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Updated 2026-03-08
Quant Tekel vs City Traders Imperium: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between Quant Tekel and City Traders Imperium face a decision between cost efficiency and trading flexibility. Quant Tekel offers a cheaper entry point at $340 versus CTI's $412 for a $100K challenge, but City Traders Imperium eliminates daily loss limits entirely and operates a single-phase evaluation system. This comparison examines their challenge structures, risk parameters, payout terms, and which firm aligns better with different trading styles. Both firms maintain strong Trustpilot ratings, though they cater to distinctly different trader preferences.
QT
Quant Tekel
Est. 2023 · Cape Town, South Africa
4.4
12,000 reviews
VS
3 wins
4 ties
7 wins
CT
City Traders Imperium
Est. 2018 · London, UK
4.2
1,500 reviews
Feature
Quant Tekel
City Traders Imperium
Challenge Price ($100K)
$340✓ Lower entry cost
$412
Phase 1 Profit Target
8%
8%
Phase 2 Profit Target
5%
None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation
Max Daily Loss
4%
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
Max Total Loss
10%✓ More drawdown room
5%
Min Trading Days
4 days
3 days✓ More flexible
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 90%)
80% (up to 100%)✓ Higher profit split
Quant Tekel
Pros
+Competitively priced QT Prime challenge from $30 for a $5K account
+Multiple evaluation types — 2-step, instant, and aggressive options to suit different traders
+80% profit split from day one, up to 90% as you scale
+Bi-weekly payouts on QT Prime funded accounts
+Multiple platform options including MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, and FIX API
Cons
−News trading restricted on funded accounts — 5-minute buffer required on QT Prime, banned on QT Power and QT Ultra
−Copy trading and multi-account strategies not allowed
−Consistency rules apply across all account types with varying thresholds
−Restricted countries include Russia, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and Cyprus
City Traders Imperium
Pros
+Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
+Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
+Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
+Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
+24/7 multilingual customer support with 1-hour first response time
Cons
−No refunds available once any trading activity occurs on the account
−Limited information about specific trading instruments and leverage ratios
−Relatively high instant funding fees compared to challenge options
−VIP benefits require meeting specific performance criteria
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
City Traders Imperium suits aggressive traders and scalpers who need maximum intraday flexibility. With no daily loss limits and single-phase evaluation, CTI removes the typical constraints that hamper high-frequency strategies and news trading. The firm's 100% maximum payout split and unrestricted news trading make it ideal for experienced traders willing to pay $72 more upfront for operational freedom.
Quant Tekel appeals to cost-conscious traders and those who prefer more total drawdown room despite tighter daily limits. At $340 versus CTI's $412, Quant Tekel offers 21% savings on entry costs while providing double the maximum total loss allowance (10% vs 5%). However, the 4% daily loss limit and news trading restrictions make it unsuitable for scalpers or news traders.
For most traders starting their prop firm journey, City Traders Imperium's single-phase structure and lack of daily restrictions outweigh the higher cost, making it the stronger choice despite Quant Tekel's price advantage.
Choose Quant Tekel if:
→Competitively priced QT Prime challenge from $30 for a $5K account
→Multiple evaluation types — 2-step, instant, and aggressive options to suit different traders
→80% profit split from day one, up to 90% as you scale
→Bi-weekly payouts on QT Prime funded accounts
Choose City Traders Imperium if:
→Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
→Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
→Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
→Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
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.