Th5ers vs FTMO: Which One Is Right for You

Honest comparison between two of the most popular prop firms: objectives, rules, commissions, and which type of trader fits better with each.

# Th5ers vs FTMO: Which One Is Right for You

If you're a trader looking for prop firm funding, you've probably heard of both Th5ers and FTMO. Both are established firms, but their models, rules, and expectations differ significantly. It's not about which is "better"—it's about which fits your style, discipline, and goals.

The key differences

Challenge duration and objectives

Th5ers offers a 15-day challenge (or 30) with a 8% or 10% profit target depending on your initial account size. It's fast: if you pass, you move to a funded account in no time.

FTMO has a 2-phase challenge of 30 days each, with a 10% target in phase one and 5% in phase two. The process is longer, but the monthly percentage required is less aggressive.

Trading rules

Both have daily and total loss limits, but:

Th5ers: maximum daily loss 5%, total loss 10% (in the challenge). Maximum drawdown from the highest peak.
FTMO: maximum daily loss 5%, total loss 10% as well, but stricter with schedule restrictions (certain assets blocked at certain times).

Th5ers is more flexible with news trading; FTMO is more conservative during extreme volatility.

Commissions and profit split

Th5ers: once you pass the challenge, you earn 20-30% of profits (the rest stays with the firm). Depends on volume and performance.

FTMO: the split is 80/20 in your favor (you earn 80% of profits, FTMO takes 20%). This is a massive factor: you make far more per trade.

Account types and assets

Th5ers: Forex, indices, crypto. Accounts from $5k to $100k.
FTMO: Forex, indices, crypto, metals. Similar range, but also offer unlimited accounts (higher leverage).

Who should choose each?

Choose Th5ers if:

You want fast funding: 15 days is ideal if you already have a proven system and discipline.
You prefer a short, focused challenge: no phases, just one goal.
Your initial capital isn't large and you want to start soon.
You're interested in copy trading or using TradingView alerts on your funded account (you can connect Onyx to Th5ers just like any broker).

Choose FTMO if:

You value the profit split (80/20): long-term, you earn much more money.
You need more time to prove consistency: 2 phases = stronger validation of your system.
You're a more conservative trader: strict rules reduce surprises.
You want to work with a highly established, trustworthy firm.

The importance of discipline

Regardless of which you choose, both demand strict compliance with risk rules. Whether you're with Th5ers or FTMO: if you don't respect the daily loss limit, you'll get shut down.

That's where Guardian, Onyx's risk management system, comes in. When you connect your funded account to Onyx:

You automatically respect the limits you set (daily loss, total loss, profit protection).
You receive alerts before high-impact news to avoid surprises.
You have a position sizing calculator to never exceed your risk.

Whether you trade with Th5ers, FTMO, or any prop firm on MT4, MT5, or cTrader, Onyx works the same way: you connect your EA or cBot, and Guardian monitors that you don't break the rules.

Other factors to consider

Prior experience: Do you have a proven profitable system? Th5ers. Still refining? FTMO gives you more time.
Income goals: If you want to live off trading, FTMO (80/20) is better long-term than Th5ers (20-30%).
Stress tolerance: Th5ers is more intense; FTMO is more sustainable.
Ease of use: Both are intuitive, but FTMO has better English support.

Conclusion

There's no absolute winner. Th5ers is for traders who already trust their method and want quick access to funding. FTMO is for those seeking real, higher profits and don't mind a slightly longer path.

The key is that, whichever you choose, you maintain discipline. The prop firm's rules exist to protect both parties; respecting them is your responsibility. Tools like Onyx and Guardian are there to make it easier: automate your risk, focus on your trading, and let technology handle the limits.

Ready to decide? Your next step is to choose your trading platform (MetaTrader, cTrader) and, if you want, connect it to Onyx for full control over your risk management.

Which prop firm has the best profit split?

FTMO with its 80/20 model is superior long-term. Th5ers offers 20-30%, meaning the firm keeps 70-80% of your profits. If you want to live off trading, FTMO is more profitable.

How long does it take to pass the challenge at each firm?

Th5ers takes 15 to 30 days (single phase). FTMO has 2 phases of 30 days each, so the full process can take 60 days. Th5ers is faster if you have a proven system.

Can I use Onyx with both prop firms?

Yes. Onyx works with any prop firm using MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or cTrader. Both Th5ers and FTMO are compatible with Onyx Guardian for automating your risk management.

Which prop firm is better for new traders?

FTMO is more recommended for developing traders because the 2-phase challenge (60 days total) gives you more time to prove consistency. Th5ers requires you to be more aggressive in less time.