When it comes to prop trading, Apex Trader Funding and FTMO are two of the most popular firms offering traders access to capital. Both provide evaluation programs where traders must prove their skills before managing funded accounts, but they differ in structure, rules, and benefits.
Apex Trader Funding is known for its futures trading focus, affordable evaluations, and frequent discounts, making it attractive to new traders. FTMO, on the other hand, has built a strong reputation in the forex and CFD markets, with a more rigorous evaluation process but generous profit splits and global recognition. Comparing the two helps traders choose the firm that best matches their style, market preference, and goals.
What Is Apex Trader Funding?
Apex Trader Funding is a prop firm that allows you to trade with significant amounts of capital without risking your funds. The platform offers an engaging environment with straightforward evaluations and flexible trading instruments. You’ll have to undergo an evaluation period where you exclusively trade mini or micro contracts. If you pass that, you can upgrade to a funded account.
- Lower evaluation fees
- Flexible trading style
- Unlimited withdrawals
- Multiple account options
- Technical platform
- Steep learning curve
What Is FTMO?
FTMO is one of the most well-known prop trading firms. It allows you to manage large amounts of capital through a structured evaluation process. The FTMO prop firm even allows news trading, which has become a popular prop trading strategy.
- Maximum capital allocation of $400,000
- Lots of resources
- Two-step evaluation process
- Few trading restrictions
- Lower split than Apex
- Strict evaluation criteria
- Higher fees
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side comparison for Apex Trader Funding vs FTMO:
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Options | Up to $1.5 million | Up to $200,000 |
| Profit Split | The trader keeps 100% of profits up to the initial amount of $25,000, then takes a 90% split on future transactions | 70% – 90% |
| Pricing | Starts at $150 for the $25,000 account | Starts at $84 for the $10,000 account |
| Evaluation Process | 2-step process: Evaluation + Performance Evaluation | 2-step process: Challenge + Verification |
| Trading Platforms | NinjaTrader, TradingView, and others via API (14 trading platforms available) | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader |
| Scaling Plans | Yes, can scale as profits grow | Yes, scaling options are available based on performance |
| Account Reset Options | Available with fee | Available with fee |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Monthly |
| Leverage | 10:1 for most accounts | 10:1 for most accounts |
| Risk Management | Specific daily loss limits and drawdown rules | Specific daily loss limits and drawdown rules |
| Futures or Forex | Primarily futures | Primarily forex, some indices, and commodities |
| Trading Styles Allowed | Day trading, swing trading, and scalping | Day trading, swing trading, and scalping |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support via chat and email | 24/7 support via chat and email |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Trial Accounts | Yes, a free demo account is available | Yes, a free trial account is available |
Key Differences:
- Platform Flexibility: Apex allows more variety in platforms, including NinjaTrader and TradingView, while FTMO is limited to MetaTrader and cTrader.
- Funding Options: Apex offers a larger funding potential (up to $1.5 million) than FTMO’s $200,000.
- Pricing: FTMO’s pricing starts lower with a $10,000 account, making it more accessible for smaller traders.
- Payout Frequency: FTMO pays out monthly, while Apex does so bi-weekly, which might be more favorable to traders looking for quicker payouts.
Apex Trader Funding vs. FTMO
Apex and FTMO are popular choices, but they cater to different audiences. Apex might be better if you want more flexibility and lower fees. FTMO can be a great choice if you want a more user-friendly experience and don’t mind the strict evaluation criteria.
Here’s a closer look at how Apex Trader Funding and FTMO compare along several key areas, including:
Profit-Sharing
Profit-sharing refers to the amount of profits you keep from your deals. While it’s not the only criterion to consider, it can greatly impact your experience.
Apex:
Apex provides you with a 90/10 profit split. You keep 90% of the profits and Apex keeps 10%. Apex payout rules also mention a 100% profit split on your first $25,000 in profit per account.
There are a few caveats. Apex generally provides lower funding amounts compared to FTMO. The learning curve can also be very steep, which may be a barrier for less experienced traders.
FTMO:
FTMO offers a profit-sharing model where traders typically retain 80% of the profits, with the firm taking 20%. This ratio can improve to 90% for the trader if specific performance criteria are met, such as achieving a 10% net profit over four months and processing at least two payouts within that timeframe.
Cost
Both platforms charge an evaluation fee for participating in the vetting process. Most prop trading brokers adhere to this practice. While you shouldn’t let the fee discourage you from trying a prop trading platform, it’s important to weigh your options to ensure you are getting your money’s worth.
Apex:
Apex has a relatively low evaluation fee. However, you’ll have to complete the sign-up process to determine precisely what that fee will be. The fee is nonrefundable, so you’ll lose your investment if you fail the evaluation.
FTMO:
FTMO uses a variable fee schedule that increases based on your account size. The more capital you want to manage during the evaluation process, the higher your startup fee. FTMO fees are also nonrefundable.
Flexibility
Each prop trading platform offers unique profit split structures and maximum funding amounts. Lower funding amounts mean less risk but could limit your returns. Higher limits may encourage more risk-taking.
Apex:
Apex offers funding up to $50,000. You can keep up to 90% of your profits but due to the limited account size, those margins might be smaller.
FTMO:
FTMO offers account sizes of up to $400,000. They keep more profits but you could generate a healthy amount of revenue if you make a few savvy trades. Be mindful of your risk tolerances though.
Risk Management
All prop trading platforms implement rules and limitations to mitigate risk. It’s important to consider how much freedom each option provides to ensure it aligns with your trading goals.
Apex:
Apex is more lenient compared to FTMO. They have rules to reduce the risk of huge losses. However, you will enjoy more flexibility to manage risks as you see fit. If you are accustomed to using volatile trading strategies, you might favor Apex.
FTMO:
FTMO has strict rules regarding trade limits and what types of investments you can make. The vetting process is also very stringent. You’ll have to complete the FTMO challenge and perform well during verification to showcase your trading consistency.
Educational Resources
Both platforms offer educational tools to help you learn new strategies and expand your skills.
Apex:
Apex Trader Funding will provide you with training materials and community resources. The platform’s offerings aren’t as extensive as FTMO, but it can be a good launching point for your trading journey.
FTMO:
FTMO shines in terms of user education. You’ll have access to plenty of great resources to help you explore different strategies. FTMO provides technical analysis tools, articles, and more.
Trading Platform
The best prop trading solutions integrate with platforms like MetaTrader4, MetaTrader 5, and other solutions. Here’s a glimpse at the platforms that Apex and FTMO support.
Apex:
Apex Trader Funding supports NinjaTrader 8. It doesn’t support MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader5, which is a huge drawback if you are interested in exploring different platforms.
FTMO:
FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, and several other platforms. It provides much more flexibility in terms of trading applications, allowing you to choose your preferred platform.
Apex Trader Funding vs. FTMO: Winner
The winner of the Apex Trader Funding vs. FTMO head-to-head comes down to your specific trading style and needs. Apex offers more flexibility and lower fees, making it more accessible. FTMO offers larger funding amounts and a rigorous evaluation process, which you may prefer if you thrive under structure.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your trading goals and risk tolerances.
Frequently Asked Questions
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FXIFY, Trade the Pool, and Top One Trader are a few prop firms that might offer more favorable terms than FTMO. Apex also edges out FTMO in a few categories, including profit splits and flexibility.
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When submitting a withdrawal request, no more than 30% of the profit can come from a single trading day. You will no longer be subject to the rule after your fourth month of withdrawals.
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Yes, Apex Trader Funding pays out a percentage of your profits. You can earn a 90/10 split and keep 100% of your first $25,000 profits.
