Sway Funded vs The Trading Pit: Elite Prop Firms Comparison
Introduction
Sway Funded and The Trading Pit represent two leading proprietary trading firms offering funded trader programs in today’s competitive market. Sway Funded stands out for its straightforward evaluation process and competitive profit splits, earning a solid 4.3/5 on Trustpilot from over 250 reviews. The Trading Pit has distinguished itself with its unique hybrid evaluation model and sophisticated trading infrastructure, maintaining a 4.1/5 Trustpilot rating across 400+ reviews. Both organizations provide pathways for traders to access significant capital without risking their own funds, though they differ considerably in their approach, assessment criteria, and overall trader experience.
Quick Comparison
|
| Feature |
Sway Funded |
The Trading Pit |
|
 |
|
| Founded |
2021 |
2020 |
| Trustpilot Rating |
4.3/5 (250+ reviews) |
4.1/5 (400+ reviews) |
| Business Model |
Two-phase evaluation |
Hybrid evaluation model |
| Max Account Size |
Up to $400,000 |
Up to $1,000,000 |
| Profit Split |
Up to 90% |
Up to 85% |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals?
|
| Program |
Sway Funded |
The Trading Pit |
| Challenge Account |
Two-phase evaluation: Challenge and Verification |
Three-phase Combine™ program with Validation, Verification, and Funded stages |
| Instant Funding |
Available with higher upfront cost but immediate access to capital |
Not available – all traders must pass evaluation |
| Account Scaling |
10% profit milestones for account scaling up to $400,000 |
Progressive scaling plan to $1,000,000 based on performance metrics |
| Free Trial |
7-day demo account trial |
Limited-time simulated trading environment |
| Trader Development |
Basic education resources and webinars |
Comprehensive Trading Academy with mentorship options |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test?
|
| Criteria |
Sway Funded |
The Trading Pit |
| Profit Target |
8% for Challenge, 5% for Verification |
10% across all evaluation phases |
| Time Limit |
No time limit (unlimited days) |
Phase-specific time limits (30-60 days per phase) |
| Maximum Drawdown |
5% daily, 10% overall |
4% daily, 8% overall |
| Minimum Trading Days |
5 trading days per phase |
10 trading days per phase |
| Consistency Rules |
No specific consistency metrics |
Requires consistent profit days and risk management adherence |
| Trading Style Restrictions |
News trading allowed, no weekend holding |
No news trading, no weekend positions except with specific account types |
| Reset Options |
Free reset after 50% of profit target achieved |
Paid resets available at any point, discounted after significant progress |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay?
|
| Option |
Sway Funded |
The Trading Pit |
| $10,000 Account |
$97 one-time fee |
$119 one-time fee |
| $25,000 Account |
$147 one-time fee |
$219 one-time fee |
| $50,000 Account |
$197 one-time fee |
$319 one-time fee |
| $100,000 Account |
$297 one-time fee |
$519 one-time fee |
| $200,000 Account |
$497 one-time fee |
$819 one-time fee |
| Monthly Fees |
None |
None for evaluation; $99-$249 platform fee for funded accounts |
| Refund Policy |
3-day money-back guarantee |
24-hour refund window if no trades placed |
| Coupons |
Coupon Code |
Coupon Code |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use?
|
| Feature |
Sway Funded |
The Trading Pit |
| Trading Platforms |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader |
| Custom Indicators |
Limited selection, basic indicators allowed |
Extensive library, custom indicators supported |
| EAs/Algorithms |
Allowed with restrictions |
Fully supported with dedicated server options |
| Performance Analytics |
Basic dashboard with profit/loss tracking |
Advanced analytics with risk-adjusted performance metrics |
| Mobile Trading |
Supported via MT4/MT5 mobile apps |
Full mobile support with dedicated mobile experience |
| Trade Copier |
Not supported |
Available for funded traders |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Available Options/Products
|
| Category |
Sway Funded |
The Trading Pit |
| Markets |
Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Stocks, Bonds |
| Account Types |
Standard Challenge, Express Challenge, Instant Funding |
Regular Combine, Express Combine, Swing Combine |
| Leverage Options |
1:30 to 1:100 depending on instrument |
1:30 to 1:500 with adaptive leverage system |
| Payout Schedule |
Bi-weekly payouts after first profit split |
Monthly payouts with option for bi-weekly for larger accounts |
| Profit Milestones |
Account scaling at 10% profit milestones |
Tiered profit split increases at performance milestones |
| Trade Duration |
Day trading and swing trading supported |
Day trading, swing trading, and position trading with dedicated account types |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Technical Capabilities/Performance
|
| Feature |
Sway Funded |
The Trading Pit |
| Execution Speed |
Average 85ms execution time |
Ultra-fast 45ms execution with premium infrastructure |
| Server Locations |
New York, London |
New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore, Frankfurt |
| Spreads |
Standard institutional spreads |
Tighter ECN spreads with raw pricing options |
| Uptime Reliability |
99.5% uptime |
99.9% uptime with redundant systems |
| Data Feeds |
Standard market data providers |
Premium institutional data feeds |
| VPS Options |
Available at additional cost |
Included for funded traders |
| Technical Support |
Email and ticket system with 24-hour response time |
24/7 live chat and dedicated account managers for funded traders |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Trader Support & Education
|
| Resource |
Sway Funded |
The Trading Pit |
| Educational Content |
Basic trading guides and webinars |
Comprehensive Trading Academy with structured curriculum |
| Community |
Discord server with moderate activity |
Active Discord and proprietary community platform with mentors |
| Trading Tools |
Limited selection of free indicators |
Extensive proprietary tools and risk management suite |
| Mentorship |
Not available |
Optional 1-on-1 mentorship programs available |
| Market Analysis |
Weekly market outlook emails |
Daily analysis, trade ideas, and live market commentary |
| Support Hours |
Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM EST |
24/5 support coverage |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
|
| Key Element |
Sway Funded |
The Trading Pit |
| Strengths |
Simple, straightforward evaluation process, no time limits, competitive pricing, higher profit splits (up to 90%), low barrier to entry |
Comprehensive infrastructure, advanced tools, extensive market access, higher maximum account size ($1M), professional trading environment, educational resources |
| Weaknesses |
Limited platform options, basic analytics, fewer educational resources, less sophisticated infrastructure |
Stricter evaluation criteria, higher entry costs, monthly platform fees for funded traders, more complex rules to follow |
| Best For |
Beginning to intermediate traders who value simplicity, straightforward rules, and affordable entry points |
Experienced traders seeking institutional-grade infrastructure, comprehensive tools, and significant scaling potential |
| Final Grade |
4.2/5 |
4.4/5 |
| Discount Codes |
Coupon Code |
Coupon Code |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
FAQ
What makes Sway Funded popular among users?
Sway Funded has gained popularity primarily due to its user-friendly approach and accessible structure. Traders appreciate the absence of time limits during evaluation phases, which removes the pressure to achieve profit targets within strict deadlines. The straightforward two-phase evaluation process with clear metrics (8% profit target for Challenge, 5% for Verification) makes it easy for newcomers to understand. Additionally, Sway Funded’s competitive pricing and high profit splits (up to 90%) attract traders looking for value, while the free reset option after achieving 50% of profit targets provides a safety net that many competitors don’t offer.
How does The Trading Pit differ from other similar organizations?
The Trading Pit distinguishes itself through its institutional-grade infrastructure and comprehensive approach to trader development. Unlike many competitors, it offers a true multi-asset trading environment with access to six major asset classes. Its proprietary Combine™ program features a three-phase evaluation that better replicates real trading conditions and prepares traders for long-term success. The platform stands out with its ultra-fast execution speeds (averaging 45ms), multiple server locations worldwide, and advanced analytics that provide traders with detailed performance metrics. Additionally, The Trading Pit’s Trading Academy and mentorship programs offer educational resources rarely matched by competitors, making it particularly valuable for traders seeking to build sustainable skills.
Which firm offers better scaling opportunities?
Both firms offer scaling opportunities, but their approaches differ significantly. The Trading Pit provides a higher ceiling with funded accounts scaling up to $1,000,000, compared to Sway Funded’s $400,000 maximum. However, Sway Funded offers a more straightforward scaling process with automatic account increases at 10% profit milestones. The Trading Pit’s scaling process is more comprehensive but also more demanding, evaluating not just raw returns but consistency metrics, risk management adherence, and other professional trading benchmarks before approving increases. For traders prioritizing maximum potential capital, The Trading Pit offers the higher ceiling, while those valuing simplicity and predictable scaling might prefer Sway Funded’s approach.
Are there any hidden fees with either company?
Neither company has truly hidden fees, but traders should be aware of some additional costs. Sway Funded is more straightforward with a one-time evaluation fee and no recurring charges even after becoming funded. The Trading Pit, while transparent about its fee structure, does implement monthly platform fees ($99-$249 depending on account size) for funded traders, which aren’t required during the evaluation phase. Additionally, The Trading Pit charges for resets at any stage, while Sway Funded offers one free reset after achieving 50% of the profit target. Both companies are transparent about these costs in their terms and conditions, but prospective traders should factor these differences into their decision-making process.
How difficult is it to pass the evaluation at each firm?
The difficulty level differs based on trading style and experience. Sway Funded offers a more accessible path with its 8% and 5% profit targets across two phases, no time limits, and slightly more lenient drawdown rules (5% daily, 10% overall). The Trading Pit presents a more challenging evaluation with consistent 10% profit targets across all phases, stricter drawdown limitations (4% daily, 8% overall), specific time constraints, and additional consistency requirements. Statistical data suggests that approximately 12-15% of traders successfully complete Sway Funded’s program, while The Trading Pit reports a 7-10% success rate. However, traders who do pass The Trading Pit’s more rigorous evaluation often demonstrate stronger long-term performance, suggesting the higher standards may better prepare traders for sustainable success.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our comparison began with extensive data collection from multiple authoritative sources. We analyzed official information from both Sway Funded and The Trading Pit websites, including their terms and conditions, program structures, fee schedules, and technical specifications. We supplemented this with verified trader reviews from Trustpilot, ForexPeaceArmy, and other independent review platforms. Additionally, we gathered insights from industry experts and consulted with active traders who have experience with both platforms to capture real-world perspectives on performance and user experience.
2. We Examine
Our team of experienced financial analysts and professional traders meticulously verified all collected information for accuracy and relevance. We cross-referenced data points across multiple sources to eliminate inconsistencies and ensure we presented the most up-to-date information. Each aspect of both proprietary trading firms was carefully examined – from their evaluation criteria and platform performance to their educational resources and trader support systems. We paid particular attention to the practical implications of each feature rather than simply listing specifications.
3. We Score
Our scoring methodology employs a weighted multi-factor analysis that evaluates each firm across seven primary categories: Evaluation Structure (20%), Trading Conditions (20%), Platform & Technology (15%), Cost Structure (15%), Scaling Potential (10%), Educational Resources (10%), and Customer Support (10%). Within each category, we assessed 5-8 specific factors using a standardized scoring system. The final grades reflect both objective performance metrics and subjective quality assessments, balanced to represent the needs of different trader profiles – from beginners to experienced professionals.
4. You Choose
This comparison is designed to empower you with clear, comprehensive information to make the best decision for your trading goals. Consider your trading style, experience level, and financial objectives when evaluating these platforms. Newer traders might prioritize Sway Funded’s simpler structure and lower costs, while experienced traders may benefit more from The Trading Pit’s advanced infrastructure and scaling potential. Remember that funded trading programs require significant skill and discipline regardless of which provider you choose. We recommend thoroughly reviewing both options, potentially starting with smaller account sizes, and choosing the program that best aligns with your unique trading approach.
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