Apex Trader vs TradeDay - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
Apex Trader Funding and TradeDay are both American futures firms built for traders chasing funded futures accounts, which makes this a closer matchup than most. Apex, founded in Austin in 2021, is the heavyweight by sheer volume, with more than 17,800 Trustpilot reviews at 4.4/5. TradeDay, founded in Chicago in 2020, is smaller but rated even higher at 4.6/5, and it leans on a reputation for trader education and support.
Their evaluations look alike at first glance: both are single-step challenges with a 6% profit target and a trailing drawdown that freezes once you reach your starting balance. The differences sit in the detail. Apex offers a wider ladder of account sizes, from $25K up to $250K, and pays up to 100% of profits (the full first $25,000, then 90/10). TradeDay keeps a tighter set, at $50K, $100K and $150K, and starts you on an 80% split from day one that rises toward 95%. TradeDay also lets you choose your drawdown type and asks for only 5 minimum trading days, against 7 at Apex.
So the gap is less about what you trade and more about how you want to be funded. Apex appeals if you want the largest community, the biggest account ceiling, and a shot at an effective 100% split. TradeDay appeals if you value a higher satisfaction rating, a lower 5-day minimum, an 80%-from-day-one structure, and a say in how your drawdown works. Both are credible futures firms; this one comes down to account size, split structure, and how much the drawdown rules matter to your style.
Quick Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | TradeDay |
 |  | |
| Founded | 2021 (Austin, TX) | 2020 (Chicago, IL) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.4/5 (17,800+ reviews, June 2026) | 4.6/5 (1,354 reviews, June 2026) |
| Account Sizes | $25K to $250K | $50K / $100K / $150K |
| Profit Split | Up to 100% (100% of first $25,000, then 90/10) | 80% from day one, up to 95% |
| Evaluation Style | 1-step evaluation | Single-step evaluation |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Key Differences Between Apex Trader and TradeDay
- Shared core: Both are futures firms running a single-step evaluation with a 6% target and a trailing drawdown that freezes at your starting balance.
- Scale vs rating: Apex has a huge review base (4.4/5 from 17,800+); TradeDay is smaller but rated higher (4.6/5 from 1,354).
- Account sizes: Apex spans $25K to $250K; TradeDay offers $50K, $100K and $150K.
- Profit split: Apex pays up to 100% (100% of the first $25,000, then 90/10); TradeDay starts at 80% from day one and rises toward 95%.
- Drawdown: Apex is trailing-only with no daily loss limit; TradeDay lets you choose your drawdown type, with fixed limits of $2,000/$3,000/$4,000 that freeze at the starting balance.
- Minimum trading days: TradeDay requires 5; Apex requires 7.
- Origin: Apex is Austin-based (2021); TradeDay is Chicago-based (2020).
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Apex Trader | TradeDay |
| Standard Evaluation | 1-Step Evaluation – 6% profit target | One-step evaluation – 6% profit target |
| Instant / Skip-Evaluation | Not offered – evaluation required | Not offered – evaluation required |
| Drawdown Structure | Trailing threshold drawdown; locks at starting balance | Choice of Intraday, EOD or Static drawdown |
| Educational Support | Community resources, Discord and support | Trader support and resources |
| Account Scaling | Multiple accounts permitted; scale across sizes to $250K | Up to 6 simultaneous accounts; split scales to 95% |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Apex Trader | TradeDay |
| Profit Target | 6% (e.g. $1,500 on a $25K account) | 6% |
| Maximum Daily Loss | None – trailing drawdown only | Depends on the drawdown type chosen |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing drawdown; stops trailing once start balance is reached | $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,000; trailing freezes at start balance |
| Minimum Trading Days | 7 trading days | 5 trading days |
| Time Limit | None | None |
| Consistency Rule | No fixed percentage; payout rules apply | No fixed consistency rule |
| Minimum Trade Duration | Not specified | Not specified |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Option | Apex Trader | TradeDay |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription | Monthly subscription |
| Entry Level | Monthly subscription (frequently discounted) | Monthly subscription (code OPSODO for 30% off) |
| Instant Funding | Not offered | Not offered |
| Activation Fee | One-time activation fee on funded account | No separate activation fee |
| Payout Speed | Bi-weekly payouts, processed within 24 hours | Day-one payouts, no consistency rule |
| Coupons | See discounts | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Apex Trader | TradeDay |
| Trading Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts | Tradovate, NinjaTrader 8, TradingView, Jigsaw |
| Data Feed | Rithmic and Tradovate data feeds | Rithmic and Tradovate data feeds |
| Mobile Trading | Tradovate and NinjaTrader mobile apps | Tradovate and TradingView mobile |
| Automated Trading | Automated trading permitted within firm rules | Automated trading within rules |
| News Trading | Permitted | Not permitted during major news |
| Execution | Third-party platform execution | Tradovate/Rithmic execution |
Available Markets/Products | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market | Apex Trader | TradeDay |
| Index Futures | ES, NQ, YM, RTY and CME index futures | ES, NQ, YM, RTY and CME index futures |
| Energy Futures | CL, NG and CME energy futures | CL, NG and CME energy |
| Metals Futures | GC, SI and CME metals | GC, SI and CME metals |
| Agricultural Futures | CME agricultural futures | CME agricultural futures |
| FX / Currency Futures | CME FX futures | CME FX futures |
| Weekend Holding | Not permitted – intraday only, close by 4:59 PM ET | Not permitted |
Technical Capabilities/Performance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | TradeDay |
| Execution Speed | Third-party platform execution (Tradovate/Rithmic) | Tradovate/Rithmic order routing |
| Automated Trading | Automated trading permitted within rules | Automated trading within rules |
| Platform Reliability | Established platforms (Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Rithmic) | Established platforms; futures specialist |
| Payout Processor | Standard payout processing | Day-one payout processing |
| Payout Record | $378M+ paid out to traders | Futures specialist; 28.2% pass rate |
| Trading Hours | CME hours; intraday only, no overnight holding | CME hours; no weekend holding |
Support and Community | ||
|---|---|---|
| Support Feature | Apex Trader | TradeDay |
| Customer Support | Email and live chat support | Email and live chat |
| Live Coaching | Community-driven resources | Trader support and education |
| Trading Community | Large Apex trader community and Discord | Growing TradeDay community |
| Educational Resources | Guides and onboarding resources | Guides and onboarding |
| Track Record | $378M+ paid out; Trustpilot 4.4/5 | Trustpilot 4.6/5; futures specialist |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Key Element | Apex Trader | TradeDay |
| Strengths | Huge account sizes up to $250K, up to 100% split on first $25K, no daily loss limit, frequent steep discounts, $378M+ paid out | 80-95% profit split, day-one payouts with no consistency rule, three drawdown types, up to 6 accounts, trailing freezes at start balance |
| Weaknesses | Intraday only (no overnight or weekend holding), trailing drawdown can be tight, activation fee on funded accounts | No news trading, no weekend holding, smaller account ceiling ($150K), 5-day minimum |
| Best For | Active intraday futures traders who want large accounts and aggressive discounts | Futures traders who want fast day-one payouts and flexible drawdown options |
| Final Grade How we rank firms ↗ | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| Discount Codes | See discounts | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
Are Apex Trader and TradeDay both futures-only?
Yes. Both firms fund traders exclusively on CME Group futures – index, energy, metals and currency contracts. Neither offers forex or CFD funded accounts.
Which firm pays out faster?
TradeDay is the faster of the two for new funded traders, offering day-one payouts with no consistency rule. Apex Trader processes bi-weekly payouts within 24 hours of request.
Which firm has the better profit split?
Apex Trader pays 100% of your first $25,000 then 90/10, giving the larger upfront window. TradeDay starts at 80% from day one and scales up to 95% for consistent performers, so it can edge ahead over the long run.
Can I trade during news on each firm?
Apex Trader permits news trading. TradeDay does not allow trading during major economic news releases, which is common among futures specialists to limit slippage risk.
How do account sizes and scaling compare?
Apex Trader offers larger individual accounts, up to $250,000. TradeDay caps individual accounts at $150,000 but lets you run up to six simultaneous accounts to scale total exposure.
Apex Trader vs TradeDay: which has the higher profit split?
Apex has the higher ceiling. It pays 100% of your first $25,000 in profit and 90/10 after that, so a strong run can reach an effective 100%. TradeDay starts everyone at 80% from day one and scales toward 95%. If maximum split is the priority, Apex edges it; if you want a solid split from your very first payout, TradeDay’s 80%-from-day-one is appealing.
Which is faster to get funded, Apex or TradeDay?
TradeDay has the lower time bar, a 5 trading day minimum versus Apex’s 7. Both use a single-step, 6% target evaluation, so the difficulty is similar; TradeDay simply lets you complete it in fewer days, which can shorten the time to a funded account.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
This comparison was compiled using the published review data on JoinProp for each firm. All figures – account sizes, profit splits, drawdown rules, platforms and payout structures – are taken from each firm’s review page. Where a detail is not publicly disclosed, the cell reads “Not specified.” Verify current terms directly with Apex Trader and TradeDay before purchasing a challenge.
Related comparison: Topstep vs TradeDay – Prop Firm Comparison