FTMO vs Maverick Trading (2026) — Which Is Better?
Compare FTMO and Maverick Trading — features, pricing, pros and cons.
Data below reflects each vendor's official docs at time of writing. Pricing, features, and account terms can change; check the source of truth on each provider's site. Methodology →
The Short Version
Higher Rated
FTMO (4.5)
More Affordable
FTMO ($155/mo)
FTMO
The most established proprietary trading firm offering funded accounts up to $200K after a two-phase evaluation, with 90% profit splits.
Maverick Trading
Veteran US prop firm founded in 1997 that trains and funds options and equity traders through a mentorship-first model with up to 80% profit splits.
Rules, Payout & Fee Breakdown
| Feature | FTMO | Maverick Trading |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.5 | ★ 3.9 |
| Starting Price | $155/mo | $2500/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Markets | forex, stocks, crypto, futures | stocks, options |
| AI Analysis | ✗ | ✗ |
| Backtesting | ✗ | ✓ |
| Paper Trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price Alerts | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✗ |
| API Access | ✗ | ✗ |
| Social Features | ✓ | ✗ |
| Broker Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Indicators | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automated Trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Trade Journaling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Performance Analytics | ✓ | ✓ |
| Risk Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| News Feed | ✗ | ✗ |
| Education Content | ✓ | ✓ |
Prop-Firm Head-to-Head
FTMO and Maverick Trading serve distinctly different trader archetypes. FTMO operates on a challenge-evaluation model at $155/month with a 90% profit split, targeting cost-conscious traders ready to prove their skills. Maverick Trading, founded in 1997, charges $2,500/month but prioritizes structured mentorship and training with an 80% split, appealing to traders seeking education alongside funding. Both platforms offer identical core features—AI analysis, backtesting, paper trading, alerts, and mobile apps—but diverge fundamentally in philosophy and cost structure.
FTMO's standout advantage is its low barrier to entry and refundable challenge fee, plus a free trial to test the platform before committing. The 90% profit split is industry-leading. Maverick's 25+ year track record and mentorship-first approach differentiate it; rather than stress-testing traders through strict drawdown rules, it builds foundational skills through ongoing training and personal guidance. Maverick limits traders to US equities and options, excluding forex and crypto entirely.
Choose FTMO if you're an experienced trader seeking affordable account funding with minimal overhead—pay $155 monthly and keep 90% of profits if you pass evaluation. Choose Maverick if you're newer to trading, trade primarily in US equities/options, and value structured education over rapid funding. Maverick's higher cost reflects its mentorship model; FTMO rewards traders who already possess consistent edge.
FTMO: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Industry-leading 90% profit split with no hidden conditions
- + Free Trial with unlimited retakes lets you test before spending money
- + Challenge fee fully refunded on your first successful payout
- + Supports 4 platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade
- + Built-in performance analytics and journaling tools rival standalone apps
- + Decade of operations and $500M+ in verified payouts — real credibility
Cons
- - 85-95% estimated failure rate means most traders lose their challenge fees
- - Non-refundable fees add up fast — 3 failed $50K attempts costs over $1,000
- - Strict 5% daily drawdown can end your challenge on one bad day
- - Simulated trading only — your trades never reach real markets
- - Customer complaints about harsh rule enforcement on edge cases
Maverick Trading: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + One of the oldest and most established prop firms in the US with a 25+ year track record
- + Training-first model builds real skills rather than just testing ability to pass challenges
- + Up to 80% profit split for funded traders
- + Ongoing mentorship available after funding, not just during training
- + No arbitrary time-limited evaluation — progress at your own pace
Cons
- - Higher upfront program cost compared to challenge-based prop firms
- - Limited to US equities and options — no forex, futures, or crypto
- - No modern platform tools, mobile app, or fintech features
- - Training timeline can be lengthy for traders wanting fast capital access