FTMO vs FundingPips – Two-Step Evaluations

At-a-Glance Comparison Table

Detailed Analysis: Which Two-Step Program Wins?

1. The Path to Becoming Funded: Profit Targets & Risk

Profit Targets: FundingPips has a clear advantage here. The total profit required to pass both phases is 13% (8% + 5%) compared to FTMO’s 15% (10% + 5%). This makes the journey to a funded account objectively easier with FundingPips.

Drawdown Type: This is a critical differentiator. FTMO uses a Balance-Based Drawdown, calculated from your initial account balance. This is considered more trader-friendly because your drawdown “cushion” does not shrink when you have open profitable trades. FundingPips uses an Equity-Based Drawdown, based on your current balance + floating P/L, which can be stricter when volatility and floating losses increase.

• Winner for Easier Profit Targets: FundingPips
• Winner for Safer Drawdown Model: FTMO

2. Trading Pace & Time Constraints

Minimum Trading Days: FundingPips requires 3 days per phase, while FTMO requires 4 days per phase. FundingPips offers slightly more flexibility.

Payout Speed & Frequency: FundingPips allows for the first payout on the first Tuesday you are in profit. FTMO has a fixed 14-calendar-day waiting period from your first trade. FundingPips also offers weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payout cycles, while FTMO is strictly bi-weekly.

• Winner for Payout Speed & Flexibility: FundingPips

3. Earning Potential & Long-Term Value

Profit Split: FTMO offers 80% from the start, scaling to 90% after your first account increase. FundingPips starts lower at 60% (if you withdraw weekly) but can scale upward and ultimately reach 100% through their “Hot Seat” status (which also comes with a monthly salary).

Scaling Plan: FTMO increases your account by 25% every 4 months if you are profitable. FundingPips’ scaling is more aggressive and multi-faceted, increasing your account size, your drawdown limits, and your profit split simultaneously.

Affordability: FundingPips is significantly more affordable. A $100k challenge is around $444 compared to FTMO’s ~$585 equivalent.

• Winner for Long-Term Earning Ceiling: FundingPips
• Winner for Affordability: FundingPips
• Winner for Simplicity & High Starting Split: FTMO

4. Reputation & Additional Support

Trust & Track Record: FTMO is the industry pioneer (since 2015) with a strong reputation and proven payout history. FundingPips is newer (rapid growth since 2022) and focuses heavily on its community and dashboard experience.

Educational Resources: FTMO provides extensive educational content (Academy, blog, psychologists). FundingPips has less formal education, focusing more on community engagement.

• Winner for Proven Track Record & Educational Support: FTMO

Final Conclusion: Which Two-Step Program Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your profile, priorities, and what you value most in a prop firm.

You Should Choose FTMO If…

• Reputation and Security are your #1 priority.
• You prefer a Balance-Based Drawdown (static safety net).
• You want a simple, high profit split from day one (80% → 90%).
• You value educational resources (academy + trading psychologists).
• The higher challenge cost is not a primary concern.

FTMO is the “Blue-Chip Standard.” It’s the safe, reliable, and professional choice for traders who value long-term stability and a trader-friendly drawdown model.

You Should Choose FundingPips If…

• Your budget is a primary concern.
• You are a long-term optimizer motivated by 100% profit split + monthly salary (Hot Seat).
• You want faster and more flexible payouts (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly).
• You want an easier profit target to pass (13% vs 15%).
• You are comfortable with an Equity-Based Drawdown.

FundingPips is the “High-Value Disruptor.” It’s built for traders who are cost-conscious, focused on maximizing long-term earnings, and appreciate greater flexibility in their payout schedule.

FTMO vs FundingPips: Brand Positioning

FTMO: The “Professional Standard.”

FTMO’s approach is centered on professionalism, education, and long-term, stable growth. They aim to identify serious traders and provide them with a structured, reliable environment, extensive resources, and a clear path to scaling.

FundingPips: The “Community-Focused Innovator.”

FundingPips focuses on accessibility, community engagement, and high-reward incentives. They offer more flexible and diverse funding routes, with a strong emphasis on scaling that directly benefits the trader through higher splits and even a salary.

Head-to-Head: Key Differentiators

Which Firm Is Right For You? A Trader’s Guide

You Should Choose FTMO If…

• You value security and reputation above all.
• Balance-based drawdown is a must-have for your risk strategy.
• You are a learner and want strong educational support.
• You prefer a straightforward, high-value partnership (80–90% split).
• You trade stocks and need a wider range of instruments.

You Should Choose FundingPips If…

• Budget is your primary concern (lowest barrier to entry).
• You are a long-term grinder chasing 100% split + salary.
• You want maximum payout flexibility and faster withdrawals.
• You want easier profit targets to pass in the two-step evaluation.
• You thrive in a very active, community-driven environment.

Final Verdict

Both FTMO and FundingPips are exceptional, but they serve different master.

FTMO is the “Ivy League University.” It’s prestigious, has a proven track record, provides immense resources, and sets a high standard. You choose FTMO for reputation, security, and top-tier educational support.

FundingPips is the “High-Growth Tech Startup.” It’s agile, innovative, and rewards performance with unprecedented upside (100% split, salary). It’s more accessible (cheaper, easier targets) and offers flexible paths to funding.

More Two-Step Prop Firm Comparisons

• E8 Markets vs FTMO – Two-Step Evaluation
• FTMO vs The Trading Pit – Two-Step Evaluations
• FTMO vs FundingPips – Two-Step Evaluations
• FundingPips vs E8 Markets – Two-Step Evaluations