FundingPips and FTMO both offer traders access to funded accounts. They are two of the most popular prop trading firms. FTMO sells a 2-Step and a 1-Step Challenge, while FundingPips offers four evaluation models plus Zero, an instant funding account (checked on 10 Oct 2026). Here's a quick overview of their key differences:
- Funding Models: FTMO offers a 2-Step and a 1-Step Challenge. FundingPips offers 2 Step Standard, 2 Step Pro, 2 Step Flex, 1 Step Flex and the instant Zero account.
- Profit Targets: FTMO requires 10% then 5% on the 2-Step, or 10% on the 1-Step. FundingPips ranges from 6% per phase (2 Step Pro) to 12% (1 Step Flex).
- Risk Rules: FTMO allows 5% daily and 10% total loss on the 2-Step, and 3% daily and 10% total on the 1-Step. FundingPips sets 2% to 5% daily and 6% to 12% static total loss, depending on the model.
- Trading Rules: FTMO’s 1-Step uses a 50% Best Day rule and FTMO Accounts restrict trading around major news. FundingPips applies a 35% consistency score to On Demand and Monthly rewards (15% on Zero) and deducts news profits on Master accounts.
- Platforms: FTMO supports MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader and TradingView. FundingPips supports MetaTrader 5, cTrader and Match-Trader.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | FundingPips | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Models | 2 Step Standard, 2 Step Pro, 2 Step Flex, 1 Step Flex, Zero (instant) | 2-Step and 1-Step Challenge |
| Profit Targets | 6% to 12% by model; none on Zero | 10% then 5% (2-Step); 10% (1-Step) |
| Daily Loss Limit | 2% to 5% by model | 5% (2-Step); 3% (1-Step) |
| Total Loss Limit | 6% to 12% static; 5% trailing on Zero | 10% |
| Consistency Rule | 35% for On Demand and Monthly rewards; 15% on Zero | None in the 2-Step evaluation; 50% Best Day rule on the 1-Step |
| News Trading | Allowed in evaluations; news profits deducted on Master accounts; not allowed on Zero | Restricted around major news on standard FTMO Accounts |
| $100K Price (list) | $466 (2 Step Pro) to $666 (1 Step Flex); Zero $444 | $619 (2-Step); $579 (1-Step) |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5, Match-Trader, cTrader | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView |
Bottom Line: Choose FundingPips for flexibility or FTMO for discipline and structure. Both cater to different trading styles and risk appetites. Rules and prices checked on 10 Oct 2026.
Account Types and Funding Models
Available Account Options
FundingPips and FTMO cater to traders with distinct funding options for different needs. FundingPips provides both standard evaluation accounts and instant funding options, with larger capital offered through its invitation-only Prime Account rather than automatic scaling.
FTMO, on the other hand, operates on a challenge-based funding model, offering scaling opportunities once traders hit specific performance benchmarks. Both firms differ in their fee structures and initial costs, aligning their offerings with varying trader priorities and goals.
Funding Models and Evaluation Paths
For the evaluation process, FTMO offers two routes. The 2-Step Challenge has a challenge phase followed by a verification phase, and the 1-Step Challenge has a single phase with a 10% target, a 3% daily loss limit and a 10% maximum loss. In both, traders must hit the profit target while staying inside the loss limits.
FundingPips offers more evaluation paths. Its 2 Step Standard, 2 Step Pro and 2 Step Flex models are two-phase evaluations, 1 Step Flex is a single phase with a 12% target, and FundingPips Zero skips the evaluation altogether.
Account Types and Funding Models Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown of how FundingPips and FTMO compare across key features:
| Feature | FundingPips | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Account Options | Evaluation accounts from $5,000 to $100,000, and Zero instant accounts up to $200,000. | Operates a challenge-based funding model with predefined account options. |
| Evaluation Process | Four evaluation models (2 Step Standard, 2 Step Pro, 2 Step Flex, 1 Step Flex) plus the instant Zero account. | 2-Step (challenge and verification) or 1-Step Challenge. |
| Profit Targets | From 6% per phase (2 Step Pro) to 12% (1 Step Flex); no target on Zero. | 10% then 5% (2-Step) or 10% (1-Step). |
| Risk Management | Risk parameters specific to each funding option. | Standard daily loss and drawdown limits. |
| Scaling | No automatic scaling; larger capital through the invitation-only Prime Account. | Scaling offered upon meeting performance benchmarks. |
This comparison highlights the flexibility of FundingPips’ approach versus FTMO’s more structured model, giving traders options based on their preferences and strategies.
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Trading Rules and Evaluation Processes
Evaluation Rules and Requirements
FTMO and FundingPips take different approaches to evaluating traders. FTMO’s 2-Step Challenge has profit targets of 10% in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2, with a minimum of four trading days per phase, and its 1-Step Challenge has a single 10% target. Neither has a time limit.
FundingPips offers four evaluation models plus the instant Zero account (checked on 10 Oct 2026):
- 1 Step Flex: Reach 12% in a single phase, with a 2% or 3% daily loss limit, a 12% static maximum loss and no minimum trading days.
- 2 Step Standard: Reach 8% in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2, with a 3% or 5% daily loss limit, a 10% static maximum loss and at least three trading days per phase.
- 2 Step Pro: Reach 6% in each phase, with a 3% daily loss limit, a 6% static maximum loss and no minimum trading days on accounts bought from 26 August 2026.
- 2 Step Flex: Reach 10% in Phase 1 and 8% in Phase 2, with a 4% daily loss limit, a 12% static maximum loss and one minimum trading day per phase.
- Zero: No evaluation. The Master Account has a 3% daily loss limit, a 5% trailing maximum loss and a 1% maximum open risk.
FTMO enforces a 5% daily loss limit on the 2-Step and 3% on the 1-Step. For overall drawdown, FTMO sets a 10% maximum loss on both challenges, while FundingPips caps total losses at 6% (2 Step Pro), 10% (2 Step Standard) or 12% (1 Step Flex and 2 Step Flex).
These rules create distinct paths for traders, each designed with specific risk and trading styles in mind.
Risk Management and Trading Restrictions
FTMO’s 2-Step evaluation has no consistency rule, but its 1-Step uses a Best Day rule. In FTMO’s words: "To pass the FTMO Challenge: 1-Step or to be eligible for a Reward on an FTMO Account, the Best Day Rule requires that your Best Day does not represent more than 50% of your Positive Days’ Profit." FundingPips applies its consistency score when you request certain rewards: 35% on On Demand and Monthly rewards, and 15% on Zero, where "the single largest winning day must not exceed 15% of total cumulative profit."
FTMO also advises traders to risk no more than 1%–1.5% of their maximum drawdown (or initial account balance) on any single trade. This recommendation supports safe and steady risk management practices.
For news trading, FTMO imposes restrictions on its professional accounts with 1:100 leverage. Traders are prohibited from opening or closing trades on specific instruments during a four-minute window around major news events (two minutes before and after the announcement). However, their Swing Account with 1:30 leverage does not have these restrictions. FundingPips allows news trading during evaluations, but it deducts news profits on Master accounts, and Zero accounts may not trade high-impact news at all.
Profit Sharing and Payout Systems
FTMO pays 80% on the 2-Step (90% once Scaling Plan or Premium Programme conditions are met) and 90% on the 1-Step, and you can request the first reward from the 14th day after your first trade. FundingPips sets the split by the reward cycle you choose, from 60% weekly to 100% monthly on 2 Step Standard, and 95% bi-weekly on Zero (checked on 10 Oct 2026).
| Feature | FundingPips | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Profit split | 2 Step Standard: 60% weekly, 80% bi-weekly, 90% On Demand, 100% monthly; 2 Step Pro: 80% weekly or 100% monthly; 1 Step Flex: 80% bi-weekly or 100% monthly; 2 Step Flex: 80% bi-weekly (95% with add-on) or 100% monthly; Zero: 95% bi-weekly | 80% on the 2-Step (90% with Scaling Plan or Premium Programme); 90% on the 1-Step |
| Reward timing | Weekly, every 14 days, every 30 days, or On Demand (2 Step Standard, with a 35% consistency score and at least 2% profit) | First request from the 14th day after the first trade; review within 1 to 2 business days |
| $100K price (list) | 2 Step Standard $652; 2 Step Flex $555; 2 Step Pro $466; 1 Step Flex $666; Zero $444 | 2-Step $619; 1-Step $579 |
Trading Rules and Payouts Comparison
| Feature | FundingPips 1 Step Flex | FundingPips 2 Step Standard | FundingPips 2 Step Pro | FundingPips 2 Step Flex | FTMO 2-Step | FTMO 1-Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 12% | 8%, then 5% | 6%, then 6% | 10%, then 8% | 10%, then 5% | 10% |
| Maximum Daily Loss | 2% or 3% | 3% or 5% | 3% | 4% | 5% | 3% |
| Maximum Total Loss | 12% static | 10% static | 6% static | 12% static | 10% | 10% |
| Minimum Trading Days | None | 3 per phase | None (accounts from 26 Aug 2026) | 1 per phase | 4 | None listed |
| Consistency | 35% for Monthly rewards | 35% for On Demand and Monthly rewards | 35% for Monthly rewards | 35% for Monthly rewards | None in the evaluation | 50% Best Day rule |
| Time Limit | None | None | None | None | None | None |
This table showcases the flexibility FundingPips offers through its various evaluation models, with options for different profit targets, risk allowances, and trading day requirements. Meanwhile, FTMO takes a more standardized approach, with two challenge types and fixed rules. Ultimately, the choice between these firms depends on a trader’s individual strategy and risk appetite.
Trading Platforms and VPS Hosting
Supported Trading Platforms
FundingPips supports MetaTrader 5, Match-Trader, and cTrader, while FTMO offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader and TradingView. These platforms come packed with advanced features like detailed charting tools, automation capabilities, and efficient order management systems. To maximize their potential, traders often rely on dependable VPS hosting, which we’ll explore next.
Why VPS Hosting Matters for Trading
VPS hosting keeps your trading platform online with ultra-low latency and high reliability, which matter in volatile markets and for automated trading systems that must run without interruptions.
For traders using automated strategies or Expert Advisors, a VPS keeps the platform running even when local devices are offline. QuantVPS adds always-on DDoS protection with advanced filtering and automatic off-site backups on every VPS plan. You can set one up as a FundingPips VPS for your evaluation account. For FTMO, use an FTMO VPS instead.
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Which Firm Fits Different Trading Styles
Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Firm
FundingPips offers flexibility and accessibility, particularly appealing to traders who want to choose their own reward cycle. It applies consistency only when you request certain rewards: 35% on On Demand and Monthly rewards, and 15% on Zero. 2 Step Pro and 1 Step Flex have no minimum trading days, while 2 Step Standard needs three per phase. That flexibility might not suit traders who prefer a more routine-based approach.
FTMO, on the other hand, is the go-to option for traders who value discipline and structure. Its evaluation process is strict but fair, with a minimum of 4 trading days on the 2-Step. FTMO’s 1-Step also uses a 50% Best Day rule to encourage disciplined trading habits. Additionally, FTMO advises traders to risk no more than 1% per trade idea and suggests keeping risks between 1% and 1.5% of the Maximum Drawdown per trade for effective risk management. While these measures promote safety and consistency, they might feel too rigid for beginners or traders who prefer a more relaxed framework.
Best Match for Different Trader Types
The best choice between these two firms depends on the trader's experience level and preferred style:
- Beginners may find FundingPips more accommodating due to its flexible evaluation process and relaxed requirements.
- Experienced traders and risk-conscious professionals are likely to appreciate FTMO's structured and disciplined approach.
- Algorithmic traders may benefit from the rule flexibility offered by FundingPips, which allows for diverse strategy implementation.
Both firms provide unlimited challenge durations, giving traders ample time to meet their goals.
Pros and Cons Comparison
| Aspect | FundingPips | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Five account models, a choice of reward cycles up to 100%, no minimum trading days on 2 Step Pro and 1 Step Flex, unlimited challenge duration | Structured evaluation process, advanced risk management tools, clear guidelines, professional trading environment |
| Cons | 35% consistency score for On Demand and Monthly rewards (15% on Zero); news profits deducted on Master accounts | 50% Best Day rule on the 1-Step, minimum 4 trading days on the 2-Step, stricter evaluation criteria that may overwhelm some traders |
| Ideal For | Flexible traders, beginners, and strategy developers | Disciplined traders, experienced professionals, and those who prefer structure |
Both firms set daily and total loss limits on every account: 2% to 5% daily and 6% to 12% total at FundingPips, and 3% or 5% daily with a 10% total at FTMO. These safeguards ensure basic risk protection while allowing traders to align with the firm that best matches their trading style.
Conclusion
Deciding between FundingPips and FTMO ultimately depends on your trading approach and experience. FundingPips offers more relaxed evaluation process, making it a great choice for beginners or algorithmic traders looking for flexibility in their strategies.
On the other hand, FTMO provides a more structured environment with disciplined evaluation standards and clear risk management rules. This setup often appeals to seasoned traders who prefer a consistent and well-defined trading framework. The key is to choose the prop firm that aligns with your trading style and risk tolerance.
Whichever firm you pick, reliable VPS hosting keeps your platform running with low latency and less downtime, so trades and Expert Advisors keep working when your own computer is off. A forex VPS in London (LD4) or New York (NY4) sits close to forex brokers’ servers and works with either FundingPips or FTMO.
FAQs
What are the main differences between the evaluation processes of FundingPips and FTMO?
FundingPips and FTMO take different approaches for their evaluation processes, and these distinctions can influence which firm suits a trader's style and objectives:
- Evaluation Phases: FTMO offers a 2-Step Challenge (Challenge and Verification) and a 1-Step Challenge. FundingPips offers 1 Step Flex, three two-phase models (2 Step Standard, 2 Step Pro and 2 Step Flex) and the instant Zero account.
- Profit Targets: FTMO sets 10% then 5% on the 2-Step and 10% on the 1-Step. FundingPips sets 12% on 1 Step Flex, 8% then 5% on 2 Step Standard, 6% per phase on 2 Step Pro and 10% then 8% on 2 Step Flex.
- Consistency Rule: FTMO’s 1-Step has a 50% Best Day rule and its 2-Step evaluation has none. FundingPips applies a 35% consistency score to On Demand and Monthly rewards, and 15% on Zero.
- Minimum Trading Days: FTMO’s 2-Step requires at least 4 trading days. FundingPips requires three per phase on 2 Step Standard and one per phase on 2 Step Flex, and none on 1 Step Flex or 2 Step Pro (accounts bought from 26 August 2026).
These variations mean that the right choice depends heavily on your trading style and what you're looking to achieve. Taking the time to align your goals with the firm's structure can make a big difference in your trading experience.
What are the key differences in features and usability between the trading platforms supported by FundingPips and FTMO?
FundingPips and FTMO both offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and cTrader. FTMO adds MetaTrader 4 and TradingView, while FundingPips adds Match-Trader. MT5 and cTrader offer advanced charting, automated trading options and a wide range of technical indicators for beginners and experienced traders alike.
Even on the same platform, the experience can differ with each firm’s server setup, integrations and tools. Check platform stability, the instruments offered on each platform and any firm-specific tools before you choose.
Which prop trading firm is better for beginners: FundingPips or FTMO?
When deciding between FundingPips and FTMO, it really comes down to your trading experience and what you’re aiming to achieve. FundingPips tends to attract newer traders thanks to its flexible trading conditions and evaluation programs designed to suit various skill levels. If you’re just starting out in proprietary trading, this could be a solid option to consider.
On the flip side, FTMO is known for its more structured and demanding evaluation process. While this might feel a bit overwhelming for beginners, it’s a strong draw for experienced traders seeking a reputable and well-established firm. The right choice ultimately hinges on your trading style and the specific features you prioritize in a prop trading firm.
