1. Evaluation Models and Capital Allocation
Both firms offer a variety of paths to funding, but their structures cater to different trader profiles:
- QT Funded provides a broader range of evaluation steps, including 2-Step (Prime/Power), 3-Step (Prime), and Instant Funding. The inclusion of a 3-step model allows for a lower entry price for those willing to undergo a longer validation process.
- DNA Funded offers 1-Step, 2-Step, Rapid (10-day limit), and Instant Funding. The 1-Step and Rapid options are designed for traders seeking faster access to capital, though the Rapid challenge carries the risk of a strict time limit.
- Maximum Allocation: DNA Funded allows for a higher total cap of $600,000, whereas QT Funded caps the total allocation at $400,000. However, QT allows account merging up to $200,000, providing more flexibility for consolidating portfolios.
2. Profit Split and Payout Mechanics
The withdrawal conditions contain significant differences that impact long-term profitability:
- Profit Sharing: Both firms start at an 80% split, upgradeable to 90% via add-ons. However, QT Funded offers a unique 100% profit split specifically for their "QT Prime On Demand" accounts, a rarity in the industry.
- DNA’s Growth Ceiling: DNA Funded imposes a 5% profit cap on the first three approved payouts. Any profit exceeding this 5% is wiped when the account resets. This restriction is removed only after the fourth payout, significantly slowing down aggressive traders in the early stages.
- Minimum Withdrawals: Both require a minimum of $100. QT adds a performance hurdle for specific accounts (e.g., 3% or 5% profit must be achieved before requesting on-demand payouts), while DNA’s minimum is calculated after the profit split.
3. Drawdown Logic and Risk Parameters
The way losses are calculated is a critical factor for account longevity:
- Daily Drawdown: QT Funded uses a balance-based daily drawdown. DNA Funded also uses a balance-based calculation (based on the previous day's balance) but offers different percentages depending on the challenge (5% for most, but none for Instant Funding).
- Max Drawdown Type:
- QT Funded: Uses Static drawdown for Prime and Power accounts, which is generally safer for traders as the floor doesn't move up. Only the Instant accounts use a Trailing drawdown.
- DNA Funded: Uses Static drawdown for 1-Step, 2-Step, and Rapid. However, their Instant Funding utilizes a Progressive drawdown (4%), which adjusts upward as you make gains, potentially "locking" you out of your initial cushion.
4. News Trading and Strategy Restrictions
Operational rules differ sharply regarding market events and automation:
- News Trading: DNA Funded has a strict prohibition on manual trades 5 minutes before and after high-impact news. QT Funded is more flexible; while they have a similar 5-minute window for most accounts, their QT Prime On Demand model has no news trading limitations at all.
- Expert Advisors (EAs): DNA allows EAs on evaluations and Rapid challenges but strictly prohibits them on Instant accounts. QT Funded allows EAs but requires a pre-approval process, meaning you cannot simply plug in a third-party bot without prior consent.
- Stop Loss (SL): QT Funded mandates a Stop Loss within 60 seconds of opening a trade on funded accounts. DNA does not require an SL, offering more freedom for manual traders who manage risk dynamically.
- Consistency Rules: Both firms use consistency filters. QT limits single-day profits to 35% (or 25% for Instant) of the total payout. DNA allows up to 40% per calendar day, removing the excess gain from the payout without disqualifying the account.
5. Technical Environment and Platforms
The choice of platform and execution environment varies between the two:
- Software: QT Funded offers a superior variety with MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradeLocker. DNA Funded is restricted exclusively to TradeLocker, which may be a hurdle for traders accustomed to traditional platforms.
- Leverage: Both offer 1:50 on Forex. However, DNA Funded significantly reduces leverage on other assets (1:10 for Indices and Metals, 1:2 for Crypto). QT Funded offers slightly better conditions for Metals (1:15) and Indices (1:20).
- Brokerage: QT uses Quant Tekel, while DNA uses DNA Markets. Both are integrated solutions, but QT’s multi-platform support provides better redundancy.
6. Prohibited Tactics and Account Security
Both firms have strict "toxic trading" clauses, but DNA adds extra layers of surveillance:
- IP Policy: DNA Funded has a very strict IP Address Policy. Frequent changes or accessing the account from different countries can trigger security reviews and delayed payouts.
- Stacking and Hedging: QT prohibits "stacking" (3 or more positions on the same asset) on funded accounts. DNA prohibits Hedging entirely and also bans Gap Trading (opening/closing around session transitions).
- Inactivity: DNA requires at least one trade every 30 days. QT Funded currently states they have no inactivity limit, which is beneficial for swing traders who wait for specific setups.
7. Summary: Which Firm to Choose?
Selecting between these two depends on your trading style and platform preference:
Choose QT Funded if:
- You prefer using MetaTrader 5 or cTrader.
- You want a 100% profit split and are willing to pay for the Prime On Demand model.
- You trade the news (specifically via the Prime On Demand account).
- You want Static drawdown on evaluation accounts to avoid the trailing trap.
- You are comfortable with a mandatory Stop Loss rule.
Choose DNA Funded if:
- You want a 1-Step evaluation or the Rapid (10-day) path.
- You need a higher Total Allocation ($600k).
- You do not use a Stop Loss and prefer the TradeLocker interface.
- You are a consistent, low-volatility trader who won't be bothered by the 5% profit cap on the first three payouts.
- You are interested in free entry tournaments and reward programs.
