What you are signing up for
In this sector, you pay a fee to take an evaluation, which is a test where you trade on a simulated account to prove you can be profitable. If you pass, the firm gives you access to a funded account where you keep a large part of the profits.
- Atlas Funded offers a $10,000 "1 Step" account for $97.
- FundedNext offers a $15,000 "Stellar 1-Step" account for $129.99.
- Both firms refund your initial fee—the cost of the test—once you reach your first or third payout.
- Both offer free trials, which are demo accounts with no cost to practice before paying for a real evaluation.
How hard each one is
The difficulty is measured by the profit target, which is the specific amount of money you must earn to pass the test, and the drawdown, which is the maximum loss you are allowed to have before the firm closes your account.
- Atlas Funded: In their 2-step evaluation, you must earn 8% in the first phase and 5% in the second. Your total drawdown is 10% and it is "static," meaning the limit stays fixed at a specific number and does not move against you as you make profits.
- FundedNext: Their Stellar 2-step has the same 8% and 5% targets. The drawdown is also 10% and static for these accounts.
- The "Trailing" trap: Atlas offers "Instant" accounts where the drawdown is "trailing." This means the loss limit follows your account balance as it goes up, making it harder to keep the account if you don't manage your risk perfectly.
How long it takes
In the past, firms forced you to pass the test in 30 days. Now, neither of these two has a maximum time limit. You can take months if you need to.
- Minimum days: These are the days you must open at least one trade to qualify for the next phase.
- Atlas Funded: Requires 3 days of trading in each evaluation phase.
- FundedNext: Requires 2 days for the 1-Step and 5 days for the 2-Step Stellar.
- If you are in a hurry, FundedNext is slightly faster to pass, but Atlas is more relaxed for those who trade less frequently.
Where beginners fail
Most beginners lose their accounts because of the "daily drawdown," which is a limit on how much you can lose in a single day (usually 3% to 5% of the account value).
- Atlas Funded: They have a tool called "Atlas Protector." If your floating loss (the money you are losing on trades that are still open) reaches 2%, it automatically closes your positions to save your account. It is a safety net for beginners.
- FundedNext: They are stricter with news trading on funded accounts. If you make money during a high-impact news event (like a central bank announcement), they only count 40% of those profits toward your balance.
- Inactivity: You must place a trade at least every 30 days at Atlas and every 60 days at FundedNext, or they will disable your account.
What happens if you make it
If you pass the test, you become a funded trader. Now you can request a "payout," which is the withdrawal of your share of the profits.
- Profit Split: Atlas gives you 90% of what you earn. FundedNext starts at 80% and can go up to 95% if you grow the account.
- Platforms: Both allow you to use MetaTrader 4 or 5, cTrader, and MatchTrader. These are the software programs used to execute your buy and sell orders.
- Withdrawal Speed: Atlas pays your first profit in 14 days. FundedNext is faster for the 1-Step plan, paying every 5 business days.
If it is your first time
If you are a complete beginner, Atlas Funded is a better choice because of the "Atlas Protector." This automatic system acts as a guardian, closing your trades before you hit the daily loss limit, which is the most common mistake for new traders. Additionally, Atlas offers a "3 Step" evaluation with much lower profit targets (4% per phase), making the mountain easier to climb for your first attempt.
Frequently asked questions
Which firm is cheaper to start a $100,000 challenge, Atlas Funded or FundedNext?
Atlas Funded is cheaper for this size. Their $100,000 "2 Step" challenge costs $443, while the "Stellar 2-Step" at FundedNext costs $549.99. This represents a saving of over $100 for the same amount of starting capital and similar rules.
Which firm has a better profit split for the trader, Atlas Funded or FundedNext?
Atlas Funded offers a better initial deal by giving you 90% of the profits from the start on almost all their plans. FundedNext starts by giving you 80% on their Stellar accounts, although they allow you to reach 95% only after you have successfully scaled the account several times.
Who allows more platforms for trading, Atlas Funded or FundedNext?
FundedNext offers a wider variety of platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, MatchTrader, and TradingView. Atlas Funded is more limited, offering MetaTrader 5, TradeLocker, and MatchTrader. If you specifically need MetaTrader 4 or TradingView, FundedNext is the only option between the two.
Between Atlas Funded and FundedNext, which one is better for trading the news?
Atlas Funded is more flexible during the evaluation phase as it has no restrictions on news trading. On funded accounts, Atlas deducts profits made 5 minutes before or after a news event, while FundedNext only allows you to keep 40% of those profits. However, Atlas automatically closes entries made during the news window, preventing you from accidentally breaking the rule.
