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 narrowly beats The5ers with a score of 75 to 73 in this forex CFD matchup. FTMO's advantage rests on superior trust (90 vs 80) and platform support (90 vs 70), along with lightning-fast payout processing averaging 8 hours. 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 operational polish and credibility 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 slim margin.

FTMO vs The5ers at a Glance

Attribute FTMO The5ers
BPF Score 75/100 73/100
Market Forex / CFD Forex / CFD
Founded 2015 2016
Trustpilot 4.8/5 (50,796 reviews) 4.7/5 (36,503 reviews)
Cheapest challenge $79 $19
Max profit split 90% 100%
Payout processing Average 8 hours 5-8 business days
Platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader MT5, cTrader

Category Scores Compared

Challenges 80 vs 80
Fees 80 vs 80
Markets 80 vs 70
Payouts 80 vs 80
Platforms 90 vs 70
Trust 90 vs 90

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

Who should choose FTMO?

Choose FTMO if you value maximum trust and fast, predictable payouts. With a trust score of 90, bi-weekly payouts processed in an average of 8 hours, and a fixed 90% split, FTMO delivers a premium experience. You get access to MT4, MT5, and cTrader, and a choice of 2-Step or 1-Step challenges. This firm suits experienced traders who want a highly credible, streamlined evaluation process and do not require news trading or US residency.

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 - ProGrowth, Hyper Growth, and more - with flexible rules including no minimum profitable days on some plans. You must be comfortable with MT5 or cTrader (no MT4) and a longer 5-8 business day payout processing window. This firm is ideal for traders who prioritize a high final split and rule flexibility over instant payout speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FTMO better than The5ers?

FTMO scores slightly higher than The5ers at 75 versus 73, making it marginally better overall. FTMO leads in trust, platform variety, and payout speed. 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. Both firms may refund fees under certain conditions - FTMO refunds the 2-Step Challenge fee with the first withdrawal. For budget-conscious traders, The5ers offers the lowest barrier to entry.

Which pays out better, FTMO or The5ers?

FTMO pays out faster with a fixed 90% split and an average 8-hour processing time on a bi-weekly schedule. The5ers can eventually pay 100% but starts at a lower split and takes 5-8 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.