While both accounts share the same ultimate reward — a 100% profit split with on-demand payouts — the rules, targets, and drawdown mechanics are meaningfully different. Choosing the right account from the start can be the difference between passing in two weeks and grinding for months.

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In this guide, we break down the exact differences between the NLF 1-Step vs 1-Step Pro, so you can make the most informed decision for your trading strategy.

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Head-to-Head Comparison Table

Here is the direct comparison of every key metric across both accounts:

Deep Dive: The 1-Step Account

The standard 1-Step account is designed for traders who want to pass quickly and efficiently. It features the lowest profit target of any NLF evaluation, requiring you to hit just 8% before you are funded.

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The Key Advantage: Lower Profit Target

The 8% target is the defining strength of the standard 1-Step. For a $5,000 account, you only need to generate $400 in profit to secure your funded status. If you have a consistent strategy that yields 2–3% per week, you can realistically pass this evaluation in as little as 3 to 4 weeks.

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The Trade-Off: Tighter Drawdown

The 1-Step uses a 7% static overall drawdown. This means your account is breached if your equity falls 7% below your starting balance. On a $5,000 account, that is a $350 maximum loss limit. The 3% daily drawdown is shared with the Pro account, meaning you have a $150 daily loss ceiling.

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The tighter overall drawdown requires more disciplined position sizing. If you are a trader who uses wide stop losses or holds through volatile periods, the 7% buffer may feel restrictive.

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Best For: Scalpers, day traders, and high-frequency traders who use tight stop losses and can hit 8% without needing a large drawdown buffer.

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Deep Dive: The 1-Step Pro Account

The 1-Step Pro is the premium single-phase evaluation, engineered for traders who prioritize maximum flexibility and breathing room over a lower profit target.

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The Key Advantage: Massive 11% Static Drawdown

The 1-Step Pro's headline feature is its 11% static overall drawdown — the most generous overall drawdown of any NLF evaluation account. On a $5,000 account, your maximum loss limit is $550. This is 57% more drawdown buffer than the standard 1-Step.

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This extra room is transformative for certain trading styles. Swing traders who hold positions for days, or traders who use wider stop losses to avoid getting stopped out on wicks, will find the 1-Step Pro dramatically more comfortable to navigate.

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The Trade-Off: Higher Profit Target

To compensate for the larger drawdown buffer, the 1-Step Pro requires an 11% profit target. On a $5,000 account, that means generating $550 in profit before you are funded. This is a 37.5% higher target than the standard 1-Step.

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However, because the drawdown is also 11%, there is a natural symmetry to the account. Your maximum risk and your required reward are identical, creating a balanced, intuitive trading environment.

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Best For: Swing traders, position traders, and anyone who needs wide stop losses or wants the psychological security of a large drawdown buffer to trade without fear.

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The Shared Benefits: Why Both Accounts Are Elite

Regardless of which 1-Step option you choose, you receive the same world-class NLF funded trader benefits:

• 100% Profit Split: You keep every dollar you earn on your funded account.
• On-Demand Payouts: Request your withdrawal at any time, backed by the NLF 12-Hour Payout Guarantee (or we add a $1,000 bonus to your payment).
• Static Drawdown: Unlike trailing drawdowns that punish you for making profit, both accounts use a static floor locked to your starting balance. Your profits never move your loss limit.
• Unlimited Trading Days: There is no deadline pressure. Take as long as you need to hit the target.
• 100% Refundable Fee: Your evaluation fee is fully refunded on your 3rd successful payout.

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Which Account Should You Choose?

Choose the 1-Step ($37) if:You are a disciplined, high-frequency trader with a tight, consistent strategy. You are confident you can hit 8% without needing a large drawdown buffer, and you want the cheapest possible entry price to a 100% profit split account.

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Choose the 1-Step Pro ($54) if:You are a swing trader, a news trader, or anyone who needs room to breathe. The extra $17 in upfront cost buys you 57% more drawdown protection, making it one of the best value upgrades in the prop firm industry.

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Start Your 1-Step or 1-Step Pro Evaluation Today‍

Author: Spencer Todd, Founder of Next Level Funded