Best Futures Prop Firms (2026)
Proprietary trading firms let experienced futures traders access firm capital after passing a performance evaluation. If you pass, you trade with their money and keep the majority of profits. Here's an honest breakdown of the top three firms.
Prop Firm Comparison
Fees and terms change frequently — especially during promotional periods. Always verify current pricing on each firm's website before signing up.
Futures Prop Firm Comparison (2026)
Promotional discounts are common — check each firm's site for current deals.
| Firm | Account Sizes | Eval Fee (monthly) | Profit Split | Max Drawdown | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Trader FundingBest Pick | $25K – $300K | $147 – $657 | 90% | Trailing EOD | Try Apex |
| TopStep | $50K – $150K | $49 – $149 | 80–90% | Trailing intraday | Try TopStep |
| Bulenox | $10K – $150K | $19 – $149 | 80% | Trailing EOD | Try Bulenox |
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How Prop Firm Evaluations Work
The basic model is the same across all firms: you pay a monthly fee to trade a simulated account. If you meet the profit target without violating the drawdown rules, you get access to a funded account and keep a percentage of real profits.
Step 1: Choose an Account Size
Select an account size based on your trading style and experience. Larger accounts have bigger profit targets but also larger drawdown limits. Most traders start with a $50K–$100K simulated account.
Step 2: Pay the Evaluation Fee
You pay a monthly fee to access the evaluation. This fee continues each month until you pass or stop. Some firms refund the fee when you receive your first payout on a funded account.
Step 3: Meet the Profit Target
Each firm has a profit target you must hit — typically $1,500–$3,000 on a $50K account. You must reach this target without violating the drawdown rule or other trading rules (minimum trading days, position limits, etc.).
Step 4: Get Funded and Get Paid
Once you pass, you receive access to a funded account. You trade live markets and keep 80–90% of profits, paid out regularly. Violating drawdown rules on a funded account typically results in account termination.
Each Firm Reviewed
Apex Trader Funding
Apex is our top pick for most traders. Their 90% profit split is the best in the industry, and their end-of-day trailing drawdown is generally more forgiving than intraday trailing rules. They frequently run promotional discounts — sometimes 80–90% off evaluation fees — making them easy to try at low cost.
- Account sizes: $25K, $50K, $75K, $100K, $150K, $250K, $300K
- Profit split: 90% to the trader
- Drawdown type: Trailing EOD (end-of-day) — more manageable
- Payout: Weekly payouts available
- Best for: Experienced traders who want the best profit split
TopStep
TopStep is one of the oldest and most reputable prop firms — they've been around since 2012. Their lower entry-level evaluation fees make them accessible, and they offer both futures and forex prop accounts. Their intraday trailing drawdown is stricter than Apex's EOD drawdown, which requires more careful risk management.
- Account sizes: $50K, $100K, $150K
- Profit split: 80–90% depending on account
- Drawdown type: Trailing intraday — stricter
- Payout: Weekly payouts
- Best for: Traders who value an established, trusted firm
Bulenox
Bulenox has the lowest evaluation fees in the industry, making it a good entry point for traders who want to test prop firm trading without a large upfront cost. Their EOD trailing drawdown is similar to Apex's structure.
- Account sizes: $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K
- Profit split: 80%
- Drawdown type: Trailing EOD
- Payout: Bi-weekly payouts
- Best for: New prop traders, low-cost entry point
6 Tips for Passing Your Evaluation
Most traders who fail evaluations do so because of discipline issues, not lack of strategy. These habits make the difference.
Trade Small Early
Start with the minimum contract size allowed. Your goal in the evaluation is to survive and pass — not to maximize profits. Size up only after you've built a cushion.
Know Your Drawdown Rules Cold
The most common reason traders fail evaluations is not understanding their drawdown rule. Know exactly how much you can lose at any moment — EOD trailing vs. intraday trailing behaves very differently.
Don't Trade News Events
Major economic releases (CPI, FOMC, Jobs Report) can move markets violently in seconds. Many experienced traders avoid holding positions through these events entirely during evaluations.
Follow Your Plan Every Day
Evaluations are lost to revenge trading after a bad day, not to bad markets. Set a daily loss limit below the firm's limit and honor it. Live to trade another day.
Use the Full Time Allowed
There's no prize for passing in one week. A slow, consistent approach over 30+ days is far safer than aggressive trading to hit targets quickly.
Take Partial Profits
Locking in partial profits at your first target reduces risk and keeps your drawdown intact. Many traders fail evaluations by letting winning trades turn into losers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EOD and intraday trailing drawdown?
EOD (end-of-day) trailing drawdown adjusts your maximum loss limit based on your highest account balance at the close of each trading day. Intraday trailing drawdown adjusts in real time as your account balance rises during the day — meaning a winning trade can tighten your drawdown floor before you lock in the profit. EOD trailing is generally more forgiving.
Can I trade any futures contract during an evaluation?
Most firms allow the major CME futures contracts — ES (S&P 500), NQ (Nasdaq), CL (Crude Oil), GC (Gold), and others. Some firms restrict certain high-volatility contracts. Check each firm's rules before trading.
What happens if I fail an evaluation?
You can reset or restart an evaluation, usually by paying the fee again (or a reset fee). Some firms offer free resets under certain conditions. Failing is common — many successful funded traders failed multiple evaluations before passing.
Are prop firm payouts real money?
Yes — funded account payouts are real money, typically paid via bank transfer, check, or crypto. Most firms pay weekly or bi-weekly. Always verify a firm's payout track record before signing up.
Is prop trading right for Boomers?
Prop trading requires significant experience with futures markets, strong discipline, and the ability to handle financial stress. It is not a passive income strategy — it requires active trading. If you're new to futures, study the markets extensively before attempting a paid evaluation.
Ready to Try a Prop Firm Evaluation?
Apex Trader Funding offers the best profit split (90%) and frequently discounts evaluation fees by 80–90%. Check their site for current promotions.
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