Finding the right proprietary trading firm can be a challenge, but it's a critical step to get the capital you need. This guide cuts through the marketing hype to give you a direct comparison of the top proprietary trading firms. You will learn about their different evaluation models, profit splits, and key rules so you can make an informed choice that fits your trading style.

1. MyFundedCapital

MyFundedCapital (MFC) is a modern prop firm designed to connect skilled traders with significant capital. It offers a clear, flexible framework for traders to prove their abilities and get funded quickly. MFC is a strong choice for various traders, whether you're looking for immediate market access or prefer a structured evaluation to demonstrate your strategy.

The platform's main advantage is its versatile funding models. Unlike firms with a single path, MFC offers three distinct options: an Instant Funding program, a streamlined 1-Step Challenge, and a classic 2-Step Challenge. This flexibility ensures a tailored solution is available, regardless of your confidence level or budget. You can learn more about how proprietary trading firms work on their site.

Key Features and Practical Advantages

MyFundedCapital stands out with several features that address common trader pain points.

• Diverse Funding Options: Access accounts from $2,000 up to $100,000. The three entry models (Instant, 1-Step, 2-Step) let you choose the path that best fits your risk tolerance.
• High Profit Splits: The firm offers competitive base profit splits from 70/30 to 80/20. Through good performance and optional add-ons, you can increase your share to 90/10 or even 100%.
• Clear Trading Rules: MFC has straightforward risk rules with a flat 5% daily drawdown and up to a 10% maximum drawdown on challenge accounts. They permit manual trading, EAs, and copy trading, offering flexibility for different strategies.
• Fast Payouts: You can request your first withdrawal just 14 days after your first trade. Subsequent payouts are available weekly or even on-demand with certain add-ons, which is a major benefit for managing cash flow.

Platform and Support

MFC provides access to over 300 tradable instruments, including FX, indices, metals, and crypto. Traders can use platforms like DXtrade, cTrader, and Match-Trader, with MT5 integration coming soon. This is backed by a community of over 5,000 traders and a 4.5/5 user review rating, with testimonials praising the platform's execution, reliable payouts, and 24/7 support.

Important Note: MFC operates on a simulated account model for evaluations. It is not a broker and does not handle client deposits. Its service is to identify and fund trading talent. The initial "Start Now" fee is competitive, with a typical entry point around $249 for a challenge account.

Website: https://dev.myfundedcapital.com

2. FTMO

FTMO is a well-known pioneer in the online prop trading industry with a large global user base. It is widely recognized as one of the top proprietary trading firms due to its structured two-step evaluation process and comprehensive trader support. FTMO primarily serves forex and CFD traders, offering a clear path to funding through its "FTMO Challenge."

What sets FTMO apart is its mature ecosystem built for traders. The firm provides proprietary tools to help with performance analysis and discipline. The Account MetriX tool offers detailed statistics on your trading, while the Mentor App helps you maintain discipline by enforcing your own risk limits.

How FTMO Works

The path to becoming an FTMO Trader involves a one-time fee and a two-stage evaluation to identify consistent and responsible traders.

1. Step 1: The FTMO Challenge: You must meet a profit target (e.g., 10%) within a set time without breaking drawdown rules, like a 5% maximum daily loss and a 10% maximum overall loss.
2. Step 2: The Verification: This stage has a lower profit target (e.g., 5%) and confirms your ability to trade profitably and manage risk.

After passing both stages, the initial fee is refunded with your first profit split. You then manage an FTMO Account with a default 80/20 profit split, which can scale up to 90%. To compare this model with others, you can learn more about the structure of funded trading accounts to see how different approaches, like instant funding, compare.

Key Features and Platform Support

FTMO supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, and DXtrade. This accommodates a wide range of trading styles, including discretionary, algorithmic (EA), and copy trading.

• Pros: Established reputation, excellent proprietary tools, and a refundable evaluation fee.
• Cons: Strict trading rules and limits on the total capital a single trader can manage.

Website: https://ftmo.com/

3. The5ers (The 5%ers)

Founded in 2016, The5ers is known for its focus on long-term trader growth and multiple funding pathways. The firm is respected for its one-time fee structure and supportive environment. A key feature is the unlimited time offered on its evaluation programs, which reduces pressure and allows traders to wait for ideal market conditions.

The5ers stands out with its diverse programs tailored to different trading styles. Its aggressive scaling plan, which can reach up to $4 million in funding, is a major draw for profitable traders. This makes it a compelling choice for serious traders looking for a long-term prop firm partnership.

How The5ers Works

The5ers provides several distinct paths to becoming a funded trader, starting with a single, one-time fee.

1. Hyper-Growth Program: A 1-step evaluation with a 10% profit target and no time limit. After passing, your account doubles for every subsequent 10% profit milestone.
2. High-Stakes Program: A traditional 2-step evaluation (8% target in Phase 1, 5% in Phase 2). This program offers higher leverage and up to a 100% profit split.
3. Bootcamp Program: A unique 3-step challenge with a very low entry fee. You prove your skills on a demo account, and if you pass, you receive a funded account without any challenge fee liability.

Successful traders receive a profit split that can reach up to 100%. Choosing the right program is vital, so it's wise to learn how to select the ideal forex proprietary firm based on your strategy.

Key Features and Platform Support

The5ers primarily supports trading on MetaTrader 5 (MT5). The firm allows news trading, holding positions over the weekend, and the use of EAs.

• Pros: Multiple funding models, no time limits on evaluations, and an aggressive scaling plan.
• Cons: Conservative leverage (often around 1:30) and strict adherence to rules.

Website: https://the5ers.com/

4. Topstep

Topstep is a veteran in the industry with a specific focus on futures traders. Based in the US, it is considered one of the top proprietary trading firms for those who trade instruments like indices and commodities. Topstep's model is centered around its "Trading Combine," a subscription-based evaluation designed for disciplined day traders.

What makes Topstep different is its strong commitment to trader education. It offers performance coaching and a vibrant community, making it an attractive starting point for traders looking to enter the futures market with professional support.

How Topstep Works

The path to a Topstep funded account is a single-step evaluation structured as a monthly subscription service.

1. The Trading Combine: A real-time, simulated evaluation where you pay a recurring fee until you pass. You must hit a profit target (e.g., $3,000 on a $50k account) while following rules like a daily loss limit and a trailing maximum drawdown. A key rule is the "Consistency Target," where your best day cannot account for more than 50% of your total profits.
2. The Funded Account: Once you pass, you get a funded account. The first $10,000 in profits are 100% yours, and subsequent profits are split 90/10.

Once funded, the monthly subscription fee is no longer required.

Key Features and Platform Support

Topstep supports a wide range of professional futures platforms, including NinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower, and Tradovate.

• Pros: Strong reputation in the futures industry, excellent educational resources, and a high profit split (first $10k is 100% yours).
• Cons: The monthly subscription can be costly if it takes a long time to pass, it's futures-only, and the consistency rule can be a challenge.

Website: https://www.topstep.com/

5. Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding is a popular choice for futures traders, known for its simple one-step evaluation and frequent promotional discounts. It offers a wide range of account sizes and platform choices, making it a go-to option for traders focusing on US futures markets.

Apex stands out with its trader-friendly rules. Traders can manage multiple funded accounts at once, allowing for significant capital scaling. This combination of simplicity and scalability makes it one of the top proprietary trading firms for those wanting to expand their trading capital quickly.

How Apex Trader Funding Works

The path to an Apex funded account is a direct, single-phase assessment.

1. The Evaluation: You choose an account size (from $25k to $300k+), pay the fee, and must trade for a minimum of seven days. The goal is to reach the profit target without hitting the trailing drawdown threshold. There are no daily drawdown limits, which offers more intraday flexibility.

Once passed, you receive a Performance Account (PA). The first $25,000 in profits are 100% yours, followed by a 90/10 split. Note that a recurring monthly data or platform fee is required for funded accounts.

Key Features and Platform Support

Apex supports top futures platforms like NinjaTrader, Rithmic, and Tradovate.

• Pros: Aggressive pricing with frequent discounts, a simple one-step evaluation, and no daily drawdown limit.
• Cons: The trailing drawdown model can be challenging for some strategies, and funded traders must pay ongoing monthly data/platform fees.

Website: https://apextraderfunding.com/

6. Earn2Trade

Earn2Trade focuses heavily on trader education and offers a structured pathway for futures traders. Its programs, like the Gauntlet Mini™ and the Trader Career Path®, connect successful traders with partner funding firms. This education-first approach makes it an excellent choice for aspiring futures traders who want a clear developmental route to a funded account.

What makes Earn2Trade unique is its supportive learning environment. The option for an end-of-day (EOD) drawdown, instead of a real-time trailing drawdown, can be a major advantage for strategies that involve some intraday equity swings.

How Earn2Trade Works

The process involves choosing an evaluation program and meeting its objectives for a one-time fee.

1. Choose an Evaluation: Select a program like the Trader Career Path® (a scaling plan) or the Gauntlet Mini™ (a one-step evaluation).
2. Pass the Evaluation: You must trade for a minimum number of days, stay within the loss limits, and reach the profit target.
3. Receive Funding: Upon success, you are offered a placement with a partner firm and begin trading a live account with an 80/20 profit split.

Key Features and Platform Support

Earn2Trade is exclusively for futures and supports platforms like NinjaTrader, Finamark, and R | Trader Pro.

• Pros: Strong educational focus, flexible end-of-day drawdown option, and a clear scaling plan with the Trader Career Path®.
• Cons: Futures-only, and there are extra fees for live market data and evaluation resets.

Website: https://www.earn2trade.com/

7. Funded Trading Plus

Funded Trading Plus is a UK-based firm known for prioritizing flexibility and trader choice. It offers one-step, two-step, and instant funding programs, catering to a wide range of trading styles. Their one-time fee structure eliminates recurring monthly costs, providing a transparent path to a funded account.

What sets Funded Trading Plus apart is its trader-centric experience. The firm is communicative about its rules and focuses on providing fast payouts. Their active help center and Discord community offer robust support.

How Funded Trading Plus Works

The firm offers three distinct programs with a one-time purchase.

1. Experienced Trader Program (1-Step): Hit a 10% profit target without breaching drawdown limits (e.g., 3% daily, 6% overall).
2. Advanced Trader Program (2-Step): A two-phase evaluation with an 8% profit target in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2.
3. Master Trader Program (Instant Funding): Skip the evaluation and get immediate access to a live funded account for a higher initial cost.

Funded traders are eligible for profit splits up to 90%.

Key Features and Platform Support

Funded Trading Plus supports MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, DXtrade, and Match-Trader.

• Pros: Multiple funding models (1-step, 2-step, instant), no recurring fees, and strong community support.
• Cons: Instant funding comes at a higher price, and the risk parameters are standard for the industry.

Website: https://www.fundedtradingplus.com/

Your Prop Firm Checklist: Making the Right Choice

Before you commit, use this checklist to make a calculated decision for your trading career.

• What is my trading style? (e.g., Scalping, Day Trading, Swing Trading). This determines your need for specific platforms and rules about holding trades overnight.
• How soon do I need funding? If you have a proven strategy, an Instant Funding model might be best. If you prefer a lower entry fee, a 1-Step or 2-Step challenge is the standard path.
• Which trading platform is essential for me? Don't compromise on your primary tool, whether it's MT5, cTrader, or something else.
• What is my deal-breaker rule? Do you need to trade during news? Do you require a no-daily-drawdown rule? Find a firm that aligns with your risk management style.
• How quickly do I need access to profits? Payout schedules vary. Faster payouts can be a significant advantage for compounding or supplementing your income.

Choosing the right proprietary trading firm is a strategic partnership that provides the capital you need to elevate your trading. Focus on the practical details: trading conditions, fair rules, reliable support, and fast payouts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a proprietary trading firm?
A proprietary trading (prop) firm provides traders with capital to trade in financial markets. In return, the firm takes a share of the profits. This model allows skilled traders to access larger amounts of capital than they might have on their own, without risking their personal funds.

2. Is prop trading a "get rich quick" scheme?
No. Prop trading is a serious business that requires skill, discipline, and a solid risk management strategy. Success is not guaranteed, and most firms have strict evaluation processes to find consistently profitable traders. All trading involves a substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor.

3. What happens if I lose money in a funded account?
If you lose money, the loss is covered by the firm. This is one of the main attractions of prop trading—you are not liable for trading losses beyond the initial fee you paid for the evaluation. However, if you violate the firm's risk rules (e.g., exceed the maximum drawdown), you will typically lose access to the funded account.

4. Can I trade with multiple prop firms at once?
Yes, most firms allow you to trade with them even if you are funded by another firm. Some traders use multiple firms to diversify their funding sources or to take advantage of different rules and platforms that suit various strategies.

Ready to trade with a firm built for the modern trader? MyFundedCapital offers flexible funding programs, including Instant Funding and 1-Step challenges, with transparent rules, weekly payouts, and support for cTrader, DXtrade, and Match-Trader. Explore our funding programs and find the perfect fit for your strategy today.