Cheapest Prop Trading Firms in 2026 — Lowest Evaluation Fees
Find the most affordable prop firms with the lowest evaluation fees. Compare challenge costs across all major firms.
| # | Tool | Rating | Price | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apex Trader Funding Editor's Pick | ★★★★☆ 4.3/5 | $147/mo | futures traders | Review → |
| 2 | Topstep | ★★★★☆ 4.2/5 | $165/mo | futures traders | Review → |
| 3 | Earn2Trade | ★★★★☆ 4.0/5 | $99/mo | Aspiring futures traders who want structured education alongside evaluation | Review → |
| 4 | The Funded Trader | ★★★★☆ 3.9/5 | $65/mo | forex traders | Review → |
1
Apex Trader Funding
Top Pick ★★★★☆ 4.3/5
$147/mo
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
2
Topstep
★★★★☆ 4.2/5
$165/mo
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
3
Earn2Trade
★★★★☆ 4.0/5
$99/mo
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
4
The Funded Trader
★★★★☆ 3.9/5
$65/mo
Growing prop firm offering forex, crypto, and indices funded accounts up to $600K with multiple challenge types and up to 90% profit split.
Pros
- ✓ Multiple challenge types for different trading styles
- ✓ Scaling plan up to $600K
- ✓ Low starting price from $65
Cons
- ✗ History of payout delays has eroded trust
- ✗ Rule changes have frustrated existing traders
- ✗ Profit split starts at 80% (lower than FTMO's 90%)
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