Two-Step Evaluation FTMO The Trading Pit

FTMO vs The Trading Pit – Two-Step Evaluations

This analysis provides a definitive, side-by-side comparison to help you choose the ideal prop firm for your trading career. We dissect every critical aspect of their two-step programs: FTMO’s Evaluation Program and The Trading Pit’s Prime Two-phase Evaluation.

Short verdict: The Trading Pit is easier to pass (lower Phase 1 target), while FTMO offers a higher ceiling (leverage, reputation, and profit split up to 90%).

Executive Summary

FTMO: The Industry Benchmark

Best for traders who prioritize a proven track record, higher leverage, and a superior long-term profit split. It demands slightly more skill to pass but offers greater rewards.

The Trading Pit: The Accessible Challenger

Best for traders seeking an easier path to funding with lower profit targets, while still benefiting from top-tier features like a balance-based drawdown.

Phase-by-Phase Objective Analysis

Evaluation Phase	FTMO	The Trading Pit	Analysis
Phase 1 Profit Target	10%	8% Easier	The Trading Pit is 20% easier in Phase 1. This is the most significant differentiator.
Phase 2 Profit Target	5%	5%	Tie. Both firms have an identical and reasonable target for the final phase.
Total Profit Required	15%	13% Lower Total	The Trading Pit requires 13.3% less total profit to become funded.
Max Daily Loss	5%	5%	Tie. Standard and manageable risk limit.
Max Loss	10%	10%	Tie. Standard overall risk limit.
Drawdown Type	Balance-Based	Balance-Based Trader-friendly	Tie (Major Win for Traders). Both use the fairest drawdown model, calculated from initial balance.

Verdict on Passing the Challenge: The Trading Pit is objectively easier to pass due to its lower Phase 1 and total profit targets. This is the most crucial factor for many traders.

Trading Rules & Flexibility

Rule / Feature	FTMO	The Trading Pit	Analysis
Minimum Trading Days	4 Days (per phase) More Flexible	5 Days (per phase)	FTMO is more flexible. It allows you to pass one day faster in each phase.
Maximum Trading Period	Unlimited	Unlimited	Tie. Both offer no time pressure, a huge advantage.
Weekend Holding	Allowed on Swing Accounts	Allowed More Flexible	The Trading Pit is more flexible. Allows weekend holding on all account types.
News Trading	Prohibited	Prohibited	Tie. Both restrict trading around high-impact news events.
Leverage	Up to 1:100 Higher	Up to 1:50	FTMO offers more power. Crucial for certain forex and crypto strategies.

Verdict on Trading Flexibility: Split decision. FTMO wins on minimum trading days and leverage. The Trading Pit wins on weekend holding. Choose based on what matters to your strategy.

Funded Account & Earning Potential

Feature	FTMO	The Trading Pit	Analysis
Starting Profit Split	80%	80%	Tie. Both offer a competitive starting split.
Maximum Profit Split	90% Higher Ceiling	80%	FTMO has a higher ceiling. Its scaling plan increases your profit share.
First Payout	14 Calendar Days	14 Calendar Days	Tie. Standard two-week waiting period.
Payout Frequency	Bi-weekly	Bi-weekly	Tie. Consistent and reliable payout cycles.
Scaling Plan	+25% account size every 4 months.	+25% after 2 months & 2 payouts.	FTMO is more structured; TTP is potentially faster.
Account Currency Options	USD, GBP, EUR, CZK, CAD, AUD, CHF More Options	Primarily EUR/USD	FTMO offers more flexibility for international traders.

Verdict on Earnings: FTMO provides better long-term value due to scaling up profit split to 90%. The Trading Pit can scale account size faster, but profit split remains at 80%.

Cost, Trust & Support

Aspect	FTMO	The Trading Pit	Analysis
Price ($100k Account)	€540 (~$585) Cheaper	€569 (~$615)	FTMO is slightly more affordable.
Trustpilot Score	4.8/5 (22,500+ reviews) Leader	4.3/5 (590+ reviews)	FTMO is the proven leader by score and review volume.
Founded In	2015 More Proven	2022	FTMO has more longevity and stability.
Educational Resources	Extensive (Academy, Psychologists, Blog) Superior	Good (Blog, Webinars, Podcasts)	FTMO’s educational support is stronger.
Customer Support	Live Chat, Phone, Email, Discord	Live Chat, Phone, Email, Discord	Tie. Both offer robust multi-channel support.

Verdict on Reputation & Value: FTMO is the undisputed leader in trust and resources. You are paying a similar price for a company with a much longer and more proven track record.

Final Decision Matrix

Choose FTMO if you are the “Ambitious Professional”

Your priority is long-term earning potential (profit split up to 90%).
You value the security and reputation of the industry’s most proven firm.
Your trading strategy requires high leverage (1:100).
You will benefit from world-class educational and psychological resources.
You are confident in your ability to meet a 10% profit target in Phase 1.

Choose The Trading Pit if you are the “Pragmatic Achiever”

Your #1 goal is to pass the evaluation as easily as possible.
The lower profit target (8% in Phase 1) is a decisive factor for you.
You want the safety of a balance-based drawdown but an easier path to get it.
You are comfortable with standard leverage (1:50) and a fixed 80% profit split.
You prefer the flexibility of weekend holding on a standard account.

The Bottom Line

There is a clear trade-off: Easier Entry vs. Higher Ceiling.

The Trading Pit lowers the barrier to entry, making it the best choice for traders focused primarily on securing a funded account. FTMO sets a slightly higher bar but rewards successful traders with a better long-term partnership, higher leverage, and ultimately, a larger share of the profits.

For most traders seeking the safest bet and the highest potential rewards, FTMO remains the top recommendation. For those who have found the 10% profit target of other firms to be a sticking point, The Trading Pit presents a compelling and easier alternative.

FTMO vs. The Trading Pit: Straight Answer

Choose FTMO if:

You need 1:100 leverage for your strategy.
You want to trade stocks (FTMO offers stocks; The Trading Pit doesn’t in standard accounts).
You value the most established reputation in the industry.
You’re comfortable with a 10% profit target in Phase 1.

Choose The Trading Pit if:

Your main goal is the easiest path to getting funded.
You want lower profit targets (8% vs 10% in Phase 1).
You prefer weekend holding on all account types.
You’re on a slightly tighter budget.

The Real Difference That Matters: The Trading Pit is easier to pass – that 8% vs 10% in Phase 1 is significant.

FTMO offers more long-term – better leverage, stocks trading, and industry-leading reputation.

Go to FTMO Evaluation Go to The Trading Pit (Prime Two-Phase)