Traders Launch Review 2026
Our Overall
Score
3.69
Traders Score
—
$49
80%
3
- One-Step Evaluation
- EOD Trailing Drawdown
- Daily Uncapped Payouts
- Zero Funded Fees
- One-Time Fee
Basic info
- Estados Unidos
- 2023
- Simulated capital
- Yes
- Yes (Community Partner Program)
Estados UnidosChallenge specs
- $49
- $49 - $599
- 2%
- 1%
- 3
- 1
- 60 days (+30-day extension)
- 80%
- $300K
- No
Features
- TradingViewVolumetricaQuantower
- Exchange margin (futures); crypto up to 5x
- Yes
- +1 mini per +1% growth, up to 15 minis
- Daily
- Futures, Crypto
- English
- None active
You trade under a simulated capital model — the account is simulated and you operate under an evaluation agreement, not with your own funds.
Summary
- One-time evaluation fee from $49, no subscription
- EOD trailing drawdown, not intraday
- Daily uncapped payouts; funded stage is simulated (Simfunded)
Pros
- Evaluation fee from $49, one-time (no subscription)
- Daily payouts with no withdrawal caps
- Zero fees once funded
- EOD trailing drawdown, not intraday
- No consistency rules once funded
Cons
- Futures and crypto only, no forex or stocks
- Newer firm with a limited track record
- Funded stage is simulated (Simfunded), not a live brokerage
- Restricted trading hours on the NYC session
- Three eval platforms only; no MT4/MT5
Traders Launch delivers a genuinely cheap one-step evaluation, end-of-day trailing drawdown and fast uncapped daily payouts, with a strong stated payout record. It suits disciplined futures day traders, but the funded stage is simulated rather than a live brokerage, and the track record is still short.
What Makes Traders Launch Different?
If you trade futures and you are tired of firms that bury you in multi-phase evaluations, hidden fees and rulebooks the length of a novella, Traders Launch is worth your attention. This US-based prop firm, founded in 2023 by CEO Max Thomas, keeps things simple: a transparent one-time fee, trader-friendly policies and minimal red tape.
The core pitch is direct: one-step evaluations, end-of-day (EOD) trailing drawdown, zero fees once funded, and daily payouts with no caps. The no-fee funded stage and uncapped daily withdrawals address real pain points that experienced traders know well.
Where it gets interesting is the flexibility in how you build your challenge. Traders Launch lets you mix two session windows (NYC and 22-Hour), two profit-split tiers (55% and 80%) and three account sizes ($100K, $200K and $300K). Pricing starts as low as $49 for a NYC session with a 55% split on a $100K account, one of the lowest entry points in futures prop trading, and it is a one-time evaluation fee, not a subscription.
One important nuance: funded traders operate a Simfunded (simulated funded) account on the same platforms, rather than moving to a live brokerage. What stands out instead is the payout record. The firm says it has never denied a payout and reports a median processing time of around six hours. With over 6,500 traders in its Discord community and a 4.6 out of 5 Trustpilot rating from 72 reviews at the time of research, Traders Launch positions itself as a lean, no-frills alternative for futures traders who care about clear rules and fast payouts.
Account Options and Pricing Breakdown
Traders Launch builds pricing around three variables: account size, trading session and profit-split percentage. Each account is a one-time evaluation purchase, with no subscription or recurring billing. If you do not pass within the 60-day window (extendable by 30 days when you are above 50% of target), you simply buy another evaluation.
| Account | Session | Split | One-Time Fee | Profit Target | Max Drawdown (EOD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100K | NYC | 55% | $49 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| $200K | NYC | 55% | $74 | $3,000 | $1,000 |
| $300K | NYC | 55% | $139 | $5,000 | $2,000 |
| $100K | NYC | 80% | $99 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| $200K | NYC | 80% | $149 | $3,000 | $1,000 |
| $300K | NYC | 80% | $279 | $5,000 | $2,000 |
| $100K | 22-Hour | 55% | $79 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| $200K | 22-Hour | 55% | $149 | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| $300K | 22-Hour | 55% | $299 | $6,000 | $3,000 |
| $100K | 22-Hour | 80% | $159 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| $200K | 22-Hour | 80% | $299 | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| $300K | 22-Hour | 80% | $599 | $6,000 | $3,000 |
The NYC session (9:30 AM to 4:00 PM EST) carries lower one-time fees but limits you to US market hours. The 22-Hour session (6:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST) costs more but opens the door to overnight trading. There are no activation fees and no monthly fees once funded; the only other cost is trading commissions of $0.50 per side ($1.00 per round-turn contract). A 20% off code (SUMMER) was live at the time of research. Traders Launch also offers a separate crypto product with account sizes from $5K to $20K, up to 5x leverage and an 80% split, though this review focuses on the futures side.
Challenge Structure and Trading Rules
Traders Launch uses a single-phase evaluation: hit the profit target without violating the drawdown rules and you are funded. The evaluation comes down to a few core rules.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Evaluation type | One-step (single phase, no verification) |
| Drawdown | End-of-day (EOD) trailing; locks at the starting balance |
| Consistency rule | 40% during evaluation; none once funded |
| Minimum trading days | 3 |
| Time limit | 60 days (+ free 30-day extension if above 50% of target) |
| Prohibited | Hedging and HFT-style trading; scalping allowed |
The EOD trailing drawdown is calculated from your end-of-day balance, not intraday equity swings, an advantage over firms that use an intraday trailing drawdown that can trip you up on temporary unrealized losses. On a $100K account with a $1,000 drawdown, once your balance closes at $101,000 the drawdown floor locks at $100,000 and stops trailing. The 40% consistency rule means no single day's profit can exceed 40% of your total profits; it only delays passing, it does not terminate your account. News trading is not listed among the current prohibited rules; confirm the latest policy before purchasing.
Trading Environment and Conditions
Traders Launch uses the same three platforms for both the evaluation and the funded (Simfunded) stage: TradingView (browser-based), Volumetrica (desktop and web) and Quantower (desktop; access is included). Once you pass, you move into a Simfunded account on those same platforms. Traders Launch does not route funded traders to a live brokerage; the funded stage is simulated, and payouts are real cash drawn from your share of trading profits.
The firm focuses on CME Group futures: equity index futures (ES, NQ, YM and their micros MES, MNQ, MYM) and commodity futures (CL, GC, SI and micros MCL, MGC, SIL). MES and MNQ come pre-loaded; other micros are available on request. Full-size minis are tradeable within your contract limits. Leverage in futures is set by exchange margin rather than a custom ratio. If you trade forex, stocks or options, you will need to look elsewhere.
Payouts, Profit Splits and Scaling
The payout system is where Traders Launch makes its strongest case. According to the firm, it has never denied a payout, and processing ranks among the fastest in the industry. Your Simfunded balance must sit at least 1% above the starting balance before you can request a withdrawal. Payouts are processed daily: crypto (USDT on Solana) and ACH transfers clear about every 24 hours, while bank wires are processed weekly. There is no per-transaction minimum or maximum; once an account reaches $100,000 in cumulative payouts it pauses for a scaling review. There are no weekly or monthly caps.
Traders Launch offers two fixed profit-split tiers, 55% and 80%, with the higher split carrying higher one-time fees. The scaling plan is performance-based: for every 1% increase in funded account value you unlock one additional mini contract, up to 15 minis, and you can run up to 5 Simfunded accounts (plus up to 5 evaluation accounts) at once.
Trader Experience and Support
Traders Launch provides a web dashboard through its app portal where you manage evaluations, monitor drawdown and request payouts. Support centers on community: a Discord server with over 6,500 members is the primary channel, where traders interact with team members such as Adam and Josh, who are frequently named in user reviews. There is also a website contact form. There is no phone support or dedicated live-chat widget at the time of research. Trustpilot reviewers consistently highlight fast response times and quick issue resolution.
Traders Launch vs The Competition
How does Traders Launch measure up against the heavyweights in futures prop trading?
| Feature | Traders Launch | Apex Trader Funding | TopStep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 | 2021 | 2012 |
| Lowest entry fee | $49 (one-time) | ~$25-$49 (one-time, on sale) | $49/mo |
| Account sizes | $100K - $300K | $25K - $150K | $50K - $150K |
| Drawdown type | EOD trailing | Intraday or EOD | EOD trailing |
| Profit split | 55% or 80% | 100% first $25K, then 90% | 90/10 flat (new traders) |
| Payout frequency | Daily | After 5 profitable days | Daily (after milestones) |
| Fee when funded | $0 | $0 (one-time model) | Varies |
| Max funded accounts | 5 | 20 | 5 |
| Consistency rule | 40% (eval only) | 50% (funded) | None specified |
Traders Launch wins on funded-stage costs (zero monthly fees, zero activation fees) and payout speed. Apex counters with a more generous split structure and far more simultaneous accounts, while TopStep brings the longest track record. For cost-conscious futures day traders, Traders Launch offers a compelling package; if profit-split percentage or brand stability top your list, Apex or TopStep may serve you better.
Conclusion
Traders Launch has carved out a competitive spot for traders who want low entry costs, clean one-step rules and fast payouts. The EOD trailing drawdown, zero funded-stage fees and daily uncapped withdrawals are real strengths. Keep in mind that the funded stage is simulated rather than a live brokerage, and that the firm is unregulated, so your evaluation fee is at risk if you do not pass. Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Visit traderslaunch.com to explore current pricing.
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