Buyer-first forex comparison · reviewed July 25, 2026
FTMO vs Hola Prime Buyer’s Scorecard
Compare the same account size and the same evaluation type. Then compare total attempt cost, how daily and maximum loss are calculated, whether drawdown is static or trailing, the funded-account rules, platform fit, and evidence of trust. Branded challenge names identify products; they are not decision criteria by themselves.
| Decision point | Hola Prime | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Profit split | 80% (bi-weekly / on-demand) up to 95% (monthly); Direct Plan up to 90% | 90% on the 1-Step Challenge |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, DXTrade, cTrader, MatchTrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Founded / base | Hong Kong (Holaprime Limited); MT4/MT5 entity regulated by the FSC of Mauritius | Prague, Czech Republic; operating since 2015 |
Advanced checks before paying
- Calculate all-in attempt cost: evaluation or subscription fee, resets, activation, data or platform fees, and payout charges.
- Convert drawdown into a per-trade loss budget and model your normal losing streak.
- Audit funded-stage consistency, qualifying days, minimum balance, payout cap, number of payouts, scaling, and live-account transition.
- Check the contracting entity, recent complaint themes, support answer for your strategy, and a smaller first payout before scaling purchases.
This scorecard surfaces only decision rows without unresolved verification placeholders. Keep each row tied to the exact account size and program described; verify current checkout and official rules before purchasing.
Choosing between Hola Prime and FTMO comes down to what you actually value as a trader: fast, flexible payouts, or the track record and infrastructure of one of the longest-running names in the prop space. Both run simulated-funding evaluation models, both operate across well over 100 countries (Hola Prime cites 175+, FTMO 140+), and both pay out performance-based rewards. But the way they price challenges, structure leverage, and handle withdrawals is different enough that the “right” firm really does depend on your style. This guide breaks down the differences using each firm’s own published information so you can match them to how you trade.
Last verified: June 6, 2026. Firm-specific figures below are drawn from each company’s official website (HolaPrime.com and FTMO.com) on that date. Prop firm rules, fees, and payout terms change frequently, so confirm current details on each firm’s site before purchasing. BestProps does not guarantee the accuracy of firm marketing claims and discourages attempting to bypass any firm’s restricted-country or eligibility rules.
Hola Prime vs FTMO at a glance
| Feature | Hola Prime | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Founded / base | Hong Kong (Holaprime Limited); MT4/MT5 entity regulated by the FSC of Mauritius | Prague, Czech Republic; operating since 2015 |
| Model | Simulated evaluation (Pro, Prime, One Challenge, Direct Account) | Simulated evaluation (1-Step Challenge, 2-Step Evaluation) |
| Max account size | Up to $300K (up to $2M via Prime Circle) | Up to $200,000 |
| Profit split | 80% (bi-weekly / on-demand) up to 95% (monthly); Direct Plan up to 90% | 90% on the 1-Step Challenge |
| Payout speed | Advertised ~1 hour (firm-cited ~33 min average) | “Fast and easy” withdrawals (timeframe not specified here) FTMO allows a reward request on day 14 or later after the account’s first trade; review normally takes 1–2 business days, and payment is typically sent 1–2 business days after invoice approval (official withdrawal guide) |
| Markets | Forex and Futures | Forex and CFDs across simulated symbols |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, DXTrade, cTrader, MatchTrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Starting fee | From $39 | Price varies by size and product; for a comparable $100K 2-Step configuration, FTMO displayed €439 promotional / €540 reference when checked July 25, 2026 (official pricing) |
| Free trial | No current forex free-trial offer was found on Hola Prime’s official product pages reviewed July 25, 2026; confirm with support before treating a trial as available | Yes, no time limit |
| Support | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 in 20 languages |
What is Hola Prime?
Hola Prime positions itself as “the most transparent prop firm,” and its public messaging centers on two things: speed and clarity around payouts. According to the firm, its average payout processing time is about 33 minutes, with a fastest recorded time under four minutes, and it markets a “1-hour payout” promise backed by what it calls a 10-Point Solid Payout System. Hola Prime also says its payout system was reviewed by Deloitte and that it holds ISO 9001, 22301, and 27001 certifications.
Structurally, Hola Prime offers Forex programs (Pro Challenge, Prime Challenge, One Challenge, and a Direct Account) plus a Futures lineup, with a scaling plan that increases capital as you stay consistent. Account sizes run up to $300K, and its Prime Circle program advertises capital up to $2M for funded traders. Starting fees begin at $39, and the firm runs frequent discounts.
One detail worth noting: Hola Prime publishes an evaluation pass rate of 35% (for traders who attempted at least one evaluation between November 2024 and May 2025) and states plainly that its challenge is “difficult to pass even for experienced traders.” Like all firms in this space, Hola Prime provides simulated trading only and does not act as a broker.
What is FTMO?
FTMO has been operating since 2015 and is one of the most recognizable names in modern prop trading. Based in Prague, it reports 3.5M+ customers worldwide, more than $500M paid in rewards, presence in 140+ countries, and a customer support team covering 20 languages around the clock. Its Trustpilot rating sits at 4.8/5 by its own citation.
FTMO’s model centers on two products: the 1-Step FTMO Challenge and the 2-Step Evaluation Process. Pass the Trading Objectives and you gain a simulated FTMO Account where you trade for performance-based rewards. The 1-Step product advertises a 90% split on simulated profits. Accounts scale up to $200,000 in simulated capital, and FTMO offers a Scaling Plan plus a Premium Programme for top performers. A standout for newcomers: FTMO offers a free trial with no time limit, so you can practice the evaluation setup before paying.
FTMO supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader, and distinguishes between Standard and Swing account types, where the Swing type removes restrictions on trading during news releases and holding positions overnight or over weekends. As with Hola Prime, all FTMO accounts are demo accounts in a simulated setting.
How Hola Prime and FTMO differ
Evaluation model and challenges
Both firms gate funding behind a paid evaluation. FTMO keeps it simple with a clear 1-Step or 2-Step path and a free, no-time-limit trial that lowers the barrier to testing the waters. Hola Prime offers more program variety (Pro, Prime, One Challenge, and a Direct Account that skips straight to a funded simulation), which gives experienced traders more ways to customize the setup, at the cost of a slightly steeper learning curve when choosing.
Profit splits and payouts
This is where the two diverge most. Hola Prime leans into payout flexibility, offering an 80% split for bi-weekly or on-demand withdrawals, up to 95% for monthly, and up to 90% on the Direct Plan. Combined with its advertised one-hour processing, that makes Hola Prime attractive to traders who want frequent access to their earnings. FTMO advertises a 90% split on its 1-Step Challenge and emphasizes “fast and easy” withdrawals, though it doesn’t put a specific clock on processing time in its public homepage copy. FTMO allows a reward request on day 14 or later after the account’s first trade; review normally takes 1–2 business days, and payment is typically sent 1–2 business days after invoice approval (official withdrawal guide)
Leverage and trading rules
Hola Prime tiers leverage by account: Pro Accounts offer up to 100:1 for aggressive, momentum-driven traders, while Prime Accounts use 30:1 and explicitly allow weekend holding and news trading without restriction. FTMO handles flexibility through its Standard vs. Swing account types, where Swing accounts remove news and overnight/weekend restrictions. If your strategy depends on holding through news or over weekends, both firms can accommodate you, but you’ll want to pick the right account type up front.
Markets and platforms
Hola Prime covers both Forex and Futures and supports a wide platform set (MT4, MT5, DXTrade, cTrader, MatchTrader). FTMO supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader. If futures are central to your approach, Hola Prime’s dedicated futures lineup is the more direct fit; if you’re a forex- or CFD-focused trader who values platform familiarity and a deep tooling ecosystem, FTMO is well covered.
Pricing and account sizes
Hola Prime advertises starting fees from $39 and account sizes up to $300K, with Prime Circle scaling to $2M. FTMO scales to $200,000 in simulated capital and offers a free trial to test before buying. Exact challenge pricing varies by account size and current promotions on both sides, so check each firm’s live pricing page before committing. Price varies by size and product; for a comparable $100K 2-Step configuration, FTMO displayed €439 promotional / €540 reference when checked July 25, 2026 (official pricing)
Track record and transparency
FTMO’s biggest advantage is longevity and scale: a decade in operation, millions of customers, and half a billion dollars in cited rewards give it a track record few competitors match. Hola Prime is newer but leans hard into transparency signals: a published pass rate, a Deloitte payout-system review, ISO certifications, and a public payout transparency report. Both approaches have merit; established traders often weigh FTMO’s history, while payout-focused traders are drawn to Hola Prime’s openness around withdrawals.
Which prop firm fits your trading style
Our take, based on each firm’s published terms: if you trade actively and want your profits in hand quickly and often, Hola Prime’s fast, flexible payouts and higher monthly split lean in your favor. If you hold longer or trade news and weekends, both work, so just choose Hola Prime’s Prime Account or FTMO’s Swing type.
If you’re newer and want to practice the evaluation setup risk-free before paying, FTMO’s free, no-time-limit trial is hard to beat, and its decade-long track record and large educational library offer reassurance. If futures are core to your strategy, Hola Prime’s dedicated futures programs give you a more direct path. One more consideration: FTMO is an established, EU-based firm operating since 2015, while Hola Prime is a newer operation whose MT4/MT5 entity is regulated offshore by the FSC of Mauritius, so longevity and regulatory setup are worth considering alongside features.
There’s also no rule that says you must pick one. Some traders run an account at each firm to diversify across payout structures and rule sets, a point experienced traders in community discussions frequently raise. Just remember that every dollar of evaluation fees is real even though the trading is simulated, so size your commitment to your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hola Prime a legit prop firm?
Hola Prime is an operating prop firm that provides simulated trading evaluations. It publishes ISO certifications, a Deloitte review of its payout system, a public payout transparency report, and an evaluation pass rate, and its MT4/MT5 entity states it is regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius. As with any firm, do your own due diligence and read the current terms before paying.
What is better than FTMO?
“Better” depends on your priorities. Traders who want faster, more frequent payouts often prefer firms like Hola Prime, while those who value track record and tooling tend to stay with FTMO. Compare profit splits, payout speed, account sizes, and rules against how you actually trade rather than chasing a single “best.”
Is FTMO allowed in the USA?
Availability and product offerings can vary by region and change over time, so U.S.-based traders should confirm current eligibility directly on FTMO’s site before signing up. FTMO’s official eligibility page says U.S. clients can use services through its affiliated FTMO/OANDA entity at ftmo.oanda.com
Does Hola Prime serve every country?
No. Hola Prime states it does not provide services to residents of certain countries, including Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, China, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, North Korea, and Yemen. Check the current list on its site.
What’s the difference between Hola Prime’s Pro and Prime accounts?
Pro Accounts offer higher leverage (up to 100:1) for aggressive trading, while Prime Accounts use 30:1 and allow weekend holding and news trading without restriction. The right one depends on your risk style.
Do either of these firms offer real-money trading?
No. Both Hola Prime and FTMO provide simulated trading in demo accounts and pay performance-based rewards. Neither acts as a broker or accepts deposits for live trading.
Can I use both Hola Prime and FTMO at the same time?
Yes. Many traders hold accounts at more than one firm to spread risk across different payout structures and rule sets. Just budget for the separate evaluation fees.
Page-one comparison check · US desktop results reviewed August 6, 2026
What to verify before choosing FTMO or Hola Prime
Decision summary: The headline account size and profit split do not identify the better fit on their own. Compare the complete cost, loss calculation, first-payout path, platform route, and restrictions for two specific programs before paying.
| Decision point | How to compare it |
|---|---|
| Drawdown calculation | Identify whether each limit is static or trailing, whether it updates intraday or at the end of the day, what equity or balance it follows, and when daily limits reset. |
| Country and identity access | Confirm eligibility for your residence and citizenship, accepted identity documents, payment method, platform availability, and payout provider before checkout. |
| Total cost and fee lifecycle | Compare the purchase price with reset, activation, platform, data, add-on, tax, and fee-refund conditions for the exact account path. |
Promotions and program rules can change independently. Use this page to narrow the choice, then confirm every decision-critical term in each firm’s current official program document, checkout, and trader agreement. Screenshots or saved copies help if a rule changes after purchase.
The bottom line
Hola Prime and FTMO are both credible simulated-funding firms that solve for different priorities. Hola Prime wins on payout speed, payout flexibility, larger headline account sizes, and a dedicated futures lineup. FTMO wins on track record, a free no-time-limit trial, and a mature support and education ecosystem. Map each firm’s published splits, fees, leverage, and rules to the way you actually trade, and if you’re still unsure, FTMO’s free trial is a low-risk way to feel out the evaluation experience before you commit a dollar.
Educational disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not financial, investment, or trading advice. Prop firm rules, pricing, profit splits, and payout terms change frequently, so always verify the latest details on each firm’s official website before purchasing. Trading carries substantial risk, and both firms described here offer simulated trading programs only.
Research and disclosure
How this comparison was reviewed
- Basis
- Document-based comparison of official product pages, trading objectives, and help-center material cited in this page.
- Scope
- FTMO and Hola Prime programs and the exact account comparisons stated on this page. Other firms and changing checkout promotions are outside this comparison.
- Limitations
- BestProps did not purchase an account or perform first-hand trading, support, identity-check, or payout testing for this comparison. Recheck current terms before purchase.
- Commercial state
- BestProps currently has no active affiliate or sponsor relationship with FTMO, Hola Prime, or any firm named on this page. Any future relationship will be disclosed next to affected links and in this record.
