Vigil/Apex Trader Funding vs FTMO/-- Cheapest Option
Tier 1Tier 1Cheapest Option

Apex Trader Funding vs FTMO -- Cheapest Option

Apex Trader Funding offers better value per dollar of trading capital. At $147 for a $25,000 account, you pay less per $10K of buying power than FTMO's €155 for $10,000. Over 3 attempts, that saves you 24 in fees. Updated March 2026.

Verdict -- Cheapest Option

Recommendation: Apex Trader Funding is the better choice -- cheapest option.

Apex Trader Funding offers better value per dollar of trading capital. At $147 for a $25,000 account, you pay less per $10K of buying power than FTMO's €155 for $10,000. Over 3 attempts, that saves you 24 in fees.

Apex Trader FundingFTMO
Cheapest Account Fee$147€155
Cheapest Account Size$25,000$10,000
Fee per $10K Capital$59€155
Cost of 3 Attempts$441€465
Profit Split (start)100%80%
Profit Split (max)90%90%
Payout FrequencyMonthly (after first month)Every 14 days
Cost Analysis

The sticker price is not the real cost of a prop firm challenge. Most traders need 3-5 attempts to pass, so multiply the fee accordingly. Apex Trader Funding's cheapest account ($25,000) costs $147 per attempt. FTMO's cheapest ($10,000) costs €155.

Cost per dollar of capital is a better metric than raw fee. Apex Trader Funding charges 59 per $10K of capital. FTMO charges 155 per $10K. The firm with the lower ratio gives you more buying power for your money.

Profit splits determine your long-term earnings. Apex Trader Funding starts at 100% (up to 90%), while FTMO starts at 80% (up to 90%). A 10% difference in profit split matters far more than a $50 difference in challenge fees over a year of funded trading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Apex Trader Funding or FTMO?

Apex Trader Funding starts at $147, making it the cheaper option. However, compare the cost per dollar of trading capital: Apex Trader Funding gives you $25,000 for that fee, while FTMO gives you $10,000 for €155.

How much do multiple attempts cost for Apex Trader Funding vs FTMO?

If it takes 3 attempts (industry average), Apex Trader Funding costs $441 total, while FTMO costs €465. At 5 attempts, Apex Trader Funding costs $735 vs €775 for FTMO.

Which firm has the better profit split, Apex Trader Funding or FTMO?

Apex Trader Funding offers 100-90% profit split. FTMO offers 80-90%. Both firms offer the same maximum split. The profit split matters more than fees over time, since you will earn from it every month once funded.

Other Comparisons: Apex Trader Funding vs FTMO