FTMO vs DayTraders 2026: Which Prop Firm Is Better?

Quick Comparison

Detailed Comparison

FTMO and DayTraders are two of the most reputable prop trading firms in the market. Both offer legitimate challenge programs with clear rules and transparent payouts. However, they serve different trader profiles and offer different incentive structures.

Account Structure & Sizing

FTMO offers larger maximum account sizes ($200,000), making it ideal for experienced traders managing higher capital. DayTraders maxes out at $100,000 but starts at just $5,000, giving new traders an accessible entry point. If you're testing the waters with limited capital, DayTraders provides a more affordable starting position.

Drawdown Rules

FTMO enforces both daily and overall maximum drawdowns, which is stricter than many competitors but protects traders from catastrophic losses. DayTraders uses a running daily drawdown model, allowing more flexibility if you recover during the same day. For risk-averse traders, FTMO's dual drawdown is more protective. For aggressive traders, DayTraders offers more breathing room.

Profitability & Payouts

FTMO's 90/10 profit split gives you more of what you earn compared to DayTraders' 85/15 split. That 5% difference compounds over time. DayTraders, however, pays out faster (2-3 business days vs. 3-5), which matters if you need quick access to profits.

Challenge Difficulty

Both firms offer 2-step challenges. FTMO's challenge is regarded as slightly more forgiving on the first step but stricter on drawdown enforcement overall. DayTraders' challenge is more straightforward with fewer hidden gotchas. Neither firm is "easy," but DayTraders may be slightly more accessible for intermediate traders.

Discount & True Cost

This is where the comparison shifts dramatically. DayTraders' 80% discount slashes the cost from $5,000 to just $1,000. That's massive savings for a full account. FTMO's 19% discount brings the $6,000 base down to ~$4,860. If budget is your primary concern, DayTraders wins by a landslide.