“Stellar 1-Step or 2-Step?” That’s the first question you ask yourself on the FundedNext website, and the answer changes everything: number of phases, target to validate, how fast you reach the funded account, fee refunds. This comparison settles it: what really sets the two models apart, who each one is for, and how the active promo code applies to both.

Our verdict in one sentence: the 2-Step is the safest path to validate your first prop firm experience; the 1-Step is the fastest for an already consistent trader who wants a funded account without detours.

The two models at a glance

FundedNext structures its CFD offer around two Stellar evaluations, on virtual capital:

Stellar 1-StepStellar 2-Step
StructureOne single phaseTwo successive phases
Profit target~10% (single phase)~10% then ~5%
Time limitNoneNone
DrawdownStaticStatic
Account sizesFrom $6,000From $6,000
Entry fee ($6,000 account)~$39~$29
Fee refundVia rewards, subject to current conditionsVia rewards, subject to current conditions

Figures taken from the official FundedNext website in September 2026. Always check the conditions in force at the time of purchase.

The Stellar 2-Step: the progressive path

The 2-Step follows the logic of the legacy firms: you validate a first target (phase 1), then a second, smaller target (phase 2, ~5%), and you get the funded account. This is the model FundedNext presents as its mainstream product, the one that “1M+” traders have chosen, according to the firm.

Who it’s for: structured beginners and traders who want a two-stage validation. The shorter phase 2 acts as a verification: it confirms that the phase 1 performance wasn’t a stroke of luck. It’s also the model with the lowest entry price in the range (from ~$29 on $6,000).

The Stellar 1-Step: the fast track

The 1-Step condenses everything into a single phase: one target (~10%), and once validated with the required minimum trading days, you move straight to the funded account. FundedNext markets it as the “fastest reward”: no second round, no verification delay.

Who it’s for: already consistent traders who proved their edge on demo or a small live account and want access to funded capital without wasting time. The flip side: a single management mistake eliminates you directly. There is no second chance built into the path.

Direct comparison: which one fits your profile?

SituationBest choiceWhy
First challenge, strategy still being validated2-StepTwo phases = two chances, gradual progression
Edge proven on demo for several months1-StepOne single phase to validate, fast access to the account
Limited learning budget2-StepEntry from ~$29 on a small account
You want to test your consistency without a clockBothNeither model imposes a time limit
Large capital targeted ($50,000+)1-Step or 2-Step depending on your profileThe plan choice matters more than the model choice for the discount

The key point to understand: the 2-Step doesn’t make the challenge “easier”; it makes it more progressive. The 1-Step doesn’t make it “harder”; it makes it more direct. If you know yourself to be consistent and patient, take the 2-Step; if you’re efficient and in a hurry, take the 1-Step. The full details of both models (complete rules, exact targets, refund conditions) are on the official FundedNext website, and our full FundedNext review puts the firm in context.

What about the SAVEPRICE code?

The active promo code applies to both models, with discounts that vary by account size:

  • -7% on Stellar 1-Step and 2-Step from $15,000 to $200,000
  • -50% on the Stellar $50,000 (1-Step and Lite 2-Step)
  • -$16 to -$30 on $6,000 accounts

Concretely: on a small learning account, the ~$29 2-Step drops below $25 with the code; on a $50,000 plan, the -50% discount makes the entry half as expensive whatever model you choose. The plan-by-plan details, the verification and the instructions are on our FundedNext promo page.

Our final verdict

If you’re still hesitating: start with the 2-Step on a small account if it’s your first experience (minimal cost of error, progressive path), then move to the 1-Step once your consistency is proven. Same account, same strategy, but validated in a single phase. The model doesn’t make the trader: your edge validates the challenge, not the number of steps.

FAQ

Is the 1-Step harder than the 2-Step? Not intrinsically. It’s more demanding on consistency: one single phase, so less room for manoeuvre than a two-stage path. But the target remains the same kind of challenge for a prepared trader.

Are fees refunded on both models? Subject to the conditions in force, fees can be refunded via rewards once the funded account is validated. Check the official page of the model you choose before buying.

Can you switch models halfway through? No: the model is chosen at purchase. If you fail, you rebuy the format you want. Many traders first validate a small 2-Step account, then move to the 1-Step for what comes next.

Can the SAVEPRICE code be combined with a target reduction? No, one code per purchase. SAVEPRICE remains the best choice thanks to the -50% on $50,000 plans and the Instant $20,000 (see the promo page).

FundedNext or another firm for a first challenge? FundedNext is an excellent conditions-to-price ratio. Compare with FTMO and The5ers in our comparison and the 2026 ranking before you decide.