Best Prop Trading Firms in 2026 — Top 9 Compared
We tested the top prop trading firms. Here are the best ranked by features, pricing, and ease of use.
| # | Tool | Rating | Price | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FTMO Editor's Pick | ★★★★★ 4.5/5 | $155/mo | aspiring funded traders | Review → |
| 2 | Apex Trader Funding | ★★★★☆ 4.3/5 | $147/mo | futures traders | Review → |
| 3 | Topstep | ★★★★☆ 4.2/5 | $165/mo | futures traders | Review → |
| 4 | The5ers | ★★★★☆ 4.2/5 | $95/mo | forex traders | Review → |
| 5 | FundedNext | ★★★★☆ 4.2/5 | $49/mo | forex traders seeking funded institutional capital | Review → |
| 6 | Earn2Trade | ★★★★☆ 4.0/5 | $99/mo | Aspiring futures traders who want structured education alongside evaluation | Review → |
| 7 | City Traders Imperium | ★★★★☆ 3.9/5 | $97/mo | developing forex traders seeking mentorship and capital | Review → |
| 8 | Blue Guardian | ★★★★☆ 3.8/5 | $97/mo | forex and multi-asset traders seeking funded capital | Review → |
| 9 | SMB Capital | ★★★★☆ 4.3/5 | Free | aspiring professional traders | Review → |
FTMO
Top PickThe most established proprietary trading firm offering funded accounts up to $200K after a two-phase evaluation, with 90% profit splits.
Pros
- ✓ Industry-leading 90% profit split
- ✓ Free trial available to test before paying
- ✓ Challenge fee refunded on first payout
Cons
- ✗ Two-phase evaluation can be stressful
- ✗ Strict drawdown rules lead to many failed attempts
- ✗ Challenge fees are non-refundable if you fail
Apex Trader Funding
Popular futures-focused prop firm with one-step evaluation, generous rules, and funded accounts from $25K to $300K with 100% of first $25K profit.
Pros
- ✓ One-step evaluation — simpler than multi-phase firms
- ✓ 100% of first $25K in profits
- ✓ No daily drawdown limit
Cons
- ✗ Futures only — no forex, stocks, or crypto
- ✗ Trailing threshold can be confusing for beginners
- ✗ Monthly evaluation fees add up if you reset multiple times
Topstep
Veteran futures prop firm with a structured Trading Combine evaluation, risk management coaching, and funded accounts up to $150K.
Pros
- ✓ One of the most established and trusted prop firms
- ✓ Strong emphasis on risk management and trader development
- ✓ 100% profit split on first $5,000
Cons
- ✗ Futures only — no forex or equities
- ✗ Evaluation rules can be restrictive (consistency requirement)
- ✗ Monthly fees accumulate during evaluation period
The5ers
Forex-focused prop firm with scaling up to $4M, multiple program types, and profit splits up to 100%.
Pros
- ✓ Scaling up to $4M is industry-leading
- ✓ Profit splits can reach 100%
- ✓ Multiple program types for different styles
Cons
- ✗ Primarily forex-focused
- ✗ Scaling takes significant time and consistency
- ✗ Rules can be complex for newer traders
FundedNext
Dubai-based prop firm offering funded accounts up to $200K through 1 and 2-phase challenges with up to 90% profit splits and profit-sharing during evaluation.
Pros
- ✓ Profit sharing during evaluation phases before being fully funded
- ✓ Up to 90% profit split with scaling to $4 million in capital
- ✓ Allows expert advisors and fully automated trading strategies
Cons
- ✗ Founded in 2022, limited long-term track record compared to established firms
- ✗ No free trial or demo evaluation available before purchasing a challenge
- ✗ Customer support can be slow during high-demand periods
Earn2Trade
Education-focused futures prop firm with structured programs, virtual trading boot camps, and funded accounts through Helios Trading Partners.
Pros
- ✓ Education-first approach with structured learning built into the Trader Career Path
- ✓ Progressive scaling from $25K to $400K funded account with fixed drawdown
- ✓ 10-day minimum evaluation on Gauntlet Mini is among the shortest in the industry
Cons
- ✗ Futures only — no stocks, options, forex, or crypto spot trading
- ✗ 80/20 profit split is below Topstep (90/10) and Apex (100% first $25K)
- ✗ Only 8.89% of evaluation candidates pass; 94.77% of funded traders are on LiveSim not live accounts
City Traders Imperium
South African prop firm offering funded forex and indices accounts up to $200K through evaluation or direct funding, with profit splits up to 80%.
Pros
- ✓ Integrated trading academy with courses and mentorship sets it apart from most prop firms
- ✓ Flexible pathways to funding including direct funding and evaluation options
- ✓ Profit splits up to 80% are competitive within the industry
Cons
- ✗ Smaller and less established than top-tier prop firms like FTMO or Topstep
- ✗ Primarily focused on forex and indices with limited market diversity
- ✗ No proprietary trading platform or performance dashboard tools
Blue Guardian
Blue Guardian is a UK-based proprietary trading firm offering funded accounts up to $200K through a two-phase evaluation with an 80% profit split.
Pros
- ✓ Clear and transparent two-phase evaluation rules
- ✓ Competitive 80% profit split on funded accounts
- ✓ Expert advisors and automated strategies fully permitted
Cons
- ✗ No free trial or practice challenge available
- ✗ Limited to MetaTrader 4 and MT5 platforms only
- ✗ No cryptocurrency pairs offered
SMB Capital
Professional proprietary trading firm offering elite training programs, mentorship, and a path to trading firm capital.
Pros
- ✓ Training by an actual proprietary trading firm
- ✓ Mike Bellafiore's PlayBook methodology is proven
- ✓ Potential path to trading firm capital
Cons
- ✗ Expensive programs ($5,000-$10,000+)
- ✗ Not suitable for complete beginners
- ✗ NYC-centric for in-person programs