The Funded Trader vs Apex Trader Funding: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between The Funded Trader and Apex Trader Funding face a decision between flexibility versus platform variety and profit targets. The Funded Trader offers unlimited time to pass evaluations with no minimum trading days, while Apex Trader Funding provides a lower 6% profit target but restricts traders to 30 days and requires daily trading activity. Both firms launched in 2021 but serve different trading styles, with Apex Trader Funding offering more platform options including NinjaTrader and Rithmic. This comparison examines their evaluation rules, platform offerings, and which firm better suits specific trading approaches.
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
18,000 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 prefer taking their time during evaluations, particularly those who trade news events or use automated strategies. With no time limits and zero minimum trading days, it accommodates traders who wait for optimal setups rather than forcing daily activity. However, the 8% profit target is steeper than competitors.
Apex Trader Funding is better for active futures traders who prefer lower profit hurdles and need specific platforms like NinjaTrader or Rithmic. The 6% profit target makes evaluation passage easier, but the 30-day time limit and daily trading requirement suit only consistent, active traders. With a 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating versus The Funded Trader's 3/5, Apex also shows stronger trader satisfaction.
For most traders, Apex Trader Funding is the better choice due to its lower profit target and superior reputation, unless you specifically need the flexibility of unlimited evaluation time or plan to trade news events.
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.