Smart Trader Funds vs The5ers
Two prop firms compared on funding, profit splits, challenge rules, and payouts.
Last updated: March 21, 2026
Quick Verdict
The5ers wins this comparison — 6 out of 7 categories.
Our analysts reviewed both options across pricing, reputation, and trading conditions. The5ers came out ahead based on our scoring criteria. Read each category below for the full breakdown.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Pricing
The5ers winsOn pricing, Smart Trader Funds offers better value. Its challenge fee starts at N/A, which is lower than The5ers's From $39 (High Stakes) to $995. For traders watching their costs, Smart Trader Funds represents a more affordable path to funded trading.
Smart Trader Funds$99 (10k account)
The5ers$95 (6k account)Drawdown Rules
Smart Trader Funds winsThe5ers applies more lenient drawdown rules, giving traders more room to manage losing periods. Its daily drawdown limit is 3% and maximum drawdown is 6%. By contrast, Smart Trader Funds enforces a N/A daily limit and N/A max, which is stricter and can lead to more failed challenges.
Smart Trader Funds6-10% (varies by programme)The5ers6% (Bootcamp), 8% (others)Trading Platforms
The5ers winsThe5ers supports more trading platforms, giving traders greater choice in how they execute their strategy. It offers MT5, cTrader, while Smart Trader Funds offers standard platform access.
Smart Trader FundsThe5ersReputation & Trust
The5ers winsThe5ers has built a stronger reputation among funded traders. With an EntryLab rating of 4.70/10, it outperforms Smart Trader Funds, which scores 4.20/10 on our platform. Reputation matters especially in the prop trading space where payout reliability is paramount.
Smart Trader Funds4.20The5ers4.70Scaling & Max Funding
The5ers winsThe5ers offers higher maximum funding, making it the better choice for traders looking to scale up. Funded accounts can reach $4,000,000, compared to Smart Trader Funds's maximum of N/A. For serious traders focused on growing their account size, The5ers has the edge.
Smart Trader Funds$300,000The5ers$4,000,000Profit Split & Payouts
The5ers winsThe5ers offers a superior profit-sharing arrangement. Traders keep up to 50-100% of profits, with payouts Biweekly. Smart Trader Funds offers N/A with standard payouts, which is less favourable for traders maximising their earnings.
Smart Trader Funds70% (Fast Track), 80-90% (Regular/Pro)The5ersUp to 100%Challenge Structure
The5ers winsThe5ers provides more flexibility in how traders can get funded. It offers {"Bootcamp (3-Step)","High Stakes (2-Step)","Hyper Growth (1-Step Instant Funding)"}, compared to Smart Trader Funds's standard evaluation. With a profit target of 10% (High Stakes), per-step (Bootcamp), milestone-based (Hyper Growth), The5ers also sets a more achievable bar for traders looking to pass their evaluation.
Smart Trader FundsThe5ersOur Pick
The5ers Wins This Round
Based on our side-by-side analysis, The5ers edges ahead in this matchup. Get started today.
Read The5ers ReviewReady to Choose?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smart Trader Funds better than The5ers?
Based on our analysis across 7 categories, The5ers wins overall. It outperforms Smart Trader Funds in areas including Challenge Structure and Profit Split & Payouts. That said, both firms are reputable options for funded traders.
Which has better profit split, Smart Trader Funds or The5ers?
The5ers offers the higher profit split. Smart Trader Funds offers up to N/A while The5ers offers 50-100%.
Is Smart Trader Funds trustworthy?
Smart Trader Funds holds an EntryLab rating of 4.20/10 based on our editorial review. We evaluate prop firms on payouts, challenge fairness, support quality, and regulatory standing. Always conduct your own due diligence before funding a challenge.
Which has a cheaper challenge fee, Smart Trader Funds or The5ers?
Smart Trader Funds offers the more affordable challenge. Smart Trader Funds starts at N/A and The5ers starts at From $39 (High Stakes) to $995.
What is the maximum funding at Smart Trader Funds vs The5ers?
Smart Trader Funds offers maximum funded accounts of N/A, while The5ers offers up to $4,000,000. Both allow traders to scale their accounts over time.
Which is better for beginner traders, Smart Trader Funds or The5ers?
The5ers may be more beginner-friendly due to its Instant Funding option. Both firms have challenges suitable for traders at different skill levels.