Cheapest Prop Trading Firms in 2026 — Lowest Evaluation Fees
Evaluation fees add up fast when you fail challenges, making the cheapest entry point a critical factor for many traders. Apex Trader Funding consistently offers the lowest futures evaluation prices, frequently running sales below $100. Topstep starts at $165 for their smallest evaluation. Earn2Trade provides affordable evaluations with educational value included in the price. The Funded Trader offers competitive rates across multiple market types. We calculated the true cost of each firm by factoring in pass rates, reset fees, and how many attempts the average trader needs — because the cheapest first attempt is not always the cheapest path to funding.
| # | 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 | The Funded Trader | ★★★★☆ 3.9/5 | $65/mo | forex traders | Review → |
Apex Trader Funding
Top PickPopular 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
The Funded Trader
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%)