FundedFirm vs FTMO vs FundedNext vs FundingPips vs TopStep: The Ultimate 2025 Prop Trading Guide

The prop trading industry in 2025 has grown tremendously, offering traders multiple opportunities to access professional capital without risking their own funds. Among the most prominent platforms are FundedFirm, FTMO, FundedNext, FundingPips, and TopStep. Each offers unique features, evaluation methods, profit splits, and account scaling options. Understanding the differences is crucial for traders aiming to maximize profits and build a sustainable career.

FundedFirm: Flexibility and Fast Payouts

FundedFirm is known for its trader-first approach, providing unlimited time to complete evaluation challenges. This flexibility benefits traders who want to focus on strategy rather than deadlines. The platform operates on MetaTrader 5 (MT5), supporting a wide range of trading styles, including swing trading, trend following, and news-event trading.

Profit splits start at 90% and scale up to 100% for consistent traders, while withdrawals are processed within 24 hours, allowing for rapid reinvestment and efficient capital management. FundedFirm’s transparent rules and lack of restrictive policies make it ideal for traders seeking freedom, high profit potential, and speed.

FTMO: Structured Evaluation and Premium Accounts

FTMO is recognized worldwide for its structured evaluation challenges and premium funded accounts. Traders must meet profit targets while adhering to strict daily and overall drawdown limits. The platform supports multiple instruments, including Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, and can be traded on MT4, MT5, or cTrader.

FundedNext: Stepwise Growth and Discipline

FundedNext focuses on stepwise progression, offering evaluation challenges such as Express, Stellar, Two-Step, and Instant Funding. Each challenge has defined trading periods, drawdown limits, and profit targets, promoting consistent and disciplined trading.

Profit splits can reach 95%, and consistent traders can scale accounts to manage larger capital over time. FundedNext is ideal for those who prefer structured growth and clear milestones, balancing discipline with profitability.

FundingPips: Affordable and Beginner-Friendly

FundingPips is known for providing budget-friendly entry into funded trading. Traders can choose One-Step or Two-Step challenges, which require meeting profit targets and drawdown limits within set periods. Profit splits range from 80% to 100%, depending on account type.

Withdrawals are flexible, offered on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. FundingPips is particularly attractive for beginners and cost-conscious traders, allowing them to learn risk management and build a funded trading track record without a large upfront investment.

TopStep: Discipline-Focused Futures and Forex Trading

TopStep specializes in structured evaluation programs, primarily for futures traders but also suitable for Forex trading. Traders must complete challenges with minimum trading days, profit targets, and drawdown limits.

Profit splits range from 80% to 90%, with the opportunity to scale accounts based on performance. TopStep rewards consistency and discipline, making it ideal for traders who thrive under structured evaluation programs and measurable milestones.

Comparing Trader Experiences

• FundedFirm: Freedom, fast payouts, flexible evaluation—perfect for traders who want control over trade timing and strategy.
  
  
• FTMO: Structured evaluation, premium accounts, and global recognition—best for disciplined, goal-oriented traders.
  
  
• FundedNext: Stepwise account growth with defined milestones—ideal for traders who value gradual progression and consistency.
  
  
• FundingPips: Low-cost entry and structured learning—great for beginners and small-account traders.
  
  
• TopStep: Rigid evaluation for futures and Forex traders, rewarding consistency and discipline.
  
  

Choosing the right platform depends on whether traders prioritize freedom, structure, affordability, or disciplined growth.

Profit Potential and Withdrawals

Profit splits and payout speed differ across platforms:

• FundedFirm: 90–100%, withdrawals in 24 hours
  
  
• FTMO: 80%, monthly withdrawals
  
  
• FundedNext: up to 95%, structured scaling
  
  
• FundingPips: 80–100%, weekly/bi-weekly withdrawals
  
  
• TopStep: 80–90%, weekly payouts
  
  

Traders should select a platform based on whether they value fast access to profits, structured growth, or premium recognition.

Real Trader Scenarios

1. Freedom-Oriented Trader: Prefers swing and news-event trading. FundedFirm allows strategic trade execution without deadlines.
   
   
2. Structured Growth Trader: Wants measurable milestones and stepwise scaling. FundedNext is ideal.
   
   
3. Premium Account Seeker: Prefers strict evaluation and recognition. FTMO fits this profile.
   
   
4. Beginner Trader: Needs low-cost entry and learning opportunities. FundingPips works best.
   
   
5. Discipline-Focused Trader: Focuses on consistent futures or Forex performance. TopStep provides structured evaluation.
   
   

Each platform can support trading success, but the choice depends on trader goals, style, and risk preferences.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, prop traders have multiple paths to success. FundedFirm excels in freedom, high profit potential, and fast payouts. FTMO offers structured evaluation and globally recognized accounts. FundedNext promotes stepwise growth and disciplined trading. FundingPips provides affordable entry and beginner-friendly learning. TopStep rewards consistency, discipline, and measurable performance.

Selecting the right platform ensures alignment with trading style, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives, maximizing the chances of building a sustainable funded trading career.