Apex Trader Funding vs BrightFunded
The main difference between Apex Trader Funding and BrightFunded is drawdown type: Apex Trader Funding uses trailing intraday (floor moves with every tick) while BrightFunded uses static (floor never moves). Apex Trader Funding charges from $147, BrightFunded from $79. Profit splits: 100-90% vs 80-90%. Updated March 2026.
Apex Trader Funding uses trailing intraday (floor moves with every tick) with a no daily loss limit and 100-90% profit split. BrightFunded uses static (floor never moves) with a 5% daily loss limit and 80-90% profit split. Apex Trader Funding starts from $147; BrightFunded from $79.
If you want more forgiving drawdown rules, BrightFunded is the better choice. Static drawdown means your profits create genuine breathing room, while Apex Trader Funding's trailing intraday (floor moves with every tick) raises the floor as you profit. Both offer the same maximum profit split of 90%.
| Apex Trader Funding | BrightFunded | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Type | 1-step | 2-step |
| Drawdown Type | Trailing Intraday (floor moves with every tick) | Static (floor never moves) |
| Daily Loss Limit | None | 5% |
| Max Drawdown | Fixed $ | 10% |
| Profit Target | None | 8% |
| Min Trading Days | 7 | 5 |
| Profit Split | 100-90% | 80-90% |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (after first month) | Bi-weekly |
| News Trading | restricted | allowed |
| Overnight Holding | No | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | Yes |
| EA / Bots | Allowed | Allowed |
| Markets | futures | forex, indices, commodities, crypto |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, TradingView | MT5 |
| Cheapest Account | $147 ($25,000) | $79 ($10,000) |
Scalping / Day Trading
BrightFunded allows overnight holding, giving more flexibility. BrightFunded's static drawdown is more forgiving for scalpers.
Swing Trading
BrightFunded is better — allows weekend holding. Apex Trader Funding requires you to flatten before close.
Budget-Conscious
BrightFunded is cheaper to start ($79 vs $147).
Apex Trader Funding is the better fit if you trade futures exclusively. The intraday trailing drawdown demands tight risk management, but rewards disciplined scalpers who rarely give back large unrealized gains.
- +No daily loss limit in evaluation
- +100% of first $25K profit, then 90%
- +Frequent 80-90% off sales — cheapest entry point
- +Multiple platform options including TradingView
Apex Trader Funding supports NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, TradingView and processes payouts monthly (after first month). Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
BrightFunded is the better fit if you focus on forex and CFDs. The static drawdown means every dollar of profit adds to your safety cushion, making it ideal for traders who build equity gradually and want protection from losing streaks.
- +Static drawdown with 10% max
- +Crypto trading available
- +Lower profit target (8%/4%) vs standard 10%/5%
- +Affordable entry fees
BrightFunded supports MT5 and processes payouts bi-weekly. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Both overnight and weekend holding are permitted, giving swing traders full flexibility. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
Choosing between Apex Trader Funding and BrightFunded comes down to three things: the markets you trade, how much drawdown flexibility you need, and your budget. If you trade futures, Apex Trader Funding is your only option here. If you trade forex or indices or commodities or crypto, go with BrightFunded. BrightFunded is cheaper to get started at $79 vs $147.
The biggest structural difference is drawdown type: Apex Trader Funding uses trailing intraday (floor moves with every tick) while BrightFunded uses static (floor never moves). Static drawdown is objectively more forgiving because profits create a permanent cushion. Trailing drawdown follows your equity peaks, meaning you can lose an account even while net profitable. If you are still undecided, take the firm finder quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your trading style, risk tolerance, and budget.