Maven Trading vs Apex Trader - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
When comparing prop trading firms, Maven Trading and Apex Trader each offer distinct paths to funded trading. Maven Trading is Canada-based, founded in 2022, and is known for 5,113 Trustpilot reviews on file, Low entry cost from $49. It holds Trustpilot rating currently unavailable. Apex Trader, based in Austin, Texas, USA, was founded in 2021 and stands out for 100% profit split on first $25K earned, $378M+ paid out to traders, holding a 4.4/5 (17,800+ 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 | Maven Trading | Apex Trader |
 |  | |
| Founded | 2022 (Canada) | 2021 (Austin, Texas, USA) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.3/5 (5,113 reviews, June 2026) | 4.4/5 (17,800+ reviews) |
| Minimum Evaluation Cost | $49 | $85/mo |
| Profit Split | up to 80% | up to 100% |
| Evaluation Phases | 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step, Instant, Mini | 1-Step |
| Refundable Fee | No | No |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Maven Trading | Apex Trader |
| Main Evaluation Format | 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step, Instant, Mini | 1-Step |
| Account Sizes | $2K, $5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K | $25K, $50K, $75K, $100K, $150K, $250K |
| Time Limits | Min 5 trading days | Min 7 trading days |
| Scaling Plan | Yes | Yes |
| One-Step Option | Yes | Yes |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Maven Trading | Apex Trader |
| Profit Target | Phase 1: 10% / Phase 2: 5% (2-Step) | 6% (1-Step) |
| Maximum Daily Loss | 5% | None (trailing drawdown only) |
| Maximum Overall Loss | 10% | Trailing drawdown – locks at starting balance |
| Minimum Trading Days | 5 | 7 |
| Holding Positions | Overnight only | Intraday only |
| News Trading | Restricted (Standard challenges) | Permitted |
| Trading Hours | 24/5 (standard markets) | 24/5 (standard markets) |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Option | Maven Trading | Apex Trader |
| $10K Account | Available – from $49 (entry) | Not offered |
| $25K Account | Available – from $49 (entry) | Available – from $85/mo (entry) |
| $50K Account | Available – from $49 (entry) | Available – from $85/mo (entry) |
| $100K Account | Available – from $49 (entry) | Available – from $85/mo (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 | Maven Trading | Apex Trader |
| Trading Platforms | cTrader, Match Trader, MT5 | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts |
| Dashboard Interface | Yes – trader dashboard | Yes – trader dashboard |
| Performance Analytics | Included | Included |
| Mobile Access | Yes | Yes |
| Demo Accounts | Available on request | Available on request |
Available Markets – What can you trade? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market | Maven Trading | Apex Trader |
| Forex | Available (major, minor, exotic pairs) | Not offered |
| 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 | Maven Trading | Apex Trader |
| Profit Split | up to 80% | up to 100% |
| Payout Frequency | Every 10 business days | Bi-weekly |
| Payout Speed | Crypto, Rise, bank transfer | Within 24 hours |
| 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 | Maven Trading | Apex Trader |
| Max Leverage | 1:75 | N/A (futures margin) |
| EA / Algo Trading | Not permitted | Permitted (Rithmic/NinjaTrader) |
| Copy Trading | Not permitted | Own accounts only |
| News Trading | Restricted (Standard challenges) | Permitted |
| Overnight Holding | Yes | No |
| Weekend Holding | No | No |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Key Element | Maven Trading | Apex Trader |
| Strengths | 5,113 Trustpilot reviews on file / Low entry cost from $49 / Multiple challenge formats including Mini accounts | 100% profit split on first $25K earned / $378M+ paid out to traders / No daily drawdown limit – trailing only |
| Weaknesses | Trustpilot rating suspended (May 2026) / EAs strictly prohibited on all platforms / Payout capped at $10K per two cycles | 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 |
| Best For | Budget-conscious traders seeking multiple platform options | Futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit |
| Final Grade | 3.4/5 | 4.05/5 |
| Discount Codes | Get Discount | Get Discount |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
What makes Maven Trading stand out among prop firms?
Maven Trading, based in Canada, was founded in 2022 and is best known for 5,113 trustpilot reviews on file, low entry cost from $49. With a minimum evaluation cost of $49 and a up to 80% profit split, it offers a developing value proposition for budget-conscious traders seeking multiple platform options.
How does Apex Trader differ from other prop firms?
Apex Trader, based in Austin, Texas, USA and founded in 2021, differentiates itself through 100% profit split on first $25K earned, $378M+ paid out to traders. With a up to 100% profit split and 1-Step evaluation, it is particularly suited to futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit.
Which firm offers better payouts – Maven Trading or Apex Trader?
Maven Trading offers a up to 80% profit split with Every 10 business days payouts processed in Crypto, Rise, bank transfer. Apex Trader offers a up to 100% profit split with Bi-weekly payouts in Within 24 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. Maven Trading is best suited to Budget-conscious traders seeking multiple platform options, while Apex Trader is better aligned with futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit. 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 Maven Trading and Apex Trader. 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 Maven Trading review or read the Apex Trader review to go deeper.
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