FTMO vs FundedNext (2026): Which Forex Prop Firm Wins?
FTMO and FundedNext are the two biggest forex/CFD prop firms — one is the established benchmark, the other the feature-rich challenger with a rare challenge-phase profit share. Here's a data-driven side-by-side.
FTMO
Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto (CFDs)Best for Traders who prioritise track record, payout reliability and clear rules
The established benchmark — years of history, large verified payouts, 80%→90% split and a full fee refund on your first payout (2-Step).
Visit FTMO →FundedNext
Forex, indices, metals, stocks, crypto (CFDs) + futures programBest for Cost-sensitive traders who want small accounts, high split and challenge-phase rewards
The feature-rich challenger — headline splits up to ~95%, a rare 15% profit share during the challenge, balance-based drawdown and large scaling potential.
Visit FundedNext →| Factor | FTMO | FundedNext |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 (Prague) | 2022 (UAE) |
| Flagship evaluation | 2-Step Challenge (and newer 1-Step) | Stellar 2-Step (plus Express / Futures models) |
| Drawdown model | Relative (moves with balance); 10% overall / 5% daily | Stellar 2-Step: 10% static (balance-based); 5% daily |
| Profit split | 80% rising to 90% | Up to ~95% (varies by model — verify) |
| Challenge-phase reward | None | 15% profit share earned during the challenge |
| Fee refund | 100% refund on first payout (2-Step) | Stellar: up to 120% fee refund on first payout |
| Account sizes | $10K–$200K | $5K–$200K |
| Weekend holding | Swing accounts only | Most FX/CFD accounts (not Futures) |
FTMO and FundedNext are the two biggest names in forex and CFD prop trading, and choosing between them is a choice between proven stability and feature-rich value. Both are legitimate, both pay, and both cover a similar range of instruments — so the decision comes down to split structure, fee refunds and how much you value track record. This is an honest side-by-side, not a ranking.
Established benchmark vs feature-rich challenger
FTMO has operated since 2015 and is the reference point most traders measure others against: large verified payouts, clear two-step rules and a long uninterrupted history in an industry where many firms don’t last. FundedNext, founded in 2022, scaled fast by out-featuring the incumbents — most notably with a 15% profit share paid during the challenge phase, something almost no other firm offers.
The fee-and-refund math
Both firms refund your challenge fee on their flagship two-step programs, but the details differ. FTMO gives a 100% refund with your first payout on the 2-Step (its 1-Step fee is not refunded). FundedNext’s Stellar 2-Step advertises up to a 120% refund plus that 15% challenge-phase share — which can make FundedNext’s effective cost-to-funded lower for a trader who passes. Confirm the current numbers and conditions on each official site before you buy.
Drawdown and rules
FTMO’s 2-Step uses a relative/balance-based drawdown (10% overall, 5% daily). FundedNext’s Stellar 2-Step uses a 10% static, balance-based max loss with a 5% daily limit — though its other models (Express, Futures) differ, so check which one you’re buying. If drawdown terminology trips you up, read static vs trailing drawdown firms and EOD vs trailing drawdown explained first.
Profit split and scaling
FundedNext advertises higher headline splits (up to around 95% on some models) versus FTMO’s 80% rising to 90%. On paper FundedNext wins the split, but “up to” numbers depend on model and stage — and FTMO’s reliability premium matters to many traders. Both also offer substantial scaling for consistent performers; verify the current ladders on each site.
The bottom line
Pick FTMO if track record, payout certainty and clean two-step rules matter most. Pick FundedNext if you want lower entry points, higher headline splits and the unique challenge-phase profit share — and you’re comfortable with a newer firm. Many active traders run both. Whatever you choose, verify the current rules on the official site before paying; prop firms change terms often. For a futures-market alternative, see our FTMO vs Topstep breakdown.
Want the full breakdown on either firm? Read our FTMO review and FundedNext review.
Ready to decide?
Check current pricing and rules on each firm's official site before you commit.