Apex Trader vs The5ers - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
The choice between Apex Trader and The5ers usually comes down to one question: do you trade futures or forex? Apex Trader is a CME futures specialist, founded in Austin in 2021, that funds traders on contracts like ES, NQ, CL and GC through platforms such as Tradovate, Rithmic and NinjaTrader. The5ers, running out of Israel since 2016, is a forex and CFD house built on MetaTrader and cTrader, covering currencies, indices and commodities. That split shapes everything else. Apex keeps things intraday only, with no overnight or weekend holding, a single 1-Step evaluation at a 6% target, and a trailing drawdown that carries no daily loss limit but locks at your starting balance once you bank enough profit. The5ers takes the opposite stance on time: positions can be held overnight and over weekends, there is no time limit on the evaluation, and risk is governed by a 4% daily and 5% overall loss cap rather than a trailing threshold. Pricing and structure differ too. Apex runs on a monthly subscription from around $85, with account sizes from $25K up to $250K and a profit split that can reach 100%. The5ers starts lower at about $75 for entry, offers both a 2-Step route and a 1-Step Hyper Growth path, scales accounts through its growth plan, and pays up to an 80% split. A futures scalper who closes flat every night will feel at home with Apex Trader; a swing trader who wants to hold forex positions through the weekend will lean toward The5ers.
When comparing prop trading firms, Apex Trader and The5ers 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. The5ers, based in Israel, was founded in 2016 and stands out for Established since 2016 – strongest track record, Scales up to $4M, holding a 4.7/5 (4,500+ 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 | The5ers |
 |  | |
| Founded | 2021 (Austin, Texas, USA) | 2016 (Israel) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.4/5 (17,800+ reviews) | 4.7/5 (4,500+ reviews) |
| Minimum Evaluation Cost | $85/mo | $75 |
| Profit Split | up to 100% | up to 80% |
| Evaluation Phases | 1-Step | 2-Step, 1-Step (Hyper Growth) |
| Refundable Fee | No | No |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Key Differences Between Apex Trader and The5ers
- Market focus: Apex Trader funds CME futures such as ES, NQ, CL and GC; The5ers funds forex, indices and commodities through CFDs.
- Holding periods: Apex is intraday only with no overnight or weekend positions; The5ers permits overnight and weekend holding.
- Drawdown model: Apex uses a trailing drawdown with no daily loss limit that locks at your starting balance; The5ers applies a fixed 4% daily and 5% overall loss limit.
- Evaluation: Apex offers a single 1-Step challenge at a 6% target; The5ers runs a 2-Step program plus a 1-Step Hyper Growth option.
- Profit split: Apex can reach 100%, while The5ers tops out at 80% on this comparison.
- Pricing model: Apex charges a monthly subscription from about $85; The5ers uses a one-off entry fee from around $75.
- Platforms: Apex runs Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader and WealthCharts; The5ers uses MT4, MT5 and cTrader.
- Track record: Apex holds 4.4/5 on Trustpilot from 17,800+ reviews since 2021; The5ers holds 4.7/5 and has operated since 2016.
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Apex Trader | The5ers |
| Main Evaluation Format | 1-Step | 2-Step, 1-Step (Hyper Growth) |
| Account Sizes | $25K, $50K, $75K, $100K, $150K, $250K | $5K, $25K, $100K, $150K |
| Time Limits | Min 7 trading days | No time limit |
| Scaling Plan | Yes | Yes |
| One-Step Option | Yes | Yes |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Apex Trader | The5ers |
| Profit Target | 6% (1-Step) | Phase 1: 6%–8% depending on program / Phase 2: 5% |
| Maximum Daily Loss | None (trailing drawdown only) | 4% |
| Maximum Overall Loss | Trailing drawdown – locks at starting balance | 5% |
| Minimum Trading Days | 7 | None |
| 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 | The5ers |
| $10K Account | Not offered | Not offered |
| $25K Account | Available – from $85/mo (entry) | Available – from $75 (entry) |
| $50K Account | Available – from $85/mo (entry) | Not offered |
| $100K Account | Available – from $85/mo (entry) | Available – from $75 (entry) |
| $200K Account | Not offered | Not offered |
| 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 | The5ers |
| Trading Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Dashboard Interface | Yes – trader dashboard | Yes – trader dashboard |
| 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 | The5ers |
| 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 | Not offered |
| Stocks/Equities | Not offered | Not offered |
Trader Benefits – What perks will you receive? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Benefit | Apex Trader | The5ers |
| Profit Split | up to 100% | up to 80% |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Monthly |
| Payout Speed | Within 24 hours | 1-3 days |
| Scaling Opportunities | Yes – account scaling plan | Yes – account scaling plan |
| Educational Resources | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Email and live chat | Email and live chat |
Technical Capabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | The5ers |
| Max Leverage | N/A (futures margin) | 1:30 |
| EA / Algo Trading | Permitted (Rithmic/NinjaTrader) | Expert Advisors (MT4/MT5), cBots (cTrader) |
| 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 | The5ers |
| Strengths | 100% profit split on first $25K earned / $378M+ paid out to traders / No daily drawdown limit – trailing only | Established since 2016 – strongest track record / Scales up to $4M / Israeli-regulated structure |
| 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 | Up to 80% split only – below industry average / Monthly payouts only / Tight drawdown limits (4%/5%) |
| Best For | Futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit | Conservative traders who prioritise firm stability |
| Final Grade How we rank firms ↗ | 8.8 | 9 |
| 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 The5ers differ from other prop firms?
The5ers, based in Israel and founded in 2016, differentiates itself through Established since 2016 – strongest track record, Scales up to $4M. With a up to 80% profit split and 2-Step, 1-Step (Hyper Growth) evaluation, it is particularly suited to conservative traders who prioritise firm stability.
Which firm offers better payouts – Apex Trader or The5ers?
Apex Trader offers a up to 100% profit split with Bi-weekly payouts processed in Within 24 hours. The5ers offers a up to 80% profit split with Monthly payouts in 1-3 days. 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 The5ers is better aligned with conservative traders who prioritise firm stability. 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.
Can I hold trades overnight with Apex Trader or The5ers?
Only with The5ers. The5ers allows positions to be held overnight and over weekends, which suits swing traders. Apex Trader is intraday only, so all futures positions must be closed before the session ends, with no overnight or weekend exposure.
Which firm suits futures traders versus forex traders?
Apex Trader is the futures choice, funding CME contracts such as ES, NQ, CL and GC on platforms like Tradovate and Rithmic. The5ers is the forex and CFD choice, covering currencies, indices and commodities on MetaTrader and cTrader. Your primary market should decide which one you pick.
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 The5ers. 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 The5ers review to go deeper.
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