Apex Trader Funding vs Lucid Trading (2026)
Apex Trader Funding and Lucid Trading are two of the most searched futures prop firms of 2026. Lucid Trading has the lower entry price (from $95 vs $147), while Apex Trader Funding offers the stronger profit split at 100%. On payout track record, Apex Trader Funding leads with $650M paid to 145,000 traders, against $12M for Lucid Trading. Apex Trader Funding is the more established operation, running since 2022.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | Lucid Trading |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.2 (8,421) | ★ 4.5 (320) |
| Founded | 2022 (US) | 2024 (US) |
| Starting price | $147 | $95 |
| Max allocation | $250,000 | $750,000 |
| Profit target | 8% | 6% |
| Max drawdown | $2,500 (trailing) | $2,500 (static) |
| Profit split | 100% | 90% |
| Min trading days | 1 | 1 |
| News trading | Yes | Yes |
| Instant funding | No | Yes |
| Scaling plan | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Rithmic | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Tradesea, Rithmic, MotiveWave, QuantTower |
| Total paid out | $650M | $12M |
| Traders paid | 145,000 | 5,200 |
| Average payout | $1,850 | $2,100 |
Apex Trader Funding in brief
Apex Trader Funding offers a straightforward approach to prop trading with simple rules and transparent programs. They focus on quick payouts and efficient support, allowing traders to keep 100% of their requested rewards in Sim Funded accounts. With options for EOD and Intraday drawdown accounts, they aim to provide clear paths to funding without micromanagement or hidden rules. The firm also boasts significant payouts to customers since 2022.
Lucid Trading in brief
Lucid Trading gives traders the ability to participate in the futures markets without needing to risk thousands of dollars of their own capital. Instead of depositing your own trading funds, you select one of our trading plans and begin trading in a simulated environment, where your performance determines how far you progress. As you demonstrate consistency, discipline, and profitability in your simulated account, we transition you to a live brokerage account funded with our capital. From that point forward, you keep a share of the profits you generate. LucidTrading is designed to provide a low-cost, low-risk pathway into futures trading, backed by clearly defined rules and transparent expectations.
Verdict
- ▸Choose Lucid Trading if entry cost matters most — its evaluations start at $95 with static drawdown.
- ▸Choose Apex Trader Funding if you're optimizing for keep-rate — traders keep 100% of profits and the average payout is $1,850.
- ▸Lucid Trading also offers instant funding, letting you skip the evaluation phase entirely.
- ▸On reputation, Apex Trader Funding's $650M in verified payouts is the strongest trust signal between the two.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Apex Trader Funding or Lucid Trading?
Lucid Trading is cheaper to start: evaluations from $95 versus $147.
Which has the higher profit split, Apex Trader Funding or Lucid Trading?
Apex Trader Funding has the higher profit split at 100%, versus 90%.
Which firm has paid out more, Apex Trader Funding or Lucid Trading?
Apex Trader Funding has the larger verified payout record: $650M versus $12M.