Prop Firm Comparison: Where They Truly Differ
The table below lists each firm’s hard numbers. This article highlights the differences that actually change your trading experience—so you can spot which firm fits your strategy in seconds.
Finotive Funding
ActiveHU2–4 yrs
Finotive Funding, headquartered in Hungary, is an innovative proprietary trading firm launched in 2021 with a focus on trader empowerment through transparent rules, scalable funding, and fast payouts. Their unique salary program (Finotive Pro) offers a steady income alongside profit sharing.
The5%ers (The5ers)
ActiveIL5+ yrs
The5ers (The5%) is a well-established Israel-based proprietary trading firm founded in 2016. It offers live funded accounts from day one, flexible trading styles, and an extended six-month evaluation program. Traders can scale their accounts up to $4 million with profit splits up to 100%. The5ers supports a wide range of tradable assets including forex, crypto, indices, commodities, and metals. They allow various trading strategies, including news and algorithm trading, with strict but fair risk controls. The firm has a positive reputation with thousands of traders worldwide praising their transparency, customer support, and low fees.
Key Differences
Note: Information is for reference only; please visit the firm’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
Criteria
Finotive Funding
ActiveHU2–4 yrs
The5%ers (The5ers)
ActiveIL5+ yrs
Scaling:
Yes, multi-level scaling plan with upgrades tied to performance
Scale by doubling account every milestone; up to $4 million
Max Allocation:
Up to $3,000,000 (via scaling)
Up to $4,000,000
Model / Profit Targets:
1-step and 2-step Challenge; Instant Funding and Finotive Pro salary program
Multi-level: Free Bootcamp challenge, Instant Funding, High Stakes, Hyper Growth
Time Limits:
No strict time limits; progress tracked through trading days and consistency metrics
Up to 6 months for evaluation; unlimited time for funded accounts
DD (Daily/Overall):
Daily drawdown 5%; max drawdown 10%; max risk varies by account type
Daily max drawdown 5%; overall drawdown max 10%
Max Loss:
10% max loss
10% overall max loss
News Trading:
Allowed
Allowed, with restrictions around high-impact news periods
Payout:
Weekly payouts possible; instant payout processing available; minimum withdrawal not specified
Bi-weekly payouts; instant profit withdrawals after qualification
Split:
Up to 95% profit split depending on account type
Up to 100% profit split
Platforms:
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
MetaTrader 5
Tradable Assets:
Forex, Metals, Indices, Energy, Crypto, Stocks
Forex, cryptocurrencies, indices, commodities, metals
Commissions & Spreads:
N/A
Tight variable spreads (from 0.0 pips); low commissions
Country Access:
N/A
Global excluding US, North Korea, sanctioned countries
Reputation:
N/A
EAs allowed excluding signal copying, arbitrage, scalping; hedging within accounts allowed
Pros & Cons
Finotive Funding — Pros
- Up to 95% profit split depending on account type and performance.
- No evaluation time limit, allowing flexible pacing.
- Multiple tracks including 1-step and 2-step challenges.
- Instant/direct funding style products are available in some programs.
- Fast payout processing with bi-weekly options and same-day methods reported.
- Scaling program is available to expand allocation over time.
- Supports MetaTrader platforms (MT4/MT5).
- Broad instrument coverage across FX, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and crypto.
Finotive Funding — Cons
- Daily and overall loss limits can be strict relative to some peers.
- Certain strategy restrictions may apply depending on the program.
- Regional access may be limited depending on brokerage and compliance.
The5%ers (The5ers) — Pros
- Profit split can reach 100% on certain programs.
- No evaluation time limit, allowing flexible pacing.
- Instant/direct funding option is available for immediate capital access.
- News trading is allowed, enabling event-driven strategies.
- Regular bi-weekly payout cadence keeps cash flow moving.
- Scale by doubling account at milestones, with paths up to ~$4,000,000.
- Supports MetaTrader 5.
- Broad instrument coverage across FX, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and crypto.
The5%ers (The5ers) — Cons
- Daily loss limits are on the tighter side compared with some peers.
- Subject to regional restrictions; not all countries are eligible.
Model & Time Limits: Pace vs. Pressure
- Instant / One-step models favor traders who want quick funding and minimal phases—usually higher fees but faster start.
- Two-phase models trim upfront cost and add verification, but Time Limits can add pressure if you need more trades to realize edge.
- No time limit or lenient windows reduce forced trades; tight windows reward fast, high-activity approaches.
Risk Rules: DD (Daily/Overall) & Max Loss
- Stricter Daily DD = tougher for scalpers during volatility; looser Daily DD = more room for heat intraday.
- Higher Overall DD / Max Loss cushions swing holds; lower buffers suit disciplined, tight-stop systems.
- News Trading allowed favors event traders; restricted news reduces gap risk but limits catalysts.
Payout & Split: Cash Flow vs. Percentage
- Earlier first payout (7–14 days) + frequent cycles = smoother cash flow—even if the split is slightly lower.
- Higher splits shine only if timing, caps, and fees don’t slow you down.
- When two firms tie on split, choose the one with fewer payout frictions (methods, fees, thresholds).
Scaling / Max Allocation: Real Path vs. Big Number
- Clear, incremental scaling (defined profit targets & min days) beats a flashy Max Allocation you’ll rarely reach.
- Shorter milestones reward consistent returns; longer gates suit patient compounding.
Platforms & Tradable Assets: Execution Fit
- Multiple platforms (MT4/MT5/cTrader/TradingView) = flexibility. Single-platform firms can be fine if execution is stable.
- Broader asset lists (indices, FX, commodities, crypto, stocks) unlock more setups; narrow menus force concentration risk.
Commissions: Quiet Edge Eroder
- Lower per-lot/contract commissions preserve edge for active traders; higher costs can negate a better split.
- When two firms feel identical, pick the cheaper fill—it compounds every session.
Restricted Countries: Eligibility & Payout Practicalities
- Check Restricted Countries first—eligibility, KYC friction, and payout rails differ by region.
- If your country is borderline, choose firms with clear guidance and multiple withdrawal methods.
Pros & Cons: How to Read Them Quickly
- Generous drawdown but stricter news → great for non-event strategies.
- Fast payouts but higher commissions → suits low-turnover setups.
- Big scaling but tight time limits → favors high-activity traders.
Make the Call in 5 Checks
- Model & Time — need speed (instant/1-step) or flexibility (no/lenient limits)?
- Risk Rules — DD & Max Loss align with your drawdown profile?
- Payout Mechanics — first payout timing & cycle fit your cash flow?
- Scaling Reality — milestones you can actually hit?
- Costs & Execution — commissions + platform stability ok for your style?
Then use the table’s Discount link, check Trustpilot sentiment, and Visit website for fine print.
FAQs
What’s the fastest path to first payout?
Firms with early first payout windows (often 7–14 days) and weekly/bi-weekly cycles. Confirm fees and caps.
Which firms suit news/event traders?
Those explicitly allowing news trading or with clearly defined windows. If restricted, plan around releases.
How do I break a tie between two similar firms?
Pick the one with looser Daily DD, cheaper commissions, or simpler payout rules—whichever matters most to your P&L.
