BrightFunded vs Maven Trading: Which Prop Trading Firm Is Better in 2025?

Introduction

As proprietary trading firms proliferate, traders seek transparent rules and reliable payouts. Two firms that often catch traders’ attention are BrightFunded and Maven Trading. Both offer simulated accounts with real payouts and a variety of evaluation models, but their rules, profit targets and growth pathways differ. This comparison takes an in‑depth look at each firm’s programs, risk controls, payout policies and user sentiment to help you decide which aligns with your goals.

BrightFunded Overview

BrightFunded is a European prop firm launched in late 2023. It positions itself as a straightforward, trader‑friendly option with a well‑defined two‑phase evaluation, strict risk management and rapid payouts.

• Evaluation structure – The standard challenge consists of two phases: Phase 1 requires an 8% profit target, while Phase 2 reduces the target to 5%. Traders must respect a 5% daily loss limit and a 10% overall loss limit. A minimum of five trading days is needed in each phase, and there is no maximum time to complete the target.
• Risk controls – BrightFunded enforces a static drawdown structure. The daily drawdown resets at rollover (11:30 PM CET) based on the higher of account equity or balance. Crossing the daily loss or overall drawdown results in account termination. Hedging is allowed within the same account, but cross‑account hedging or hedging across multiple prop firms is prohibited. Traders may hold positions over weekends, and news trading is allowed during the evaluation stages. Once funded, traders may not open or close positions within five minutes before or after major economic releases, though positions open for more than 48 hours are exempt.
• Payouts and scaling – After a trader passes both evaluation phases, they receive a Funded Star account. The first payout can be requested 30 days after placing the first trade and every 14 days thereafter. The default profit split is 80 /20, but traders can upgrade to 90 /10 via an add‑on or reach 100 /0 by progressing through the scaling plan. There is no minimum payout amount—traders can withdraw even minor profits—and payments are processed via crypto or bank transfer, often within a few hours. The scaling plan reviews performance every four months; to scale up by 30% of the original account size, traders must be profitable in at least two of four months and achieve an aggregate 10% gain. After three successful scale‑ups, the profit split becomes 100 /0.
• Platforms and markets – BrightFunded offers MetaTrader 5, cTrader and DXTrade, giving traders flexibility in platform choice. It provides high leverage (up to 100:1 on forex) and more than 150 instruments, including forex pairs, indices, commodities and over 40 cryptocurrencies. Expert advisors and weekend trading are allowed.

BrightFunded has earned praise for fast payouts, clear rules and the ability to choose add‑ons for higher splits and more frequent withdrawals. Some traders note that the drawdown rules can be strict, but the absence of a time limit provides breathing room.

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Maven Trading Overview

Maven Trading, established in the United Arab Emirates, markets itself as a global prop firm with a suite of evaluation and instant funding products. Its offerings range from one‑step and two‑step challenges to ultra‑fast mini accounts. Although account sizes can be generous, the firm’s rules emphasise discipline and risk control.

• Two‑Step Program – The flagship program requires an 8% gain in the first phase and a 5% gain in the second. Traders must stay within an 8% maximum loss and a 4% daily loss. A minimum of three profitable trading days (0.5% each) is required per phase. Profit splits are set at 80 /20, with payouts scheduled every ten business days.
• One‑Step Program – This single‑phase evaluation also targets an 8% gain. The program uses a 5% trailing drawdown and a 3% daily loss limit. Once the trader hits the target, the drawdown locks at the starting balance. Payouts are on the same ten‑day cycle, with an 80% split.
• Instant Program – Maven’s instant offering allows traders to skip evaluation entirely. Traders must achieve a minimum 3% profit and stay within a 3% trailing drawdown and a 2% daily loss. A 15% consistency rule ensures that no single day accounts for more than 15% of total gains. The profit split is 80%, and payouts occur every ten business days. Accounts have a monthly withdrawal cap—profits beyond roughly $10k per cycle are void.
• Mini Program – A 24‑hour challenge in which traders must earn 3% without letting floating losses exceed 1%. A 20% consistency rule applies, and the profit split is 80%. Payouts are on demand once the profit target is hit, provided the trader respects risk rules.
• Three‑Step Program – This option requires three consecutive 3% targets. The program sets a 2% daily loss cap and a 3% static drawdown. Profit splits remain at 80%, and payouts come every ten business days.

Across all programs, Maven disallows account sharing, automated trading systems, cross‑prop firm hedging and trading near red‑folder news events (two minutes before and after). Traders must use stop losses and, in instant and mini accounts, restrict risk per trade to 1%. Accounts are deactivated after 30 days of inactivity. Starting capital is limited to $200k across combined programs, with the possibility to scale up to $1 million by passing additional evaluations. Withdrawals are processed in USDC or wire transfer.

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Evaluation Model & Trading Rules Comparison

Profit targets and structure – BrightFunded uses a simple two‑stage evaluation with targets of 8% and 5%, whereas Maven offers multiple paths. Maven’s two‑step program matches BrightFunded’s 8%/5% targets but uses a smaller daily loss limit (4% vs. 5%) and a slightly smaller total drawdown (8% vs. 10%). Maven’s one‑step program maintains the 8% target but shifts to a trailing drawdown (5%) and a lower daily loss limit (3%). Maven’s mini and instant accounts focus on quick profit thresholds (3%) with lower drawdowns, while BrightFunded has no instant offering.

Risk rules – BrightFunded’s risk model is straightforward: daily loss resets each day and is based on the higher of account equity or balance. Maven’s trailing drawdown in some programs moves upward with equity and locks when a profit threshold is reached. Maven also imposes consistency requirements on its instant and mini accounts (15% and 20%), whereas BrightFunded only enforces a consistency threshold in its scaling plan.

Time limits – BrightFunded sets no maximum time to complete each phase, but it requires a minimum of five trading days. Maven’s two‑step and one‑step evaluations have no time limit either, though the mini account expires after 24 hours and all accounts expire after 30 days of inactivity.

Payouts, Profit Split and Scaling

BrightFunded’s first payout arrives 30 days after the first trade in the funded account, then every 14 days. The default split is 80 /20, with add‑ons enabling an immediate upgrade to 90 /10 or an eventual climb to 100 /0 through the scaling plan. The scaling system reviews performance over four‑month cycles; traders meeting profitability and consistency criteria can increase their account size by 30% of the original and eventually secure a 100 /0 split.

Maven pays every ten business days across all programs. Profit splits remain fixed at 80%, and withdrawals above roughly $10k per 30‑day cycle are not credited. Maven returns evaluation fees when traders pass the challenge but does not currently offer a stepwise scaling plan; traders seeking more capital must open additional evaluations or instant accounts. The lack of profit‑split progression and the withdrawal cap may make Maven less appealing to traders aiming for high payouts.

Platforms, Markets and Trading Flexibility

BrightFunded supports MetaTrader 5, cTrader and DXTrade, and offers high leverage up to 100:1 on forex and lower ratios on indices and commodities. It lists more than 150 instruments and allows weekend and overnight holding. Hedging is allowed within one account, and news trading restrictions apply only in the funded account within a short window around major news events.

Maven uses MetaTrader 5 and restricts leverage more than BrightFunded: 1:30 to 1:100 depending on the program and asset class. Maximum lot exposure is capped based on account size (for example, 5 lots on a $10k account). News trading is permitted, but positions cannot be opened or closed within two minutes of red‑folder events. Weekend positions are allowed during the evaluation, but funded accounts may require closing trades before the weekend on certain programs.

Reputation, Trust and User Feedback

BrightFunded has gained a reputation for clear rules and prompt payouts. Traders appreciate the absence of hidden fees, the ability to upgrade profit splits, and the quick processing of withdrawals. Some negative feedback points to the strict daily loss calculations and the need to be flat during news for funded accounts.

Maven Trading garners mixed reviews. Traders praise the variety of evaluation models and the on‑demand payouts. However, the firm’s strict consistency rules on instant accounts and the monthly withdrawal cap receive criticism. The prohibition of automated trading systems and the requirement to keep risk per trade low may deter some strategies. Support is generally responsive, but the absence of a formal scaling plan can be a drawback for traders seeking long‑term capital growth.

Which Firm Is Better for Different Trader Types?

• Novice traders may prefer BrightFunded’s straightforward two‑step evaluation. The defined daily and overall drawdowns and the absence of trailing drawdowns simplify risk management. Maven’s programs offer more choices but may feel overwhelming due to trailing drawdown mechanics and strict rules on instant accounts.
• Disciplined swing traders might lean toward BrightFunded because weekend and overnight holding are allowed and the drawdown resets daily. Maven’s two‑step program allows weekend holding in the evaluation, but restrictions apply in funded accounts.
• Aggressive traders who want instant access could consider Maven’s instant or mini programs. BrightFunded does not have an instant funding option, so traders seeking immediate capital may find Maven more suitable despite the lower withdrawal cap.
• Traders aiming for high profit splits and scaling will appreciate BrightFunded’s scaling plan and the possibility of reaching a 100 /0 split. Maven caps the split at 80% and limits withdrawal amounts, which may be less attractive for those pursuing significant earnings.

Final Verdict

BrightFunded and Maven Trading serve different trader priorities. BrightFunded offers a clear two‑phase challenge with competitive drawdown buffers, rapid payouts and a structured scaling plan that rewards consistent profitability. It suits traders who value transparency and the opportunity to grow their account size and profit split over time. Maven Trading, by contrast, provides a menu of evaluations and instant accounts that can accommodate a range of risk appetites. Its programs appeal to traders who want flexibility in choosing profit targets and evaluation length but are willing to accept stricter rules, limited scaling and a fixed 80% profit split. Ultimately, the choice between BrightFunded and Maven hinges on whether you prioritise long‑term growth and scaling (BrightFunded) or immediate access and multiple evaluation options (Maven Trading).

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