Day one
The entry point reveals a stark difference in pricing and evaluation structures. Hypernova focuses on a single-phase model with three distinct risk profiles: Precision, Conservative, and Standard. Upcomers Perpetuals offers a more complex menu including one-phase (Thunderbolt), two-phase (Phoenix), and instant funding (Vanguard).
- Entry Costs: Hypernova is significantly more accessible for high-capital accounts. A $100,000 Precision account costs $400, while the equivalent one-phase Thunderbolt account at Upcomers costs $1,159. Even the two-phase Phoenix at Upcomers stays at $999.
- Platforms: Both firms provide proprietary web terminals designed for perpetuals trading. They offer a "DEX-like" experience but with simulated execution.
- Initial Rules:
- Hypernova: 18+ years old, KYC through Sumsub before the funded stage, and a wallet signature for the agreement.
- Upcomers: KYC/AML is mandatory. It prohibits the use of VPNs during this process.
The first months
Once funded, the trader’s survival depends on the drawdown mechanics and the efficiency of the payout system.
- Risk Management: Hypernova utilizes a static drawdown based on the starting balance, which is generally more trader-friendly as it doesn't "trail" your profits. Upcomers uses a mix: Thunderbolt and Vanguard use a trailing "Dynamic Risk Shield," while only the Phoenix plan offers a fixed (static) drawdown.
- Payout Efficiency: This is where the two firms differ most.
- Hypernova: Offers 24/7 on-demand payouts in USDC via Arbitrum. There are no platform fees, and the firm even covers the gas fees. There is no minimum withdrawal amount as long as the account is in profit.
- Upcomers: Payouts are on-demand but carry heavy costs. Cryptocurrency withdrawals incur a $19.90 fee plus a staggering 30% surcharge. Furthermore, the Vanguard plan requires 6 qualifying days (0.5% profit each) before any withdrawal.
- Daily Drawdown: Both firms reset their daily loss limits at 00:00 UTC. Hypernova’s daily limit is calculated based on the balance at that time, whereas Upcomers varies by plan (3% to 3.5%).
The first year
For a trader staying active for a year, the ability to automate and the consistency of the rules become paramount.
- Trading Styles: Hypernova allows self-built EAs and strategies on a single account. Upcomers explicitly prohibits all EAs, making it a platform strictly for manual traders. Both allow news trading and weekend holding since crypto markets never close.
- Consistency Rules: Upcomers implements a "20% Best Day Rule" during payouts, meaning no single day can account for more than 20% of your total profit. Hypernova has no consistency rule, allowing for more volatile trading results.
- Inactivity: Hypernova freezes accounts after 3 months of inactivity. Upcomers is much stricter, expiring accounts after only 35 days without a closed trade.
The ceiling
The ultimate potential for capital allocation marks the biggest divide between these two entities.
- Hypernova: The current maximum allocation is $300,000. While a scaling program has been announced, it is not yet available. There is no option to merge accounts, and the profit split is fixed at 80%.
- Upcomers: Offers a much higher ceiling. Traders can scale their accounts by 35% every four months, provided they reach a 15% cumulative profit target.
- Maximum Allocation: Up to $1,500,000 in initial funded capital.
- Scaling Limit: Accounts can grow up to $4,000,000.
- Profit Split: Can be increased up to 100% through specific checkout options.
Room to grow
Hypernova is built for the agile, cost-conscious trader. Its static drawdown, lack of payout fees, and permission to use custom EAs make it an ideal environment for building a track record without being drained by commissions or complex "best day" math. However, the $300,000 limit is a hard ceiling that prevents it from being a primary choice for institutional-scale growth.
Upcomers Perpetuals is a high-cost, high-reward environment. The 30% crypto payout fee and the trailing drawdown are significant hurdles. However, for a manual trader who can navigate the 20% consistency rule, it offers a clear, documented path to managing $4,000,000, a level of capital that Hypernova currently cannot match.
Frequently asked questions
Which firm is more affordable for a $100,000 evaluation, Hypernova or Upcomers?
Hypernova is considerably cheaper. Its $100,000 Precision account costs $400. In contrast, Upcomers charges $1,159 for its one-step Thunderbolt account and $999 for its two-step Phoenix account of the same size.
What are the differences in payout fees between Hypernova and Upcomers?
Hypernova is far more economical, charging $0 in platform fees and even sponsoring the gas for USDC payouts on Arbitrum. Upcomers, however, charges $19.90 plus 30% for any payout made in cryptocurrency, or $19.90 plus 2.49% for bank transfers.
Does Hypernova or Upcomers allow the use of Expert Advisors (EAs)?
Hypernova allows EAs with limitations, specifically self-built bots and strategies on a single account, provided they are not third-party signals. Upcomers Perpetuals does not allow the use of EAs at all, requiring all trading to be manual.
Which firm offers a higher maximum capital limit through scaling, Hypernova or Upcomers?
Upcomers offers a much higher ceiling, allowing traders to scale their accounts up to $4,000,000 with a 35% increase every four months. Hypernova currently has a maximum allocation limit of $300,000, and its scaling program is announced but not yet functional.
