FTMO vs Funded Trading Plus (2026) — Which Is Better?

## Overview

FTMO and Funded Trading Plus are both established proprietary trading firms, but they serve different trader profiles. FTMO (est. 2011) uses a two-phase evaluation model where traders must pass assessments to unlock funded accounts up to $200K with industry-leading 90% profit splits. Funded Trading Plus (est. 2013), a UK-based firm that's paid out $19.5M+ to 60,000+ traders, skips evaluation entirely with instant funding and scalable profit splits. Both support multiple platforms and offer AI-powered tools—the choice comes down to whether you value evaluation-based funding with higher profit potential or instant access with built-in scaling.

## Pricing Comparison

FTMO charges $155/month, while Funded Trading Plus costs $119/month—a $36 monthly difference. For annual commitments, that's $432 cheaper with Funded Trading Plus ($1,428 vs $1,860). FTMO's advantage appears in its free trial, which lets you test the platform without paying, though the two-phase evaluation challenge itself has non-refundable fees (details not specified but standard in the industry at $150–300). If you pass, FTMO refunds the challenge fee on your first payout, effectively making the initial cost recoverable. Funded Trading Plus charges higher upfront entry fees according to trader reports, but the $36/month savings compounds quickly. Neither offers a completely free tier—both require monthly subscription payments. For a trader comparing 12-month costs, Funded Trading Plus delivers better value at $119/month, while FTMO's free trial and fee-refund model can offset initial costs if you pass evaluation quickly.

## Key Features Head-to-Head

**Profit Splits:** FTMO's 90% split is fixed and transparent, but doesn't increase. Funded Trading Plus scales from initial splits to 100% through their growth program—meaning top performers capture every penny of their gains. For traders planning long-term, Funded Trading Plus's scalable model rewards consistency; FTMO's fixed 90% suits traders who want clarity without chasing performance tiers.

**Funding Speed:** FTMO requires passing two phases of evaluation—typically weeks of trading at minimum volume thresholds before capital is released. Funded Trading Plus offers instant funding with zero evaluation, letting you trade live capital immediately. If you're profitable and trade-ready now, Funded Trading Plus cuts weeks of delay.

**Account Scaling:** FTMO forces you to buy separate larger accounts ($200K ceiling per account, no tier progression). Funded Trading Plus scales from initial funding up to $2.5M with a clear growth path. A trader planning to manage $500K+ faces multiple account setup friction with FTMO but finds a seamless path with Funded Trading Plus.

**Platform Support:** Both support MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Funded Trading Plus adds two more platforms (DXTrade and one other), giving traders flexibility FTMO doesn't match. This matters for traders with platform-specific strategies.

**Mobile App:** FTMO has a dedicated mobile app. Funded Trading Plus relies on broker platform apps—not ideal if you're managing positions on the go, though functional.

**Instrument Access:** FTMO doesn't specify restrictions. Funded Trading Plus operates CFDs only—no direct stock or futures access. If your strategy requires underlying assets beyond FX and indices, FTMO may offer more flexibility.

## Who Should Choose FTMO

- **Experienced traders seeking validation:** If you've been profitable independently and want a stamp of approval plus 90% returns, FTMO's evaluation proves your edge works. The two-phase process filters out unprofitable traders and builds confidence.

- **Traders comfortable with defined risk rules:** FTMO's strict drawdown parameters appeal to rule-followers who treat trading like risk management. If you thrive under clear constraints, FTMO's discipline is its strength.

- **Account size seekers targeting $200K+:** FTMO's maximum funded amount suits traders who need $150K–$200K starting capital. It's sized for serious retail traders, not micro-accounts.

- **Platform loyalists using MT4/MT5:** If you've built strategies in MetaTrader and won't switch, FTMO is your direct path to funded trading without platform migration costs.

## Who Should Choose Funded Trading Plus

- **Traders who want instant capital access:** If you're profitable now and can't wait weeks for evaluation, Funded Trading Plus's instant funding model eliminates friction. You trade live within days.

- **Growth-oriented traders planning to scale:** The $2.5M scaling path and 100% profit split progression reward consistency and compounding. If you're building a multi-year prop trading career, the growth structure is superior.

- **Value-conscious traders watching monthly costs:** At $119/month vs $155, Funded Trading Plus saves $432 yearly. Over 5 years, that's $2,160 in platform fees alone before considering profit split differences.

- **CFD traders comfortable with multiple platforms:** Five platform options mean you're never locked into one ecosystem. DXTrade and cTrader provide diversity; if FX and indices are your focus, this is no limitation.

- **Traders valuing customer support:** Funded Trading Plus's 24/7 support and 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating beat FTMO's model. If you need responsive help, the UK firm delivers.

## The Verdict

**Choose FTMO** if you want objective proof your trading works before scaling—the evaluation model ensures discipline, and 90% splits are unmatched once you pass. The $155/month premium is justified for traders seeking high payouts and platform stability.

**Choose Funded Trading Plus** if you're already profitable and need capital fast at lower cost. The $36/month savings, instant funding, and 100% profit split ceiling deliver better value for proven traders planning to scale beyond $200K. For most traders entering prop trading in 2026, Funded Trading Plus's speed and growth path outweigh FTMO's prestige.