Earn2Trade vs The 5%ers_ Which Futures Program Is Better
The world of prop trading has grown significantly, with several firms offering futures trading programs designed to help traders scale their capital efficiently. Among these, Earn2Trade and The 5%ers stand out as popular choices, each boasting unique structures, benefits, and challenges. For traders seeking the best fit, understanding the nuances of these two programs is critical. This article provides an in-depth comparison between Earn2Trade and The 5%ers futures programs to help you decide which could better suit your trading goals.
Program Overview and Structure
Earn2Trade offers a structured evaluation process aimed at futures traders called the Gauntlet Mini and the Gauntlet. These evaluation programs require traders to meet specified profit targets and trading rules within a set timeframe. Once you pass, Earn2Trade funds you with a trading account, allowing you to trade futures with significant capital, retaining a substantial portion of the profits in return.
On the other hand, The 5%ers mainly focus on forex but have expanded their offering to include futures trading through their funded trader program. The program’s goal is to find consistent traders and fund their accounts, but their evaluation process is somewhat different, often perceived as more lenient with lower profit targets, with the aim of getting traders started quicker with funded accounts.
Both companies provide a pathway to trade proprietary capital, but the method and evaluation frameworks vary, affecting how traders experience each program.
Evaluation Criteria and Trading Rules
Earn2Trade’s evaluation process has clear and comprehensive rules. For the Gauntlet Mini, traders need to achieve a profit target of 10% within 15 trading days, while the full Gauntlet program requires hitting a 5% profit target over 30 trading days. Additionally, there are daily loss limits, maximum drawdowns, and trading restrictions designed to simulate real trading discipline. These rules are strict but ensure traders can handle the responsibility of managing funded accounts.
The 5%ers program features a profit target around 6%, with daily and maximum drawdowns based on a percentage of the starting balance. Their trading rules are easier to comply with, aiming to attract traders who can demonstrate consistency without the pressure of tight deadlines. This approach can allow traders more time to adjust strategies but may reward slower progression.
In both programs, respecting the risk management rules is crucial to avoid disqualification during evaluations.
Funding Amount and Profit Splits
When it comes to funded accounts, Earn2Trade funds traders with up to $150,000 in a live account after the evaluation phase. The profit split can be as high as 80% in favor of the trader, which is appealing for those who demonstrate consistent profitability. The scaling plan allows traders to increase their capital allocation, which boosts earning potential over time.
The 5%ers offer initial funding amounts generally starting around $24,000 to $72,000, depending on the program level and account type. One of the standout features of The 5%ers is their lifetime funding model, meaning traders do not have to repeat the evaluation once they qualify at a given level. The profit splits are commonly 50%, lower than Earn2Trade’s but still competitive.
The difference in funding size and profit splits may influence your choice based on your capital needs and profit expectations.
Fees and Costs
The fee structure is a notable consideration for both programs. Earn2Trade charges a flat fee to enroll in their evaluation programs, which covers access to educational resources, trading simulators, and the opportunity to earn a funded account. This upfront cost varies depending on the specific evaluation program selected.
The 5%ers also charge fees to enter their evaluation stages, often with multiple trader account sizes available at different price points. Although their entry fee can be lower than Earn2Trade’s in some cases, their fee structure is tied closely to the account size, and some traders may find that the cost adds up as they progress through higher funding tiers.
Considering these fees relative to your trading budget and expectations is essential before committing to either program.
Training and Educational Support
Earn2Trade places a strong emphasis on education, offering a suite of trading courses, webinars, and real-time coaching designed to help traders develop skills before and during their evaluation periods. Their Gauntlet Mini program is often seen as an educational tool, allowing traders to hone their skills in a simulated environment guided by expert feedback.
The 5%ers also provide education and mentoring to their traders but are less focused on formal training programs. Their model leans more towards evaluating performance and less towards education, catering to those who perhaps already have some trading experience.
If you value structured learning and ongoing support, Earn2Trade’s model might be more aligned with your needs.
Trading Platform and Tools
Both programs allow traders to use established futures trading platforms, such as NinjaTrader, TradingView, or other leading platforms compatible with futures markets. Earn2Trade often includes access to their proprietary trading environments during the evaluation phase, along with real-time data access and risk management tools.
The 5%ers, meanwhile, provide flexibility with platform choice, allowing traders to select the software they prefer, as long as it meets program criteria. They focus on trader adaptability rather than restricting platform options.
Your preference for trading software and tools may impact your comfort and success within each program.
Flexibility and Trader Independence
Earn2Trade offers traders flexibility in strategy selection, allowing various trading styles such as day trading, swing trading, or scalping, provided that traders stay within the program’s risk limits. Additionally, Earn2Trade’s structurally timed evaluations encourage traders to perform under realistic conditions, helping build discipline.
The 5%ers emphasize longer evaluation periods with less intense daily targets, which may provide more breathing room for traders experimenting with new strategies or slower-paced trading. However, some traders may find this reduced pressure less motivating.
Choosing between programs depends on whether you prefer a high-pressure, fast-paced evaluation or a more relaxed, long-term approach to proving your trading ability.
Community and Support Networks
Both Earn2Trade and The 5%ers foster communities of traders who share insights, experiences, and advice. Earn2Trade offers active forums, mentorship programs, and regular live events aimed at building trader networks and boosting motivation.
The 5%ers also maintain a community-centered approach, with social media groups and direct support channels, focusing on providing an encouraging environment for new traders. However, their community offerings might not be as extensive or structured as Earn2Trade’s educational ecosystem.
For traders who value engaging with peers and mentors, Earn2Trade tends to provide a more comprehensive support infrastructure.
Scaling Opportunities and Long-Term Growth
One of the major benefits of Earn2Trade’s programs is the scaling plan, which allows successful traders to progressively increase their trading capital up to a maximum that can reach $1,000,000 for elite performers. This approach incentivizes traders to improve consistently while rewarding growth and skill refinement.
The 5%ers also have progressive funding levels, with traders able to advance to larger accounts as they demonstrate sustained profitability. Their lifetime funding model provides a safety net allowing traders to retain funding across multiple growth phases without repeated evaluations.
Both programs encourage long-term development but through slightly different mechanisms—Earn2Trade’s scaling is more goal-oriented with incremental steps, while The 5%ers focus on retention and lifetime trader support.
Which Program Aligns With Your Trading Style?
Ultimately, the best futures trading program depends on your individual preferences, experience level, and long-term goals. Earn2Trade is well-suited for traders seeking a structured and educational environment with challenging but achievable goals and opportunities for significant capital growth.
Traders who prefer a less pressured evaluation phase, lower initial funding, and a lifetime funding commitment might find The 5%ers program a better fit. This program is also attractive for those who are more independent and already have a trading framework they wish to refine in a funded environment.
Weighing aspects such as fees, profit split, evaluation rigor, available educational resources, and scalability will help direct your choice toward the optimal futures program.