Apex Trader Funding vs The5ers
Side-by-side comparison across all 16 scoring variables. Apex Trader Funding (72/100, Good) vs The5ers (80/100, Excellent).
| — | Apex Trader Funding 72 Good | The5ers 80 Excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Score Dimensions | ||
| Payout Integrity30% | 7.0 | 8.3 |
| Rules Integrity22% | 7.3 | 8.7 |
| Rules Stability8% | 7.0 | 9.5 |
| Business Viability18% | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Platform & Execution9% | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| Cost Fairness10% | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| Specifications | ||
| 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 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 → | Visit → | |
The Verdict
The5ers (80/100, Excellent) is the higher-scoring of the two on our composite. Its standout dimensions are score 80/100 (excellent) — instant funding model with no challenge phase; you trade real funded capital from day one.|10% scaling to 100% on the high-stakes account, plus the cleanest peer-group track record on payout disputes.|long operational history under same ownership since 2016 with no documented suspensions.. Apex Trader Funding (72/100, Good) is still worth considering if cme futures intraday traders who can work within an eod trailing drawdown and want the cheapest entry to multiple funded accounts. See each firm's Apex Trader Funding review and The5ers review for the full evidence.