A proprietary trading firm, commonly known as a prop firm, allows traders to trade financial markets using the firm’s capital rather than their own, in return for a share of the profits. Traders are typically required to pass an evaluation or challenge that tests their trading skills, discipline, and risk management before gaining access to funded accounts. This model has become increasingly popular among futures traders who want to scale their trading without risking large personal capital. In this article, we compare four well-known futures prop trading firms: Apex Trader Funding vs Earn2Trade vs Take Profit Trader vs Tradeify — each offering a different approach to trader evaluation, funding, and profit distribution.
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Apex Trader Funding vs Earn2Trade vs Take Profit Trader vs Tradeify: : Comparative Table
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | Earn2Trade | Take Profit Trader | Tradeify Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program style | One-step evaluation → Performance Account (futures focus) | Structured evaluation programs (Trader Career Path®, Gauntlet Mini™) | One-step evaluation → PRO / PRO+ funded accounts | Multiple paths incl. Instant funding (Growth / Select / Lightning) |
| Primary market | Futures (full-size contracts) | Futures (virtual account evaluations) | Futures | Futures (simulated funded capital) |
| Evaluation type | Single-stage profit target with risk rules | Multi-stage or mini exam (virtual testing + rules) | One-step profit target with risk rules | Instant funding or plan-based (some plans skip lengthy eval) |
| Profit split (published) | 100% of first $25k, then 90% thereafter | Varies by program / partner offers | Standard PRO 80/20; PRO+ up to 90/10 | 100% of first $15k, then up to 90% thereafter |
| Payout speed / cadence | Regular withdrawals — every 8 days | Payouts after qualification / partner matching (timing varies) | Withdrawals available from day one of funded PRO account | Ultra-fast — payouts typically processed in ~1 hour once conditions met |
| Max / notable capital levels | Multiple plan sizes; emphasis on full-size futures (multiple accounts up to 20) | Funding offers available up to larger partner sizes (program dependent) | Multiple account sizes; manage up to 5 PRO accounts concurrently | Up to ~$750k simulated capital (plan dependent) |
| Platforms / connectivity | Rithmic, Tradovate, WealthCharts (platform plans) | Virtual platforms for evaluation; partner broker platforms on funding | 15+ platforms supported (e.g., NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView) | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, ProjectX, Quantower (real-time tools & journal) |
| Drawdown / risk rules | No daily drawdown limit (rule set focuses on overall limits) | Program-specific rules; emphasis on risk discipline | End-of-day drawdown rules for PRO+; defined risk rules across programs | Consistency rules, minimum trading days; end-of-day trailing drawdown available |
| Scaling & account growth | Can hold many funded accounts (up to 20) and scale via plan choices | Clear upgrade/scaling path via career path & partner offers | PRO → PRO+ progression; account resets and upgrades available | Multiple account tiers to scale; select plans offer faster scaling |
| Unique / standout feature | Simple one-step futures model + ability to trade full-size contracts in evaluation | Education + evaluation blend (career pathway to partner funding) | Withdraw profits from day one of funded PRO accounts | Instant funding option + extremely fast payout processing |
| Who it’ll most appeal to (summary) | Futures traders who want simple rules, full-size contract access, and regular payouts | Traders seeking structured learning and career-style evaluation before funding | Traders wanting a quick route to funded status and immediate profit access | Traders who prioritise speed — instant funding and near-instant payouts |
1. Apex Trader Funding – Simple one-step funding for futures traders.
Apex Trader Funding operates within the growing proprietary trading ecosystem, positioning itself as a performance-based capital access platform for futures traders seeking scale without deploying substantial personal capital. Its core proposition centers on a single-step evaluation model, emphasizing risk discipline and consistency over multi-phase challenges, reflecting an industry shift toward simplified qualification frameworks designed to attract high-volume and retail-professional traders.
From an analytical standpoint, Apex’s model transfers market risk away from traders while retaining operational control through predefined drawdown limits and behavioral trading rules. This structure enables the firm to monetize evaluation fees while selectively allocating capital to compliant traders, positioning Apex less as a traditional investment partner and more as a risk-filtering intermediary within the futures trading ecosystem.
Apex Trader Funding Key Details
- One-step evaluation process: Traders aim to reach profit targets without complex multi-stage hurdles.
- Profit splits: Traders receive 100% of the first $25,000 in profits and 90% beyond that.
- Regular payouts: Profit withdrawals occur every 8 days.
- No daily drawdown limit: Apex does not impose daily drawdown rules.
- Trading flexibility: Traders can trade full-sized futures contracts in both evaluation and funded accounts and are allowed to trade across holidays and news hours.
- Multiple accounts: Traders can hold up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously.
- Instruments: Futures contracts including equities, currencies, energies, metals, and more are supported.
Also, you may read 10 Best Forex Prop Trading Firms
Apex Trader Funding: Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Structure | One-step evaluation process targeting futures traders with straightforward profit goals and risk rules |
| Profit Split | Traders keep 100% of the first $25,000 in profits and 90% thereafter |
| Payout Schedule | Profit withdrawals are available on a regular cadence (every 8 days) |
| Tradeable Markets | Full-sized futures contracts across equities, currencies, energies, metals, micro futures, and more |
| Drawdown Rules | No daily drawdown limits imposed |
| Trading Flexibility | Traders can trade holidays and news sessions with normal strategies |
| Account Options | Multiple platform plans including Rithmic, Tradovate, and WealthCharts with a wide range of starting capital sizes |
| Simultaneous Accounts | Traders can hold and trade up to 20 funded accounts concurrently |
| Minimum Trading Days | Traders may qualify for profit withdrawals after fulfilling minimum active trading days |
| Evaluation & Funded Accounts | Evaluation accounts convert to a Performance Account (PA) upon passing, with ongoing trading under PA terms |
Apex Trader Funding positions itself as a futures-focused prop firm offering a simple one-step evaluation, high profit splits, and flexible risk management through a trailing threshold. With features such as no daily drawdowns, frequent payouts, and the ability to trade full-sized contracts, news events, and holidays, the platform is designed for traders seeking funded capital with fewer restrictions. Overall, Apex presents a structured yet flexible funding framework for disciplined futures traders looking to scale their trading without using personal capital.
Also, you may read Apex Trader Funding: A Detailed Review
Apex Trader Funding – Strengths & Considerations
| Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Clear and simple one-step evaluation process | Focused primarily on futures markets only |
| 100% profit on first $25,000, then 90% profit split | Payouts are not instantaneous — they occur on a fixed schedule (every 8 days) |
| No daily drawdown limits and flexible risk rules | Primarily for traders comfortable with futures trading |
| Ability to trade full-size contracts during evaluation and funded stages | Limited to futures — no forex or other asset classes |
| Supports up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously | Not focused on extensive educational programs |
| Regular payout cadence enhances cash flow predictability | Profit split tiers focus on futures instruments |
2. Earn2Trade – An education-driven prop firm
Earn2Trade is a U.S.-based futures trading education and evaluation firm that positions itself as a structured gateway for aspiring traders to transition from learning to professional funded trading. Through its core programs—the Trader Career Path and The Gauntlet Mini—Earn2Trade offers traders the opportunity to demonstrate their market skills on simulated accounts, meet defined profit and risk management targets, and, upon successful completion, receive a funding offer from proprietary trading partners to trade live capital and retain a majority share of profits.
With over eight years in operation and thousands of funded accounts established in 2024, the platform emphasizes disciplined risk control, progressive account scaling, and accessible educational resources designed to support traders at different experience levels. With underscore user perceptions of supportive communication and well-structured challenges, while detailed disclaimers clarify the inherent risks associated with futures trading and the rigorous nature of the evaluation process.
Earn2Trade Key Details
- Trader Career Path®: A structured evaluation program on virtual accounts designed to test risk management and trading skills.
- The Gauntlet Mini™: An intraday futures trading exam where traders must reach profit targets without violating rules over at least 10 trading days, potentially earning funding quickly.
- Skill development emphasis: Educational content and tools to help traders sharpen their capabilities before moving to funded trading.
- Funding offers: Successful candidates may receive funding offers matching the evaluation account size.
Also, you may read 10 Best Stock Trading Prop Firms
Earn2Trade – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Structure | Offers structured evaluation programs designed to test trading skills and risk management before securing funding – the Trader Career Path® and The Gauntlet Mini™ |
| Trader Career Path® | A growth-oriented evaluation on virtual accounts where traders demonstrate risk control and profit generation to qualify for funding |
| The Gauntlet Mini™ | An intraday futures trading evaluation where traders can earn funding after a minimum of 10 trading days |
| Education Focus | Educational resources and tools are integrated to help traders improve their skills during the evaluation process |
| Trading Environment | Evaluations use virtual futures accounts to assess performance before matching with funded capital |
| Funding Pathway | Successful traders receive offers from a proprietary trading partner after passing evaluations |
| Profit Scaling | Traders may upgrade to larger account sizes as they meet targets and achieve consistent results |
| Supported Instruments | Focuses on futures products (e.g., CME, COMEX, NYMEX, CBOT markets) |
| Assessment Purpose | Both programs are designed to build risk discipline and consistent trading performance before funded account access |
| Performance Criteria | Traders must follow defined rules and meet profit & risk targets to complete evaluations and qualify for funded offers |
Earn2Trade’s offering provides a structured and transparent pathway to funded futures trading through performance-based evaluations. With access to both the growth-focused Trader Career Path® and the fast-track Gauntlet Mini™, the platform supports different trading styles while maintaining a strong emphasis on rule-based discipline and risk management.
The clearly defined objectives and simulated trading environment position Earn2Trade as a professional-grade program, though the challenging evaluation standards and low pass rates indicate it is best suited for experienced and disciplined futures traders rather than complete beginners. Overall, Earn2Trade is a solid choice for international traders seeking a credible, structured route to proprietary trading capital.
Also, you may read Earn2Trade Review – Legit or Scam?
Earn2Trade – Strengths & Considerations
| Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Combines education with funding evaluation | Evaluation programs may take longer than single-stage tests |
| Programs designed to build trader skills and discipline | Traders must perform consistently to pass evaluations |
| Offers multiple evaluation programs (Career Path® and Gauntlet Mini™) | Funding is achieved only after evaluation completion |
| Virtual accounts allow practice before funded status | More structured and potentially more complex than one-step models |
| Supports funding offers up to significant account sizes | Not instant — dependent on performance and rules adherence |
3. Take Profit Trader – A streamlined futures prop firm
Take Profit Trader positions itself as a proprietary futures trading funding firm designed to empower disciplined traders by providing access to funded accounts following a structured evaluation process. Traders select a futures account size and pursue a profit target under a defined set of risk rules; successful completion of this evaluation grants access to a PRO account where profits can be withdrawn from day one and shared under an 80/20 profit-split arrangement.
The platform emphasizes a straightforward, no-nonsense model with immediate profit access, a simplified progression to enhanced PRO+ status, and a suite of services including risk management, customer support, and scalable account options.
Take Profit Trader Key Details
- One-step evaluation: Traders reach a profit target while following defined risk rules to qualify for a PRO account.
- Immediate withdrawal: Once funded, traders can withdraw profits from the very first day of trading.
- Profit splits: Standard PRO accounts offer an 80/20 split, with upgraded PRO+ accounts offering 90/10 and end-of-day drawdown features.
- Multiple platforms supported: Traders can connect via platforms such as NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and TradingView.
- Account progression: Traders may upgrade to live market PRO+ accounts where orders are sent to regulated brokers.
- Five PRO accounts: Traders can manage up to five PRO accounts concurrently.
Also, you may read 10 Prop Trading Firms Australia
Take Profit Trader – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Structure | One-step evaluation that leads directly to a funded PRO account once profit target and risk rules are met |
| Account Journey | Traders select a futures account size, prove trading ability under risk rules, earn PRO status, and start withdrawing profits immediately |
| Profit Split | Standard PRO accounts typically offer an 80/20 split, with 90/10 split available in upgraded PRO+ accounts |
| Profit Withdrawal | Profit can be withdrawn from day one of funded PRO account trading |
| Platforms Supported | Connect via 15+ trading platforms (e.g., NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView and others) |
| Evaluation Focus | Traders must reach profit targets while following defined risk management rules to qualify for PRO |
| Account Progression | PRO accounts can be upgraded to PRO+ with enhanced features and profit splits |
| Concurrent Accounts | Traders can manage up to five PRO accounts at once |
| Evaluation Instruments | Focused on futures markets with various contract sizes |
| User Experience | Streamlined, no-nonsense process emphasizing quick qualification and easy profit access |
Take Profit Trader positions itself as a trader-first proprietary funding firm focused on providing a streamlined path from evaluation to funded futures trading with a strong emphasis on day-one profit access, platform flexibility, and straightforward risk rules.
With benefits such as immediate withdrawals upon qualification, a clear progression to live PRO+ accounts with higher profit splits, and supportive resources like live chat and a comprehensive knowledge base, Take Profit Trader is best suited for experienced futures traders who seek capital access through a structured funding model rather than trading their own funds, and who value a simplified, transparent evaluation and payout process.
Also, you may read Take Profit Trader Review: Is it Reliable?
Take Profit Trader – Strengths & Considerations
| Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|
| One-step evaluation model that is easy to follow | Evaluation must be passed before profit withdrawal eligibility |
| Profit withdrawal from day one of funded PRO accounts | Standard profit split is lower than some competitors (80%) |
| PRO+ accounts can offer 90% profit splits | Higher profit split tied to upgraded account tiers |
| Supports many trading platforms (e.g., NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView) | Focus is mainly on futures markets |
| Up to five PRO accounts concurrently | Intensive futures trading focus may not suit all traders |
| Offers account resets and progression opportunities | Evaluation risk rules must be followed strictly |
4. Tradeify Partners – A next-generation prop firm
Tradeify Partners positions itself as a modern proprietary trading firm focused on providing futures traders with rapid access to capital and streamlined funding mechanisms. The platform extends up to $750,000 in simulated trading capital, reinforcing its capability to support traders across a broad range of strategies and experience levels.
The core value proposition emphasized by Tradeify is speed of funding and payout execution. Unlike traditional proprietary firms that require extended evaluation phases, Tradeify promotes instant funding with minimal procedural barriers, allowing traders to begin executing strategies “within hours” of registration.
Tradeify Partners Key Details
- Instant funding: Traders can receive funding without lengthy evaluation phases.
- Fast payouts: Payouts are typically processed within about 1 hour once conditions are met.
- Profit splits: Traders keep 100% of the first $15,000 in profits and up to 90% thereafter.
- Account options: Growth, Select, and Lightning accounts provide different paths to funding.
- Choice of platforms: Tradovate, NinjaTrader, ProjectX, and Quantower are supported.
- Consistency rules: Funded accounts include minimum trading days and consistency requirements.
- Up to $750,000 simulated capital: Larger capital plans are available.
Also, you may read 10 Best Options Trading Prop Firms
Tradeify Partners – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Structure | Next-generation prop firm offering instant funding and multiple account plans (Growth, Select, Lightning) for futures traders |
| Instant Funding | Traders can be funded within hours with no lengthy evaluation phases |
| Profit Split | Traders keep 100% of the first $15,000 in profits and up to 90% thereafter |
| Payout Speed | Lightning-fast payouts — typically processed within about 1 hour once conditions are met |
| Simulated Capital | Up to $750,000 in simulated funding available depending on the account plan |
| Platform Support | Supports major trading platforms including Tradovate, NinjaTrader, ProjectX, and Quantower |
| Consistency & Rules | Funded accounts include consistency rules and minimum trading days to encourage disciplined trading |
| Drawdown Flexibility | End-of-day trailing drawdown provides flexibility in intraday trading |
| Account Options | Three primary account paths (Growth, Select, Lightning) tailored for different trader experience levels |
| Trading Focus | Primarily futures trading, with tools and real-time data for comprehensive market access |
Tradeify Partners positions itself as a futures trading prop firm designed for traders who value fast access to capital, structured performance incentives, and clear payout pathways. Its model eliminates traditional lengthy evaluation phases with instant or rapid funding options, making it attractive to active traders who prioritize speed and early market participation.
The firm’s emphasis on consistency requirements, trailing drawdown protections, and profit split structures further aligns its offerings with traders focused on risk-controlled and performance-driven growth rather than high-risk, short-term plays. In this context, Tradeify is best suited for futures traders who seek transparent rules, scalable funding options, and supportive educational and community resources to systematically build and monetize their trading performance.
Also, you may read Tradeify Partners: An Analytical Review
Tradeify Partners – Strengths & Considerations
| Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Instant funding options with fast access to capital | Funded status must meet consistency and minimum trading rules |
| Very fast payouts (typically ~1 hour after request) | Challenge or plan conditions vary by account type |
| 100% of first $15,000 profits, then up to 90% split | Rules and payout timing may vary by plan |
| Multiple account paths (Growth, Select, Lightning) | Larger plans may require performance consistency before payouts |
| Supports popular platforms (Tradovate, NinjaTrader, ProjectX, Quantower) | Primarily futures; other asset classes depend on platform availability |
| Offers up to $750,000 in simulated capital | Speed and instant funding may attract aggressive trading styles |
Apex Trader Funding vs Earn2Trade vs Take Profit Trader vs Tradeify: Final Verdict
Apex Trader Funding– Best suited for futures traders who want a simple, straightforward path to funded accounts without multi-stage hurdles. Its one-step evaluation, regular payout cadence, and flexibility with full-size contracts make it a strong fit for traders focused on futures markets and who value clarity and regular profit withdrawals.
Earn2Trade– Ideal for traders who want structured learning alongside evaluation. Because it combines educational content with performance testing, Earn2Trade is well suited for intermediate or developing traders who want to build consistent risk management and trading discipline before moving into funded accounts.
Take Profit Trader– Great for traders who want fast access to profit withdrawals and a direct funding route. With a one-step evaluation leading to PRO status and profit withdrawals from day one, it works well for traders who are confident in their strategies and want immediate access to funded trading with clear profit splits.
Tradeify Partners– Perfect for traders who prioritize speed and flexibility. With instant funding options, ultra-fast payout processing, and multiple account plans, Tradeify Partners is well suited for active traders who want quick entry into funded trading and rapid access to profits, especially those who value near-instant results and dynamic account paths.
Also, you may read Hola Prime vs PipFarm vs FundedFast vs E8 Funding: Detailed Analysis
Conclusion
Apex Trader Funding, Earn2Trade, Take Profit Trader, and Tradeify Partners each represent a distinct approach to futures prop trading. From Apex’s simple evaluation and regular payouts to Earn2Trade’s education-driven structure, Take Profit Trader’s early profit access, and Tradeify’s instant funding with fast payouts, these firms collectively show how prop trading has evolved to meet different trader needs. Rather than a single “best” model, the comparison highlights how flexibility, speed, structure, and accessibility now define the modern prop trading landscape.
Do I need to pass an evaluation to get funded?
Apex, Earn2Trade, and Take Profit Trader require passing an evaluation, while Tradeify also offers instant funding options.
Are these accounts real or simulated?
Evaluations are conducted in simulated environments, with funded trading and payouts based on program terms.
How often can profits be withdrawn?
Apex allows withdrawals every 8 days, Take Profit Trader allows day-one withdrawals once funded, Tradeify offers near-instant payouts, and Earn2Trade payouts occur after partner funding.
