Best Prop Trading Firms for Traders – An Honest Review

Right here are the top prop trading firms for you as a trader…

As a trader, getting a prop trading firm to fund your trades can be a game-changer for your career. Prop trading firms provide traders with access to capital, advanced trading tools, and a supportive community of fellow traders.

In this blog post, we will explore the best prop trading firms in the industry, their unique features, and what sets them apart from the rest. We ranked them based on popularity, profit splits, maximum capital funding and other important factors.

What is a Prop Trading Firm?

A proprietary trading firm is a financial institution that uses its own money to trade financial assets, such as stocks, futures, options, currencies, and commodities, with the aim of generating profits.

Unlike banks or other financial institutions, prop trading firms do not take deposits or offer banking services to the public. Instead, they recruit and fund traders who have the skills and experience to generate profitable trading strategies and execute trades on behalf of the firm.

The traders receive a share of the profits they generate, which is usually a percentage of the gains they make on the trades they execute. In exchange, the firm provides them with access to its capital funds, trading infrastructure, risk management tools, and support service.

A List of the Best Prop Trading Firms

• 1. FTMO
• 2. Topstep
• 3 FundedNext
• 4. The Funded Trader Program
• 5. The 5%ers
• 6. Audacity Capital
• 7. Fidelcrest
• 8. City Traders Imperium
• 9. Lux Trading Firm
• 10. My Forex Funds

An Honest Review of the Top Proprietary Trading Companies

1. FTMO

FTMO is a Czech Republic-based proprietary trading firm that was founded in 2015. This prop trading firm offers traders the opportunity to trade with their capital in exchange for a share of the profits they generate.

FTMO is different from other prop firms in that it has a comprehensive evaluation process that traders must pass before they can access the trading capital. Traders can get to keep up to 90% of the profits they make.

Features/Pros of FTMO

• Comprehensive evaluation process to assess trader skills
• Two evaluation stages: Challenge and Verification
• Traders can get up to $400,000 prop capital
• High-profit split for traders, up to 90%
• Risk management rules to minimize potential losses
• Traders will have access to MetaTrader 4 and 5 trading platforms
• FTMO supports trading crypto as well as forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and bonds

Cons of FTMO

• Higher cost compared to other options.
• The evaluation process can be challenging and may require significant time and effort
• Traders must pay an evaluation fee to participate in the evaluation process

VISIT FTMO HERE >>

2. Topstep

Topstep is a Chicago-based prop trading firm that hires stocks, futures, and indices traders and provides them with capital, support, risk management strategies, and coaching to help them trade successfully. Traders are then rewarded using a profit split.

Traders are required to prove that they can trade and manage risk to earn a funded account, after which they can earn more funding incrementally based on their trading success. Topstep offers three account sizes to choose from based on monthly pricing, buying power, profit target per step, number of contracts, loss limits, and trailing maximum drawdown. The minimum buying power or funding is $50,000, and the maximum is $150,000. The company deals with futures trading.

Features/Pros of Topstep

• Start with a complimentary 14-day trial period
• Participate in group coaching sessions to improve performance
• Get individualized coaching from experienced traders and AI tools
• Access professional trading resources and tools
• Receive additional funding based on your trading success
• Keep up to $5,000 in profits and split subsequent profits 80/20
• Get support from a team of experts
• Use various payment options, including PayPal, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover
• Utilize multiple trading platforms, such as NinjaTrader, TradingView, TSTrader, Bookmap, Investor/RT, Trade Navigator, Sierra Chart, Jigsaw Daytradr, MultiCharts, RITrader Pro, VOIFix, and others.
• Leverage of up to 1:100
• Referral program available

Cons of Topstep

• No bonuses from broker Equiti Capital
• Support service available only on weekends

3. FundedNext

FundedNext offers a 15% profit split during the evaluation stage, distinguishing itself from other similar firms. To achieve a 40% increase in account balance every four months, traders must maintain consistent profitability.

FundedNext makes it easy to get started by allowing traders to select their preferred funding model, either the Express or Evaluation model, trade consistently, and become a certified funded trader.

FundedNext provides a dedicated account manager who can address any questions or concerns traders may have. Additionally, the company offers Android and iOS mobile apps, making trading more convenient for traders.

Features/Pros of FundedNext

• Profit split of up to 90%
• 15% profit split at the evaluation stage
• Dedicated account manager assigned
• $4M Scale-Up Plan
• Two different funding model options to choose from
• Android and iOS mobile apps are available
• Compatible with all trading styles
• Low commissions
• Instant account access
• Trader-friendly leverage

Cons of FundedNext

• The Express model doesn’t offer a weekend holding option.

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4. The Funded Trader Program

The Funded Trader Program is a leading proprietary trading firm that allows traders to trade without regulation of their trading styles.

The FTP provides traders with the privilege of holding trades overnight, trading during news, and trading on weekends. This platform offers two funding program options to traders, including the Standard Challenge Accounts and Rapid Challenge Accounts.

The Standard Challenge Accounts are designed to identify skilled traders and reward them based on their consistency throughout the two-phase evaluation period. With an evaluation program account, traders can trade with 1:200 leverage.

On the other hand, the Rapid Challenge Accounts are designed to identify serious traders and reward them for their consistency throughout the two-phase evaluation period. Here, traders can trade with 1:100 leverage.

The platform offers a scaling plan that allows traders to hold a maximum balance of up to $1,500,000 and a 90% profit split. This makes it one of the best proprietary trading firms out there. Additionally, it supports a variety of trading instruments such as forex pairs, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

Features of The Funded Trader Program

• Two funding program options: Standard Challenge Accounts and Rapid Challenge Accounts
• Maximum capital of $600,000 with standard accounts and $1,500,000 with scaling plan
• Up to 200:1 leverage with Standard Challenge Accounts and 100:1 with Rapid Challenge Accounts
• Allows news trading, weekend trading, and overnight trading
• Supports a variety of trading instruments such as forex pairs, indices, and cryptocurrencies

Pros of The Funded Trader Program

• Does not regulate trading style, allowing traders to trade the way they prefer
• Relaxed trading rules, making it easier for traders to achieve consistency and earn rewards
• Tempting benefits with the scaling plan, which allows traders to hold a maximum balance of up to $1,500,000 and a 90% profit split
• Offers high leverage, making it easier to achieve high returns
• Supports a wide range of trading instruments

Cons of The Funded Trader Program

• Customer support could be improved

5. The 5%ers

The 5%ers is a reputable prop trading firm that offers live forex, metals, and indices trading accounts without the need for trial accounts. Traders can trade at their own style, EA, or copy trade. Additionally, the firm provides instant funding for those who prefer it.

The company offers three different programs: 

1. The Instant Funding Program

This program allows traders to receive funding instantly up to $4 million, and traders can have up to 3 instant programs at the same time.

2. The Bootcamp

This is a low-entry cost challenge that lets traders prove their trading skills and pay the remaining fee only after passing. Traders pay 300 euros and receive a $100,000 funded account.

3. The Freestyle Model

Here’s a funding model that lets traders show their trading skills over a series of trades, with no time limit, no drawdown, and 100% of profits are yours.

Features of The 5%ers

• No payout minimums
• Traders use MetaTrader 5
• Trading community
• Double the account on every milestone up to $4 million
• High-quality resources
• Get paid any time you want

Pros of The 5%ers

1. The company offers funding up to $4 million, which is a significant advantage for traders looking to trade with larger sums of money.

2. Traders can start live trading from day one without going through trial accounts.

3. The 5%ers offer multiple funding options, including the instant funding program, Bootcamp, and Freestyle program, allowing traders to choose the best option for their needs.

4. The Freestyle program provides funding of $25,000 or $50,000, and traders can leverage the capital up to 30 times, allowing traders to take larger positions.

5. Traders can withdraw their profits at any time, allowing them to manage their funds more effectively.

Cons of The 5%ers

1. The company has strict trading rules that traders need to follow, including position sizing, maximum drawdown, and trading frequency, which may not suit some traders’ styles.

2. The 5%ers only allow trading in forex, metals, and indices, which may not suit traders looking to trade in other markets.

3. Although The 5%ers offer funding options, there is no guarantee of success, and traders may lose their capital if they do not adhere to the company’s trading rules and strategies.

6. Audacity Capital

Audacity Capital is a UK-based proprietary trading firm that offers traders the opportunity to trade futures, forex, and equities. The company aims to provide a professional and supportive environment for traders to develop their skills and make consistent profits.

Features/Pros of Audacity Capital

• A 50-50 profit split. This is shared every time a 10% target is hit.
• After approval, a trader gets from $15,000 up to $500,000 trading capital for trading in live markets
• The Trader Development Program provides traders with a structured training program designed to help them improve their trading skills and profitability.
• Audacity Capital offers access to many trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, Jigsaw Trading, and CQG.
• This prop firm company provides risk management tools to help traders manage their risk and protect their capital.
• Audacity Capital charges competitive fees, with low commissions and no hidden charges.
• Funding Options: The firm offers a variety of funding options, including a fully-funded account program and a profit-sharing program.

Cons of Audacity Capital

• Limited funding compared to other prop trading firms.
• Low-profit split.
• Audacity Capital currently only offers trading in forex and a few other assets

7. Fidelcrest

Fidelcrest is another prop trading firm that provides funding for traders to trade forex and CFDs. Eligible traders are selected through the Fidelcrest Trading Challenge evaluation course.

This challenge involves a trader choosing an account size and then trading for 60 days to meet a given profit target. If a trader’s strategy works, he/she earns a 50% profit split. After this, the trader is promoted to the Fidelcrest Trader and gets funded with from $150,000 up to 1 million USD and can earn up to 90% profit split.

Features/Pros of Fidelcrest

• Up to 90% profit split.
• Get a bonus of up to 50% of profits earned in level 2 verification.
• Receive signup commissions based on performance during verification. With this, traders can start earning real money after at least 2 trading days.
• If you prefer swing trading, you’re also welcome at Fidelcrest.
• Selected traders can get up to $1 million in funding.
• Traders can trade multiple assets, such as CFDs, stocks, forex, and crypto.

Cons of Fidelcrest

• The Second Step 2 is more difficult. Also, the maximum loss is half that of step 1 yet the profit target is the same.
• Evaluation is a two-phase process and can take up to 90 days.
• Long-term strategy trading is not favoured by the trading limit of 30 days.

Overview of the Best Prop Trading Firms

Prop Firm	Profit Split Percentage	Maximum Funding
FTMO	Up to 90%	$400,000
Topstep	100% up to $5,000, then 80%	$150,000
FundedNext	Up to 90%	$4,000,000
The Funded Trader Program	Up to 90%	$1,500,000
The 5%ers	Up to 100%	$4M per account (up to 7 accounts)
Audacity Capital	50%	$500,000
Fidelcrest	70% – 85%	$400,000
City Traders Imperium	Up to 75%	$500,000
Lux Trading Firm	65%	$2.5 million
My Forex Funds	Up to 80%	$600,000

How We Made Our Selection

The top prop trading firms are usually compared based on:

1. Profit splits
2. Total or maximum funding possible
3. Number of tradable assets
4. The evaluation process, and their duration
5. How fast they promote accounts to the maximum funding level
6. The maximum loss allowed

Note: Some prop firms have trial accounts, instant funding, and bonuses, and some have up to a 90% profit split. These are the top prop trading firms.

P.S. There are other ways you can get funding as a trader, aside from prop trading firms. You can explore other options here…

7 Different Ways to Get Funded as a Trader!