This essay will examine the features, profit splits, evaluation procedures, and trading circumstances of FTMO, FundedNext, and Lux Trading. For traders looking for funded accounts, these three top prop trading companies provide special advantages.
This article will assist you in selecting the ideal firm for your trading style and objectives by looking at their advantages, disadvantages, and account alternatives.
What is FTMO?
After clearing their evaluation process, traders can trade with financed capital at FTMO, a top proprietary trading company. Founded in 2015, FTMO gives traders access to accounts ranging from $10,000 to $400,000 once they pass a two-step evaluation comprising of the FTMO Challenge and Verification.
The company offers competitive leverage and low spreads for a variety of trading instruments, such as cryptocurrencies, commodities, indices, and FX. FTMO is a well-liked option for both novice and seasoned traders looking for sponsored trading possibilities because to its profit-sharing model, clear regulations, and strict risk management standards.
What is FundedNext?
FundedNext is a relatively new prop trading firm. It started in 2022 and is based in the UAE. They allow traders from all over the world to get funded to trade after they pass an evaluation.
They have flexible funding options with account sizes starting from around $6,000 up to $200,000, which can scale significantly (often up to $4 million) based on performance.
FundedNext is compatible with MT4 and MT5, has a profit share of around 90%-95%, and allows traders to keep some profit even during the evaluation. They have one step and two-step models, as well as swap-free accounts and educational resources for all levels.
What is Lux Trading?
Lux Trading Firm is a proprietary trading organization located in the United Kingdom that provides traders with the opportunity to obtain substantial funds via the completion of structured evaluation programs and the achievement of profit and risk targets.
After overcoming evaluation obstacles, traders are given funded accounts with profit-sharing chances, usually retaining a sizable portion of profits. With execution based on actual market conditions rather than simulations, the company offers a variety of account sizes and asset types, including equities, commodities, indices, FX, and cryptocurrency.
Lux, like many prop businesses, operates without typical financial regulator licensure, but it places a strong emphasis on risk management, scalability up to multi-million dollar accounts, and flexible platform alternatives.
Key Comparison FTMO vs FundedNext vs Lux Trading
| Feature | FTMO | FundedNext | Lux Trading Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2022 | ~2020 |
| Headquarters | Czech Republic | UAE (plus global hubs) | UK |
| Evaluation Model | Two‑step challenge | One‑step, two‑step, instant | Single “evaluation” |
| Profit Split | Up to ~90% | Up to ~95% (CFDs) / 100% (Futures) | ~75% |
| Max Funding Potential | ~$2M scaling potential | Up to ~$4M | Up to ~$10M |
| Payout Speed | 1–2 business days (post‑eligibility) | ~24 hours payout promise | Depends on firm policy |
| Platforms Supported | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade | MT4, MT5, cTrader, Match‑Trader & more | MT4, TraderEvolution, TradingView |
| Markets Covered | CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto | CFDs & Futures across many markets | Varies; often forex, indices, commodities |
| Profit Target (Challenge) | ~10% then ~5% | Variable (8–10% then ~5%) | Lower targets (e.g., 6% then ~4%) |
| Time Limits | Fixed time limits per stage | Time limits vary by model | Often no time limit on evaluation |
| Drawdown Limits | Total ~10% & daily ~5% | ~10% & daily ~5% (varies) | ~6% overall |
| Best For | Traders seeking structured rules & strong reputation | Traders wanting flexible models & high profit split | Traders seeking large scaling potential & longer evaluation |
Challenge Rules & Evaluation Process
FTMO
- Capture the Challenge to get to Verification
- Have to achieve a profit target (i.e. ~10% on Challenge)
- Have to stay within risk limits (daily & max drawdown)
- Minimum trading days required for every stage
- Time limits are posed for every phase of the challenge
- Evaluation phase does not allow profit share
- Completing this grants you a funded account
FundedNext
- Provides various challenge types:
- 1‑Step Challenge
- 2‑Step Challenge
- Instant Funded (sometimes)
- Profit target expectations are different for different type of challenges (usually ~8–10%)
- Risk limits apply (daily & total drawdown)
- Certain plans allow you to split profit even during the evaluation phase
- Time limits may be elastic or not present based on the plan
- Completing the challenge gives you a funded account
Lux Trading Firm
- Single evaluation challenge model
- Profit target expectations are lower (easier for many traders)
- Risk limits apply (max drawdown)
- No strict time limits in most cases to finish the challenge.
- Minimum trading days required
- After reaching a successful milestone, trader is awarded a funded account
Funding Programs & Account Models Compared
| Feature / Program | FTMO | FundedNext | Lux Trading Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Models | Two‑step (Challenge → Verification) | Multiple options (1‑Step, 2‑Step, Instant) | Single evaluation program |
| Challenge Cost | Standard fee for each stage | Varies by model and level | Varies by account size |
| Account Sizes | Multiple tiers from small to large | Flexible tiers from small to large | Scalable tiers including large accounts |
| Scaling Program | Yes — performance‑based increases | Yes — strong scaling potential | Yes — high scaling potential |
| Profit Split (after funded) | High (~80–90%) | Very high (~90–95%+) | Competitive (~70–80%) |
| Profit Share During Challenge | No | Some plans offer profit share | No |
| Time Limits on Challenge | Yes — time limits per stage | Depends on chosen model | Often no strict time limits |
| Minimum Trading Days | Required per evaluation phase | Varies by model | Required |
| Maximum Drawdown Limits | Yes — strict limits | Yes — with variations per model | Yes — applied per rules |
| Payout Frequency After Funding | Standard schedule | Often quicker payouts | Standard schedule |
| Swap‑Free / Islamic Option | Available | Available | Available |
| Best For | Traders who prefer structured evaluation | Traders who value flexibility & fast payouts | Traders seeking relaxed timing & high scaling |
Benefits Of FTMO vs FundedNext vs Lux Trading
Benefits of FTMO
- Long history of being an established and trusted prop firm.
- Created disciplined evaluators as the two-step process builds risk management skills.
- After scaling, their profit splits are competitive, reaching 90%+.
- Multiple platforms available (MT4, MT5, cTrader). (
- Strong** educational tools,** as well as community and performance coaching.
- Global reach and positive reputation in the world of trading.
Benefits of FundedNext
- Flexible evaluation models (1‑Step, 2‑Step, Instant) accommodate different trading styles.
- Up to 95% profit splits for CFDs and 100% for Futures.
- Payouts are processed within ~24 hours. Fast.
- In some models, they typically pay profit splits even during evaluations.
- Accounts are likely to have significant scaling potential with increased performance.
- Global traders have Wide payment options with supportive services.
Benefits of Lux Trading Firm
- Challenges are completed with no time limits.
- Challenges are completed with no time limits.
- Challenges with lower profit target expectations than industry standards.
- Real accounts (not demo) with funding after passing.
- Added remote risk management, mentorship, and guidance.
- Providing TradingView and other than classic MT4/MT5.
Payouts, Withdrawals & Payment Methods
| Feature | FTMO | FundedNext | Lux Trading Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payout Speed | Usually processed within ~1–2 business days | Very fast payouts, often within ~24 hours | Typically 2–5 business days |
| Payout Frequency | Regular scheduled payouts (monthly/bi‑weekly) | Often on demand or frequent pay cycles | Usually monthly or on request |
| Minimum Withdrawal Requirement | Must meet profit & eligibility conditions | Must meet profit & minimum balance requirements | Must meet profit & trading activity rules |
| Withdrawal Methods | Bank transfer, debit/credit card, e‑wallets, crypto | Crypto (USDT/USDC), e‑wallets, debit/credit card options | Bank transfer, debit/credit card, e‑wallets, crypto |
| Processing Fees | Standard payment processor fees may apply | Standard processor fees may apply | Standard payment method fees may apply |
| Regional/Local Options | Standard global methods | Broader options including crypto & local gateways | Standard global methods |
| Crypto Withdrawals Supported | Yes (e.g., USDT, BTC, other crypto) | Yes (USDT, USDC) | Yes (varies by supported crypto) |
| Ease of Withdrawal | Streamlined after eligibility | Very fast and flexible | Standard process after requirements met |
Profit Split and Trading Conditions
| Feature / Condition | FTMO | FundedNext | Lux Trading Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit Split (funded) | Up to 90% (starts ~80%) | Up to 95%+ (varies by model) | Usually ~75% |
| Profit Share During Evaluation | ❌ None | ✔️ Some models pay (e.g., 15%) | ❌ None |
| Profit Target (Phase 1) | ~10% | ~8–10% (model dependent) | ~6–15% depending on program |
| Profit Target (Phase 2) | ~5% | ~4–5% | ~4% |
| Maximum Daily Loss / Drawdown | ~5% daily | ~3–5% daily (varies) | Not always applied |
| Maximum Overall Loss | ~10% | ~8–10% total | ~6% |
| Time Limits on Evaluation | Yes (e.g., 30–60 days) | Often no time limit | Often no strict time limit |
| Minimum Trading Days | ~4 per phase | Varies by model (e.g., 2–5 days) | Often higher (e.g., ~29 days) |
| Payout Speed | Standard schedule (1–2 business days) | Very fast (often within 24 hours) | Typical standard timing |
Platform Features & Trading Tools
| Feature / Tool | FTMO | FundedNext | Lux Trading Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✔️ (popular) | ✔️ (standard) | ✔️ (supported) |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✔️ (full support) | ✔️ (full support) | ✔️ (supported) |
| cTrader | ✔️ supported | ✔️ supported | ❌ / varies (not core) |
| Match‑Trader / Other Platforms | ❌ | ✔️ Match‑Trader available | ✔️ TraderEvolution / Lux Trader (TradingView) |
| Proprietary Dashboard / Tools | ✔️ performance & analytics tools | Standard dashboards | ✔️ custom risk & performance dashboard |
| TradingView Integration | ❌ direct | Partial via MT5 chart tools | ✔️ directly via Lux Trader (powered by TradingView) |
| Advanced Charting Tools | ✔️ via MT5/MT4 and App Suite tools | ✔️ via MT5/MT4 | ✔️ via TradingView & dashboards |
| Expert Advisors (EAs)/Algo Support | ✔️ on MT4/MT5 | ✔️ on MT4/MT5/ cTrader | ✔️ on MT5 (and possible integrations) |
| Mobile & Web Access | ✔️ via supported platforms | ✔️ via supported platforms | ✔️ via TradingView & platform interfaces |
| Risk/Progress Monitoring Tools | ✔️ detailed analytics & trade logs | ✔️ basic dashboards | ✔️ real‑time risk & performance monitoring |
Fees, Refunds & Overall Cost
| Cost Component | FTMO | FundedNext | Lux Trading Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Challenge Fee | Fixed fee per challenge stage | Varies by program type | Varies by account/challenge |
| Verification Fee | Sometimes required after initial challenge | Included in plan or separate | Part of overall plan cost |
| Recurring Subscription Costs | None | Depends on plan chosen | Depends on challenge/account |
| Profit Split Cost | Higher profit split after funding | Very high profit split (affects trader share) | Standard profit split (lower than others) |
| Withdrawal/Processing Fees | Payment processor fees apply | Payment processor fees apply | Payment processor fees apply |
| Refund Policy | No refunds after challenge begins | Varies by plan; partial/refund options may exist | Varies by challenge terms |
| Re‑Attempt Fees | Pay challenge fee again for each attempt | Must pay again based on chosen model | Pay again based on plan/challenge |
| Hidden Charges | None disclosed beyond standard costs | None disclosed beyond plan cost | None disclosed beyond plan cost |
| Overall Cost to Trader | Challenge + possible re‑tries + standard fees | Plan fee + re‑tries + processor fees | Plan fee + re‑tries + processor fees |
Features
FTMO Features
- Two-stage evaluations are more{**} structured (Challenge + Verification)
- Profit splits are high (up to ~90%)
- Risk parameters are defined (daily max loss and drawdown limits)
- Risk parameters are defined (daily max loss and drawdown limits)
- Fixed limits for each evaluation stage are time-based
- Top performers qualify for a scalability program
- Community support includes educational resources
- Transparency and an established reputation
FundedNext Features
- Two-step and one-step evaluations are more{**} flexible (instant models)
- Profit share is Very high (up to ~95%+)
- Payouts are often fast (some within ~24 hours)
- Evaluation models to share profits even during evaluation
- A variety of platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, etc.) is supported
- Performance growth results in Large scaling potential
- Many plans lack strict time limits
- Plans are aimed at beginner and advanced traders
Lux Trading Firm Features
- Evaluation models are singular with less relaxed rules
- Targets for profit are lower, and challenges are easier to complete.
- Evaluation processes with Flexible or no strict time limits
- Highly successful traders earn **high potential for scaling.
- Funded accounts offer lucrative payouts.
- Available platforms include MT4, Trading View, and others.
- Help materials and risk tips
- Emphasis on developing traders over the long term
Pros & Cons
FTMO – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Evaluation process is well structured and tested
- After full verification, traders are entitled to a high profit split of up to ~90%
- Strict risk management is designed to build disciplined traders
- Popular platforms are supported (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
- Well regarded and reputable
- Transparent policies
Cons
- Time limits can be discouraging
- Lower profit split in the beginning
- For more aggressive traders, rules can feel like a barrier
- No profit share during evaluation
FundedNext – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flexible challenge (1,2 step, instant)
- Most of the time, quicker payouts are given compared to others
- As long as some plans hold during evaluation, profit share is granted
- There is ample scaling for traders who are consistent
- There are no strict time limits for the challenges
Cons
- Recently started, so a growing market is yet to be established
- More complex plan terms can be difficult to decipher
- For some beginners, this can be confusing
Lux Trading Firm – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower profit targets, easier for many traders to achieve
- No strict time limits on evaluation phases
- Extremely high scaling potential, up to multi-million dollar accounts
- Competitive payouts once you’re funded
- More relaxed rules for execution in general
Cons
- Profit splits are generally less than FTMO/FundedNext
- Less established firms do not provide as much reputation and trust
- Less standardized risk rules
- Community and educational resources are lacking.
Customer Support & Community
| Feature | FTMO | FundedNext | Lux Trading Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support Channels | Email, live chat, support ticket | Live chat, email, support ticket | Email, live chat, support portal |
| Response Speed | Typically quick responses | Very fast support responses | Standard response times |
| 24/7 Availability | Not always 24/7 | Often extended hours | Usually business hours / extended |
| Dedicated Account Manager | Available for funded traders | Available for some plans | Available for funded accounts |
| Educational Resources | Guides, FAQs, blog articles | Tutorials, FAQs, guides | FAQs and basic tutorials |
| Community Presence | Active trader community forums | Growing social media groups | Emerging group/community channels |
| Webinars & Training | Regular webinars / learning events | Occasional webinars & training | Occasional events and sessions |
| Multilingual Support | Yes (multiple languages) | Yes (multiple languages) | Yes (select languages) |
| Social Media Engagement | Active on major platforms | Active with updates & support | Active with updates |
| User Feedback Channels | Surveys, feedback forms | Feedback via support channels | Feedback via support |
Conclusion
Your trading style, objectives, and priorities will determine which prop trading company is best for you. For traders looking for a methodical, tried-and-true evaluation procedure with unambiguous guidelines and a solid international reputation, FTMO is perfect.
FundedNext appeals to traders who appreciate speed and flexibility because of its unique challenge options, large profit splits, and quick rewards.
Lux Trading Firm appeals to traders seeking long-term growth and larger accounts because of its lenient evaluation procedures, lower profit targets, and strong scaling potential. Whether you favor structure, flexibility, or scalability in your trading journey will ultimately determine the optimal option.
FAQ
FTMO focuses on a structured two-step evaluation with clear rules, FundedNext offers flexible challenge options and fast payouts, while Lux Trading emphasizes high scaling potential and relaxed evaluation rules.
FundedNext generally provides the highest profit split (up to 95% or more), followed by FTMO (~90%) and Lux Trading (~75%).
Yes, all three firms offer swap-free (Islamic) accounts, though terms and availability may vary by firm.
FTMO has fixed time limits for each phase, FundedNext varies depending on the challenge type, and Lux Trading often has no strict time limits, giving more flexibility.