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Home › Comparisons › Upcomers vs DNA Funded — Which is Better?
Upcomers
8.7/10
★★★★☆
VS
DNA Funded
7.9/10
★★★★☆

Upcomers vs DNA Funded — Which is Better? (2026)

Our editorial team compared every key metric — fees, rules, profit split, payouts — so you can pick the right firm.

View Firm — Upcomers View Firm — DNA Funded

Upcomers vs DNA Funded — Side-by-Side

Feature Upcomers DNA Funded
Payout
Profit Split 99% 80% (up to 90%)
First Payout 5 14
Payout Frequency On-demand (avg 12h) From day 14 (day 7 with add-on)
Max Account Size $1,000,000 $200,000
Our Verdict — Upcomers vs DNA Funded

Winner: Upcomers

Upcomers vs DNA Funded — Executive Summary (2026)

In this independent head-to-head comparison of Upcomers vs DNA Funded, we break down challenge rules, pricing, profit splits, and payout conditions to help you decide which prop firm is the better fit for your trading style.

Upcomers: 99% Profit Split. 1,200+ Markets. Bybit Crypto Integration.

DNA Funded: 10-Day Rapid Challenge. 24-Hour Entry from $25. $600K Scaling.

Based on our independent scoring methodology, Upcomers scores 8.7/10 overall — but the best choice depends on your specific needs. Read the full comparison below.

Quick Stats: Upcomers vs DNA Funded

BestProp Score: Upcomers scores 8.7/10 vs DNA Funded at 7.9/10.

Minimum Fee: Upcomers starts from $31.80; DNA Funded starts from $25. DNA Funded is cheaper at entry level.

Profit Split: Upcomers offers 99%; DNA Funded offers 80% (up to 90%). DNA Funded has the higher split.

Platforms: Upcomers supports MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, Match Trader, dxTrade, Bybit; DNA Funded is on TradeLocker.

Tradeable Markets: Upcomers covers Forex, Metals, Indices, Stocks, Crypto, Energies, Commodities; DNA Funded offers Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto.

Pricing Comparison: Upcomers vs DNA Funded

Challenge fees are typically the biggest factor when choosing a prop firm. Here is how Upcomers and DNA Funded compare on pricing.

Upcomers challenge fees start from $31.80. The firm has operated since 2023. They have funded over 65,000+ traders. Total payouts to date: $6,000,000+.

DNA Funded challenge fees start from $25.

On entry-level pricing, DNA Funded offers a lower starting fee — an important factor if you are testing with a smaller account first.

Challenge Rules: Upcomers vs DNA Funded

Drawdown Rules

Trading Conditions

Payout Comparison: Upcomers vs DNA Funded

Upcomers profit split: 99%. DNA Funded profit split: 80% (up to 90%). DNA Funded delivers the higher cut to traders.

Payout frequency: Upcomers pays On-demand (avg 12h); DNA Funded pays From day 14 (day 7 with add-on). Faster payouts are better for cash flow management.

Upcomers — Full Review

Here is our full independent review of Upcomers:

Introduction to Upcomers

Upcomers was founded in April 2023 by CEO Jakub Zeliska, operating under Royal Flow FZCO in Dubai with additional hubs in Prague and Miami Brickell. The firm has funded 65,000+ traders across 180+ countries and has distributed $6M+ in payouts at a 99% approval rate. At its core, the headline proposition is simple: a 99% profit split — the highest of any prop firm we have reviewed — across all programs and account sizes from $2,000 to $1,000,000.

The platform runs an in-house proprietary dashboard with an AI trading assistant called Fin, and integrates Bybit directly as a crypto trading venue, giving traders access to actual crypto markets rather than just crypto CFDs. Over 1,200 instruments are available including forex, metals, indices, stocks (Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, Microsoft), energies, and crypto.

Who Is Upcomers For?

Upcomers suits discretionary traders who want the maximum possible profit retention and broad instrument access — particularly those who trade stocks or crypto alongside forex. The 99% split is genuinely market-leading. The $1,500,000 standard scaling ceiling (with VIP scaling to $4,000,000) gives serious traders a clear path to significant capital.

Critical rule: automation is strictly and immediately banned. No Expert Advisors, no bots, no copy trading — any detected use results in immediate account termination. Discretionary traders only.

Challenge Programs

Upcomers offers multiple evaluation paths across different step counts:

  • Oracle (Instant-style, $2K–$1M): No profit target. 4% daily drawdown, 5% max drawdown. 5–6 minimum trading days. 99% profit split. On-demand payouts. Fees from $159.90 (promotional pricing).
  • Vanguard (Instant Funding, $2K–$1M): No profit target. 4% daily drawdown, 7% max drawdown — more buffer than Oracle. 5–6 minimum trading days. 99% split. On-demand payouts. Fees from $239.90.
  • Supernova ($2K–$1M): 3% profit target. 2% daily drawdown, 3% max drawdown — tightest rules. No minimum trading days. 24-hour time limit per trading session. 99% split. On-demand payouts.
  • Thunderbolt (1-Step evaluation): Single-phase evaluation. Starting from $31.80 for $5K accounts. 99% split.
  • Phoenix (2-Step evaluation): Two-phase evaluation. 99% split.
  • Eon (5-Step evaluation): Five-phase progression path. Fees scale with account size. 99% split.
  • Breakout: Specialist program — details vary by account configuration.

Fees shown reflect current promotional pricing. Standard fees and exact per-size breakdowns are available at upcomers.com.

Trading Rules and Platforms

Six platforms supported: MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradeLocker, Match Trader, dxTrade, and Bybit (crypto). Raw spreads from 0.0 pips. News trading permitted. Overnight and weekend position holding allowed.

Automation ban: Expert Advisors, algorithmic bots, and copy trading are prohibited across all accounts. Violation triggers immediate account closure with no appeal. Traders who use EAs as part of their workflow should not join Upcomers.

Instruments: 1,200+ markets — forex, metals (gold, silver), indices (Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, DAX), crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana via Bybit), stocks (Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, Microsoft), energies, commodities.

Payouts

  • Average processing: 12 hours (internal processing often under 1 hour)
  • Approval rate: 99%
  • Split: 99% to trader
  • Methods: Bank transfer (IBAN), cryptocurrency — note: crypto withdrawals carry up to 10% processing fee
  • Deposits: Credit/debit card, crypto, PayPal, bank wire, Apple Pay
  • Maximum allocation: $1,500,000 (VIP scaling to $4,000,000)

Our Verdict

Upcomers earns a 7.7 BestProp score. The 99% profit split is unmatched in the prop firm space. Bybit integration for real crypto trading, 1,200+ instruments including stocks, a 99% payout approval rate, and sub-12-hour processing are all genuine positives. The AI assistant Fin adds a tool layer that most competing platforms don’t offer.

Two negatives worth flagging: the strict and immediate automation ban will exclude a significant portion of systematic traders, and the up-to-10% crypto withdrawal fee is the highest we have recorded — traders should factor this in before choosing crypto as their withdrawal method. Upcomers has no Trustpilot profile at time of writing; independent ratings are from Feefo (4.9/5 from 2,800+ reviews) and Google (4.7/5).

DNA Funded — Full Review

Here is our full independent review of DNA Funded:

Introduction to DNA Funded

DNA Funded is led by CEO Martin Doepke and registered in Saint Lucia. The firm offers five distinct challenge types including a genuinely unusual 10-day Rapid Challenge and a 24-hour micro-challenge entry point from just $25. Maximum scaling reaches $600,000. Trading is conducted exclusively on TradeLocker.

One important cost factor to understand before joining: DNA Funded charges a flat $5 commission per non-crypto trade and a 0.1% fee on crypto trades. This is separate from the challenge fee and applies on funded accounts. For high-frequency traders executing many positions per day, this commission structure adds meaningful ongoing cost that should be factored into profitability calculations before choosing this platform.

Who Is DNA Funded For?

DNA Funded suits traders who want a wide range of challenge formats – from a $25 24-hour entry challenge all the way to a $200K two-phase evaluation. The Rapid Challenge is the most distinctive offering: a strict 10-calendar-day window with a 5% profit target, designed for traders who want fast confirmation of their edge without an open-ended evaluation period.

USA and Canadian traders are excluded. Grid and martingale strategies are prohibited. News trading is allowed but restricted to a 5-minute window before and after major releases.

Challenge Programs

  • 1-Phase / Single Helix ($5K-$200K): 10% profit target. 4% daily drawdown. 6% max drawdown (static). 80% split (up to 90% with add-on). First payout after 14 days (7 days with add-on). Fees $59-$1,209. First 3 payouts capped at 5% of account – cap removed after third payout.
  • 2-Phase / Double Helix ($5K-$200K): Phase 1: 10% target. Phase 2: 5% target. 5% daily drawdown. 8% max drawdown (static). 80% split (up to 90%). 14-day payout cycle. Fees $49-$1,079.
  • Rapid Challenge ($10K-$100K): 5% profit target. 3% daily drawdown. 5% max drawdown (static). Strict 10-calendar-day time limit. Weekend trading prohibited during the challenge. 80% split (up to 90%). Fees $99-$549. Fastest evaluation path for traders who are confident in their ability to perform on a deadline.
  • Instant Funding ($10K-$100K): No evaluation, no profit target, no daily drawdown limit. 4% max drawdown (trailing). Minimum 5 trading days before first withdrawal. 80% split (up to 90%). Fees $199-$979.
  • 24-Hour Challenge ($20K fixed): Entry from $25. A micro-challenge format completed within 24 hours. Unique accessibility play for traders who want a rapid, low-cost proof of concept.

Key Rules

  • Per-trade commission: $5 flat per non-crypto trade | 0.1% per crypto trade – applies on funded accounts
  • Daily profit distribution: No more than 30% of total account profit can come from a single trading day (rule added February 2026)
  • First 3 payouts: Capped at 5% of account balance each – cap lifted after third payout
  • News trading: Allowed with 5-minute restriction window before and after major releases
  • Prohibited: Grid strategies, martingale, account sharing
  • Weekend trading: Restricted on Rapid Challenge only

Trading Rules and Platforms

Single platform: TradeLocker. Instruments: forex, indices, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies (all CFDs). Restricted countries: USA, Canada, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Cuba, Crimea region.

Payouts

  • Processing: 1-4 business days approval, then 1-2 additional days for funds to arrive
  • Minimum withdrawal: $100 after profit split applied
  • Methods: Cryptocurrency (1% processing fee) | Bank transfer ($50 flat fee)
  • Split: 80% base | Up to 90% with add-on
  • Scaling ceiling: $600,000

Our Verdict

DNA Funded earns a 6.7 BestProp score. The 10-day Rapid Challenge and $25 24-hour entry challenge are genuinely unique formats not available at most competitors. The programme variety (5 types) is solid and the 5% Rapid target is accessible.

The per-trade $5 commission is the most significant negative in the platform – it adds cost that compounds quickly for active traders and is not present at most competing firms. The Trustpilot score of 3.8/5 from 72 reviews is a small sample but moderate. The 5% cap on the first 3 payouts, $50 bank transfer fee, and single-platform limitation (TradeLocker only) further constrain the value proposition. DNA Funded is worth considering specifically for the Rapid Challenge format – for general prop trading the commission structure warrants careful analysis before committing.

Upcomers — Key Strengths

  • BestProp score: 8.7/10
  • Competitive 99% profit split
  • Challenge fees from $31.80
  • 65,000+ funded traders
  • $6,000,000+ total paid out
  • Available on MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, Match Trader, dxTrade, Bybit
  • Operating since 2023

DNA Funded — Key Strengths

  • BestProp score: 7.9/10
  • Competitive 80% (up to 90%) profit split
  • Challenge fees from $25
  • Available on TradeLocker

Final Verdict: Upcomers vs DNA Funded (2026)

Overall, our independent scoring gives Upcomers the edge in this 2026 comparison. However, both firms have their merits. If DNA Funded better matches your specific trading style, instruments, or preferred platform, it may still be the right choice for you.

Use our comparison table above and review the challenge fees at both firms before making your final decision. Both offer risk-free evaluation programs — the challenge fee is the only money at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions: Upcomers vs DNA Funded

Which is better, Upcomers or DNA Funded?

Based on our independent scoring, Upcomers scores higher overall (8.7/10). The best choice depends on your trading style, preferred instruments, and account size.

Is Upcomers cheaper than DNA Funded?

DNA Funded offers a lower entry-level challenge fee. However, always compare the full account sizes you plan to trade before deciding purely on price.

Which has a better profit split, Upcomers or DNA Funded?

DNA Funded offers the higher profit split. Upcomers: 99%. DNA Funded: 80% (up to 90%).

Can I use an EA or trading bot?

EA policies: Upcomers — check the review. DNA Funded — check the review. Always verify the latest policy directly with the firm.

Which is better for news trading?

News trading: Upcomers — check the review. DNA Funded — check the review.

Read the full Upcomers review →  ·  Read the full DNA Funded review →

Who should choose Upcomers?
  • Traders wanting 99% profit split
  • Users of MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, Match Trader, dxTrade, Bybit
  • Anyone looking for a top-rated funded challenge
Who should choose DNA Funded?
  • Traders wanting 80% (up to 90%) profit split
  • Users of TradeLocker
  • Anyone looking for a solid funded challenge

Frequently Asked Questions — Upcomers vs DNA Funded

Based on our scoring methodology, Upcomers edges ahead in this comparison. However, the best choice depends on your trading style, preferred platform and account size. Read the full breakdown above for a detailed verdict.

Upcomers offers 99% profit split, while DNA Funded offers 80% (up to 90%) profit split. Check each firm's current terms as these can change.

Check our offers page for the latest verified deals on both firms.

Upcomers processes first payouts in 5 day(s), while DNA Funded takes approximately 14 day(s). Always verify current payout timelines on the firm's website.

Neither Upcomers nor DNA Funded are regulated in the traditional financial sense — prop firms operate as private companies providing traders access to simulated or real capital. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before participating in any prop challenge.

Upcomers
8.7/10
Read Review →
DNA Funded
7.9/10
Read Review →