Databento VS FTMO
Cross-category comparison: each provider serves a different trader workflow.
UPDATED 2026-05-27 · 3 axes scored
WINNER · DATABENTO · 1/3 AXES
Quick Decision
▶ PICK DATABENTO IF DATA-API
- Quant researchers
- HFT developers
- Backtesting engines
- Academic research
▶ PICK FTMO IF PROP-FIRM
- Disciplined traders seeking funded accounts
- Forex/CFD scalpers with sub-5% drawdown control
- Traders wanting refundable evaluation
Side-by-Side Matrix
| METRIC | DATABENTO | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Affiliate Program | No | Yes |
| Asset Coverage Breadth | 5 classes | 5 classes |
| Asset Coverage | US Equities · US Futures · US Options · Crypto · FX | Forex · Indices · Commodities · Cryptocurrencies · Stocks (CFDs) |
| Category | data api | prop firm |
Asset Class Coverage
Where the two providers overlap and where each has unique coverage.
| ASSET CLASS | DATABENTO | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Commodities | — | ✓ Covered |
| Crypto | ✓ Covered | — |
| Cryptocurrencies | — | ✓ Covered |
| FX | ✓ Covered | — |
| Forex | — | ✓ Covered |
| Indices | — | ✓ Covered |
| Stocks (CFDs) | — | ✓ Covered |
| US Equities | ✓ Covered | — |
| US Futures | ✓ Covered | — |
| US Options | ✓ Covered | — |
| TOTAL CLASSES | 5 | 5 |
Only Databento
US Equities · US Futures · US Options · Crypto · FX
Only FTMO
Forex · Indices · Commodities · Cryptocurrencies · Stocks (CFDs)
Pricing Tier Map
Full tier ladder side-by-side · names and prices as published by each provider · 4 vs 6 tiers.
DATABENTO · 4 TIERS FREE TIER
01
Usage-based From $0
Pay-as-you-go for historical data; no subscription
02
Standard $199/mo
Monthly subscription for individuals and small teams
03
Plus Per-contract
For investment firms and institutional service providers
04
Unlimited Per-contract
Complete historical access for institutional users
▲ Free Tier · $125 in free credits for new users (6-month expiry); usable on historical data
FTMO · 6 TIERS
01
2-Step $10K €89
10%/5% profit targets, 5% daily / 10% max loss, refunded with first split
02
2-Step $25K €189
Same rules as $10K, refunded with first split
03
2-Step $50K €289
Same rules, refunded with first split
04
2-Step $100K €539
Same rules, refunded with first split
05
2-Step $200K €1,080
Same rules, refunded with first split
06
1-Step $10K €79
10% profit target, 3% daily / 10% trailing loss, 90% split from day 1
Fit Profile
DATABENTO · PROFILE DATA-API
Best For
- Quant researchers
- HFT developers
- Backtesting engines
- Academic research
Not Ideal For
- Retail traders needing cheap real-time quotes
- Non-technical users
Full Databento Review
FTMO · PROFILE PROP-FIRM
Best For
- Disciplined traders seeking funded accounts
- Forex/CFD scalpers with sub-5% drawdown control
- Traders wanting refundable evaluation
Not Ideal For
- High-frequency strategies (overnight/weekend rules)
- Traders who can't tolerate trailing drawdown (1-step)
- US residents under tighter regulation
Full FTMO Review
Adjacent Comparisons
Related matchups — same category first, then cross-category for context.
Databento vs Polygon.io (now Massive)FTMO vs Polygon.io (now Massive)Databento vs AlpacaFTMO vs AlpacaDatabento vs IEX Cloud (Discontinued)FTMO vs IEX Cloud (Discontinued)Databento vs FinnhubFTMO vs FinnhubDatabento vs Alpha VantageFTMO vs Alpha VantageDatabento vs Twelve DataFTMO vs Twelve DataDatabento vs EODHD (EOD Historical Data)FTMO vs EODHD (EOD Historical Data)Databento vs FinazonFTMO vs Finazon