The futures proprietary trading space has evolved into a diverse ecosystem of firms, each offering unique rules, profit splits, and evaluation paths. For aspiring futures traders, the ideal prop firm balances flexibility, transparency, and strong platform integrations.
Whether you’re seeking fast payouts, structured education, or minimal rule restrictions, understanding what separates each firm can help you choose the right fit.
Top 5 Futures Prop Trading Firms
| Rank | Prop Firm | Best For | Key Features | Profit Split (Trader/Firm) |
| 1 | Apex Trader Funding | Flexibility & High Payout | 1-Step evaluation, no daily drawdown, multiple funded account management | 100% of first $25K, then 90/10 |
| 2 | Topstep | Structure & Education | Coaching, strong brand trust, proprietary TopstepX platform | 100% of first $10K, then 90/10 |
| 3 | Earn2Trade | Beginners & Learning Path | Gauntlet™ and Gauntlet Mini™ programs with educational support | 80/20 |
| 4 | MyFundedFutures | Fewer Rules | Simple evaluation, fast payouts, no daily loss limits | 100% of first $10K, then 90/10 |
| 5 | Take Profit Trader | Simplicity | Straightforward 1-Step evaluation and easy rule set | Up to 80/20 |
1. Apex Trader Funding — Flexibility and Fast Payouts
Apex Trader Funding leads the futures prop trading firms landscape with its unmatched flexibility and trader-centric structure. It eliminates daily drawdown limits altogether, allowing traders to recover from intraday volatility without penalty.
The firm’s trailing threshold drawdown system promotes disciplined risk management while still rewarding performance. Traders can also manage up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously, increasing earning potential without added complexity.
Apex’s biggest strength lies in its payout frequency where traders can request withdrawals every eight trading days, offering one of the fastest cycles in the industry. Combined with compatibility across Rithmic, Tradovate, and WealthCharts, it delivers seamless execution speed for professional-level performance.
2. Topstep — Structure and Trader Development
Founded in 2010, Topstep remains one of the most respected names in the futures funding world. Its platform focuses heavily on education, consistency, and trader discipline.
The firm’s signature Trading Combine® helps traders prove their skill in a structured environment, with feedback and performance tracking throughout the process. Using its TopstepX platform, traders get both the coaching and analytical tools they need to develop longevity in their trading careers.
Topstep also offers a 100% profit share on the first $10K, followed by a competitive 90/10 split, making it a balanced choice between earning potential and professional support
3. Earn2Trade — Education Meets Evaluation
Earn2Trade bridges the gap between learning and earning. Its Gauntlet™ and Gauntlet Mini™ evaluations are designed to train traders through real-world trading simulations.
The program’s strength lies in its educational backbone, every trader gains access to structured training modules, market guides, and mentorship resources. This focus on fundamentals makes it ideal for beginners seeking to master futures markets before managing capital.
Earn2Trade offers multiple account sizes and maintains clear evaluation criteria, emphasizing discipline, not speed.
4. MyFundedFutures — Simple Rules, Fast Access
MyFundedFutures is known for cutting through complexity with its straightforward rule set and fast payouts. It provides a 1-Step evaluation model without daily loss restrictions on most plans, allowing traders to trade naturally without fear of automatic disqualification.
The firm emphasizes payout speed and simplicity making sure evaluations are clear, and funded traders can access profits without unnecessary delays. This simplicity makes it popular among scalpers and intraday traders who prefer minimal restrictions.
5. Take Profit Trader — Designed for Clarity
Take Profit Trader appeals to those who value transparency and structure without over-complication. Its 1-Step evaluation removes the stress of multi-stage challenges, and the firm offers competitive profit splits up to 80/20.
Traders appreciate its consistent rule set and clear documentation, which reduce uncertainty about evaluation standards. The firm’s payout reliability and straightforward onboarding make it a strong entry point for traders transitioning from demo to funded status.
Key Factors When Choosing a Futures Prop Firm
When evaluating a prop firm, focus on the rules and conditions that directly impact your trading performance:
- Drawdown Rules: Apex’s trailing threshold drawdown offers flexibility, while Topstep and others use traditional trailing or end-of-day models.
- Trading Day Requirements: Most firms need 5–10 minimum active trading days to assess consistency.
- Technology & Platforms: Check whether the firm supports your preferred trading system — Rithmic, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, or TradingView are the most common integrations.
- Payout Schedule: Frequent payouts improve liquidity for active traders, especially for short-term strategies.
- Fee and Refund Structure: Understand if your evaluation fee is refundable after your first payout or passing the challenge.
Final Thoughts
The right futures prop trading firm depends on your strategy, discipline, and overall trading approach. Some firms prioritize flexibility and fast payouts, while others focus on education, structure, or simplicity. The key is to choose a firm whose rules and technology align with how you trade best.
At its core, a good prop firm provides opportunity — access to capital, structured risk management, and a fair pathway to consistency. With the right mindset and preparation, traders can use these programs not just to earn funding, but to develop the habits and confidence required for long-term success.
