This analysis provides a definitive, side-by-side comparison to help you choose the ideal prop firm for your trading career. We will dissect every critical aspect of their two-step programs: FTMO’s Evaluation Program and The Trading Pit’s Prime Two-phase Evaluation.
Executive Summary
- FTMO: The Industry Benchmark. Best for traders who prioritize a proven track record, higher leverage, and a superior long-term profit split. It demands slightly more skill to pass but offers greater rewards.
- The Trading Pit: The Accessible Challenger. Best for traders seeking an easier path to funding with lower profit targets, while still benefiting from top-tier features like a balance-based drawdown.
Phase-by-Phase Objective Analysis
| Evaluation Phase | FTMO | The Trading Pit | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Profit Target | 10% | 8% | The Trading Pit is 20% easier in Phase 1. This is the most significant differentiator. |
| Phase 2 Profit Target | 5% | 5% | Tie. Both firms have an identical and reasonable target for the final phase. |
| Total Profit Required | 15% | 13% | The Trading Pit requires 13.3% less total profit to become funded. |
| Max Daily Loss | 5% | 5% | Tie. Standard and manageable risk limit. |
| Max Loss | 10% | 10% | Tie. Standard overall risk limit. |
| Drawdown Type | Balance-Based | Balance-Based | Tie (Major Win for Traders). Both use the fairest drawdown model, calculated from your initial balance, not your equity. |
Verdict on Passing the Challenge: The Trading Pit is objectively easier to pass due to its lower Phase 1 and total profit targets. This is the most crucial factor for many traders.
Trading Rules & Flexibility
| Rule / Feature | FTMO | The Trading Pit | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Trading Days | 4 Days (per phase) | 5 Days (per phase) | FTMO is more flexible. It allows you to pass one day faster in each phase. |
| Maximum Trading Period | Unlimited | Unlimited | Tie. Both offer no time pressure, a huge advantage. |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed on Swing Accounts | Allowed | The Trading Pit is more flexible. Allows weekend holding on all account types. |
| News Trading | Prohibited | Prohibited | Tie. Both restrict trading around high-impact news events. |
| Leverage | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:50 | FTMO offers more power. Crucial for certain forex and crypto strategies. |
Verdict on Trading Flexibility: This is a split decision. FTMO wins on minimum trading days and leverage. The Trading Pit wins on weekend holding. Your choice depends on which of these rules matters most to your strategy.
Funded Account & Earning Potential
| Feature | FTMO | The Trading Pit | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Profit Split | 80% | 80% | Tie. Both offer a competitive starting split. |
| Maximum Profit Split | 90% | 80% | FTMO has a higher ceiling. Its scaling plan increases your profit share. |
| First Payout | 14 Calendar Days | 14 Calendar Days | Tie. Both have a standard two-week waiting period. |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Bi-weekly | Tie. Consistent and reliable payout cycles. |
| Scaling Plan | +25% account size every 4 months. | +25% account size after 2 months & 2 payouts. | FTMO is more structured; TTP is potentially faster. FTMO’s plan is time-based, TTP’s is performance-based. |
| Account Currency Options | USD, GBP, EUR, CZK, CAD, AUD, CHF | Primarily EUR/USD | FTMO offers more flexibility for international traders. |
Verdict on Earnings: FTMO provides better long-term value due to its scaling plan that increases your profit split to 90%. While The Trading Pit’s scaling can be triggered faster, the profit split remains at 80%.
Cost, Trust & Support
| Aspect | FTMO | The Trading Pit | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price ($100k Account) | €540 (~$585) | €569 (~$615) | FTMO is slightly more affordable. |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.8/5 (22,500+ reviews) | 4.3/5 (590+ reviews) | FTMO is the proven leader. Its score and volume of reviews are unmatched. |
| Founded In | 2015 | 2022 | FTMO has immense longevity and stability. |
| Educational Resources | Extensive (Academy, Psychologists, Blog) | Good (Blog, Webinars, Podcasts) | FTMO’s educational support is superior. |
| Customer Support | Live Chat, Phone, Email, Discord | Live Chat, Phone, Email, Discord | Tie. Both offer robust, multi-channel support. |
Verdict on Reputation & Value: FTMO is the undisputed leader in trust and resources. You are paying a similar price for a company with a much longer and more proven track record.
Final Decision Matrix
Choose FTMO if you are the “Ambitious Professional”:
- Your priority is long-term earning potential (90% profit split).
- You value the security and reputation of the industry’s most proven firm.
- Your trading strategy requires high leverage (1:100).
- You will benefit from world-class educational and psychological resources.
- You are confident in your ability to meet a 10% profit target in Phase 1.
Choose The Trading Pit if you are the “Pragmatic Achiever”:
- Your #1 goal is to pass the evaluation as easily as possible.
- The lower profit target (8% in Phase 1) is a decisive factor for you.
- You want the safety of a balance-based drawdown but an easier path to get it.
- You are comfortable with standard leverage (1:50) and a fixed 80% profit split.
- You prefer the flexibility of weekend holding on a standard account.
The Bottom Line
There is a clear trade-off:
- Easier Entry vs. Higher Ceiling.
The Trading Pit lowers the barrier to entry, making it the best choice for traders focused primarily on securing a funded account. FTMO sets a slightly higher bar but rewards successful traders with a better long-term partnership, higher leverage, and ultimately, a larger share of the profits.
For most traders seeking the safest bet and the highest potential rewards, FTMO remains the top recommendation. For those who have found the 10% profit target of other firms to be a sticking point, The Trading Pit presents a compelling and easier alternative.
FTMO vs. The Trading Pit: Straight Answer
Choose FTMO if:
- You need 1:100 leverage for your strategy
- You want to trade stocks (FTMO offers stocks, The Trading Pit doesn’t in their standard accounts)
- You value the most established reputation in the industry
- You’re comfortable with a 10% profit target in Phase 1
Choose The Trading Pit if:
- Your main goal is the easiest path to getting funded
- You want lower profit targets (8% vs 10% in Phase 1)
- You prefer weekend holding on all account types
- You’re on a slightly tighter budget
The Real Difference That Matters:
The Trading Pit is easier to pass – that 8% vs 10% in Phase 1 is significant.
FTMO offers more long-term – better leverage, stocks trading, and industry-leading reputation.
