Apex Trader Funding
69/100
StrongThe5ers
73/100
StrongThe5ers scores 3.9 higher under TVSM-PF/2.0.2.
Payout split
Apex Trader Funding100% on first $25,000 lifetime profits, then 90/10
The5ers80% (scales to higher tiers over time)
Max funded
Apex Trader Funding$300,000 (up to 20 accounts simultaneously)
The5ers$4,000,000 (via scaling plan)
Payout cap
Apex Trader Funding$4,000/payout at step 6 on $100K EOD. Account closes after 6 payouts — new eval required.
The5ersNone
Drawdown model
Apex Trader FundingEOD Trailing — ratchets up with peak end-of-day balance, closed balance basis
The5ersStatic max loss from initial balance (never trailing)
Min trading days
Apex Trader Funding5 qualifying days per payout cycle (each day must hit minimum daily profit threshold)
The5ers3
Challenge fee
Apex Trader FundingOne-time: ~$399 eval + $139 PA activation ($538 total on $100K EOD). Frequent 70-90% discount periods.
The5ers~$500–$700 for $100K Hyper program
Fee refundable
Apex Trader FundingNo — one-time fee, not refunded on first payout
The5ersYes — refunded with first payout (Hyper program)
News trading
Apex Trader FundingAllowed — no restrictions on futures news trading
The5ersGenerally allowed; minimal restrictions vs. peers. Scalping restrictions apply.
Platforms
Apex Trader FundingNinjaTrader, Tradovate (Rithmic-based)
The5ersMT4, MT5
Payout schedule
Apex Trader FundingOn demand after 5 qualifying days — 1-3 business days processing
The5ersWeekly; on-demand within 1–3 business days
| Specification | Apex Trader Funding 69/100 Strong | The5ers 73/100 Strong |
|---|---|---|
| Payout split | 100% on first $25,000 lifetime profits, then 90/10 | 80% (scales to higher tiers over time) |
| Max funded | $300,000 (up to 20 accounts simultaneously) | $4,000,000 (via scaling plan) |
| Payout cap | $4,000/payout at step 6 on $100K EOD. Account closes after 6 payouts — new eval required. | None |
| Drawdown model | EOD Trailing — ratchets up with peak end-of-day balance, closed balance basis | Static max loss from initial balance (never trailing) |
| Min trading days | 5 qualifying days per payout cycle (each day must hit minimum daily profit threshold) | 3 |
| Challenge fee | One-time: ~$399 eval + $139 PA activation ($538 total on $100K EOD). Frequent 70-90% discount periods. | ~$500–$700 for $100K Hyper program |
| Fee refundable | No — one-time fee, not refunded on first payout | Yes — refunded with first payout (Hyper program) |
| News trading | Allowed — no restrictions on futures news trading | Generally allowed; minimal restrictions vs. peers. Scalping restrictions apply. |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate (Rithmic-based) | MT4, MT5 |
| Payout schedule | On demand after 5 qualifying days — 1-3 business days processing | Weekly; on-demand within 1–3 business days |
| Visit Apex Trader Funding | Visit The5ers |
Which one fits?
- Apex Trader Funding is best for cme futures intraday traders who can work within an eod trailing drawdown and want the cheapest entry to multiple funded accounts.
- The5ers is best for forex traders who already have a proven edge and want to skip the challenge fee entirely by paying for real funded capital from day one.
See the full Apex Trader Funding review and The5ers review for the verified specs and editorial verdict on each.