FTMO and FundedNext run the two most popular two-step forex and CFD challenges. The structures are close — 5% daily loss, 10% static maximum loss, no time limit — so the decision comes down to the Phase 1 target, minimum days, payout cycles and how you value FTMO’s longer track record.
At a glance: 2-step challenges
| FTMO 2-Step | FundedNext Stellar 2-Step | |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Forex, indices, metals, crypto CFDs | Forex, indices, commodities, crypto CFDs |
| Phase 1 target | 10% | 8% |
| Phase 2 target | 5% | 5% |
| Daily loss limit | 5% of initial balance | 5% of initial balance |
| Maximum loss | 10%, static | 10% of initial balance |
| Minimum days | 4 | 5 per phase |
| Time limit | None | None |
| Profit split | 80%, up to 90% with scaling | 80%, up to 95% with add-ons |
| Payouts | On demand, after 14 days | 21-day cycle, or faster paid options |
| Challenge-phase reward | — | 15% (not for US traders) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade | See firm’s site |
Figures from each firm’s published rules, checked November 1, 2026. Full details: FTMO review and FundedNext review.
The target is the main difference
On a $100,000 account, FTMO asks for $10,000 in Phase 1 and FundedNext for $8,000. Both give you a $5,000 daily limit and a fixed $90,000 floor. At 1% risk per trade with a 1:2 reward-to-risk, that is four more winners than losers at FundedNext against five at FTMO. It is a modest edge, not a different game.
Minimum days and pace
FTMO needs four trading days; FundedNext needs five in each phase. Neither has a deadline, so the minimums only matter for traders who reach the target very quickly.
Payouts and split
FTMO pays 80% on demand after the first 14 days, rising to 90% through scaling. FundedNext pays 80% on a 21-day cycle by default; faster on-demand rewards and add-ons raise the split to 90% or 95%, at extra cost. If you want frequent withdrawals without buying add-ons, FTMO’s default is simpler. If you are eligible for FundedNext’s 15% challenge-phase reward, that narrows the gap.
Cost
FundedNext’s $100K Stellar 2-Step costs $549.99, close to FTMO’s price for the same size. Both run promotions, so compare current prices with any add-ons you would actually buy.
1-step options
Both firms also sell a one-step challenge. FTMO’s 1-Step has a 10% target, a 3% daily limit, a 10% trailing end-of-day maximum loss and a 50% best-day rule — faster, but much tighter than either 2-Step.
Which should you choose?
Choose FTMO if you value a long track record, on-demand payouts at the default split and a wide choice of platforms.
Choose FundedNext if you want the lower 8% Phase 1 target, are eligible for the challenge-phase reward, or want to hold through news and weekends.
Size every trade to the 5% daily limit with the position size calculator, and test both with the presets in the prop firm challenge simulator. For a third option with static limits and scaling, read FTMO vs The5ers or the full best prop firms for forex guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is FundedNext easier to pass than FTMO?
FundedNext's Stellar 2-Step has an 8% Phase 1 target against FTMO's 10%, with the same 5% daily and 10% maximum loss. That makes Phase 1 slightly easier on paper. FundedNext requires five trading days per phase against FTMO's four.
Which pays a higher profit split, FTMO or FundedNext?
Both start at 80%. FTMO rises to 90% through its scaling plan; FundedNext can reach 90% or 95% through on-demand rewards, scale-up and paid add-ons. FundedNext also pays eligible non-US traders a 15% reward on challenge-phase profits.
Do FTMO and FundedNext have time limits?
Neither firm's 2-step challenge has a time limit, according to their published rules at the time of writing.