The best platform for Apex Trader Funding depends on your trading style and setup. Rithmic is ideal for traders who need fast execution, low latency, and advanced tools—perfect for scalping or algorithmic strategies. Tradovate, on the other hand, is better for those who prefer ease of use, mobile or web access, and simple setup.
When choosing a funded trading account with Apex Trader Funding, one of the key decisions is between the Rithmic and Tradovate platforms. Both offer access to real capital once you pass the evaluation, but they differ in terms of execution speed, device compatibility, fee structure, and utility features. Rithmic is known for its ultra-low latency and high performance (especially appealing to scalpers or those who need speed), while Tradovate is more flexible across devices and easier to use on the go, with broader accessibility (web, mobile, etc.).
Understanding these distinctions—and knowing which aspects matter most to you (speed, cost, mobility, analytics, etc.)—can make a big difference in your trading effectiveness and costs. Below, we’ll explore how they stack up so you can decide which fits your style and goals best.
Table of Contents
- Rithmic Overview
- Key Features of Rithmic
- Tradovate Overview
- See All 15 Items
Rithmic Overview
Rithmic is trading software primarily known for its high-speed trade execution and the low-latency performance of its data feed. The platform provides various risk management tools and historical, delayed, and real-time market information.
The Rithmic data feed performance is critical to serious futures traders – such as high-frequency and institutional traders – who rely on fast, reliable information and trade execution.
Key Features of Rithmic
Rithmic’s software infrastructure was built for professional traders and offers features that support high-frequency trading, including:
- Low latency: Handling volumes of data and executing orders quickly
- Depth of market (DOM): Directly accessing the volume of buy and sell orders
- Direct market access: Connecting directly to major and regional markets
- Risk management tools: Helping traders mitigate losses and manage positions
- Advanced charting tools: Allowing in-depth analysis
- Historical analytics: Supporting backtesting and strategy development
Downloading and setting up Rithmic and NinjaTrader can take time and require a bit of tech-savviness. However, once set up and connected to TradingView, traders can leverage NinjaTrader for fast execution and TradingView for its analytical capabilities.
Tradovate Overview
Tradovate is a more modern futures trading platform that offers commission-free trading. The easy-to-use cloud-based technology means you don’t have to set up the platform, so it requires less technical know-how and is ideal for beginners to start trading.
Designed to simplify futures trading, the platform provides a comprehensive suite of advanced Tradovate trading tools to deliver a top-shelf trading experience.
Key Features of Tradovate
Because it was built for speed and use on multiple devices, Tradovate allows active futures traders to trade how they want from where they want. Here are the features the platform offers:
- Cloud-based technology: Access it through a browser on Windows or Mac.
- Multiple-device access: Trade from your desktop, mobile, or tablet.
- Commission-free trading: Trade futures or options on futures with no fee.
- Advanced trading tools: Access advanced charts, options chains, and more.
- Seamless execution: Customize trading dashboards and charts across devices.
- Third-party support: Integrate TradingView or use the API to customize trading.
While it is an advanced platform, Tradovate’s interface is designed for ease of use. Traders can also customize the interface. This makes Tradovate available to beginning traders and those more experienced. Tradovate also has no hidden fees.
>> Read our Apex Trader Funding Review
Comparing Apex’s Rithmic vs. Tradovate Accounts
So how do Apex Trader Funding Rithmic vs. Tradovate accounts compare? Here’s a closer look at features key to the success of traders.
Data Handling and Speed
While Rithmic and Tradovate offer data handling and speed, the offerings and pricing differ for the trading platforms. Rithmic provides its data, which is included in its monthly subscription cost, and Tradovate provides traders access to data that requires an added subscription.
Here’s how Rithmic and Tradovate accounts compare on real-time market data, execution speed, and reliability when futures trading with Apex.
Rithmic’s Data Accuracy and Reliability
With its low- and ultra-low-latency infrastructure, Rithmic focuses on delivering real-time data fast. As a data provider, it also emphasizes depth-of-market data, giving traders a view of orders in the order book. The speed and DOM cater to high-frequency traders.
Tradovate’s Approach to Data and User Experience
Tradovate provides real-time data from third parties once you have a funded account. The data feeds are not at ultralow latency, however. The data is a CME Group bundle, which gathers information from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), and the Commodity Exchange Inc. (COMEX). This is broad market data, real-time and historical, more suitable for retail and intermediate traders.
Traders with other Rithmic accounts might find it difficult to access data on Apex Trader Funding if both accounts are open simultaneously.
Account Types and Funding Options
Apex Trader Funding offers full, static accounts across the Rithmic and Tradovate platforms. It also offers matching pricing on available account sizes for Rithmic and Tradovate.
Types of Accounts Offered for Rithmic
On Rithmic, you can have full accounts from $25,000 for $147 per month to $300,000 for $167 per month. You can also trade a $100,000 static account on Rithmic for $137 per month.
Types of Accounts Offered for Tradovate
The account sizes available on Tradovate are the same as on Rithmic: $25,000 in capital for $147 per month up to $300,000 for $167 per month.
Both platforms have additional account sizes: $167 per month for $50,000, $207 per month for $100,000, $297 per month for $150,000, and $167 per month for $250,000. Except for Tradovate’s compatibility with TradingView and across Windows, Mac, and mobile, the accounts match across account sizes for Rithmic and Tradovate.
Trading Tools and Resources
Rithmic and Tradovate offer a robust trading experience. However, the two platforms cater to different traders. If you’re a professional trader looking for an advanced data feed and lightning-fast trade execution, you may want to consider Rithmic. Retail traders looking for a more simplified, straightforward trading platform might consider Tradovate.
Rithmic’s Integration With Third-Party Tools
Focused on performance and functionality, Rithmic provides a user interface geared to professionals with extensive customization options. APIs can be integrated to allow developers to build custom trading programs. Rithmic also offers tools to support high-frequency and algorithmic trading.
Tradovate’s Comprehensive Features for Traders
Tradovate is built to support traders just starting and those more experienced. While its interface is friendly and easy to use, it can also be customized. The platform comes with advanced charting tools and mobile trading. Real-time data feeds can be integrated and algorithmic trading can be integrated through a third party.
Tradovate comes with tools onboard to assist with analysis and trade execution. It educates traders of every level and encourages them to interact in forums and groups.
Rithmic and Tradovate offer tools and resources that can enhance your trading depending on your experience level.
How to Choose Between a Rithmic Account and a Tradovate Account
How do you choose between the Apex Trader Funding Rithmic vs. Tradovate accounts? If you’re a professional trader looking for direct market access and a low- to ultra-low-latency network for fast trade execution, you might select a Rithmic account. By doing so, you also get advanced trading tools, fast real-time information, and a free NinjaTrader license.
However, if you’re a new or intermediate retail trader looking for a robust platform with a straightforward interface for commission-free trades, you might want to consider Tradovate. The platform offers advanced tools for market analysis and seamless integration with TradingView.
Consider your trading style and goals to decide between Rithmic and Tradovate.
What is the best platform for Apex Trader Funding?
What is the difference between Rithmic and Tradovate accounts?
Rithmic is renowned for its ultra-low latency and Direct Market Access (DMA), making it ideal for professional traders, scalpers, and those employing algorithmic strategies. It provides advanced tools and is typically accessed via platforms like NinjaTrader on Windows. Tradovate, on the other hand, offers a cloud-based, user-friendly platform accessible across various devices, including web, desktop, and mobile. It’s well-suited for retail traders and those seeking a straightforward trading experience.
What is the 30% rule in Apex Trader?
The 30% Consistency Rule at Apex Trader Funding ensures that no single day’s profit exceeds 30% of your total profit balance at the time of a payout request. This rule promotes steady, disciplined trading practices and discourages high-risk, erratic trading styles.
About Sarah Edwards
Sarah Edwards is a finance writer passionate about helping people learn more about what’s needed to achieve their financial goals. She has nearly a decade of writing experience focused on budgeting, investment strategies, retirement and industry trends. Her work has been published on NerdWallet and FinImpact.
