1. Evaluation Models and Capital Access
Both firms offer a variety of paths to funding, but their structures cater to different trader profiles:
- Funded Elite focuses on high-speed entry with its 1-Step, 2-Step, and Instant models. They also offer a unique "Activation Account" (Pay After) where traders pay a very low entry fee (starting at $5) for Phase 1 and Phase 2, paying the final fee only after passing. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for talented traders with low capital.
- QT Funded provides 2-Step and 3-Step evaluations (Prime and Power). The 3-step model is designed for traders seeking a lower price point and higher drawdown limits (10% max drawdown) in exchange for an extra evaluation phase.
- Lite Accounts: Funded Elite offers "Lite" versions of their challenges starting at just $19, making them more aggressive in the low-cost segment compared to QT Funded's entry-level Instant accounts.
- Capital Limits: Both firms allow a maximum allocation of $400,000. However, QT Funded limits merged accounts to $200,000, while Funded Elite imposes regional caps (e.g., $100,000 for Pakistan and Vietnam).
2. Drawdown Logic and Risk Management
The way drawdown is calculated is a critical factor for account longevity:
- Static vs. Trailing:
- Funded Elite uses Static Drawdown for its standard 1-Step and 2-Step challenges. This is a major advantage as the drawdown floor does not move up with profits, giving traders more "breathing room" as the account grows.
- QT Funded also uses Static Drawdown for its Prime and Power accounts but applies Trailing Drawdown to its Instant accounts. This makes QT Funded's Instant accounts significantly harder to maintain during profit pullbacks.
- Daily Drawdown: Funded Elite's daily limit is based on the EOD (End of Day) high-watermark (balance or equity). QT Funded uses a balance-based daily drawdown, which is generally more trader-friendly as it ignores open floating profits when calculating the next day's limit.
3. Trading Rules and Strategy Restrictions
This is where the two firms diverge most significantly in terms of operational freedom:
- Expert Advisors (EAs):
- QT Funded allows EAs but requires a pre-approval process.
- Funded Elite strictly prohibits automated trading; only manual trading tools are permitted.
- News Trading:
- Funded Elite allows news trading without restrictions.
- QT Funded imposes a 5-minute window before and after high-impact news where manual trading is prohibited (except for the QT Prime On Demand account). This is a major hurdle for day traders.
- Consistency and Stacking:
- QT Funded has a 35% consistency rule (25% for Instant), meaning no single day can account for more than a third of the total profit needed for a payout. They also prohibit stacking (max 2 positions per asset).
- Funded Elite has no consistency rule and allows stacking, offering more freedom for aggressive "power-trading" styles.
- Stop Loss (SL): QT Funded requires a mandatory SL within 60 seconds on funded accounts. Funded Elite does not require an SL, although it is recommended for risk management.
4. Scalping and Execution Conditions
- The "Scalping Add-on": In Funded Elite, standard trades must last at least 3 minutes. To scalp (trades > 30 seconds), you must purchase a specific add-on. This "hidden" cost can affect the actual price of the challenge.
- Execution Policy: QT Funded prohibits "Tick Scalping" and "Latency Arbitrage," while Funded Elite explicitly forbids "Server Spamming" and "HFT."
- Holding Periods: Both firms allow weekend holding, but Funded Elite requires an add-on if you want to open or close positions specifically during the weekend.
5. Payouts and Profit Sharing
- Profit Split: Both firms start at an 80% split. QT Funded can be upgraded to 90%. Funded Elite offers a range from 60% to 95% selectable at checkout, allowing traders to customize their risk/reward.
- Payout Frequency: Funded Elite is highly flexible, allowing traders to choose 3, 7, 14, or 21-day cycles at checkout. QT Funded offers "On Demand" payouts for specific accounts, which is a superior feature for professional cash-flow management.
- Fees and Minimums: Funded Elite charges significant payout fees (up to $35 for Rise) and has a $500 minimum for Rise withdrawals. QT Funded has a lower minimum withdrawal of $100.
6. Technology and Reliability
- Platforms: QT Funded offers a more modern suite including cTrader and MT5. Funded Elite remains focused on MT4 and TradeLocker.
- Transparency: QT Funded has a visible and strong Trustpilot score (4.5/5). Funded Elite's Trustpilot is currently blocked/flagged, which may be a point of concern regarding their historical dispute resolution or review authenticity.
- Brokers: Both use "in-house" or white-labeled broker solutions (Funded Elite and Quant Tekel), which means execution quality is entirely dependent on the firm's own server infrastructure.
7. Final Summary: Which Firm to Choose?
Choose Funded Elite if:
- You prefer Static Drawdown on 1-Step and 2-Step evaluations.
- You want to trade News without any restrictions.
- You are looking for the lowest possible entry cost via Lite or Activation accounts.
- You do not use EAs and trade manually.
- You want the highest possible profit split (up to 95% via add-ons).
Choose QT Funded if:
- You require MT5 or cTrader for your technical analysis.
- You want to use EAs (after approval).
- You prefer a firm with a verified and high Trustpilot reputation.
- You want more modern payout options like PayPal and lower minimum withdrawal limits ($100).
- You are a disciplined trader who doesn't mind a Consistency Rule in exchange for more platform stability and 3-step evaluation options.






















