The5ers vs FTMO - Elite Prop Firms Comparison

Table of Contents

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 Comparison
Feature	The5ers	FTMO

Founded	2016	2015
Trustpilot Rating	4.7/5 (27,591 reviews)	4.8/5 (43,791 reviews, June 2026)
Profit Split	Up to 100%	Up to 90%
Maximum Account Size	$4,000,000	$200,000
Evaluation Phases	1-Step or 2-Step	1-Step or 2-Step
Review	Read full review	Read full review

Key Differences Between The5ers and FTMO

Profit split: The5ers pays up to 100%, while FTMO caps at 90%.
Entry price: The5ers High Stakes challenges start near $39; FTMO begins around $89 and climbs past $1,000 for its largest accounts.
Fee refund: FTMO refunds the evaluation fee after the first profit withdrawal; The5ers does not refund its fee.
Platforms: The5ers runs MetaTrader 5 only; FTMO adds MetaTrader 4 and cTrader alongside MT5.
Program range: The5ers offers Hyper Growth, High Stakes and Bootcamp across 1, 2 and 3-step routes; FTMO runs a 1-Step or 2-Step challenge.
Reputation scale: FTMO holds 4.8/5 from 43,000+ Trustpilot reviews since 2015; The5ers holds 4.7/5 from 27,000+ since 2016.
Capital scaling: The5ers spans $5K to $250K and scales through its growth plan; FTMO scales funded accounts up to $2M.
Profit targets: The5ers ranges from 6% to 10% depending on program; FTMO uses 10% then 5% across its two phases.

Program Types – Which experience fits your goals?
Program	The5ers	FTMO
Entry Level Program	Hyper Growth (1-step, 80%-100% split)	FTMO Challenge (80% profit split)
Advanced Program	Bootcamp (3-step growth plan)	FTMO Challenge + Verification
Scaling Options	Gradual account growth up to $4M	Scaling Program after consistent performance
Demo Account	Available for practice	Free FTMO Demo Challenge available
Swing Trading Focus	Excellent for swing traders (no time limits)	Possible but more challenging with time limits

Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test?
Criteria	The5ers	FTMO
Profit Target	6-10% depending on program	10% in Challenge, 5% in Verification
Maximum Drawdown	4% daily, 10% overall	5% daily, 10% overall
Minimum Trading Days	No minimum	10 days in Challenge, 5 days in Verification
Time Limit	No time limit	30 days for Challenge, 60 days for Verification
Trading Hours	Flexible, no restrictions	Restricted during major news events
News Trading	Allowed	Not allowed during major economic releases
Evaluation Reset	Available for fee	Available for fee

Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay?
Option	The5ers	FTMO
$10K Account	$69	$155
$25K Account	$176	$250
$50K Account	$278	$345
$100K Account	$491	$540
$200K Account	Not available	$1,080
Refund Policy	Fee refunded upon first profit withdrawal	No refund on challenge fee
Coupons	Coupon Code	Coupon Code
Review	Read full review	Read full review

Platforms/Tools – What can you use?
Feature	The5ers	FTMO
Trading Platforms	MetaTrader 5	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader
Mobile Trading	Available via MT5 app	Available via MT4/MT5/cTrader apps
Analytics Dashboard	Basic trade statistics	Comprehensive performance metrics
Educational Resources	Moderate selection of educational content	Extensive library of tutorials and webinars
Custom Indicators	Allowed	Allowed
Review	Read full review	Read full review

Available Trading Options – What can you trade?
Instrument	The5ers	FTMO
Forex	Available	Available
Stocks	Selected stocks	Large selection of stocks
Indices	Available	Available
Commodities	Available	Available
Cryptocurrencies	Limited selection	Available
Bonds	Not available	Available
Review	Read full review	Read full review

Technical Capabilities – How does performance compare?
Feature	The5ers	FTMO
Execution Speed	Good, industry-standard	Excellent, optimized servers
Spreads	Competitive, market-based	Very tight, institutional grade
Slippage	Minimal under normal conditions	Minimal even during volatile markets
Server Reliability	Reliable with occasional issues	Highly reliable infrastructure
EA/Algo Trading	Supported with approval	Fully supported
Review	Read full review	Read full review

Support & Community – What help can you expect?
Feature	The5ers	FTMO
Customer Support Hours	24/5	24/5
Support Channels	Email, chat, limited phone	Email, chat, phone, callback
Response Time	Within 24 hours typically	Often within hours, same day
Community Forum	Basic community features	Active community with regular events
Trader Development	Good mentorship options	Comprehensive coaching program
Review	Read full review	Read full review

Conclusion and Final Recommendation
Key Element	The5ers	FTMO
Strengths	No time limits, excellent scaling program, fee refund policy, more suitable for swing traders	Higher profit splits, more trading instruments, better technology, extensive educational resources
Weaknesses	Lower profit split at entry level, fewer platforms, less extensive analytics	Strict time constraints, more pressure to perform quickly, no refund policy
Best For	Developmental traders, swing traders, traders who need more time to demonstrate skills	Confident day traders, experienced traders, those who can perform under pressure
Final Grade How we rank firms ↗	9	9.1
Discount Codes	Coupon Code	Coupon Code
Review	Read full review	Read full review

FAQ

What makes The5ers popular among users?

The5ers has gained popularity primarily due to its no-time-limit evaluation process, which removes pressure from traders to reach targets within strict deadlines. Their gradual scaling model (up to $4M accounts) and fee refund policy upon first withdrawal also make them attractive to developmental traders who need more time to showcase their skills. Swing traders particularly appreciate The5ers’ approach since longer-term strategies can be executed without time constraints.

How does FTMO differ from other similar organizations?

FTMO stands out with its exceptional technology infrastructure, offering institutional-grade execution speeds and tight spreads across multiple platforms (MT4, MT5, and cTrader). Their generous profit split of up to 90% exceeds industry standards, and they provide comprehensive educational resources through FTMO Academy. Additionally, FTMO’s extensive reputation (with over 29,000+ Trustpilot reviews) and their transparency in showing verified trader payouts contribute to their unique position in the industry.

Which firm is better for new traders?

For new traders, The5ers generally provides a more accommodating environment with its no-time-limit approach to evaluation. This allows beginners to develop their skills without the pressure of a ticking clock. The5ers also offers a more gradual path to growth with their scaling system. However, FTMO provides superior educational resources and analytics tools, which can accelerate learning. The right choice depends on a new trader’s learning style – those who need time should consider The5ers, while those who thrive under structured challenges might prefer FTMO.

Can I use EAs (Expert Advisors) with these firms?

Yes, both The5ers and FTMO allow the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) and algorithmic trading strategies. FTMO offers more comprehensive support for automated trading with full integration across all their platforms. The5ers permits EAs but may require approval for certain types of algorithms. Both firms monitor for strategy manipulation or arbitrage, which are prohibited. For serious algo traders, FTMO’s superior technology infrastructure might provide advantages in execution quality.

What happens if I fail the evaluation?

If you fail the evaluation with either firm, you have options. Both The5ers and FTMO offer reset options for a fee, allowing you to restart the evaluation process without purchasing an entirely new package. FTMO’s reset fees are typically lower, starting around $100 depending on account size. The5ers offers similar reset options but at slightly higher rates. Neither firm offers free retries, though FTMO occasionally runs promotions with discounted reset fees for traders who narrowly miss targets.

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.