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Updated 2026-03-08
City Traders Imperium vs Hantec Trader: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between City Traders Imperium and Hantec Trader face a decision between proven experience and competitive pricing. City Traders Imperium offers a single-phase evaluation with no daily loss limits, while Hantec Trader provides a lower-cost entry point with more forgiving drawdown rules. Both firms are London-based with solid reputations, but their evaluation structures and risk management approaches differ significantly. This comparison examines the key differences that will determine which firm better suits your trading style and risk tolerance.
CT
City Traders Imperium
Est. 2018 · London, UK
4.2
1,500 reviews
VS
8 wins
4 ties
2 wins
HT
Hantec Trader
Est. 2023 · London, UK
4.5
500 reviews
Feature
City Traders Imperium
Hantec Trader
Challenge Price ($100K)
$412
$359✓ Lower entry cost
Phase 1 Profit Target
8%✓ Easier to pass
10%
Phase 2 Profit Target
None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation
5%
Max Daily Loss
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
5%
Max Total Loss
5%
10%✓ More drawdown room
Min Trading Days
3 days
3 days
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 100%)✓ Higher profit split
80% (up to 90%)
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
Hantec Trader
Pros
+Multiple program types available including instant funding with no challenge
+No time limits on Enhanced and EnhancedX challenge phases
+Competitive challenge prices starting at $59 for $10K accounts
+Up to 90% profit split available with add-ons
+Official UFC partner in APAC region
Cons
−Limited leverage capped at 1:50 across all instruments
−Maximum account size limited to $200K
−Instant funding program has high entry costs relative to account size
−EnhancedX program requires consistency score tracking
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
City Traders Imperium is the better choice for aggressive traders and scalpers who need freedom from daily loss restrictions. The single-phase evaluation (8% target) eliminates the stress of a second phase, while the absence of daily loss limits allows for high-frequency strategies and recovery trading. News traders also benefit from explicit permission to trade through economic releases, and the potential for 100% profit splits rewards long-term performance.
Hantec Trader suits budget-conscious traders and those who prefer larger drawdown cushions. The $359 entry cost is $53 cheaper than City Traders Imperium's $412, making it more accessible for new prop traders. The 10% total drawdown allowance provides significantly more room for losses compared to City Traders Imperium's 5% limit. However, the 5% daily loss restriction and two-phase structure (10% + 5% targets) create additional hurdles.
For most traders, City Traders Imperium's structural advantages outweigh Hantec Trader's cost savings. The single-phase evaluation and unrestricted daily trading provide clearer paths to funding, while the six-year track record offers more stability than Hantec's recent 2023 launch.
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
Choose Hantec Trader if:
→Multiple program types available including instant funding with no challenge
→No time limits on Enhanced and EnhancedX challenge phases
→Competitive challenge prices starting at $59 for $10K 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.