced differences between the platforms. Scoring is updated quarterly to reflect changing conditions.
4. You Choose
Use this comparison as a starting point for your research, not as the final word. Consider your specific trading style, experience level, and financial goals when evaluating which platform might work better for you. We recommend starting with demo accounts from both providers if available. Remember that success in proprietary trading depends more on your trading discipline and strategy than on the specific platform you choose. Consider creating a decision matrix that weights factors based on your personal priorities to make the most informed choice.
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