When it comes to p trading, Apex Trader Funding and FTMO are two of the most firms offering traders access to capital.
Both vide evaluation grams where traders must ve 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 , with a more rigorous evaluation cess but generous fit splits and global recognition.
Comparing the two helps traders choose the firm that best matches their style, market preference, and goals.Table of ContentsWhat Is Apex Trader Funding?What Is FTMO?Side-by-Side ComparisonSee All 13 ItemsWhat Is Apex Trader Funding?Apex Trader Funding is a p 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.
s Lower evaluation feesFlexible trading styleUnlimited withdrawalsMultiple account options Cons nical platformSteep learning curveWhat Is FTMO?FTMO is one of the most well-known p trading firms.
It allows you to manage large amounts of capital through a structured evaluation cess. The FTMO p firm even allows news trading, which has become a p trading strategy.
s Maximum capital allocation of $400,000Lots of resourcesTwo-step evaluation cessFew trading restrictions Cons Lower split than ApexStrict evaluation criteriaHigher feesSide-by-Side ComparisonHere's a side-by-side comparison for Apex Trader Funding vs FTMO: FeatureApex Trader FundingFTMOFunding OptionsUp to $1.5 millionUp to $200,000fit SplitThe trader keeps 100% of fits up to the initial amount of $25,000, then takes a 90% split on future transactions70% - 90%PricingStarts at $150 for the $25,000 accountStarts at $84 for the $10,000 accountEvaluation cess2-step cess: Evaluation + Performance Evaluation2-step cess: Challenge + VerificationTrading PlatformsNinjaTrader, TradingView, and others via API (14 trading platforms available)MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTraderScaling PlansYes, can scale as fits growYes, scaling options are available based on performanceAccount Reset OptionsAvailable with feeAvailable with feePayout FrequencyBi-weeklyMonthlyLeverage10:1 for most accounts10:1 for most accountsRisk ManagementSpecific daily loss limits and drawdown rulesSpecific daily loss limits and drawdown rulesFutures or ForexPrimarily futuresPrimarily forex, some indices, and commoditiesTrading Styles AllowedDay trading, swing trading, and scalpingDay trading, swing trading, and scalpingCustomer Support24/7 support via chat and 24/7 support via chat and Mobile AppYesYesTrial AccountsYes, a free demo account is availableYes, 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.
FTMOApex and FTMO are 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: fit-Sharingfit-sharing refers to the amount of fits you keep from your deals.
While it’s not the only criterion to consider, it can greatly impact your experience. Apex: Apex vides you with a 90/10 fit split. You keep 90% of the fits and Apex keeps 10%.
Apex payout rules also mention a 100% fit split on your first $25,000 in fit per account. There are a few caveats. Apex generally vides 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 fit-sharing model where traders typically retain 80% of the fits, with the firm taking 20%.
This ratio can imve to 90% for the trader if specific performance criteria are met, such as achieving a 10% net fit over four months and cessing at least two payouts within that timeframe.
CostBoth platforms charge an evaluation fee for participating in the vetting cess. Most p trading brokers adhere to this practice.
While you shouldn’t let the fee discourage you from trying a p 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 cess 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 cess, the higher your startup fee. FTMO fees are also nonrefundable.
FlexibilityEach p trading platform offers unique fit 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 fits 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 fits but you could generate a healthy amount of revenue if you make a few savvy trades. Be mindful of your risk tolerances though.
Risk ManagementAll p trading platforms implement rules and limitations to mitigate risk. It’s important to consider how much freedom each option vides 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 cess is also very stringent. You’ll have to complete the FTMO challenge and perform well during verification to showcase your trading consistency.
Educational ResourcesBoth platforms offer educational tools to help you learn new strategies and expand your skills.
Apex:Apex Trader Funding will vide 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 vides nical analysis tools, , and more.
Trading PlatformThe best p trading solutions integrate with platforms 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 vides much more flexibility in terms of trading applications, allowing you to choose your preferred platform.
Apex Trader Funding vs. FTMO: WinnerThe 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 cess, 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 QuestionsQWhat's better than FTMO?
AFXIFY, Trade the Pool, and Top One Trader are a few p firms that might offer more favorable terms than FTMO. Apex also edges out FTMO in a few , including fit splits and flexibility.
QWhat is the 30% rule in Apex Trader? AWhen submitting a withdrawal request, no more than 30% of the fit can come from a single trading day.
You will no longer be subject to the rule after your fourth month of withdrawals. QDoes Apex Trader actually pay out? AYes, Apex Trader Funding pays out a percentage of your fits.
You can earn a 90/10 split and keep 100% of your first $25,000 fits. Sarah EdwardsSarah Edwards is a finance writer passionate helping people learn more what’s needed to achieve their financial goals.
She has nearly a decade of writing experience focused on budgeting, investment strategies, retirement and industry trends. Her work has been published on NerdWallet and FinImpact.