Head-to-head comparison · 2026
Apex Trader Funding vs The5ers
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Market
Futures
Forex / CFD
Founded
2021
2016
Total cost to funded
$328
Best$278
Eval cost
$249
$278
Activation fee
$79
-
Pricing model
Monthly sub
One-time
Challenge type
1-Step
2-Step
Drawdown type
Trailing
Static
Max profit split
90%
Best100%
First profit
First $25K is 100%
50% to up to 100%
Payout speed
Weekly
Every 14 days
Max account
$300K
Best$4.0M
Consistency rule
30% rule
None
News trading
Restricted
Allowed
Platforms
RithmicNinjaTraderTradingViewTradovate
MT5cTrader
Strengths & watch-outs
Apex Trader Funding
Strengths
- Keep 100% of first $25K
- Run up to 20 accounts
- Huge review volume
Watch-outs
- Monthly sub + activation = double cost
- Intraday trailing drawdown
- Slower payouts
The5ers
Strengths
- No time limit on evals
- Scales to $4M
- Strong education + ratings
Watch-outs
- Split starts low (50%)
- Capital-growth model is slow
- Fewer platforms
🐨 PropKoala verdict
The5ers is cheaper to get funded at $278 total. The5ers has the more forgiving Static drawdown, giving you more room to trade.
This verdict is generated from our verified data. Always check each firm's current terms before purchasing.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account, last updated Sep 2026. Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.