Best Prop Trading Firms in 2026 — Top 9 Compared
Proprietary trading firms let you trade with their capital in exchange for a profit split — but choosing the wrong one can cost you hundreds in failed evaluations. We tested nine of the most popular prop firms across evaluation difficulty, profit splits, trading rules, payout speed, and customer support. FTMO remains the industry leader with 80-90% profit splits and a solid reputation. Apex Trader Funding offers the most affordable futures evaluations. Topstep provides the most structured education alongside their evaluation. Whether you trade forex, futures, stocks, or crypto, this comparison shows which firms actually pay out and which have rules designed to make you fail.
| # | Tool | Rating | Price | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FTMO Editor's Pick | ★★★★★ 4.5/5 | $155/mo | Forex traders with a proven strategy who need funded capital | 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 | City Traders Imperium | ★★★★☆ 3.9/5 | $97/mo | developing forex traders seeking mentorship and capital | Review → |
| 7 | Blue Guardian | ★★★★☆ 3.8/5 | $97/mo | forex and multi-asset traders seeking funded capital | Review → |
| 8 | 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 with no hidden conditions
- ✓ Free Trial with unlimited retakes lets you test before spending money
- ✓ Challenge fee fully refunded on your first successful payout
Cons
- ✗ 85-95% estimated failure rate means most traders lose their challenge fees
- ✗ Non-refundable fees add up fast — 3 failed $50K attempts costs over $1,000
- ✗ Strict 5% daily drawdown can end your challenge on one bad day
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
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