NEOMAAA Funded vs FTMO: Which Prop Firm Wins in 2026?

How I compare firms: This comparison is built from accounts I'm actively running at both firms. I've gone through the onboarding, tested the platforms, and studied the rule sets firsthand. NEOMAAA Funded is one of my current prop firms alongside Lucid Trading, TakeProfitTrader, and e8 Markets.

For the full breakdown of NEOMAAA Funded's evaluation structure, account types, payout system, and what makes them different from other prop firms, check out my complete NEOMAAA Funded review. For the absolute latest, check NEOMAAA Funded's website or their help center.

NEOMAAA Funded and FTMO are both forex-focused prop firms offering MT5, but the drawdown mechanics, pricing structures, and trust profiles are different enough that picking the wrong one will cost you real money.

FTMO is the biggest name in forex prop trading. Prague-based, operating since 2015, 4.8/5 on Trustpilot, static 10% drawdown from day one. NEOMAAA Funded is a Dubai-based firm that launched in September 2024 with seven account types, trailing-to-static drawdown conversion, and a lower price point on comparable accounts.

I'm running NEOMAAA accounts right now. I've studied FTMO's rule set cover to cover. This comparison covers every angle that actually matters for your trading and your wallet.

How Do NEOMAAA Funded and FTMO Compare Overall?

As of March 2026, here's the full side-by-side breakdown.

FTMO takes more categories on paper. But several of NEOMAAA's wins carry outsized weight depending on your situation. Let me break down the categories that actually move the needle.

How Does the Drawdown Differ Between NEOMAAA Funded and FTMO?

This is the single most important comparison point between these two firms.

FTMO uses a 10% static max drawdown from day one. On a $100K account, the drawdown floor sits at $90,000 and never moves. If your balance grows to $115,000, the floor is still $90,000. You now have $25,000 of room instead of $10,000. Static drawdown rewards winning streaks because the buffer keeps expanding.

NEOMAAA Funded uses a trailing max drawdown that converts to static after the first funded payout. On a $100K 2-Step Origin account, the 8% trailing drawdown starts at $92,000. If your balance hits $108,000, the floor trails up to $100,000. Your room stays at $8,000 regardless of how much you earn. Until the first payout lands and the floor locks in place.

For the evaluation phase, FTMO's static drawdown is objectively easier to manage. You can build a profit cushion and then adjust your risk accordingly. With NEOMAAA's trailing drawdown, your cushion never grows during evaluation because the floor chases your equity higher.

After the first payout, NEOMAAA's drawdown converts to static and the playing field levels out. But getting to that first payout requires navigating the trailing phase, and that's the harder part.

I'll be direct: if drawdown mechanics are your primary concern, FTMO has the structural advantage. The 10% static from day one gives more effective room than NEOMAAA's 7-8% trailing. This is the number one reason traders choose FTMO over most competitors.

What Does a $100K Evaluation Cost at Each Firm?

As of March 2026, a $100K FTMO Challenge costs approximately $540. At NEOMAAA Funded, a $100K 2-Step Origin account costs $485. The 1-Step Origin is $596, the 1-Step Prime is $640, and the Instant Prime (no evaluation at all) runs $999.

The $55 savings on the 2-Step comparison isn't dramatic, but it adds up across multiple attempts. If you fail three evaluations at each firm:

• FTMO: 3 x $540 = $1,620
• NEOMAAA 2-Step Origin: 3 x $485 = $1,455

$165 difference across three attempts. Not life-changing, but not nothing.

FTMO refunds the Challenge fee with your first profit split if you pass and get funded. NEOMAAA Funded refunds 100% of the evaluation fee at the second withdrawal. So FTMO gets you the refund faster, but NEOMAAA does eventually return the fee too.

For a trader who passes first try and reaches their first payout quickly, FTMO's effective cost drops to $0 before NEOMAAA's refund kicks in. FTMO wins on refund speed.

Where NEOMAAA has a clear pricing edge is at the lower end. The NOVA account costs $300 for a $100K account with tighter rules and a 30-day limit. FTMO doesn't have anything at that price point. For budget-conscious traders testing their approach, NEOMAAA's range is wider.

How Many Account Types Does Each Firm Offer?

NEOMAAA Funded offers seven account types: 1-Step Origin, 2-Step Origin, 1-Step Prime, 2-Step Prime, NOVA 1-Step, Instant Prime, and Instant Origin. Each has different pricing, targets, drawdown limits, and payout cycles.

FTMO offers one evaluation structure (the FTMO Challenge plus Verification) in multiple account sizes from $10K to $200K. Same rules across all sizes.

Having seven options means you can match the rules to your trading personality. Aggressive with a high daily DD tolerance? 2-Step Prime with 5% daily. Want instant funding and no evaluation? Pay more for Instant Prime. Budget entry? NOVA at $300.

FTMO's one-size-fits-all approach means everyone trades under identical conditions. 10% profit target in Phase 1, 5% in Phase 2, 5% daily DD, 10% max DD. There's value in that simplicity. No second-guessing whether you picked the right account type. No paralysis at checkout.

For traders who've been through multiple prop firms and know their style, NEOMAAA's variety is a real advantage. For traders who just want to start an evaluation and go, FTMO's simplicity removes an entire layer of decision-making.

Which Firm Pays a Higher Profit Split?

FTMO starts at 80% and can reach 90% through the scaling plan after consistent performance over 4+ months.

NEOMAAA Funded starts at 70% and can scale to 90%.

On a $5,000 payout:

• FTMO at 80%: $4,000 to you
• NEOMAAA at 70%: $3,500 to you

That's $500 per payout. Over ten payouts of $5,000, FTMO puts $5,000 more in your pocket assuming you haven't reached the 90% tier on either firm.

Once both reach 90%, the payout is identical. FTMO gets there faster because it starts higher. The gap exists primarily in the first few months of funded trading.

If you're evaluating purely on payout math, FTMO's 80% starting split is a meaningful advantage over NEOMAAA's 70%.

What Platforms Does Each Firm Support?

Both firms support MT5. If that's your platform, you're covered either way.

FTMO adds MT4, cTrader, and DXtrade. MT4 is still widely used for its simplicity and massive library of custom indicators. cTrader is popular for its clean interface and advanced order types. DXtrade is a browser-based option.

NEOMAAA Funded offers MT5 and TradeLocker. TradeLocker is browser-based, lightweight, and growing in the prop trading space. No installation required, works from any device.

If you use MT4 or cTrader, FTMO is your only option in this comparison. If you prefer browser-based trading without installing anything, both firms have options (FTMO with DXtrade, NEOMAAA with TradeLocker). If MT5 is all you need, either firm works.

FTMO's four-platform lineup gives it the edge for traders who are locked into a specific platform.

How Does Trust Compare Between a 10-Year Firm and an 18-Month Firm?

I won't sugarcoat this one. FTMO is the benchmark for trust in the forex prop trading industry.

Operating since 2015, based in the Czech Republic, 4.8/5 on Trustpilot with tens of thousands of reviews, publicly verifiable payout records, media coverage, and sponsorships. FTMO built the blueprint that most modern forex prop firms follow.

NEOMAAA Funded launched in September 2024. Roughly 18 months of operation as of March 2026. 4.3/5 on Trustpilot. Based in Dubai through Neom Triple A Information Technology L.L.C. The early reviews are positive, and the firm is growing, but the trust gap is significant and cannot be closed quickly.

If you're the type of trader who places safety and proven track record above everything else, FTMO is the obvious choice. If you're comfortable trading with a newer firm because the price and rule structure fit your needs, NEOMAAA is building credibility. But it hasn't earned the decade of trust FTMO carries.

Does the News Restriction Matter?

NEOMAAA Funded restricts opening new positions within 5 minutes before and after Tier 1 news events on funded accounts. This rule was introduced in September 2025. During the evaluation phase, there's no news restriction.

FTMO has a 2-minute restriction around high-impact news on certain instruments. The specifics vary, and FTMO also offers a separate Swing account type with different news-related conditions.

Both firms have some form of news limitation. Neither is fully unrestricted. If news trading is a major part of your edge, read both firms' current rules carefully before committing. The restrictions are similar in practice, though NEOMAAA's 5-minute window is wider than FTMO's 2-minute window.

How Do the Refund Policies Stack Up?

FTMO refunds the full Challenge fee with your first profit split on the funded account. Pay $540, pass both phases, and that $540 comes back to you as part of your first payout.

NEOMAAA Funded refunds 100% of the evaluation fee at the second withdrawal. You need to pass, get funded, and make two successful payouts before the refund hits.

For a trader who passes on the first attempt:

• FTMO: fee back at first payout (faster)
• NEOMAAA: fee back at second payout (slower, but still a full refund)

Both firms eventually return your money. FTMO does it sooner. For a trader who fails twice and passes on the third try, neither firm refunds the failed attempts, only the successful one.

What About Scaling Potential?

FTMO offers accounts up to $200K at the initial Challenge level. Through the scaling plan, account size increases over time with consistent profitability, and the profit split bumps to 90%.

NEOMAAA Funded caps initial accounts at $100K but offers scaling up to $400K. The path doubles your capital quarterly if you maintain 10% net profit and keep daily losses under 5%.

If you want to start with a $200K account from day one, FTMO is the direct option. If you're looking at maximum long-term scaling ceiling, NEOMAAA's $400K target is higher.

Realistic take: the vast majority of traders won't reach maximum scaling at either firm. Focus on passing the evaluation and making consistent payouts before worrying about $400K accounts. But if long-term scaling matters in your plan, NEOMAAA's ceiling is the higher of the two.

Who Should Pick NEOMAAA Funded Over FTMO?

NEOMAAA Funded fits better if you want to spend less per evaluation attempt. $485 vs $540 on a 2-Step, and the NOVA at $300 has no FTMO equivalent.

You prefer choosing from multiple account types. Seven options vs one means you can match rules to your risk tolerance.

You want a 1-Step or Instant Funding option. FTMO only offers their standard 2-Step Challenge.

Budget is tight. NEOMAAA's NOVA account puts $100K of capital within reach for $300.

Long-term scaling ceiling matters to you. NEOMAAA scales to $400K.

Who Should Pick FTMO Over NEOMAAA Funded?

FTMO fits better if drawdown mechanics are your top priority. 10% static from day one is easier to manage than trailing drawdown during evaluation.

Trust and track record matter most. Ten years vs eighteen months. No comparison.

You want the fee refunded at your first payout. FTMO returns it sooner than NEOMAAA.

You use MT4, cTrader, or DXtrade. NEOMAAA doesn't support any of these.

You want a higher starting profit split. FTMO's 80% beats NEOMAAA's starting 70%.

You want a $200K account without scaling. FTMO offers it from day one.

The bottom line: FTMO is the safer, more established choice with a better drawdown structure, faster fee refund, and higher starting profit split. NEOMAAA Funded competes on price, account variety, and evaluation flexibility. If you're a confident trader who passes evaluations on the first attempt, FTMO's static drawdown and fee refund make it hard to beat. If you need budget options, diverse account types, a 1-step path, or you're drawn to the trailing-to-static conversion that locks your floor after the first payout, NEOMAAA fills gaps FTMO doesn't cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NEOMAAA Funded cheaper than FTMO for a $100K account?

NEOMAAA Funded is cheaper per evaluation attempt. A $100K 2-Step Origin account at NEOMAAA Funded costs $485 compared to approximately $540 at FTMO. NEOMAAA also offers a NOVA $100K account for just $300 with tighter rules. FTMO refunds the Challenge fee at the first payout, while NEOMAAA Funded refunds at the second withdrawal.

Does FTMO use a trailing drawdown like NEOMAAA Funded?

No. FTMO uses a 10% static max drawdown from day one on all account sizes. The drawdown floor is fixed at the starting balance minus 10% and never moves, regardless of how high your balance grows. NEOMAAA Funded uses a trailing drawdown (4-8% depending on account type) that follows your highest equity upward and converts to static only after the first funded payout.

Which firm has a better profit split?

FTMO starts at an 80% profit split and can reach 90% through the scaling plan. NEOMAAA Funded starts at 70% and scales to 90%. On a $5,000 payout, FTMO at 80% sends $4,000 to your account, while NEOMAAA Funded at 70% sends $3,500. FTMO pays more per payout from day one until both firms reach the 90% tier.

Can I use MT4 or cTrader on NEOMAAA Funded?

No. NEOMAAA Funded only supports MT5 and TradeLocker as of March 2026. FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade. If you depend on MT4-specific indicators or EAs, or if you prefer cTrader's execution model, FTMO is the only option between these two firms.

Does NEOMAAA Funded offer a 1-Step evaluation?

Yes. NEOMAAA Funded offers multiple 1-Step options: 1-Step Origin ($596 for $100K with a 10% profit target), 1-Step Prime ($640 for $100K with tighter drawdown), and NOVA 1-Step ($300 for $100K with a 6% target and 30-day limit). FTMO only offers a 2-Step evaluation consisting of the FTMO Challenge followed by a Verification phase.

Which firm has more lenient drawdown rules?

FTMO's 10% static max drawdown from day one is more lenient in practice during the evaluation phase. On FTMO, a $100K account always maintains a $90,000 floor. On NEOMAAA Funded, the trailing drawdown chases your equity upward, so your effective room never increases during evaluation. After NEOMAAA Funded's first payout, the drawdown converts to static and becomes comparable in feel, but the evaluation phase at FTMO is structurally easier.

How do news trading rules compare between NEOMAAA Funded and FTMO?

NEOMAAA Funded restricts opening new positions within 5 minutes before and after Tier 1 economic events on funded accounts. During NEOMAAA's evaluation phase, there is no news restriction. FTMO restricts trading within 2 minutes of high-impact news on certain instruments. Both firms have some news limitations, though NEOMAAA Funded's 5-minute window is wider than FTMO's 2-minute window.

Is FTMO more trustworthy than NEOMAAA Funded?

FTMO has a significant trust advantage. FTMO has been operating since 2015, carries a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating with tens of thousands of reviews, and is widely considered the most established forex prop firm in the industry. NEOMAAA Funded launched in September 2024, holds a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating, and is still building its track record. The trust gap is real and meaningful for risk-conscious traders.

Does FTMO refund the challenge fee faster than NEOMAAA Funded?

Yes. FTMO refunds the full Challenge fee with your first profit split on the funded account. NEOMAAA Funded refunds 100% of the evaluation fee at the second withdrawal, meaning you need two successful payouts before the refund arrives. Both firms offer a full refund of the evaluation fee for successful traders, but FTMO delivers it sooner.

Can I scale beyond $200K at NEOMAAA Funded or FTMO?

NEOMAAA Funded's scaling plan allows funded accounts to grow from $100K to $200K to $400K based on consistent quarterly performance (10% net profit and daily losses under 5%). FTMO offers initial accounts up to $200K and includes a scaling plan that increases account size over time. NEOMAAA Funded's maximum scaled account ceiling of $400K is higher than FTMO's initial starting range, but reaching maximum scale at either firm requires months of consistent profitability.