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GuideComparison2026

10 Best Prop Trading Firms in 2026 — Full Comparison & Review

Flux TradingFebruary 22, 20267 min read11 views

Choosing the right prop firm can be the difference between getting funded fast and wasting hundreds of dollars on challenges you'll never pass. We've researched, compared, and tested the top firms so you don't have to.

This guide covers pricing, profit splits, drawdown rules, platforms, and payout policies for every major prop firm on the market.

What Makes a Good Prop Firm?

Before we dive in, here's what we evaluated:

  • Entry price — how affordable is the cheapest challenge?
  • Profit split — how much of your profits do you actually keep?
  • Drawdown rules — trailing vs static, daily limits
  • Platform support — MT4, MT5, cTrader, or native platforms
  • Payout speed — how fast you get paid after requesting a withdrawal
  • Reputation — track record, community feedback, and payout history

  • 1. Apex Trader Funding — Best for Futures Traders

    Price from: $17 | Profit split: 100% of first $25K, then 90% | Drawdown: Trailing

    Apex is the undisputed king of futures prop trading. With prices starting at just $17 during frequent sales and a 100% profit split on your first $25,000, it's nearly impossible to beat on value. They support both Tradovate and Rithmic, allow up to 20 Performance Accounts, and have paid out over $500M+ to traders.

    Why we recommend it: Cheapest entry in the industry, generous profit split, and a proven track record with half a billion paid out.

    2. FTMO — Most Trusted Forex Prop Firm

    Price from: $89 | Profit split: Up to 90% | Drawdown: 10%

    FTMO pioneered the modern prop firm model and remains the most well-known name in the space. They offer both 1-Step and 2-Step challenges, a free trial to practice, and support MT4, MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade. With over $500M+ paid out, their reputation is rock-solid.

    Why we recommend it: Industry standard for a reason — reliable payouts, excellent support, and a free trial to test before you pay.

    3. FundedNext — Best Overall Value

    Price from: $59 | Profit split: Up to 95% | Drawdown: 10%

    Named Prop Firm of the Year, FundedNext offers one of the best combinations of price and features. No time limits, news trading allowed, and support for MT4, MT5, cTrader, and Match-Trader. They even offer futures trading now.

    Why we recommend it: High profit split (95%), no time limits, and the widest range of trading styles allowed.

    4. Funding Pips — Best for Payouts

    Price from: $49 | Profit split: Up to 100% | Drawdown: 10%

    Funding Pips stands out with zero reward denials — if you hit your target, you get paid, period. They support weekly payouts, have no consistency rules, and allow news trading. The profit split scales up to 100%.

    Why we recommend it: Zero payout denials guarantee, weekly payouts, and no unnecessary restrictions.

    5. Topstep — Most Established Futures Firm

    Price from: $49 | Profit split: 90% | Drawdown: 4%

    Operating since 2012, Topstep is one of the oldest and most trusted prop firms. They're an NFA Member (rare in the industry), offer their own TopstepX platform, and have a straightforward 1-step evaluation. Great for serious futures traders who want regulatory backing.

    Why we recommend it: NFA membership adds legitimacy, 12+ years of track record, and Express Funded option for fast payouts.

    6. Goat Funded Trader — Best No-Drawdown Option

    Price from: $45 | Profit split: Up to 100% | Drawdown: 4%

    Goat Funded Trader is gaining popularity fast thanks to a 100% refundable fee, no daily drawdown on some plans, and a scaling program up to $2M. They allow news trading, crypto, and have no time limits.

    Why we recommend it: Refundable fees reduce risk, no daily drawdown options, and aggressive scaling to $2M.

    7. Breakout — Best for Crypto Traders

    Price from: $49 | Profit split: Up to 100% | Drawdown: Balance-Based

    Breakout is the only prop firm on this list built specifically for crypto trading. They use CEX liquidity, offer daily payouts, and have zero payout denials. Both 1-Step and 2-Step challenges available, with their own Breakout Terminal.

    Why we recommend it: If you trade crypto, this is the only serious option with daily payouts and real exchange liquidity.

    8. Earn2Trade — Best Educational Program

    Price from: $60 | Profit split: 80% | Drawdown: 3.5%

    Earn2Trade has been around for 9+ years and focuses on trader education alongside funding. Their Trader Career Path program scales you up to $400K with real CME Group market data. They use NinjaTrader, which professional futures traders love.

    Why we recommend it: Excellent for beginners who want structured education and a clear path to a $400K funded account.

    9. MyFundedFX — Best Multi-Step Options

    Price from: $50 | Profit split: Up to 92.75% | Drawdown: 8%

    Now operating as Seacrest Markets, MyFundedFX is one of the few firms offering 1-Step, 2-Step, and 3-Step challenge options. They support MT5 and Match-Trader, allow news trading, and have a scaling program up to $400K.

    Why we recommend it: Flexibility of challenge types lets you choose the structure that matches your trading style.

    10. The5ers — Best for Scaling

    Price from: $260 | Profit split: Up to 100% | Drawdown: 6%

    The5ers has been operating since 2016 and is known for their Instant Funding option and aggressive scaling program up to $4M. They support MT5, allow crypto and futures, and offer profit splits up to 100%. The higher entry price is justified by the instant funding model.

    Why we recommend it: Instant funding without a challenge, scaling to $4M, and one of the longest track records in the industry.


    Quick Comparison Table

    FirmPrice FromProfit SplitDrawdownBest For
    Apex Trader Funding$17100% first $25KTrailingFutures
    FTMO$89Up to 90%10% staticForex
    FundedNext$59Up to 95%10% staticOverall value
    Funding Pips$49Up to 100%10% staticPayouts
    Topstep$4990%4% trailingFutures (regulated)
    Goat Funded Trader$45Up to 100%4%No drawdown
    Breakout$49Up to 100%Balance-basedCrypto
    Earn2Trade$6080%3.5%Education
    MyFundedFX$50Up to 92.75%8%Multi-step
    The5ers$260Up to 100%6%Scaling

    How to Choose the Right Firm

    If you're a beginner: Start with Apex Trader Funding (cheapest) or Earn2Trade (education-focused).

    If you trade forex: FundedNext offers the best value with up to 95% splits and no time limits.

    If you trade futures: Apex or Topstep — both proven firms with billions in payouts.

    If you trade crypto: Breakout is the clear choice with daily payouts and CEX liquidity.

    If you want instant funding: The5ers lets you skip the challenge entirely.

    Use our Prop Firm Matcher to find the perfect firm for your trading style, or compare firms side by side to see the differences in detail.

    10 Best Prop Trading Firms in 2026 — Full Comparison & Review | Flux Trading