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Compare / FTMO vs The5ers

FTMO vs The5ers

Two forex firms with very different evaluation models. FTMO runs a two-step challenge with the highest payout split in the dataset. The5ers ships a one-step instant funding path with a lower max account but no challenge phase.

Key numbers at a glance

Winning value in champagne. Bars normalised to the larger value per row.

Min trading days

FTMO
4
The5ers
3
FTMO
77/100
Strong
The5ers
73/100
Strong

FTMO scores 4.0 higher under TVSM-PF/2.0.2.

Payout split

FTMO80% standard (90% after scaling plan)
The5ers80% (scales to higher tiers over time)

Max funded

FTMO$200,000
The5ers$4,000,000 (via scaling plan)

Payout cap

FTMONone
The5ersNone

Drawdown model

FTMOStatic (max 10% from initial balance)
The5ersStatic max loss from initial balance (never trailing)

Min trading days

FTMO4
The5ers3

Challenge fee

FTMOEUR 155–1,080
The5ers~$500–$700 for $100K Hyper program

Fee refundable

FTMOYes — refunded with first payout
The5ersYes — refunded with first payout (Hyper program)

News trading

FTMORestricted — 2-minute window before/after named events on funded account (evaluation: unrestricted)
The5ersGenerally allowed; minimal restrictions vs. peers. Scalping restrictions apply.

Platforms

FTMOMT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade
The5ersMT4, MT5

Payout schedule

FTMOOn demand (min 14 days after first trade)
The5ersWeekly; on-demand within 1–3 business days
Specification
FTMO
77/100
Strong
The5ers
73/100
Strong
Payout split80% standard (90% after scaling plan)80% (scales to higher tiers over time)
Max funded$200,000$4,000,000 (via scaling plan)
Payout capNoneNone
Drawdown modelStatic (max 10% from initial balance)Static max loss from initial balance (never trailing)
Min trading days43
Challenge feeEUR 155–1,080~$500–$700 for $100K Hyper program
Fee refundableYes — refunded with first payoutYes — refunded with first payout (Hyper program)
News tradingRestricted — 2-minute window before/after named events on funded account (evaluation: unrestricted)Generally allowed; minimal restrictions vs. peers. Scalping restrictions apply.
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtradeMT4, MT5
Payout scheduleOn demand (min 14 days after first trade)Weekly; on-demand within 1–3 business days
Visit FTMOVisit The5ers

Verify regulator standing

Cross-check both firms against NFA BASIC, FCA Register, CFTC, and the CME Group rulebook for futures drawdown rule context. FTMO: trader.ftmo.com. The5ers: www.the5ers.com.

The Verdict

Choose FTMO if you can pass a two-step evaluation and want the best payout terms in the dataset — 90% split, no payout cap, and the longest verified payout track record in the industry. The static drawdown is forgiving for swing traders. Choose The5ers if you want to skip the challenge entirely and trade real funded capital from day one. Their one-step instant funding model and lower entry cost are the right call for traders who already have a proven edge and would rather not pay for a multi-phase evaluation. Both are firms we recommend — the choice is structural, not quality.