Head-to-head · Last checked
FTMO vs The5ers (2026): High Stakes vs the FTMO Challenge
FTMO's 2-Step Challenge and The5ers' High Stakes program use the same headline rules — 10% then 5% targets, 5% daily loss and 10% max loss — so the choice comes down to price, platforms and how far each lets you scale. Figures below are from each firm's own site.
2-Step FTMO Challenge
Best for platform choice
- From
- €89$10K account · up to $200K
- Rule edges
- 1 of 2
High Stakes (2-step)
Best for low entry and scaling
- From
- $19$2.5K account · up to $100K
- Rule edges
- 1 of 2
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Our verdict
Choose The5ers for the cheapest way in ($19 for $2.5K) and a scaling plan that reaches 100% profit share. Choose FTMO for more platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView), a free trial and instant accounts. At $100K they are close: €540 vs $545.
Best for platform choice
FTMO
MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView; free trial; 100% fee refund; payouts from day 14.
Best for low entry and scaling
The5ers
$2.5K for $19, 3 profitable days per step, 80–100% split as you scale toward $500K.
Rule by rule
An Edge marks the better figure on that one rule, and only where both firms publish a comparable number. It is not an overall score: weigh the rows that matter to how you trade.
FTMOThe5ersPrice at $100K
Different currency or billing, so no edge
€540
$545
Profit target
Lower phase-1 target
10% then 5%
Tie10% then 5%
TieProfit split
Higher base split
80% (90% with Scaling Plan)
Tie80% (scales up to 100%)
TieMax drawdown
More drawdown room
10% static
Tie10%
TieDaily loss limit
More daily room
5%
Tie5%
TieMin. trading days
Fewer required days
4
3 profitable days per step
EdgeTime limit
No deadline
Unlimited
TieUnlimited
TiePayouts
Schedules differ in kind, so no edge
On request, from day 14 after first trade
Every 14 days
Platforms
More platform choice
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
EdgeMT5, cTrader, TradingView
Full rules tableShow
| Rule | FTMO (2-Step Challenge) | The5ers (High Stakes) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest account | $10K — €89 (1-Step from €79) | $2.5K — $19 |
| $100K price | €540 | $545 |
| Profit targets | 10% then 5% | 10% then 5% |
| Daily loss | 5% | 5% |
| Max loss | 10% static | 10% |
| Minimum days | 4 trading days | 3 profitable days per step |
| Time limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Profit split | 80% (up to 90% with Scaling Plan) | 80%, scaling up to 100% |
| Payouts | On request, from day 14 after first trade | Every 14 days |
| Fee refund | 100% with first reward | Refunded |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT5 (High Stakes page); cTrader and TradingView listed in platform FAQ |
| Leverage | Not confirmed | 1:100 |
| Inactivity | Not confirmed | Accounts expire after 30 days without activity |
Scaling and profit split
The5ers scales a High Stakes account each time you hit a 10% target, with the payout ratio rising from 80% to 85%, 90% and finally 100% plus fixed payouts at the top of its table (up to $500K). FTMO's split moves from 80% to 90% through its Scaling Plan.
FAQ
Is FTMO or The5ers cheaper?
The5ers has the lower entry ($19 for a $2.5K High Stakes account). At $100K they are nearly identical: €540 at FTMO and $545 at The5ers.
Do FTMO and The5ers have the same rules?
The headline rules match: 10% then 5% profit targets, 5% daily loss, 10% max loss and no time limit. FTMO needs 4 minimum trading days; The5ers needs 3 profitable days (0.5%+ of initial balance) per step.
Which has the higher profit split?
The5ers' scaling plan reaches 100% profit share at the highest balances; FTMO starts at 80% and reaches 90% with its Scaling Plan.
Is a prop firm challenge fee a safe way to start trading?
Treat the fee as money you can lose. Most traders do not pass evaluations, funded accounts are usually simulated, and firms can change their rules. Read the firm's own terms before paying and see our risk warning.
Sources (7)
Official pages only. Last checked
FTMO vs The5ers
Visit FTMO