# 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 keep 80% of profits, FTMO takes 20%). This is a huge factor: you earn significantly more per trade.
Account types and assets
- Th5ers: Forex, indices, crypto. Accounts from $5k to $100k.
- FTMO: Forex, indices, crypto, metals. Similar range, plus unlimited accounts (higher leverage available).
Who should choose which?
Pick Th5ers if:
- You want fast funding: 15 days is ideal if you have a proven system and discipline.
- You prefer a short, focused challenge: no phases, one goal.
- Your starting capital isn't huge and you want to begin trading soon.
- You're interested in copy trading or using TradingView alerts on your funded account (you can connect Onyx to Th5ers like any broker).
Pick FTMO if:
- You value the 80/20 profit split: long-term, you earn much more.
- You need more time to prove consistency: 2 phases = better 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 risk management. It doesn't matter if it's Th5ers or FTMO: if you don't respect daily loss limits, you'll be blocked.
That's where Guardian, Onyx's risk manager, comes in. When you connect your funded account to Onyx:
- You automatically enforce the limits you set (daily loss, total loss, profit protection).
- You get alerts before major news events to avoid shocks.
- You have a position sizing calculator so you never exceed your limits.
Whether you trade with Th5ers, FTMO, or any prop firm using MT4, MT5, or cTrader, Onyx works the same way: connect your EA or cBot, and Guardian watches your compliance.
Other factors to consider
- Prior experience: Do you have a proven, profitable system? Th5ers. Still refining? FTMO gives you more time.
- Income goal: If you want to live off this, FTMO (80/20) beats Th5ers (20-30%) long-term.
- Stress tolerance: Th5ers is more intense; FTMO is more sustainable.
- User experience: Both are intuitive, but FTMO has slightly better 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 who want higher real earnings and don't mind a slightly longer path.
What matters is that you stay disciplined no matter what. The prop firm's rules exist to protect both sides; respecting them is your responsibility. Tools like Onyx and Guardian are there to help: automate your risk management, focus on your trading, and let technology handle the limits.
Already decided? The next step is choosing your trading platform (MetaTrader, cTrader) and, if you wish, connecting it to Onyx for complete risk control.