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Updated 2026-03-08
The Funded Trader vs Apex Trader Funding: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between The Funded Trader and Apex Trader Funding face a clear trade-off between flexibility and ease of qualification. The Funded Trader offers unlimited time to pass Phase 1 with no minimum trading days, while Apex Trader Funding makes qualification easier with a 6% profit target versus 8%. Both firms launched in 2021 but serve different trading styles, with The Funded Trader allowing news trading and EAs while Apex focuses on futures with superior platform options. This comparison examines their challenge structures, trading rules, and payout terms to determine which firm fits your strategy.
TF
The Funded Trader
Est. 2021 · Fort Lauderdale, USA
3
22,000 reviews
VS
5 wins
5 ties
2 wins
AT
Apex Trader Funding
Est. 2021 · Austin, USA
4.4
19,000 reviews
Feature
The Funded Trader
Apex Trader Funding
Challenge Price ($100K)
$489
N/A
Phase 1 Profit Target
8%
6%✓ Easier to pass
Max Total Loss
N/A
4%
Min Trading Days
0 days✓ More flexible
1 days
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit✓ No time limit
30 days
Payout Split
N/A
100%
Payout Frequency
anytime payouts
every 5 trading days
Platforms
MATCH-TRADER, DXTrade, cTrader
NinjaTrader, Rithmic, Tradovate, Wealthcharts✓ More platform options
The Funded Trader
Pros
+Multiple challenge types including one-step and three-step evaluations
+High maximum funding allocation up to $2.5M across different challenges
+VIP program offering up to 95% payout split
+News trading allowed on most challenges
+Fast payout eligibility in as little as 7 days on some challenges
Cons
−Simulated trading environment only, not real money trading
−Limited account size options shown in comparison table
−Proprietary technology monitoring may restrict some trading styles
−Maximum concurrent funded account limit of $600K
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
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
The Funded Trader suits patient traders who need flexibility and trade around news events. With no time limits, zero minimum trading days, and unrestricted news trading, it's ideal for part-time traders and those using automated strategies. However, the 8% Phase 1 target requires stronger performance skills.
Apex Trader Funding works better for active futures traders who want easier qualification and professional platforms. The 6% Phase 1 target makes passing significantly easier, and access to NinjaTrader and Rithmic appeals to serious futures traders. The 30-day time limit and 1-day minimum trading requirement suit full-time traders.
For most traders, Apex Trader Funding offers the better deal. The lower profit target (6% vs 8%) outweighs The Funded Trader's flexibility advantages, and Apex's superior 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating versus 3/5 suggests better trader satisfaction and support quality.
Choose The Funded Trader if:
→Multiple challenge types including one-step and three-step evaluations
→High maximum funding allocation up to $2.5M across different challenges
→VIP program offering up to 95% payout split
→News trading allowed on most challenges
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
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.