FTMO vs Funded Academy: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
FTMO
8.3 A+
CFD
Funded Academy
5.5 C
CFD
Verdict: Who Wins?
FTMO
5 wins
Decisive Win
Funded Academy
2 wins
Best For:
Funded Academy
Funded Academy
FTMO
Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| FTMO | Metric | Funded Academy |
|---|---|---|
| 8.3/10 ★ | PFM Score | 5.5/10 |
| 4.8/5 (42,594) ★ | TrustPilot | 3.8/5 (2) |
| A+ ★ | Safety Grade | C |
| 84 A ★ | Trust Score | 27.5 F |
| Up to 90% | Profit Split | 80% (2-Step Standard), 85% (1-Step), up to 95% ★ |
| Maximum Daily Loss Amount, which is 5% of the Initial Simulated Capital (2-Step) or 3% (1-Step) | Daily Drawdown | 4% (1-Step), 5% (2-Step) |
| Bi-weekly (every 14 days) | Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly (2 weeks); first payout on-demand |
| $79 | Starting Price | $49.99 ★ |
| Proprietary | Technology | White-Label |
| cTrader, MT5, MT4 | Platforms | cTrader, MT5 |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | No |
| Czech Republic | Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Jan 2015 | Established | - |
| 10 options | Challenge Options | 6 options |
Price Comparison by Account Size
Cheapest challenge price at each account size (where both firms offer the same size)
| Account Size | FTMO | Funded Academy | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10K | $79 ★ | $90 | Save $11 |
| $25K | $199 ★ | $210 | Save $11 |
| $50K | $319 | $290 ★ | Save $29 |
| $100K | $439 ★ | $567 | Save $128 |
| $200K | $999 ★ | $1,081 | Save $82 |
FTMO vs Funded Academy: Detailed Analysis
FTMO and Funded Academy are both CFD firms.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Funded Academy is more affordable with challenges starting at $50, which is $29 less than FTMO's starting price of $79. FTMO offers 10 challenge options, while Funded Academy offers 6.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, FTMO offers account sizes from $10 to $200 across 5 funding tiers, while Funded Academy offers account sizes from $5 to $200 across 6 funding tiers. Picking the right tier matters because both the entry cost and the maximum capital you can scale to are tied to the account size you start with.
Trading Platforms
For trading platforms, FTMO supports cTrader, MT5 and MT4, while Funded Academy runs on cTrader and MT5. If you already trade on a specific platform, this can be the deciding factor between the two.
Profit Split & Payouts
FTMO offers Up to 90% profit split, while Funded Academy offers 80% (2-Step Standard), 85% (1-Step), up to 95%. FTMO pays out Bi-weekly (every 14 days), and Funded Academy pays out Bi-weekly (2 weeks); first payout on-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: FTMO lists its daily drawdown as "Maximum Daily Loss Amount, which is 5% of the Initial Simulated Capital (2-Step) or 3% (1-Step)", while Funded Academy lists "4% (1-Step), 5% (2-Step)". Always confirm the drawdown type before buying, since a trailing rule behaves very differently from a static end-of-day one.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, FTMO has a 4.8/5 TrustPilot rating with 42,594 reviews, while Funded Academy has 3.8/5 with 2 reviews. Safety grades: FTMO A+, Funded Academy C.
Who Should Choose Which
So who should pick which? FTMO is the stronger choice for trust & reputation, while Funded Academy is the better fit for budget-conscious traders and maximum profit potential.
Overall, FTMO edges ahead winning 5 out of 7 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
FTMO
Pros
Cons
Funded Academy
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, FTMO or Funded Academy?
FTMO scores higher overall, winning 5 out of 7 comparison categories including Overall Rating, TrustPilot, Safety Grade. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, FTMO or Funded Academy?
Funded Academy has the lower starting price at $50. FTMO offers 10 challenge options starting from $79, while Funded Academy offers 6 options starting from $50.
Which has better reviews, FTMO or Funded Academy?
FTMO has a higher TrustPilot rating of 4.8/5. FTMO has 42,594 reviews while Funded Academy has 2.
Which offers a higher profit split, FTMO or Funded Academy?
Funded Academy offers a higher maximum profit split. FTMO offers Up to 90% while Funded Academy offers 80% (2-Step Standard), 85% (1-Step), up to 95%.
How fast do FTMO and Funded Academy pay out?
FTMO has Bi-weekly (every 14 days) payouts while Funded Academy offers Bi-weekly (2 weeks); first payout on-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are FTMO and Funded Academy legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. FTMO holds a A+ safety grade and a 4.8/5 TrustPilot rating. Funded Academy holds a C safety grade and a 3.8/5 TrustPilot rating. Safety grades are based on payout history, community trust signals, and regulatory transparency.
Which is better for beginners, FTMO or Funded Academy?
Funded Academy may be more accessible for beginners due to its lower entry price. When starting out, consider challenge cost, drawdown rules, and profit split. Use the comparison table above to find which firm fits your experience level and risk tolerance.
More Comparisons
Not sold on either? Explore alternatives
See the closest-matched prop firms ranked head-to-head against each contender, with live 2026 prices and safety grades.