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Updated 2026-03-08
Apex Trader Funding vs Sway Funded: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between Apex Trader Funding and Sway Funded face a decision between an established prop firm with proven track record versus a newer entrant offering more flexible evaluation terms. The core difference lies in evaluation pressure: Apex requires completion within 30 days while Sway Funded removes time constraints entirely, along with minimum trading day requirements. Apex compensates with multiple platform options including NinjaTrader and Rithmic, while Sway Funded's platform offerings remain unclear. This comparison examines how these structural differences impact different trading styles and experience levels.
AT
Apex Trader Funding
Est. 2021 · Austin, USA
4.4
19,000 reviews
VS
1 wins
6 ties
2 wins
SF
Sway Funded
Est. 2024 · N/A
4
200 reviews
Feature
Apex Trader Funding
Sway Funded
Phase 1 Profit Target
6%
N/A
Max Total Loss
4%
N/A
Min Trading Days
1 days
None✓ No minimum
Time Limit (Phase 1)
30 days
No limit✓ No time limit
Payout Split
100%
N/A
Payout Frequency
every 5 trading days
N/A
Platforms
NinjaTrader, Rithmic, Tradovate, Wealthcharts✓ More platform options
N/A
Free Retry
No
N/A
Apex Trader Funding
Pros
+One day minimum to pass evaluation with simple rules
+100% profit split - no revenue sharing with the firm
+Fast payouts every 5 trading days with no payout denials
+One-time fees with no recurring billing or subscription costs
+Up to 20 accounts allowed per trader with built-in scaling
Cons
−Futures trading only - no forex or stock options available
−50% consistency rule limits profit concentration from best trading days
−No reset options available on evaluation accounts
−Maximum 6 payout requests allowed per account
−Account expires after 30 days of inactivity
Sway Funded
Pros
+Growing firm with aggressive expansion through acquisitions of established prop firms
+Significant trader base of over 70,000 traders achieved within first year
+Track record of large payouts including $165,000 single reward to trader
+Experience-focused approach differentiating from traditional prop trading firms
Cons
−Very new firm founded in 2024 with limited operational track record
−Lack of detailed trading rules and account information publicly available
−Rapid growth through acquisitions may create integration challenges
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
Apex Trader Funding suits traders who value platform choice and need the credibility of an established firm, particularly those comfortable with standard evaluation timelines. With 18,000 Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.4/5 since 2021, it offers proven reliability and multiple trading platforms including NinjaTrader and Rithmic. The 30-day time limit and 1-day minimum trading requirement are industry-standard constraints that most competent traders can easily meet.
Sway Funded better serves cautious traders who prefer taking time to develop their strategy without evaluation pressure, though this comes with significant unknowns. The removal of time limits and minimum trading days eliminates common evaluation stressors, but with only 200 reviews since 2023 and unclear platform options, traders sacrifice proven reliability for flexibility. For experienced traders confident in their abilities, Apex Trader Funding's established reputation and platform variety outweigh Sway Funded's more lenient evaluation terms.
Choose Apex Trader Funding if:
→One day minimum to pass evaluation with simple rules
→100% profit split - no revenue sharing with the firm
→Fast payouts every 5 trading days with no payout denials
→One-time fees with no recurring billing or subscription costs
Choose Sway Funded if:
→Growing firm with aggressive expansion through acquisitions of established prop firms
→Significant trader base of over 70,000 traders achieved within first year
→Track record of large payouts including $165,000 single reward to trader
→Experience-focused approach differentiating from traditional prop trading firms
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.