Best Prop Firms for Futures Trading in 2025
Want to trade futures with serious capital but don't have $50K+ sitting around? Whether you're looking to get funded for the first time or switch firms, you're in the right place.
I've spent the last 20 years in the trenches. I’ve seen some shit - including watching my own prop firm come within ticks of imploding because they let cowboys run wild with no real risk management.
Other firms haven’t been so lucky in the past. If that’s your firm…one day you're funded, the next day the firm's gone and your account's locked. Not fun.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Most prop firm comparison sites are written by people who've never seen the dark side of this industry. They don't understand what actually helps traders get (and stay) funded versus what sets them up to fail.
After 12 years trading professionally, including 6 years at an old-school prop desk, I've learned exactly:
- Which rules help traders succeed vs which ones are designed to make you fail
- How to spot firms with sustainable risk management vs those heading for collapse
- What evaluation process gives you the best shot at getting funded
- Which firms actually want you to pass (hint: it's not all of them)
I've personally tested these firms, tracked their rule changes, and talked with hundreds of funded traders - from complete beginners who just got their first funded account to veterans trading size.
Below, I'll show you the 7 best futures prop firms for 2025 - ranked by what actually matters for getting and staying funded. Let's cut through the BS and find you a firm that'll help you succeed, not just collect your evaluation fee.
What's the Best Futures Prop Trading Firm?
- Apex Trader Funding - best of the best. The cheapest prop firm with the most payouts.
- BluSky Trading Company — best for traders who want to avoid funded account setup fees.
- TakeProfit Trader — best prop firm for day 1 payouts and anytime payouts.
- Tradeify — best instant funding prop firm.
- Elite Trader Funding — best for futures traders who want multiple accounts with End-of-Day drawdown limits.
- Earn2Trade (Trader Career Path) — The biggest single account with a prop firm
- Topstep - Best Futures Trading Education in a Prop Firm
If you love tables, you can find more prop firm comparison tables below.
1. Apex Trader Funding - The Heavy Hitter
My Verdict — Best of the Best
Price: Starts at $147/mo before discount
Here's the game-changer: While other firms limit you to one account, Apex lets you trade the same strategy across 20 accounts simultaneously - with up to $6,000,000 in total capital. And you keep a massive 90% of the profits.
"I've been with Apex just over a year... as long as you follow the rules they pay, and that's all that matters," reports one funded trader who's received multiple payouts.
What Sets Them Apart:
- Best deals on eval fees and account activation promos
- Copy-trade up to 20 accounts from a single platform
- 100% profit split on the first 25K per account. Industry-leading 90% profit split after that.
- Free monthly reset with subscription renewal
- Choice of top platforms including Tradovate, TradingView, NinjaTrader or Quantower
- Proven track record of $330M+ paid to traders since 2022
Copy this code for the max discount:
RAGVSGRE
Real Talk:
The $50K FULLL plan is your sweet spot here. The drawdown-to-profit ratio is nearly as good as the $25K plan, but you get more breathing room to execute your strategy.
"Despite what you hear online about denied payouts, they only do so with actual reasoning behind it such as a risk management rule being breached, and even then you just have to keep trading" shares another funded trader. "I've secured multiple payouts and look forward to a great long-term partnership."
Get up to 90% off Apex using the offer below. Click to get the best current deal:
Watch Out For:
- Intraday trailing threshold that can rise even without realized profits. It stops trailing when your drawdown level reaches starting balance +$100.
- Withdrawals every day, but must trade 8 days between withdrawals.
- Need solid risk management skills, especially trading multiple accounts.
Perfect For:
Serious traders ready to scale up fast. If you can consistently profit with one account, why not multiply that across 20?
Not For:
Traders who can't handle basic risk management rules or need daily withdrawals.
More Features
- Committed to staying in business for you, evidenced by reasonable risk management for traders and weeding out scammers that threaten your livelihood.
- No failing by going over contract limit, proprietary technology prevents you from getting in more contracts than your account allows.
- No daily drawdown limits, just a simple max drawdown so you can focus on long term success.
- One-step evaluation process lets you get funded in as little as 7 days, so you can start earning real profits after two weeks. Sometimes as little as 1 day with promotions.
- Trade your normal strategies during the news and follow a few other simple rules.
If you want to dive deeper, check out my Apex Trader Funding Review.
Pricing
Apex Trader Funding offers 8 funding programs. Since 7 of them are mostly similar other than account sizes, I’ll cover 4 of those and one that’s different - and some other important items:
- $50k FULL: $167/mo for traders wanting to give Apex a try with the potential to put a little more money in their pocket.
- $100k FULL: $207/mo for traders wanting to start with Apex and potentially earn some real income. This plan has a favorable profit-target/drawdown percentage ratio. It’s also cheaper than most $100k programs out there.
- $250k FULL: $517/mo for traders serious about giving themselves the potential to make serious money with Apex.
- $300k FULL: $657/mo for traders wanting to maximize their potential profits with Apex.
- $100k STATIC: $137/mo for traders who don’t like a trailing threshold. This account comes with a static drawdown of $625 and a $2,000 profit target to get funded.
- Data Fees: Like most firms, Apex Professional Accounts pass data fees on to the trader - BUT, unlike most firms, theirs are only $85/mo per account, while most firms charge $130+/mo.
- Evaluation resets: $80/Reset, as many times as you want. Free reset of blown accounts included with each subscription renewal.
Try Apex Trader Funding today. Visit the Apex Trader Funding coupon page to see current offers, or grab the code below that will always give you the maximum discount.
RAGVSGRE
2. BluSky Trading - The Rising Star
My Verdict — Best New Prop Firm
Price: Starts at $136 (less with coupon)
The game-changer here: While other firms load you up with consistency rules and trading restrictions, BluSky keeps it refreshingly simple - zero activation fees, personalized coaching, and a thriving community focused on trader success.
"With everything BluSky offers they deserve a 5-star review. The level 2 data and Tradovate order flow tools are worth the price of the account every month, add with no activation fees and the emphasis on advancing the trader to Live status, you have the best prop firm available," reports one funded trader.
What Sets Them Apart:
- Zero funded account activation fees
- Free 1-on-1 professional coaching in brokerage
- Reach your profit target in funded and get paid on the full profit. Then move to live brokerage.
- No consistency rule once funded
- Live chat, phone, and email support available so you can get the help you need in the way you want to communicate
To see the best deal, check out BluSky discount code.
Real Talk:
The $50K account hits the sweet spot here. While the profit targets aren't the most generous in the industry, the comprehensive support system and lack of hidden fees make this an attractive option for serious traders.
"The daily payouts are a game-changer—getting access to your earnings so quickly is a huge advantage. Their support team is fast and friendly, always ready to assist with any questions or issues I have. The 1:1 coaching with a professional trader has been incredibly valuable for my growth, providing personalized insights and strategies that truly make a difference."
Watch Out For:
- Tighter profit-to-drawdown ratios than competitors
- Data fees kick in at live brokerage stage
Perfect For:
Traders who want 1-on-1 coaching when trading real money, and transparent rules without activation fees.
Not For:
Aggressive traders looking for the most generous drawdown limits or cheapest accounts.
More Features
- Only one rule that can fail your account that result in a failure - don’t go over your total loss limit.
- Scale up simply with no required scaling plan and the possibility for a custom offer for successful traders.
- 90% profit split now from the start, so you’re not leaving much on the table.
- Pass in as little as 8 days, or take as long as you need.
- No trading days requirement in funded accounts, so you could get paid from day 1.
- Manage risk your way, with no daily loss limit or consistency rule in funded accounts.
- Bonus: Includes 50% off Tradervue Gold for 6 months ($147 value)
- Bonus: Win extra cash and free live trading accounts in trading competitions.
Pricing
BluSky Trading offers 4 funding programs. There is one static (fixed drawdown) account, and three trailing drawdown accounts:
- $150K Static Growh: $199/mo for traders wanting a fixed loss limit, in this case $800
- $25K Advanced: $136/mo for traders wanting to try BluSky's most favorable profit-target/drawdown percentage ratio. It’s also cheaper than most $25K programs out there.
- $50K Premium: $189/mo for traders wanting a little more room. Still a decent profit/loss ratio here.
- $100K Premium+: $657/mo for traders wanting to maximize their allowed drawdown with BluSky - However, I don't think this one offers a very good ratio (6,000 goal with $2500 drawdown).
- $100k STATIC: $137/mo for traders who don’t like a trailing threshold. This account comes with a static drawdown of $625 and a $2,000 profit target to get funded.
- BlueLive Setup Fees: $0 - unlike many firms, your funded account doesn't have a setup fee.
- Data Fees: If/when you get upgraded from a funded account to a live brokerge account, the CME will charge a monthly data fee which BluSky passes on to you.
- Evaluation resets: $85/Reset, as many times as you want. Free reset of blown accounts included with each subscription renewal, but you need to reach out to them to get the account reset.
Try BluSky Trading today. Visit the BluSky Trading discount code page to grab the code that will always give you the maximum discount.
Not ready yet? Check out the BluSky Review.
3. TakeProfit Trader - The Speed Demon
My Verdict — Best for Day 1 Anytime Payouts
Price: Starts at $150/mo before discounts
The game-changer here: While other firms make you wait weeks or months to touch your profits, Take Profit lets you withdraw from day one of getting funded. No games, no "consistency rules," no artificial delays.
"The fact that you can take your profit every day and not every week is a game changer!" reports one funded trader. "No consistency on funded accounts, simple rules and reactivity of the support is a winner."
What Sets Them Apart:
- Withdraw your profits SAME DAY you earn them.
- Up to 5 funded accounts simultaneously
- Reset blown PRO accounts up to 3 times
- No monthly fees on funded accounts
- Simple, straightforward rules
Real Talk:
The $25K plan at $150/month is your sweet spot. The profit target to drawdown ratio is 1:1, giving you the most realistic shot at consistent profits. The $50K is next-best and gives you a little more room.
"I've been trading with all the leading futures prop firms and received payouts but no one matches Take Profit Trader," shares another funded trader. "Yesterday was my first day trading in the pro account and today I received my first payout to my PayPal account."
Watch Out For:
- No trading during major economic releases, so you have to get flat 1 minute before FOMC, etc. until a minute after.
Perfect For:
- Disciplined traders who want immediate access to their profits without jumping through hoops.
Not For:
- News traders
More Features
- Build your account at your own pace and desired size with no required scaling plan.
- Qualify for more freedom, fewer rules, and higher payout percentage in a Pro+ account after proving yourself in a funded Pro account.
- Access up to $750,000 in capital with up to 5 pro accounts.
- Pass your trading evaluation in as little as 2 days to qualify for a funded account.
- Mobile trading available, as well as all desktop programs that support Rithmic or Tradovate (CQG data).
- Live chat support available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.
For more details, see the TakeProfit Trader Review.
Pricing
TakeProfit Trader offers 5 funding programs. Each evaluation program uses an end-of-day (EOD) drawdown.
- $25K EOD: $150/mo
- $50K: $170/mo
- $75K: $245/mo
- $100K: $245/mo
- $150K: $360/mo
- Pro Setup Fee: $130
- Data Fees: When you graduate from a funded Pro account to a Pro+ live brokerage account, the CME monthly data fee applies: $130/mo.
- Test (evaluation) resets: $100/Reset, as many times as you want. If your account is blown as of the renewal date, it will be reset upon renewal.
Try TakeProfit Trader today. Visit the TakeProfit Trader discount page to grab the link and code that will always give you the maximum discount.
4. Tradeify - The Smart Accelerator
My Verdict — Best For Traders Who Want Options (and Quick Payouts)
Price: Starts at $69/mo before discounts
Here's the game-changer: While other firms force you into one path, Tradeify lets YOU choose how to play it - whether you want the lower costs of Advanced accounts, the breathing room of Growth accounts with EOD drawdown, or the time-saving advantage of going Straight to Sim Funded.
"I just recently received my 2nd payout with these guys. Both times was for $9K and from request to payout it took 30 minutes 1st time and under 10 mins the 2nd time to hit RISE! It's amazing and the rules are not hidden," reports funded trader BullishBryce.
What Sets Them Apart:
- Choice between intraday or end-of-day drawdown
- Skip the evaluation with Straight to Sim Funded
- Lighting-fast payouts (often under 30 mins)
- Professional platforms (Tradovate/NinjaTrader)
- No activation fees on funded accounts
Real Talk:
The $100K Growth plan hits the sweet spot here. You get end-of-day drawdown calculations which means more breathing room to let your trades work, plus no activation fees when you get funded. Or if you're confident in your trading, their Straight to Sim Funded lets you skip the evaluation entirely.
"Solid company, simple rules, no ambiguity. Fastest payouts in the game, from request to payout in 15-20mins. Customer service is very responsive," shares another funded trader Angelo.
Watch Out For:
- Micro-scalping can't be more than 50% of profits
- Need to maintain 20% consistency in Straight-to-Sim
- Must trade minimum of 10 days before payout on Straight-to-Sim
- Growth accounts have soft daily loss limits
Perfect For:
Traders who want options in how they get funded, and want their profits hitting their account FAST.
Not For:
Micro-scalpers or cowboys wanting to bypass proper risk management.
More Features:
- Choose your path (Advanced, Growth, or Straight-to-Sim)
- Scale up to $750K in buying power
- Active support team that actually responds
- Use bots (as long as they're your own)
- Trade news, DCA, flipping allowed
If you want to dive deeper, check out my Apex Trader Funding Review.
Pricing
Tradeify offers three different funding paths - let me break 'em down:
Advanced Program (Intraday drawdown):
- $50k account: $69/mo - great low-cost entry point for disciplined intraday traders
- $100k account: $109/mo - solid value with 10 minis max
- $150k account: $129/mo - most bang for buck if you can handle 15 minis
Growth Program (End-of-day drawdown):
- $50k account: $139/mo - perfect if you need room to let trades breathe
- $100k account: $249/mo - popular choice for swing traders
- $150k account: $339/mo - maximum flexibility with EOD calculations
Straight to Sim Funded (Skip the evaluation):
- $25k account: $349 one-time - fastest route to funding
- $50k account: $509 one-time - sweet spot for most traders
- $100k account: $629 one-time - serious size with no monthly fees
- $150k account: $729 one-time - maximum capital, one-time payment
Extra Costs:
- Activation Fee: $125 (Advanced accounts only)
- Reset Fee: Varies by account ($45-$79 for Advanced)
- Free reset included with subscription renewal
My Verdict — Best Firm that Offers up to 20 Accounts and End Of Day Trailing Drawdown
Price: Starts at $150/mo
Elite Trader Funding is a proprietary trading firm for futures traders who want their loss limit to only be adjusted based on End-of-Day P&L. I think it’s a solid option because of perks like a big funding bonus, low reset fees, and a free reset on subscription renewal date for locked accounts. And it has a free trial.
The Best Parts:
- Monthly subscription includes a free reset for locked accounts so if you break a rule you don’t have to make an extra purchase mid-month if you would rather not.
- Trade up to 20 accounts at once, for up to $3,000,000 in initial balance.
- 90% Profit split means you get to keep more of your earnings here than most other companies allow. This is a tie for highest in the industry.
The Worst Parts:
- Withdrawals can only be made the 1st of the month and you must request them 10-15 days in advance.
- Additional withdrawal restrictions can be inconvenient but are reasonable and meant to help you keep the account.
Get it if you want EOD trailing drawdown, a free trial, maximum funding bonus, and an included monthly reset.
I recommend you start with the $150k initial balance EOD evaluation and add accounts bigger or smaller to get to your desired level.
Best For
Elite Trader Funding is best for futures traders who want an evaluation with End-of-Day drawdown limits
Top Features
- Get 100% of your first $12,500 in profit then 90% thereafter
- Scale up to $3,000,000 in funding by trading up to 20 accounts with one login and have trades copied across accounts from one main account.
- If you break a rule and fail, your account will be reset automatically when your subscription renews, or you can buy a reset for $75.
- Micro e-mini contracts are treated correctly as 1/10 of an e-mini contract, crucial for right-sizing your trades, managing risk, and scaling.
- Free data feed during evaluation and free NinjaTrader license with evaluation AND funded accounts
- Trade prop firm capital while only risking your subscription fee
- Subscription fee ends when you get funded and a reasonable data fee of $80/mo from the exchange is passed on to you.
- Free trial lets you try before you buy an evaluation program
- EOD (End of Day) drawdown thresholds so you don’t have to worry about unrealized profits tightening your risk allowance.
Pricing
(150k eval not pictured above due to scrolling function on their site)
Elite Trader Funding offers 5 account sizes with the EOD drawdown rule(recommended):
- $25,000 Eval: $150/mo until pass, great for newer traders wanting to try out the program
- $50,000 Eval: $170/mo until pass, great for newer traders who want the opportunity to withdraw a little more profit
- $75,000 Account: $240/mo until pass, best for traders who want the chance to earn extra money from trading
- $100,000 Eval: $240/mo until pass, best for traders who want the chance to earn a second income from trading
- $150,000 Account: $340/mo until pass, best for traders who want to earn a full time income and more from trading and scale up using multiple accounts
Use my coupon for 20% off all evaluations
My Verdict — Best One-Account Prop Firm
Price: Starts at $190 (less with coupon below)
Earn2Trade Trader Career Path is a prop firm program designed to take you from a $50k evaluation to a $400k funded account quickly. I think it’s great for beginners because of its simple progression, contract availability, and reasonable risk rules.
The Best Part:
- Get a $20k Fixed Drawdown limit when you reach the $400k funded level, way bigger than offered by any other firm.
- You can choose live margin accounts once you get funded, as opposed to other firms that place you in LiveSim and move you into live at their discretion.
The Worst Part:
- It’s not the absolute fastest route to a $400k account, since you’ll work your way up to it rather than jumping right in. This could work to your advantage though. Even pros at the big Wall Street firms start small and get bigger as they prove themselves. This way you can get paid during that process.
Get it if you want to become a funded trader with a big account, and you want to get your feet wet first.
I recommend you get the $50k Trader Career Path for $190 (less with the link below) and work your way up to a $400k account.
Best For
Earn2Trade is best for beginners who want to trade real money in futures for real profits without investing their own savings.
What I like about trading with Earn2Trade Trader Career Path:
- Trade with a prop firm’s real money, and withdraw your profits, with a minimum withdrawal of $100, one of the lowest minimums around.
- Trade up to a $400k account with a fixed drawdown that gives you more room to trade once you have some profits
- Fast trading account setup sends you your account information and clear instructions so you can get set up within 10 minutes of signup and start trading immediately - or prepare your platform for the next morning.
- Micro futures contracts are available as 1/10 of a mini so you can avoid blowing up the account, and scale in/out of positions to fit your trading strategy.
- Just a few simple risk rules to stay within to keep your account and pass the evaluation.
- Trade with the trading platform of your choice, like Quantower, NinjaTrader 8, Bookmap, or 16 others.
- Responsive support answers questions quickly - both before signup and after you’ve joined, and an active discord server has lots of helpful users.
- Beginner-friendly dashboard includes tools and guides for learning trading, improving, and tracking your progress.
Learn more about features, benefits, and drawbacks in my Earn2Trade Review.
Just about 1/4 of the trader training webinars inside my dashboard. You’ll get these, plus guides, lessons, and a calendar full of economic events
Just about 1/4 of the trader training webinars inside my dashboard. You’ll get these, plus guides, lessons, and a calendar full of economic events
Pricing
Earn2Trade offers two pricing levels of the Trader Career Path:
- Trader Career Path 50K (as discussed above): $190/mo until you pass the evaluation and move to the next step, where you can begin to withdraw profits and work to step up to a $400k account.
- Trader Career Path 25K: $150/mo until you pass to the next step, where you can begin to withdraw earnings and work to step up to a $200k account.
Earn2Trade Also Offers Regular Evaluations, called Gauntlet Mini Programs. However, I'm not discussing these, because the Trader Career Path is where it's at with this company.
That $400k funded account with $20k fixed loss limit is a great launchpad for a trading career.
All programs can be canceled by you at any time.
My Verdict — Best for Futures Traders Who Want Education With Their Prop Firm
Price: Starts at $165/mo
Topstep is a proprietary trading firm for futures traders who want custom tools, a strong trading community, and live trade-along broadcasts. I think it’s also a solid option because of perks like a big funding bonus and a free reset on subscription renewal date for locked accounts. And it has a free trial.
The Best Parts:
- Allows traders to lock each account or all accounts manually, and/or set daily P&L limits for each account that will warn them, or auto-liquidate and/or lock the account.
- Copy a strategy across multiple accounts using their built-in trade copier.
- Scale easily with micros, with real-life micro/mini ratios, a highly-requested feature.
- Multiple avenues for trader learning
- Trade along with daily live trading broadcasts (don't follow blindly, you're responsible for your own trades) which some traders find helpful
- Analyze the trading day with help from Topstep coaches' daily market recaps
- Monthly subscription includes a free reset for blown accounts, so if you break a rule you can choose to wait for that reset at renewal.
- Trade up to 5 accounts at once, for up to $750,000 in initial balance.
- 90% Profit split means you get to keep more of your earnings here than most other companies allow. This is a tie for highest in the industry.
The Negatives:
- You must collect five trading days over $200 profit between each withdrawal.
- Additional withdrawal restrictions can be inconvenient but are reasonable and meant to help you keep the account. They get loosened as you prove your discipline.
- Payout and customer service issues.
Get it if you want EOD trailing drawdown, and an included monthly reset.
I recommend you start with the $150k initial balance EOD evaluation and add accounts bigger or smaller to get to your desired level.
Top Features
- TopstepX
- Futures Trading education and coaching from pro traders
- Get 100% of your first $10,000 in profit then 90% thereafter
- Hitting Daily Loss Limit doesn't fail the account
- If you break a rule and fail, your account will be reset automatically when your subscription renews, or you can buy a reset for $100.
- Free data feed during evaluation and free NinjaTrader license with evaluation AND funded accounts
- Trade prop firm capital while only risking your subscription fee.
- Subscription fee ends when you get funded.
- Free trial lets you try before you buy an evaluation program.
- EOD (End of Day) drawdown thresholds so you don’t have to worry about unrealized profits tightening your risk allowance.
Pricing
Topstep offers 3 account sizes:
- $50,000 Eval: $165/mo until pass, great for newer traders wanting to try out the program
- $100,000 Eval: $3250/mo until pass, great for newer traders who want the opportunity to withdraw a little more profit
- $150,000 Account: $375/mo until pass, best for traders who want the chance to earn extra money from trading
Use my links for the biggest Topstep discount available
Why Trade with Futures Prop Firms in 2025?
Picture this: You want to trade futures, but you don't have $50,000+ sitting around to fund your own account. That's where futures prop firms come in.
These firms provide the capital. You provide the skills. And when you make money, you both win..
You know your mom is gonna out-trade you now, right?
Why Futures Over Other Markets?
Here's what makes futures trading special:
- Very little access to stock trading with online prop firms
- Lightning-fast execution on regulated exchanges
- Crystal-clear pricing everyone can see
- Strong oversight from legitimate regulators
- No "funny business" like you see in forex or CFDs
The Rise of Online Futures Prop Trading
The landscape has changed dramatically. Just a few years ago, you needed connections or a fancy degree to access serious trading capital. Now? These online firms have democratized access.
NOTE: As of 10/21/24, I recommend holding off on purchasing new FTT accounts. FTT is having some growing pains, and it's causing issues for some traders. Update 10/22/24: FTT has changed their rules. Changing rules isn't inherently bad. BUT, they've made those new rules retroactive. They're using those rules to deny payouts on profits that were earned under the old rules. I don't agree with this, and it makes it hard to trust them, and the implications are bad. Although they're not removing the accounts or the profits, I cannot recommend them. UPDATE 10/25/24: DO NOT BUY ACCOUNTS. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE DENYING IT, I BELIEVE THEY'RE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS
Warning: I advise against opening or activating accounts at Uprofit. I have NOT updated this content to reflect this, so take this as your warning. They have released some new rules in their Zero Programs, and they have made them retroactive. This is unacceptable. I'm still investigating, but this will likely be on the permanent list of firms to avoid after this. It's a shame, they have been solid for a long time.
But Choose Your Firm Carefully
Not all prop firms are created equal. The best ones:
- Actually want their traders to succeed (they make more money that way)
- Keep rules simple and transparent
- Process payouts quickly and reliably
- Provide real support when you need it
The Hard Truth About Prop Trading
Let's be real: Trading is HARD. Really hard. Most traders lose money.
But here's the beautiful thing about prop firms - you can take your shot at a trading career while risking subscription fees instead of your life savings.
You can look at some more pros and cons of futures prop firms if you want.
Your Top Three Choices for 2025
Here’s a quick summary of my top three picks:
- Apex Trader Funding - The Heavy Hitter. Best deals, most payouts.
- Blusky — The Rising Star. Top new firm and the quickest evolution into live brokerage.
- TakeProfit Trader - The Speed Demon. Withdraw from day 1 in PRO, and every day if you want.
Here’s a quick comparison of our top seven picks:
Prop Firm Program | Who's It Best For? | Offer | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
Cheap evaluations, most payouts reported | Starts at $147/mo before Offer | ||
Futures traders who want to avoid funded account setup fees. | Starts at $136/mo before Offer | ||
Best for Day 1 and anytime payouts | Starts at $119 one-time before Offer | ||
Best For Traders Who Want Options | Starts at $69 before Discount | ||
Futures traders who want EOD drawdown limits and 20 accounts | Starts at $150/mo before Offer | ||
Beginner futures traders | Starts at $150/mo before Offer | ||
Futures traders who want education and EOD drawdown limits | Starts at $165/mo before Offer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a futures prop trading firm?
A futures prop firm provides independent traders with access to trading capital after passing an evaluation. Traders then keep a portion of their profits, typically 80-90%. Think of a prop firm like a talent scout for traders. They spot skilled traders, back them with serious capital, and share in the profits.
Prop firms have existed for decades, the last few years have seen an explosion of online firms. This has opened doors for talented traders who previously couldn't access institutional-level capital.
How does a futures prop evaluation work?
A futures evaluation typically requires a trader to achieve a set profit target without violating specific risk management rules like daily loss limits or trailing drawdowns.
What is a trailing drawdown?
A trailing drawdown is a risk management rule where your minimum balance moves up as your account balance grows, to limit downside risk.
"What is the easiest prop firm to pass?"
Many traders consider Apex Trader Funding the easiest futures prop firm to pass based on their rules, generous drawdowns, and generous offers. However, success still requires discipline and risk management.
What is the cheapest prop firm?
After discounts, Apex currently offers the lowest starting prices among the top futures prop firms, with plans beginning as low as $16 with special offers. Tradeify offers the lowest price plan pre-discount price at $69.
Which futures prop firm has the fastest payouts?
TakeProfit Trader has become known for allowing Day 1 payouts, meaning you can request a withdrawal as early as the first day, once you meet the profit threshold.
Do these prop firms allow trading micro contracts?
Yes, all of the futures prop firms on this list allow traders to trade micro contracts like MES, MNQ, and MCL. This makes it easier to manage risk while building consistency.
Are prop trading firms legit?
Yes, the top prop firms are absolutely legitimate. They operate in regulated markets, use established brokers, and have paid out hundreds of millions to successful traders. There can still be a bad apple that comes along as in any industry, so focus on firms with a proven track record of payouts.
How do prop trading firms make money?
Most online prop firms make money from two sources: Subscription fees, and trader profit share. The ratios of these numbers aren't public information.
How to Choose the Best Prop Firm in 2025
After 17+ years in prop trading, I've seen what separates the best firms from the rest. Here's your checklist:
Look For These Green Flags:
- Simple, clear trading rules
- Flexible time limits on evaluations
- Commitment to risk management - for both trader and firm
- Support for micro contracts
- Reasonable monthly costs
- Freedom to trade your style
- Gradual scaling opportunities
- Strong trader support systems
Avoid Firms That:
- Create complicated rule mazes
- Allow traders to gamble
- Don't have risk management rules in place (remember, these protect YOU)
- Rush you with tight deadlines
- Charge hefty monthly fees
- Force specific trading styles
- Treat micros same as full contracts
- Push aggressive position sizing
The Bottom Line: Choose a firm that prioritizes your long-term success over quick profits. The best ones understand that steady growth beats rushing to hit targets.
Pro Tip: Start with a smaller account size. It's better to succeed small and scale up than blow up big and start over.
Remember: A good prop firm should feel like a partner in your trading journey, not an obstacle course designed to make you fail.
What Can You Really Earn as a Prop Trader?
Let's cut through the noise and talk real numbers.
The Hard Truth:
- No guaranteed salary
- No public profit records
- Many never make it to funded status
- Some quit before earning their first payout
The Real Success Stories:
Having worked alongside serious traders since 2007, I've seen the full spectrum:
- Elite traders: $50M+ career earnings
- Consistent performers: $1M-$3M annually
- Solid conservative "coasters": $100K-$300K yearly
- New traders: Often struggle before finding consistency. Many never make consistent profits.
Here's What Nobody Tells You:
The most successful traders I know? They're too busy making money to brag about it on social media. They:
- Focus on their trading journal, not their Instagram
- Track their metrics, not their followers
- Build wealth quietly, not influencer status
Red Flag Alert:
Be skeptical of traders flashing screenshots and massive profits online. Real traders are usually too focused on their next trade to worry about impressing strangers.
The Bottom Line:
Success in prop trading isn't about becoming an overnight millionaire. It's about:
- Building consistent profitability
- Enjoying the process
- Making enough to live comfortably
- Growing steadily over time
Remember: The best traders aren't the ones bragging online - they're too busy actually trading.
What is the Best Prop Trading Firm?
To recap, here are the best prop firms to try this year:
- Apex Trader Funding — best of the best for futures traders
- BluSky Trading Company — best for traders who want to avoid funded account setup fees.
- TakeProfitTrader — best prop firm for day 1 payouts
- Tradeify — best instant funding prop firm.
- Elite Trader Funding — best for futures traders who want an evaluation with End-of-Day drawdown limits.
- Earn2Trade (Trader Career Path) — best for beginner traders of futures
- Topstep — Best Custom Platform & Education in a Prop Firm
My top pick is Take Profit Trader because they offer daily payouts, EOD drawdowns, and minimal restrictions. See the best deal on Apex Trader Funding.
Prop Firm Comparison Tables
Header | Drawdown in Eval | Drawdown in Funded | Daily Loss Limit? |
|---|---|---|---|
Apex Trader Funding | Intraday Unrealized | Intraday Unrealized | No |
Apex Static | Static | Static | No |
BluSky | EOD | EOD, then static in Live | Yes in Eval, No in Funded |
BluSky Static | Static | Static | No |
TakeProfit | EOD | Intraday Unrealized | Yes in Eval, No in Funded |
Tradeify Advanced | Intraday Unrealized | Intraday Unrealized | No |
Tradeify Growth | EOD | EOD | Yes |
Tradeify Straight-to-Sim-Funded | EOD | EOD | Yes |
Elite Trader Funding "EOD" | EOD | EOD | Yes |
Elite "1 Step" | Intraday Unrealized | Intraday Unrealized | No |
Elite "Fast Track" | Intraday Unrealized | Intraday Unrealized | No |
Elite "Static" | Static | Static | No |
Elite "Diamond Hands" | Eod | Eod | Yes |
Earn2Trade | EOD | EOD | Yes |
Topstep | EOD | EOD | Yes (But doesn't fail the account) |
Here are the top 36 prop firms we considered in this review:
- Apex Trader Funding
- Blusky Trading Company
- Take Profit Trading
- Tradeify
- Elite Trader Funding (EOD Drawdown)
- Earn2Trade Trader Career Path
- TopstepX
- Alpha Capital
- FlexyTrade
- LeeLoo
- Bulenox
- Trade Day
- Funded Trading Plus
- OneUp Trader
- FTMO
- FundedNext
- Fidelcrest
- Trade The Pool
- The Funded Trader
- The Alpha Trader Firm
- Traders With Edge(Evaluation Programs)
- Traders With Edge (Instant Funded)
- Top Tier Trader
- Audacity Capital
- TheProp Trading
- ELEV8
- Integra Capital
- GreatPoint Capital
- SMB Capital
- Kershner Trading Group
- T3
- Maverick Trading
- Uprofit (Bad behavior, may be going out of business)
- Fast Track Trading (months behind on payouts, changing rules retroactively, would avoid) Update: Gone
- SurgeTrader (POSSIBLY FRAUDULENT)
- MyForexFunds (FRAUDULENT)
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