Prop Firm Comparison: FTMO, Funding Pips, and More

The prop firm landscape is crowded and constantly shifting. Choosing the wrong firm wastes money and time. This guide compares the major firms on the dimensions that actually matter — and warns about the marketing claims that don't.

What to actually compare

Ignore the homepage hype. Compare: evaluation cost for the same account size, drawdown model (static, trailing, or balance-based — the biggest hidden trap), profit split and any scaling plan, time limits on phases, minimum trading days, consistency rule strictness, news and weekend rules, payout reliability and speed, and refund policy.

FTMO

The most established name, widely regarded as the gold standard for reliability. Account sizes $10k to $200k (and higher via scaling). Challenge cost higher than newer firms (e.g., ~$540 for $100k one-step challenge). Drawdown: 10% max overall, 5% max daily — static (fixed to starting balance), the most forgiving model. Profit split starts at 80%, scales to 90%. Payouts reliable, biweekly, well-documented track record. Strength: trust and longevity. Weakness: most expensive, stricter evaluation. FTMO is the safe choice — pay more, get reliability.

Funding Pips

A popular challenger known for cheaper evaluations and a generous structure. Account sizes $5k to $200k. Challenge cost significantly cheaper than FTMO. Drawdown model: offers both static and trailing options depending on the program — read carefully. Profit split up to 90%. Payouts generally reliable but the firm is newer with a shorter track record. Strength: cost and flexibility. Weakness: less regulatory track record than FTMO. A strong choice if cost matters and you've done due diligence on the specific program's drawdown rules.

The drawdown model comparison

This is the most important and most-ignored factor:

Model	Difficulty	Forgiveness
Static (fixed to start)	Easiest	Builds cushion as you profit
Trailing (high-water mark)	Harder	Cushion trails up then locks
Balance-based (current balance)	Hardest	Cushion shrinks as you profit — very punishing

A firm offering a 90% split with a balance-based drawdown is often worse than a firm offering 80% with a static drawdown. Run the numbers for your own risk profile.

The bottom line

Compare prop firms on cost, drawdown model, profit split, time limits, and payout reliability — not homepage hype. FTMO leads on trust, Funding Pips on cost, newer firms on flexibility. Match the firm to your style, start with one, and never buy five challenges before you've passed one. The drawdown model matters more than the profit split.