FundedFirm vs Photon Trading: Which Prop Firm Is Better in 2025?

The prop trading world has exploded in 2025, offering traders the chance to trade large accounts without risking personal funds. Among the top firms making waves are FundedFirm and Photon Trading. Both claim to empower traders, but which one truly delivers?

If you’re wondering whether to join FundedFirm or Photon Trading, this guide breaks down everything — from profit splits and rules to support and payout reliability.

Overview of FundedFirm

Background and Company History

FundedFirm was founded with a mission to make trading more accessible to skilled individuals. It focuses on providing reliable funded accounts to traders worldwide, offering transparency, speed, and flexibility.

Mission and Trader Goals

The goal of FundedFirm is to help traders grow consistently by removing emotional pressure and financial risk. The company supports multiple trading styles — scalping, swing, or intraday.

Type of Trading Accounts Offered

FundedFirm offers:

• Evaluation Accounts (two-phase model)
  
  

• Instant Funding Accounts
  
  

• Scaling Programs for consistent traders
  
  

Overview of Photon Trading

Company Introduction

Photon Trading is a newer but fast-rising prop firm known for its low entry barriers and simple evaluation process. It attracts both beginners and advanced traders due to its transparent rules and payout reliability.

Vision and Objectives

Photon Trading aims to create a trader-first ecosystem with faster funding and fewer restrictions.

Account Models and Scaling Opportunities

Photon Trading provides:

• One-step evaluations for fast funding
  
  

• Advanced scaling plans that increase capital up to $1 million
  
  

• Support for both forex and crypto trading
  
  

Comparison Overview

Key Similarities

• Both offer funded accounts with flexible trading styles.
  
  

• Both support MT5 trading platforms.
  
  

• Payouts are quick and consistent.
  
  

Main Differences

• FundedFirm uses a two-step evaluation process.
  
  

• Photon Trading offers a one-step model for faster access.
  
  

• FundedFirm focuses on long-term traders; Photon Trading attracts fast scalpers.
  
  

Evaluation Phases

FundedFirm Evaluation Process

FundedFirm follows a two-step evaluation:

1. Phase 1 – Achieve a target profit with no daily drawdown violation.
   
   

2. Phase 2 – Prove consistency before receiving funding.
   
   

Photon Trading Evaluation Process

Photon Trading’s single-step challenge helps traders get funded faster. This is perfect for traders who want quick access without multiple verification steps.

Which One Is Easier to Pass?

Photon Trading’s single-step makes it easier and quicker, while FundedFirm offers a more structured and safer growth plan.

Profit Split

FundedFirm

Offers up to 90% profit split, making it one of the most generous in the industry.

Photon Trading

Typically offers 80% to 90% profit share, but some accounts start at 75%.

Which Is Better?

If you’re consistent, FundedFirm’s scaling and payout model can yield higher lifetime earnings.

Scaling Plan

FundedFirm Scaling

Traders can scale up accounts every 3 months with consistent profit and low drawdown.

Photon Trading Scaling

Photon’s scaling is faster, allowing eligible traders to double accounts more often.

Verdict

Photon is best for rapid growth, while FundedFirm suits steady professionals.

Trading Rules and Restrictions

FundedFirm

• 5% daily drawdown
  
  

• 10% overall loss limit
  
  

• Allows EAs and news trading
  
  

Photon Trading

• Slightly higher drawdown flexibility
  
  

• Restricts some high-frequency bots
  
  

Conclusion

FundedFirm gives more freedom to algorithmic traders.

Platforms and Technology

FundedFirm

Supports MT4 and MT5, with fast execution and stable servers.

Photon Trading

Offers MT5 only, with superior latency for scalpers.

Both deliver strong performance, but Photon wins for execution speed.

Support and Community

FundedFirm

24/7 live chat and a responsive ticket system.

Photon Trading

Strong Discord community, educational content, and quick Telegram support.

Photon Trading stands out for its community engagement.

Payment and Withdrawal Options

FundedFirm

Supports PayPal, Bank Transfer, and Crypto withdrawals.

Photon Trading

Supports Crypto and Deel payments.

Both are reliable, but Photon is faster with crypto payouts.

Payout Proof and Trust Factor

FundedFirm

Known for verified payout proofs and consistent trader testimonials.

Photon Trading

Rapidly building trust with regular payout transparency.

FundedFirm remains slightly more established in 2025.

Pricing and Fees

FundedFirm

Two-step evaluations start around $125 for $10K accounts.

Photon Trading

One-step evaluations start from $99.

Photon is cheaper to start, while FundedFirm offers better scaling value.

Pros and Cons

FundedFirm Pros

✅ High profit split
✅ Transparent policies
✅ Great for consistent traders

FundedFirm Cons

❌ Two-step evaluation takes time

Photon Trading Pros

✅ One-step evaluation
✅ Fast payouts
✅ Great for beginners

Photon Trading Cons

❌ Limited historical trust compared to older firms

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose FundedFirm if you’re a serious long-term trader looking for stability, strong support, and higher lifetime profits.
  
  

• Choose Photon Trading if you’re a fast learner or scalper wanting quick funding and lower entry costs.
  
  

Both are excellent — the right one depends on your trading style and patience level.

Conclusion

In the FundedFirm vs Photon Trading battle, both firms shine in their own ways. FundedFirm leads in credibility and scaling, while Photon Trading wins in accessibility and speed.

If you value structure and growth — go with FundedFirm.
If you want to start trading quickly — Photon Trading might be your best pick.

FAQs

1. Which prop firm is better for beginners?
Photon Trading is more beginner-friendly due to its one-step evaluation and low fees.

2. Does FundedFirm allow automated trading?
Yes, FundedFirm supports EAs, scalping, and news trading.

3. How fast are payouts from Photon Trading?
Usually within 24–48 hours, depending on the payment method.

4. Is FundedFirm more reliable than Photon Trading?
Yes, FundedFirm has a longer track record and verified payout proof.

5. Which one has lower challenge fees?
Photon Trading typically offers lower evaluation fees and discounts.