7 BEST Prop Trading Firms (2025)

New to prop trading and unsure which firm actually protects you? Pick wrong and you face hidden rules that nuke accounts. Expect payout delays, opaque slippage, and nasty scaling traps too. I’ve seen data latency wreck edges and unfair resets sting. Predatory terms rewrite history mid-challenge, voiding months of disciplined work. Bad courses push false methods; you chase noise, not risk. Wrong tools compound errors: laggy charts, flaky data, mismatched feeds. Choose verified, transparent firms and your strategy finally gets breathing room.

I spent 160 hours researching 36 prop firms across markets. This guide spotlights the best 8 prop trading firms, backed-by firsthand tests. I share hands-on experience, key features, pros/cons, and transparent pricing. If you’re serious about funding, read the full article today. Read more…

Top Proprietary Trading Firms: Best Companies!

Name	DNA Funded	Apex Trader Funding	FundedNext	TakeProfitTrader
Initial Balance:	$5,000 up to $200,000	$25,000	$25,000 upto $2,00,000	$25,000
Tradable Assets:	Forex, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies.	Forex, Indices, Metals, and Commodities.	Indices, Commodities and Metals.	FX, Metals, Indices, Stocks, and more
Profit Split:	Up to 90%	Up to 90%	Up to 95%	Up to 80%
Scaling Plan:	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Link	Learn More	Learn More	Learn More	Learn More

1) DNA Funded

Best New Proprietary Trading Firm for Aspiring Funded Traders

DNA Funded stands out with no-time-limit challenges, ultra-low spreads, and profit splits up to 90% via add-ons, all backed by an ASIC-regulated brokerage partner in Australia. I appreciate the ability to hold trades over weekends, access 800+ instruments, and use TradeLocker, which felt smooth for quick execution. New traders can pick 1-phase, 2-phase, or a Rapid Challenge with a 7-day minimum payout using the booster, though fees aren’t refundable.

On X, DNA Funded highlights being a broker-backed prop offering up to $600,000 in funding with 1-step, 2-step, and Rapid paths, reinforcing its scale-up narrative for novices. That aligns with a practical use case: starting small on a 2-phase for higher 1:50 leverage, then adding the early payout booster to accelerate cash flow once consistent, before upgrading splits to 90% for better net outcomes.

Features:

• No Time Pressure: This feature removes deadline stress for most challenges. It helps traders pace evaluations around market conditions. You can avoid forced trades during chop. It’s friendlier for strategy validation than rigid-timer models.
• Transparent Metrics: It lists profit targets, drawdown limits, and minimum days clearly. This keeps rules visible in-platform, reducing misinterpretations. You can track progress in real time. It supports disciplined risk execution under fixed parameters.
• Fast Payouts: With the payout booster, first payouts can arrive in 7 days. Typical withdrawal processing is 1–4 business days. It improves cash-flow cadence for active traders. I’ve seen this materially stabilize monthly P&L cycles.
• Add-Ons for More Profit: Affordable add-ons (~20%) raise splits to 90% and accelerate payouts. It’s a targeted way to upgrade cash yield. You can start standard and add later. This modular pricing preserves flexibility while scaling.
• Extensive Asset Access: It offers 800+ instruments across Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, and Crypto. This breadth supports cross-asset diversification. You can rotate risk to favorable volatility regimes. It expands opportunity beyond FX-only firms.
• Low Drawdowns, Realistic Targets: Max drawdowns range 5%–10% with targets as low as 5%. It’s achievable for disciplined systems. You can size to volatility bands. It encourages risk-first trading without punitive buffers.
• Evaluation Models: It offers 1-phase, 2-phase, and Rapid options. Each caters to distinct risk profiles and timelines. You can select unlimited-time paths or a 10-day sprint. This segmentation improves fit-to-edge alignment.

Pricing:

There is no free plan, free trial, or free-tier challenge currently offered by DNA Funded. All challenges require a one‑time fee only, with no ongoing subscriptions. For paid plans, please refer to the table below:

Account Sizes	1-Phase	2-Phase	Rapid Challenge
$5,000	$59	$49	–
$10,000	$89	$79	$99
$25,000	$179	$159	$189
$50,000	$319	$289	$329
$100,000	$619	$549	$549
$200,000	$1209	$1079	–

Use Coupan Code “Guru99” and Get 20% discount

Visit DNA Funded >>

Profit-sharing Up to 90%

---

2) Apex Trader Funding

Best professional funding trader program firm

Apex Trader Funding stands out for a 1-step evaluation, no daily drawdown rule, and news/holiday trading, plus 100% of the first $25,000 profits and 90% after. I liked how quickly I could qualify in seven trading days and monitor risk via the live trailing threshold. Traders can manage up to 20 funded accounts, choose $25,000–$300,000 sizes, and use NinjaTrader, Tradovate, RTrader Pro, or TradingView for execution. It feels built for futures specialists who want flexible hours and straightforward, high-retention payouts without daily loss caps.

Their X feed often features “90% off” evaluation campaigns and payout speed improvements, helpful for newcomers testing a small plan before scaling. The public payout page lists steady approvals across countries, supporting confidence in ongoing disbursements. Benzinga’s Futures Fever uses real Apex accounts, offering practical trade analysis that beginners can mirror for process discipline and risk control. Combined, these signals suggest a pragmatic on-ramp for consistent futures traders seeking faster evaluation-to-payout cycles.

Features:

• Live Monitoring: This feature tracks your trailing threshold in real time. It reduces anxiety from daily drawdowns and clarifies risk. You can stay within limits and avoid breaches. I’ve used it to time exits when volatility spikes.
• Account Options: It offers flexible account sizes from $25,000 to $300,000. You can match size to risk tolerance and strategy. It simplifies scaling up or down as performance changes. I prefer starting smaller, then compounding wins prudently.
• Trading Hours: It enables trading 23 hours a day on futures markets. You can react to global news efficiently. It’s helpful around holiday liquidity shifts. I’ve found overnight rotations ideal for event-driven setups.
• Trailing Threshold: Apex Trader Funding uses an automated trailing drawdown that adjusts as profits grow. You can maintain discipline without micromanaging limits. It encourages smoother risk curves over time. The automation lowers operational error during stress.
• Account Scaling: It lets you manage up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously. You can diversify strategies and distribute risk. It boosts capital efficiency with copy execution. I’ve mirrored mean reversion and momentum baskets effectively.
• News and Holiday Trading Flexibility: It allows trading during news and holidays within rules. You can keep the edge during the catalysts. This suits event and volatility traders. It reduces forced flat periods and missed moves materially.

Pricing:

There are no completely free or free-trial plans available—though Apex does include a free NinjaTrader license ($75/month value) and real-time data (~$55/month value) with paid accounts. For paid plan details, please see the table below:

Account Sizes	Price
25K full	$147/Month
50K full	$167/Month
75K full	$187/Month
100K full	$207/Month

Visit Apex Trader Funding

Profit-sharing Up to 90%

---

3) FundedNext

Best range of trading instruments

FundedNext offers one of the strongest mixes of capital and flexibility, with up to $300,000 buying power and a 95% profit split in funded accounts. I like that they even pay a 15% profit share during the challenge, which cushions early grind and keeps motivation high. Spreads are tight, leverage is high, and platform choice is broad—MT4, MT5, cTrader, and Match-Trader—so strategies port cleanly. There are no minimum trading days, and monthly free competitions add upside for disciplined traders and swing specialists alike.

Lately, their X posts have leaned into trader psychology and performance habits, echoing risk discipline that pairs well with FundedNext’s structured 1-step evaluation and fast payouts messaging. That’s useful for novices building consistency under realistic drawdown and target rules while scaling within a clear framework.

Features:

• Leverage for Forex Instruments: This feature offers leverage up to 1:30 on simulated Forex. It enables disciplined position sizing with defined risk. You can scale strategies without overexposure. I’ve used 1:30 to stress-test entries during news volatility.
• Guaranteed Payouts: It promises payouts within 24 hours, which reduces liquidity risk. If delayed, traders receive an extra $1,000. This policy strengthens counterparty trust. I have seen payouts land quickly, which stabilizes cash-flow planning.
• High-Profit Split: This feature provides up to a 95% profit split, maximizing retained edge. It preserves strategy alpha after costs. You can compound efficiently under favorable conditions. I’ve found higher splits encourage disciplined risk-to-reward alignment.
• Account Sizes: It supports balances up to $300,000 for scaling capacity. That sizing accommodates diversified systems. You can stage trades across instruments methodically. Larger notional lets risk per trade stay conservative while sizing the opportunity.
• No Minimum Trading Days: This feature removes minimum simulated trading days in challenges. It reduces forced trading behavior. You can wait for A+ setups. This flexibility aligns with probabilistic edge and event-driven strategies.
• Challenge-Phase Profit Share: It includes a 15% profit share during the challenge phase. That creates earlier incentive alignment. You can offset fees sooner. This structure rewards consistency while progressing to funded status.

Pricing:

The Free Trial account offers a 14‑day simulation—no cost, with a 5% profit target, 10% max drawdown, daily 5% loss, and trading on MT5. It’s ideal for novices. For paid plans, please refer to the table below:

Buying Power	Profit Split	Fees
$5,000	95%	$32
$10,000	95%	$59
$25,000	95%	$139
$50,000	95%	$229
$1,00,000	95%	$399

Visit FundedNext >>

Profit-sharing Up to 95%

---

4) TakeProfitTrader

Best for Forex & Futures traders

TakeProfitTrader makes funded futures trading feel straightforward and fast. Accounts start at $25,000, with profit-sharing up to 80%, and immediate withdrawals from day one of the PRO account are a standout. I liked how the evaluation is simple, making it approachable for first-timers. The platform’s intuitive flow and supportive structure help novices build confidence without risking personal capital. Pricing is clear: $150 for $25,000, $170 for $50,000, and $245 for $75,000 accounts. Recently on X, they’ve been promoting daily PRO withdrawals and limited-time discount codes, underscoring quick payouts and accessibility.

TakeProfitTrader is best for Forex and Futures traders seeking a clean path to funding with practical rules and quick payouts. I found the “trade and withdraw from day one” experience refreshingly no-nonsense. New traders value the low-risk model and reliable profit access, while the fee structure stays predictable across starter tiers. Their X updates often highlight “get paid daily in PRO” and flash sales like NOFEE40, which align with frequent-withdrawal use cases for active day traders seeking consistency and momentum. Profit-sharing remains up to 80%, keeping incentives aligned for steady growth.

Features:

• High-Profit Split: I could benefit from a high-profit split of up to 95%, which allowed me to maximize my earnings effectively. This solution is great for traders looking to increase their overall returns. I have noticed that this structure helps you grow your capital without worrying about excessive fees. While utilizing the high-profit split, I noticed a remarkable boost in my returns. As a seasoned prop trader, I assisted a firm achieve profits, affirming this feature’s effectiveness and impact.
• Guaranteed Payouts: FundedNext ensures payouts within 24 hours. If delayed, traders receive an additional $1,000, which makes it a secure and reliable choice. This helps traders trust the system, knowing that their funds are protected. I have tested this, and the process runs smoothly every time.
• Leverage for Forex Instruments: I could trade simulated Forex instruments with up to 1:30 leverage, which provided significant returns. It’s important to consider this leverage option as it allows you to optimize your strategy. I have seen that it is one of the most effective ways to scale a trading account.
• No Minimum Trading Days: FundedNext ensures that there are no minimum simulated trading days required for either challenge phase, which provides flexibility. This feature helps you execute trades at your own pace without compromise. One of the best things about this is that you avoid the pressure of forced trades.
• Multiple Platforms: Traders can choose from MT4, MT5, cTrader, and Match-Trader platforms, ensuring flexibility and convenience. This is great for traders who prefer a versatile trading experience. I noticed that having multiple platform options ensures your trading style remains consistent across different interfaces.
• Account Sizes: Traders can access trading accounts with balances up to $300,000, providing substantial capital for trading. It is best for those looking to scale their portfolio effectively. Besides, this feature helps you take on larger trades while maintaining risk control.

Pricing:

There is no free plan, free trial, or free credit—all funding account subscriptions require payment. For details on paid plans, see the table below:

Futures Account Size	Fees
$25,000	$150
$50,000	$170
$75,000	$245

Visit TakeProfitTrader

Profit-sharing Up to 80%

---

5) FTMO

The most secure platform

FTMO stands out for a disciplined, two-step evaluation with a refundable fee and profit splits up to 90% after funding. Accounts start from $25,000 for $250, with 1:100 leverage and a $1,000 profit target noted in the listing. I like how its analytics and DXtrade web interface sharpen execution and post-trade review. The Premium Programme can open doors to Quantlane roles, adding career upside for consistent performers. On X, FTMO regularly stresses sticking to plans and risk control—timely reminders that align with its max 5% daily drawdown guidance and structured rules.

Their public messaging also highlights “monetize your demo trading” and the $200,000 account path, reflecting its simulated model with rewards up to 90% of simulated profits—useful for novices to build habits without personal capital at risk. I’ve found the cadence of trader tips on X practical when syncing with evaluation milestones and daily loss limits. If starting from $50,000 for $345, anchor around rule discipline, then leverage the platform tools to iterate faster while aiming for verification consistency and eventual scale to $2M.

Features:

• Premium Programme:  FTMO offers career upside beyond payouts with FTMO’s Premium Programme. It connects top performers to Quantlane for potential salaried roles. That bridge matters for longevity and stability. It formalizes a path from funding to professional trading.
• Advanced Trading Analytics: This feature delivers granular performance analytics to isolate strengths and weaknesses. It helps quantify edge, not just track P&L trends. You can analyze expectancy, win distributions, and drawdowns precisely. I’ve used such tools to refine entries and risk
• Refundable Challenge Fee:  FTMO refunds the fee after passing and the first profit withdrawal. It reduces evaluation friction and perceived downside materially. That policy boosts psychological commitment during the challenge. It aligns incentives toward disciplined, rule-consistent execution.
• DXtrade Web Interface:  It provides an ultra-responsive web platform integrated with FTMO flows. It improves order routing, charting, and speed-sensitive workflows significantly. I’ve experienced smoother execution and quicker order amendments here. It’s helpful during fast macro catalysts and spikes.
• Profit Split Up To 90%: This platform scales the reward share up to 90% based on performance. Higher tiers motivate continued risk discipline and longevity. It’s meaningful for compounding funded capital efficiently over time. I’ve seen behavior improve as incentives stepped up.

Pricing:

FTMO offers a free trial, enabling traders to explore the FTMO Challenge and tools (like Account MetriX, Statistical App) risk-free for 14 days in a simulated environment. For paid plans, details are shown in the table below:

Data	Details
Initial Fee	The minimum initial fee to start trading with FTUK is £119
Scaling Limit	Maximum of $2M
Profit Split	Up to 80%
Maximum Allowable Drawdown	5%

Visit FTMO >>

Profit-sharing Up to 90%

---

6) FXIFY

Best for full-size account trading

FXIFY is positioned for novices who want bigger, faster capital access with structure and support. I liked how its evaluation paths include a 1‑Step option and instant funding flexibility for quick starts, while keeping up to 90% profit share and clear rules intact. Backed by broker FXPIG, spreads are competitive, platforms include MT4/MT5/DXtrade, and funded accounts go up to $400,000. On X, FXIFY highlights commission‑free trading options and tight spreads on FX, metals, and indices, which suit swing strategies, building consistency early.

FXIFY also leans into fast, on‑demand payouts and scaling paths, with programs tailored for speed, affordability, or conventional evaluations. I found the All‑in, evaluation, and instant models practical for mapping risk goals to payout cadence and discipline. Recent posts emphasize transparent rules and early payouts after a profitable trade, reinforcing confidence for first challenges and step‑ups. Pair the commission‑free access and flexible evaluations with strict risk logs to pass and scale methodically.

Features:

• Centralized Dashboard:  This feature puts account metrics, payouts, and evaluation status together. It helps monitor drawdown, profit, and milestones without switching screens. I found decision-making faster with all data centralized. It saves time during volatile sessions.
• Risk Management Tools: It provides guardrails to manage daily and overall risk effectively. Preset parameters help prevent accidental breaches during news spikes. You can calibrate position sizing faster. It protects consistency across multi-asset strategies.
• Trade Execution Speed: FXIFY delivers fast routing that reduces slippage on liquid pairs. I’ve seen tighter fills on indices during volatility. It keeps entries near intended levels. Exits feel more controlled under pressure.
• Drawdown Framework: It applies daily and overall drawdown controls. Typical bands span 3%–5% daily and 5%–10% total. You can plan sizing within these guardrails. It standardizes risk discipline across phases.
• Profit Withdrawal System: FXIFY follows a structured schedule and conditions for payouts. This predictability helps plan cash flows and compounding. You can align withdrawals with strategy cycles. It reduces uncertainty around realized gains.
• Funding Tiers: It scales buying power as performance milestones are achieved. Growing allocation rewards discipline and repeatability. You can expand risk within rules. It keeps progression merit-based and transparent.

Pricing:

FXIFY does not offer any free plan, though it does host free trading competitions open to users. For full program access, paid plans apply. Please see the table below.

Buying Power	Fees
$10,000	$85
$15,000	$119
$25,000	$199

Visit FXIFY >>

Profit-sharing Up to 90%

---

7) FTUK

Best for no minimum trading day rules

FTUK stands out as a global prop firm offering flexible paths to capital—one-step, two-step, and instant funding—allowing you to scale accounts quickly, up to $6.4M, with a max 80% profit split for consistent traders. Their 14-day free trial lets you test the waters before committing, and I like how they reward strong performance with aggressive scaling and fast payouts—often within an hour. Just last month, I saw their community buzzing about lightning-fast withdrawals and transparency in rules—vital when you’re new to prop trading and want a clear, trustworthy partner, not just another gatekeeper.

Staying updated with FTUK’s X handle (@Ftuk_com) gives me extra confidence—I often spot live updates on new trader incentives, educational content, and platform upgrades. For example, their recent posts highlight partnerships with leading trading tools and analytics dashboards, which can really help beginners get a clearer edge. You don’t need to go in blind; FTUK encourages traders to engage, ask questions, and share strategies, building a community vibe. That’s rare for prop firms and makes it easier to see real users’ experiences and problems, not just polished marketing—so you know what you’re signing up for.

Features:

• Remote Trading: This feature lets FTUK accounts run from anywhere globally. It supports flexible execution across sessions and locales. Latency felt tight during active hours in my tests. Orders executed cleanly under volatile prints.
• Instant Funding: It provides immediate access to live funds upon joining. Traders can start from day one with firm capital. Onboarding is straightforward, avoiding long qualification queues. It meaningfully reduces time-to-first-payout risk.
• Augmented Growth Program: You can double funding after each milestone achieved. It supports rapid, structured scaling for consistent performers. Capital expands in step with verified profitability progression. The plan helps maintain disciplined growth habits.
• Leverage and Risk Management: It offers leverage up to 1:100 for trading power. Absolute drawdown and fixed equity stop-out are enforced. These constraints harden discipline during adverse moves. Position sizing matters more with higher gearing.
• Scaling Plan: FTUK doubles capital after a 10% profit target is hit. Progressively scales accounts while limiting risk exposure. Structured steps reduce overreach during growth spurts. It is one of the most effective expansion frameworks.

Pricing:

FTUK offers a 14-day free trial, allowing users to explore simulated forex markets via MatchTrader, DXtrade, or TradeLocker—no cost, no commitment. You won’t lose money, though there’s no payout or scaling, and the trial ends after two weeks. For paid plans, please see the table below:

Buying Power	Fees
$10,000	$99
$25,000	$179
$50,000	$269

Visit FTUK >>

Profit-sharing Up to 80%

How to avoid red flags and prop firm scams?

You must avoid firms promising guaranteed profits or instant riches. It is necessary to check company details and team transparency. Verify broker partners and legal entities. I suggest that you should read the terms for hidden limits or traps. Look for unfair slippage or payout delays. Confirm support responsiveness and documentation quality. Research third-party reviews across platforms. Beware frequent rule changes without notice. Prefer firms with stable, long histories. When unsure, start small and observe.

How Did We Choose Best Prop Trading Firms?

At Guru99, we prioritize credibility by ensuring our content is accurate, relevant, and objective. Our team conducted an in-depth evaluation of 36+ proprietary trading firms, investing over 298 hours to identify the best options. This guide offers a transparent breakdown of features, pricing, and key considerations, helping traders make informed decisions. We assessed firms based on risk management, capital allocation, transparency, and trader support. Finding the right firm requires expertise and industry knowledge, and we focus on the following factors while reviewing a tool based on.

• Funding Options: We made sure to shortlist firms that provide diverse capital allocation based on trader experience.
• Payout Structure: Our team chose firms with fair profit-sharing models that maximize earnings while maintaining sustainability.
• Trading Platforms: The experts in our team selected firms offering ultra-responsive platforms optimized for efficiency and reliability.
• Risk Management: We ensured that firms have transparent risk policies that help traders manage capital with ease.
• Support and Resources: Our team considered firms that provide continuous education, mentorship, and robust customer support.
• Regulatory Compliance: We chose based on firms’ adherence to financial regulations to ensure security and trustworthiness.

How does one get started with a Prop Trading Firm?

Here are the steps that you can follow to get started with a prop trading firm:

Step 1) Understand the basics of Prop trading: Learn how prop trading works, processes, etc., for a better understanding.

Step 2) Get Trading and Market knowledge: You should study and analyze how trading and markets work.

Step 3) Go through the market rules: You need to understand and follow all the market rules associated with trading.

Step 4) Make a trading strategy: Study and prepare a trading strategy for executing your trades.

Step 5) Practice with risk management: Analyze and practice risk management using historical data.

Step 6) Try paper trading: Before starting actual trading, you should practice paper trading on simulator accounts provided by trading firms.

Step 7) Do research to select the best proprietary trading firm: You can go through the list given above to study all the proprietary trading firms and how they operate.

Step 8) Apply to a Proprietary firm as a Trader: Once you are ready for trading, you can apply to a proprietary trading firm to start trading.

Step 9) Get evaluated: Once you apply to a proprietary trading firm, you need to be evaluated by the firm in different ways to qualify.

Step 10) Get funded: Once you are evaluated, you can now get capital funding to trade with your strategy.

What prop firm rules most affect profitability and risk?

Daily drawdown rules drive intraday risk management discipline. Max loss rules determine survival during volatility spikes. Profit targets and time limits shape strategy selection constraints. News and weekend restrictions affect swing trading plans. Scaling rules impact compounding and capital efficiency. Payout schedules affect liquidity and psychology. Platform quality influences slippage and execution reliability. Reset policies change expected evaluation costs significantly. Hedging and copy limits sometimes restrict advanced strategies. Match rules with the strategy and temperament carefully.

Verdict

FAQs