Apex Trader vs The Concept Trading - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
When comparing prop trading firms, Apex Trader and The Concept Trading each offer distinct paths to funded trading. Apex Trader is Austin, Texas, USA-based, founded in 2021, and is known for 100% profit split on first $25K earned, $378M+ paid out to traders. It holds a 4.4/5 (17,800+ reviews) Trustpilot rating. The Concept Trading, based in Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia, was founded in 2021 and stands out for No daily loss limit – static drawdown only, ASIC-regulated structure (Vested Equities AFSL), holding a 4.6/5 (443 reviews) Trustpilot rating. Both firms provide paths to funded accounts, but their evaluation structures, pricing, and trader benefits differ in key ways that may suit different trader profiles.
Quick Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | The Concept Trading |
 |  | |
| Founded | 2021 (Austin, Texas, USA) | 2021 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.4/5 (17,800+ reviews) | 4.6/5 (451 reviews, June 2026) |
| Minimum Evaluation Cost | $85/mo | $65 (Foundation) / $97 (Traditional) |
| Profit Split | up to 100% | Up to 90% |
| Evaluation Phases | 1-Step | 1-Step (Direct, Rapid, or Instant) |
| Refundable Fee | No | No |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Apex Trader | The Concept Trading |
| Main Evaluation Format | 1-Step | 1-Step (Direct, Rapid, or Instant) |
| Account Sizes | $25K, $50K, $75K, $100K, $150K, $250K | $5K (Foundation), $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K |
| Time Limits | Min 7 trading days | Min None (except Foundation: 3 days) trading days |
| Scaling Plan | Yes | Yes |
| One-Step Option | Yes | Yes |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Apex Trader | The Concept Trading |
| Profit Target | 6% (1-Step) | Phase 1: 6% (Traditional) / 7% (Premier) / 10% (Empire) / 6% (Xtreme) / Phase 2: N/A (1-step programs) |
| Maximum Daily Loss | None (trailing drawdown only) | None (static drawdown only) |
| Maximum Overall Loss | Trailing drawdown – locks at starting balance | 4% static (Traditional) / 5% (Premier) / 10% (Empire) / 3% (Xtreme) |
| Minimum Trading Days | 7 | None (except Foundation: 3 days) |
| Holding Positions | Intraday only | Overnight & weekends |
| News Trading | Permitted | Allowed |
| Trading Hours | 24/5 (standard markets) | 24/5 (standard markets) |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Option | Apex Trader | The Concept Trading |
| $10K Account | Not offered | Available – from $65 (Foundation) / $97 (Traditional) (entry) |
| $25K Account | Available – from $85/mo (entry) | Available – from $65 (Foundation) / $97 (Traditional) (entry) |
| $50K Account | Available – from $85/mo (entry) | Available – from $65 (Foundation) / $97 (Traditional) (entry) |
| $100K Account | Available – from $85/mo (entry) | Available – from $65 (Foundation) / $97 (Traditional) (entry) |
| $200K Account | Not offered | Available – from $65 (Foundation) / $97 (Traditional) (entry) |
| Reset Fee | ~50% of initial fee (check firm site) | ~50% of initial fee (check firm site) |
| Coupons | Coupon / Discount | Coupon / Discount |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | The Concept Trading |
| Trading Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts | Not specified (Pro Spreads / Normal Spreads) |
| Dashboard Interface | Yes – trader dashboard | Basic portal |
| Performance Analytics | Included | Included |
| Mobile Access | Yes | Platform-dependent |
| Demo Accounts | Available on request | Available on request |
Available Markets – What can you trade? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market | Apex Trader | The Concept Trading |
| Forex | Not offered | Available (major, minor, exotic pairs) |
| Indices | Major global indices | Major global indices |
| Commodities | Gold, silver, oil, natural gas | Gold, silver, oil, natural gas |
| Crypto | Not offered | BTC, ETH and major crypto |
| Stocks/Equities | Not offered | Not offered |
Trader Benefits – What perks will you receive? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Benefit | Apex Trader | The Concept Trading |
| Profit Split | up to 100% | Up to 90% |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Weekly (top-level / 90% Lock Rule); per-level otherwise |
| Payout Speed | Within 24 hours | 24-48 hours |
| Scaling Opportunities | Yes – account scaling plan | Yes – account scaling plan |
| Educational Resources | Yes | Limited |
| Customer Support | Email and live chat | Email and live chat |
Technical Capabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | The Concept Trading |
| Max Leverage | N/A (futures margin) | 1:200 (Traditional/Premier) / 1:30 (Xtreme) |
| EA / Algo Trading | Permitted (Rithmic/NinjaTrader) | Not supported on available platforms |
| Copy Trading | Own accounts only | Own accounts only |
| News Trading | Permitted | Allowed |
| Overnight Holding | No | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | Yes |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Key Element | Apex Trader | The Concept Trading |
| Strengths | 100% profit split on first $25K earned / $378M+ paid out to traders / No daily drawdown limit – trailing only | No daily loss limit – static drawdown only / ASIC-regulated structure (Vested Equities AFSL) / Scales up to $50M (Xtreme program) |
| Weaknesses | Futures only – no forex or crypto spot trading / Monthly fee model rather than one-time payment / Positions must close by 4:59 PM ET daily | Lower profit split entry (50% on lower tiers) / Australian timezone support / Platform not specified |
| Best For | Futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit | Traders who want maximum rule simplicity and huge scaling |
| Final Grade | 4.05/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Discount Codes | Get Discount | Get Discount |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
What makes Apex Trader stand out among prop firms?
Apex Trader, based in Austin, Texas, USA, was founded in 2021 and is best known for 100% profit split on first $25k earned, $378m+ paid out to traders. With a minimum evaluation cost of $85/mo and a up to 100% profit split, it offers a developing value proposition for futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit.
How does The Concept Trading differ from other prop firms?
The Concept Trading, based in Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia and founded in 2021, differentiates itself through No daily loss limit – static drawdown only, ASIC-regulated structure (Vested Equities AFSL). With a 50–90% profit split and 1-Step (Traditional/Premier/Empire/Xtreme), 2-Step (Foundation), Instant evaluation, it is particularly suited to traders who want maximum rule simplicity and huge scaling.
Which firm offers better payouts – Apex Trader or The Concept Trading?
Apex Trader offers a up to 100% profit split with Bi-weekly payouts processed in Within 24 hours. The Concept Trading offers a 50–90% profit split with Weekly (top-level / 90% Lock Rule); per-level otherwise payouts in 24-48 hours. The better choice depends on whether you prioritise split percentage or payout frequency.
Are these prop firms suitable for beginners?
Both firms can accommodate beginners, but with different considerations. Apex Trader is best suited to Futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit, while The Concept Trading is better aligned with traders who want maximum rule simplicity and huge scaling. New traders should start with the smallest available account size and thoroughly review all rules before committing.
What happens if I fail the evaluation at either firm?
Most prop firms allow traders to purchase a reset to restart their evaluation phase, typically at 40-50% of the original fee. Neither firm penalises future attempts based on previous failures. Check each firm’s official site for current reset pricing and terms.
How was this Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our research team gathered data directly from the official websites, terms of service documents, and public communications of both Apex Trader and The Concept Trading. We supplemented this with verified user reviews on Trustpilot and trading community forums, and consulted active traders with first-hand experience at each firm.
2. We Examine
Our team of professional traders verified all information, cross-checking accuracy against each firm’s current platform, evaluation parameters, and pricing pages. Special attention was paid to profit split structures, drawdown rules, and payout conditions to ensure our assessment reflects the real trader experience.
3. We Score
We apply a scoring methodology across seven key categories: evaluation structure, trading conditions, costs and fees, platform quality, profit potential, customer support, and educational resources. Each category is weighted by importance to traders at different experience levels.
4. You Choose
This comparison is designed to help you identify which firm better aligns with your trading style, experience level, and goals. Consider your priorities – evaluation flexibility, profit split, platform preference, and firm track record – then visit each firm’s full review on JoinProp for the complete picture. Read the Apex Trader review or read the The Concept Trading review to go deeper.
View More Elite Prop Firms Compared: The Trading Pit vs The5ers
