Top 5 Futures Prop Firms 2024-2025
Introduction
With dozens of prop firms competing for your business, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Not all prop firms are created equal. They vary significantly in reputation, rules, payout reliability, and suitability for different trading styles.
This article reviews five of the most established and reputable futures prop firms in detail, so you can make an informed decision. We focus specifically on firms that support futures trading on US indices, Gold, and Bitcoin (the markets most relevant to SMC and Order Flow traders).
Selection Criteria
We selected these five firms based on:
- Reputation: Established track record and positive trader reviews
- Payout History: Verified history of paying traders
- Rule Clarity: Transparent and reasonable trading rules
- Platform Support: Access to platforms suitable for SMC and Order Flow trading
- Market Access: Availability of US index futures, Gold, and Bitcoin futures
- Value: Reasonable fees relative to account sizes and features
Prop Firm 1: Topstep
Overview
Topstep is one of the most established names in futures prop trading, operating since 2012. Headquartered in Chicago, the company has funded thousands of traders and paid out over $16 million since 2020. With a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot from over 5,500 reviews, Topstep has built a strong reputation in the industry.
Topstep is often considered the industry leader for futures prop trading, known for its educational resources, trader community, and reliable payouts.
Account Sizes and Fees
| Account Size | Monthly Fee | Profit Target | Daily Drawdown | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49-$165 | $3,000 (6%) | $1,000 (2%) | $2,000 (4%) |
| $100,000 | $99-$325 | $6,000 (6%) | $1,500 (1.5%) | $3,000 (3%) |
| $150,000 | $149-$375 | $9,000 (6%) | $2,000 (1.3%) | $4,500 (3%) |
Note: Topstep frequently offers promotional pricing. Fees shown are typical ranges.
Evaluation Process
Single-Step Evaluation (Trading Combine):
- Reach profit target without breaching drawdown limits
- No maximum time limit
- Minimum 2 trading days required
- Must meet consistency requirements
Express Funded Account:
After passing the Trading Combine, traders receive an Express Funded Account where they trade in a simulated environment while earning real payouts.
Live Funded Account:
Consistent performers can progress to Live Funded Accounts with the firm’s actual capital.
Key Rules
- Daily Drawdown: Calculated from start-of-day balance
- Maximum Drawdown: End-of-day trailing (more forgiving than real-time)
- Consistency Rule: No single day can exceed 50% of total profits
- Position Limits: Varies by account size (5-15 contracts for E-minis)
- News Trading: Allowed with caution
- Overnight Holding: Positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT daily
Profit Split
- 100% of the first $10,000 in profits
- 90% of profits thereafter
Payout Information
- First payout available after 5 profitable trading days
- Minimum withdrawal: $50
- Payout methods: ACH, PayPal, wire transfer
- Processing time: 3-7 business days
Platforms Available
- TopstepX (proprietary, commission-free)
- NinjaTrader
- TradingView
- Sierra Chart
- Quantower
- MultiCharts
- 30+ additional platforms
Pros for SMC & Order Flow Traders
- End-of-day trailing drawdown (less restrictive)
- Wide platform selection including Sierra Chart and NinjaTrader
- Strong educational resources and community
- Daily live trading broadcasts
- Established reputation and reliable payouts
- Free monthly reset on subscription renewal
Cons
- Consistency rule limits single-day profits
- Must close positions by 3:10 PM CT
- 50K account has tight drawdown limits
- Evaluation fees can add up
Prop Firm 2: Apex Trader Funding
Overview
Apex Trader Funding, founded in 2021, has quickly become one of the most popular futures prop firms. Known for its trader-friendly approach and frequent promotional discounts, Apex has attracted a large community of futures traders. The firm offers straightforward one-step evaluations and competitive profit splits.
Account Sizes and Fees
| Account Size | Evaluation Fee | Profit Target | Trailing Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $147-$250 | $1,500 (6%) | $1,500 (6%) |
| $50,000 | $167-$300 | $3,000 (6%) | $2,500 (5%) |
| $75,000 | $187-$350 | $4,250 (5.7%) | $2,750 (3.7%) |
| $100,000 | $207-$400 | $6,000 (6%) | $3,000 (3%) |
| $150,000 | $297-$500 | $9,000 (6%) | $5,000 (3.3%) |
| $250,000 | $517-$700 | $15,000 (6%) | $6,500 (2.6%) |
| $300,000 | $657-$800 | $20,000 (6.7%) | $7,500 (2.5%) |
Note: Apex frequently runs 50-80% off promotions. Watch for deals.
Evaluation Process
One-Step Evaluation:
- Reach profit target without breaching trailing drawdown
- No maximum time limit
- Minimum 7 trading days
- Must pass consistency requirement before payout
Key Rules
- Trailing Drawdown: Real-time trailing (not EOD), which is more restrictive
- Consistency Rule: 30% rule applies post-funding (no single day can be >30% of profits)
- Position Limits: Varies by account (up to 35 contracts for $300K)
- News Trading: Allowed
- Overnight Holding: Allowed during evaluation; restrictions may apply when funded
- Weekend Holding: Not permitted
Profit Split
- 100% of the first $25,000 in profits
- 90% of profits thereafter
Payout Information
- First payout after 10 trading days funded
- Payouts twice monthly (1st and 15th)
- Minimum withdrawal: $500
- Payout methods: ACH, international wire, PayPal
- Processing time: 1-7 business days
Platforms Available
Via Rithmic data feed:
- NinjaTrader
- Sierra Chart
- Quantower
- R|Trader Pro
- Motive Wave
Via Tradovate data feed:
- Tradovate
- TradingView
- NinjaTrader
Pros for SMC & Order Flow Traders
- 100% profit on first $25,000 (highest in industry)
- Generous account sizes up to $300,000
- News trading allowed
- Multiple platform options including Sierra Chart
- Frequent discount promotions
- No daily drawdown limit (only trailing max)
Cons
- Real-time trailing drawdown (more aggressive than EOD)
- 30% consistency rule post-funding
- Activation fee required when funded (~$85-$140)
- Data fees apply (~$85/month for CME)
Prop Firm 3: Earn2Trade
Overview
Earn2Trade stands out for combining funding opportunities with comprehensive trader education. Operating since 2016, the firm offers two main evaluation programs and emphasizes risk management and disciplined trading. Earn2Trade partners with Helios Trading Partners to provide funded accounts.
The firm reports a 23.38% pass rate (as of 2023), relatively high for the industry. Their educational approach may be a factor in that success rate.
Account Sizes and Fees
Gauntlet Mini™ Program:
| Account Size | Monthly Fee | Profit Target | Daily Drawdown | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $150 | $1,750 (7%) | N/A | $1,500 (6%) |
| $50,000 | $170 | $3,000 (6%) | N/A | $2,000 (4%) |
| $75,000 | $245 | $4,250 (5.7%) | N/A | $2,750 (3.7%) |
| $100,000 | $315 | $6,000 (6%) | N/A | $3,000 (3%) |
| $150,000 | $410 | $9,000 (6%) | N/A | $4,500 (3%) |
| $200,000 | $550 | $11,000 (5.5%) | N/A | $5,500 (2.75%) |
Trader Career Path® Program:
Designed for scaling from smaller to larger accounts over time. Starts at $25,000 and can scale up to $400,000.
Evaluation Process
Gauntlet Mini™:
- One-phase evaluation
- Minimum 10 trading days
- No maximum time limit
- Profit target and max drawdown rules apply
Trader Career Path®:
- Progressive evaluation with scaling opportunities
- Minimum 15 active trading days
- More structured progression through account sizes
Key Rules
- Maximum Drawdown: End-of-day trailing
- Daily Drawdown: Not applied (only max drawdown)
- Consistency Rule: No single day can exceed 30% of total profits
- Position Limits: Based on account size
- News Trading: Allowed with caution
- Overnight Holding: Allowed with restrictions
- Weekend Holding: Not permitted
Profit Split
- 80% to trader / 20% to firm
- No tiered increase (fixed at 80%)
Scaling Plan
Earn2Trade offers progression up to $400,000:
- 1. Start with LiveSim® account ($50,000-$200,000)
- 2. Hit $3,000 profit target, make withdrawal
- 3. Progress to $100,000 Live account
- 4. Continue scaling up to $400,000
Payout Information
- First payout available after meeting minimum profit
- Minimum withdrawal: $100
- Payout methods: PayPal, Deel, bank wire
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
- $10 fee per withdrawal (waived over $500)
Platforms Available
- NinjaTrader (free during evaluation)
- R|Trader Pro
- Finamark
- Tradovate
Pros for SMC & Order Flow Traders
- Strong educational resources included
- End-of-day trailing drawdown
- No daily drawdown limit
- Clear scaling path to $400,000
- Free NinjaTrader access during evaluation
- Higher pass rate than industry average
Cons
- Lower profit split (80% vs 90%+ elsewhere)
- Higher evaluation fees than competitors
- Scaling requires meeting specific milestones
- Fewer platform options than some competitors
Prop Firm 4: Take Profit Trader
Overview
Take Profit Trader (TPT) has gained popularity for its trader-centric approach and same-day withdrawal capability. Founded in 2022, the firm has quickly established itself with positive trader reviews and transparent operations. TPT focuses on simplicity and fast access to profits.
Account Sizes and Fees
| Account Size | Monthly Fee | Profit Target | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $150 | $1,500 (6%) | $1,500 (6%) |
| $50,000 | $170 | $3,000 (6%) | $2,000 (4%) |
| $75,000 | $245 | $4,500 (6%) | $2,500 (3.3%) |
| $100,000 | $330 | $6,000 (6%) | $3,000 (3%) |
| $150,000 | $440 | $9,000 (6%) | $4,500 (3%) |
Evaluation Process
PRO Account Evaluation:
- One-step evaluation
- Minimum 5 trading days
- No maximum time limit
- Reach profit target without breaching drawdown
Key Rules
- Maximum Drawdown: End-of-day trailing
- Daily Drawdown: Not applied
- Consistency Rule: None on funded accounts (major advantage)
- Position Limits: Based on account size
- News Trading: Allowed
- Overnight Holding: Allowed
- Weekend Holding: Not permitted
Profit Split
- 80% to trader (standard)
- Can upgrade to 90% split
Payout Information
- Same-day withdrawals available (major differentiator)
- No minimum trading days before payout
- Payout methods: PayPal, Wise, ACH, bank transfer
- Processing time: Same day to 3 business days
Platforms Available
- NinjaTrader
- Tradovate
- TradingView
- Quantower
- Sierra Chart
- R|Trader Pro
Pros for SMC & Order Flow Traders
- Same-day withdrawal capability
- No consistency rule on funded accounts
- End-of-day trailing drawdown
- Overnight holding allowed
- Good platform selection
- Simpler rules overall
Cons
- Lower profit split (80%) compared to leaders
- Newer firm (less track record)
- Fewer account size options than Apex
- Monthly subscription model
Prop Firm 5: MyFundedFutures
Overview
MyFundedFutures (MFF) is a newer entrant that has rapidly gained popularity for its low fees and trader-friendly rules. The firm offers competitive pricing and allows overnight holding with unique “buffer zone” features that give traders more flexibility.
Account Sizes and Fees
| Account Size | Monthly Fee | Profit Target | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $65-$115 | $3,000 (6%) | $2,000 (4%) |
| $100,000 | $105-$165 | $6,000 (6%) | $3,000 (3%) |
| $150,000 | $155-$215 | $9,000 (6%) | $4,000 (2.7%) |
Note: Fees vary between Starter and Expert evaluations
Evaluation Process
Two Evaluation Types:
Starter Evaluation:
- Lower monthly fee
- More restrictive drawdown rules
- Good for learning the system
Expert Evaluation:
- Higher fee but better conditions
- More generous drawdown
- Recommended for experienced traders
Key Rules
- Maximum Drawdown: End-of-day trailing
- Daily Drawdown: Applies (varies by account)
- Buffer Zone: 10% buffer on overnight holds (unique feature)
- Position Limits: Based on account size
- News Trading: Allowed
- Overnight Holding: Allowed with buffer protection
- Weekend Holding: Not permitted
Profit Split
- 100% of the first $10,000 in profits
- 90% of profits thereafter
Payout Information
- First payout after 5 trading days
- Bi-weekly payout schedule
- Minimum withdrawal: $250
- Payout methods: ACH, wire, crypto
- Processing time: 3-7 business days
Platforms Available
- NinjaTrader
- Tradovate
- TradingView
- Quantower
- R|Trader Pro
Pros for SMC & Order Flow Traders
- Lowest monthly fees in the industry
- 100% profit on first $10,000
- Overnight holding with buffer zone
- End-of-day trailing drawdown
- Competitive profit split
Cons
- Newer company (less established reputation)
- Fewer reviews than industry leaders
- Some traders report customer service delays
- Two-tier evaluation system can be confusing
🔑 Comparison Summary
| Firm | Best For | Profit Split | Drawdown Type | Overnight | Min Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep | Education, community | 100%/$10K, then 90% | EOD trailing | No | $49 |
| Apex | Max profit potential | 100%/$25K, then 90% | Real-time trailing | Yes (eval) | $147 |
| Earn2Trade | Learning + scaling | 80% fixed | EOD trailing | Yes | $150 |
| Take Profit | Fast withdrawals | 80% | EOD trailing | Yes | $150 |
| MyFundedFutures | Budget-conscious | 100%/$10K, then 90% | EOD trailing | Yes (buffer) | $65 |
Choosing the Right Prop Firm
Choose Topstep if:
- You value education and community
- You want the most established reputation
- You prefer EOD trailing drawdown
- You like the free monthly reset feature
Choose Apex Trader Funding if:
- You want the highest profit potential ($25K at 100%)
- You can handle real-time trailing drawdown
- You want larger account options (up to $300K)
- You watch for promotional discounts
Choose Earn2Trade if:
- You want education integrated with evaluation
- You plan to scale long-term (up to $400K)
- You prefer a structured development path
- You are newer to prop firm trading
Choose Take Profit Trader if:
- Fast withdrawals are your priority
- You dislike consistency rules
- You hold positions overnight
- You want simpler rules overall
Choose MyFundedFutures if:
- Budget is a primary concern
- You hold overnight and want buffer protection
- You want competitive profit splits on a budget
- You are comfortable with a newer firm
Important Considerations
Before Choosing Any Firm
- 1. Verify current rules: Rules change frequently. Always check the firm’s official website for current terms.
- 1. Read recent reviews: Check Trustpilot, Reddit, and trading communities for current feedback.
- 1. Understand payout processes: Verify withdrawal methods available in your country.
- 1. Calculate total costs: Include evaluation fees, data fees, platform fees, and potential reset costs.
- 1. Match rules to your style: If you trade during news or hold overnight, verify the firm allows this.
Red Flags to Watch
- Firms with no verifiable payout history
- Extremely high profit targets or tight drawdowns
- Poor or no customer support
- Rules that change frequently without notice
- Excessive hidden fees
🔑 Summary and Key Takeaways
- Topstep is the industry leader with best reputation and education
- Apex offers highest profit potential (100% on $25K) but uses real-time trailing drawdown
- Earn2Trade combines education with funding and offers scaling to $400K
- Take Profit Trader stands out with same-day withdrawals and no consistency rule
- MyFundedFutures offers the lowest fees for budget-conscious traders
- Always verify current rules and fees before purchasing any evaluation
- Match firm rules to your trading style (overnight holding, news trading, etc.)
- Read recent reviews to assess current payout reliability
⚠️ Risk Warning and Disclaimer
Prop firm trading involves risk. Evaluation fees are non-refundable if you fail, and funded accounts can be terminated for rule violations.
The information in this article reflects publicly available information as of early 2025. Fees, rules, and policies change frequently. Always verify current terms directly with each firm.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any specific prop firm. Most traders do not achieve consistent funded payouts regardless of which firm they choose.