FTMO vs The5ers: Which Prop Firm Is Better in 2026?

Both firms' numbers come from their verified data records - see how our ratings work.

Quick Verdict

FTMO beats The5ers with an overall score of 89.0 to 80 in this CFD matchup. FTMO leads on Trust (10 vs 9), Rules (9 vs 8), Payouts (9 vs 8), and Trading Access (9 vs 7), and ties on Costs (8 vs 8). The5ers counters with a higher potential profit split, scaling to 100%, a rock-bottom entry fee of $19, and explicit permission for news trading and copy trading. Both firms offer bi-weekly payouts, but FTMO's broader platform choice and operational polish give it the edge for the majority of traders. The5ers is the better pick if you need the absolute highest split, trade news events, or want the lowest possible cost of entry. Ultimately, it is a battle of refinement versus flexibility, and FTMO's refinement wins by a clear margin.

FTMO vs The5ers at a Glance

Attribute FTMO The5ers
BPF Score 89.0/100 80.0/100
Market Forex / CFD Forex / CFD
Founded 2015 2016
Trustpilot 4.8/5 (55,130 reviews) 4.7/5 (39,240 reviews)
Cheapest challenge €79 $19
Max profit split 90% 100%
Payout processing Review: 1-2 business days; sending: typically 1-2 after invoice approval 5-8 business days
Platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView MT5, cTrader

Category Scores Compared

Trust 10/10 vs 9/10
Rules 9/10 vs 8/10
Payouts 9/10 vs 8/10
Costs 8/10 vs 8/10
Trading Access 9/10 vs 7/10

Left bar: FTMO (teal). Right bar: The5ers (indigo).

Who should choose FTMO?

Choose FTMO if you value maximum trust and predictable payouts. With a Trust score of 10, bi-weekly payouts reviewed in 1 to 2 business days, and an 80% to 90% split on the 2-Step and 90% on the 1-Step and Instant Account, FTMO delivers a premium experience. You get access to MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView, and a choice of 2-Step, 1-Step, or Instant Account options. This firm suits experienced traders who want a highly credible, streamlined evaluation process and do not require US residency through the main service.

Who should choose The5ers?

Choose The5ers if you are a news trader, copy trader, or simply want the lowest entry fee at $19 and a split that scales to 100%. The5ers offers multiple product lines, including ProGrowth and Hyper Growth, with flexible rules including no minimum profitable days on some plans. You must be comfortable with MT5 or cTrader (no MT4) and a longer 5 to 8 business day payout processing window. This firm is ideal for traders who prioritize a high final split and rule flexibility over faster payout speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FTMO better than The5ers?

FTMO scores higher than The5ers at 89.0 versus 80, making it better overall. FTMO leads in Trust, Rules, Payouts, and Trading Access, and ties on Costs. The5ers is superior for traders who want a 100% split, the lowest fees, and news trading freedom. The choice hinges on whether you value refinement or flexibility more.

Which is cheaper, FTMO or The5ers?

The5ers is significantly cheaper at the entry level, with a minimum fee of $19 compared to FTMO's €79. FTMO refunds the 2-Step Challenge fee with the first reward; the 1-Step and Instant Account fees are not refundable. For budget-conscious traders, The5ers offers the lowest barrier to entry.

Which pays out better, FTMO or The5ers?

FTMO pays out faster with an 80% to 90% split on the 2-Step and 90% on the 1-Step and Instant Account and a bi-weekly schedule, with requests reviewed in 1 to 2 business days. The5ers can eventually pay 100% but starts at a lower split and takes 5 to 8 business days to process. FTMO wins on speed and simplicity; The5ers wins on maximum split potential if you are patient.

Every number above comes from each firm's verified data record. For the full rule-by-rule breakdowns, read the FTMO review and the The5ers review, or see all comparisons.