Looking for the best futures prop trading firms in 2025? Here’s what you need to know:
Futures prop firms allow traders to use firm capital instead of risking their own money. The profit-sharing model is a major draw, with traders keeping 70%-100% of their profits. Picking the right firm depends on fees, trading rules, platforms, and profit-sharing.
Key Highlights:
- Topstep: Offers 32 markets, 100% of the first $10K profits, and a 90/10 split after. Monthly fees start at $49.
- Apex Trader Funding: Keep 100% of the first $25K. Accounts range from $25K to $300K with monthly fees starting at $147.
- My Funded Futures (MFFU): New in 2023, offers up to $600K funding, 100% of the first $10K profits, and a 90/10 split. Monthly fees start at $100.
- Elite Trader Funding: Budget-friendly, with plans as low as $75 and a simple evaluation process.
Quick Comparison:
| Firm | Monthly Fee | Profit Sharing | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep | $49+ | 100% first $10K, 90/10 | 32 markets, strict risk rules |
| Apex Trader Funding | $147+ | 100% first $25K, 75-90% | Flexible, one-step evaluation |
| My Funded Futures | $100+ | 100% first $10K, 90/10 | High funding, no scaling rules |
| Elite Trader Funding | $75+ | 90% after $12.5K | Low-cost, beginner-friendly |
Tip: Beginners should consider Elite Trader Funding for affordability, while experienced traders might prefer Apex or Topstep for higher profit potential.
The BEST Prop Firms (2025)
1. Topstep
Topstep stands out with its three-step evaluation process and a wide range of features. It has earned a TrustPilot rating of 4.6 stars from over 5,500 reviews [4].
Traders can access 32 futures markets, including forex, equity indices, oil, metals, and agriculture. There are several platform options available, with TopstepX being the most affordable:
| Platform | Commission + Fees per Side | Additional Monthly Costs |
|---|---|---|
| TopstepX | $0.04 + Exchange Fees | None |
| Tradovate/TradingView | $1.52 + Exchange Fees | Exchange Data |
| NinjaTrader | $1.60 + Exchange Fees | $99 Platform Fee |
| T4 | $2.04 + Exchange Fees | Exchange Data |
The program offers tiered account structures with clear parameters:
| Account Size | Monthly Fee | Profit Target | Daily Loss Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49 | $3,000 | $1,000 |
| $100,000 | $99 | $6,000 | $1,500 |
| $150,000 | $149 | $9,000 | $2,000 |
Traders keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profits, followed by a 90/10 profit split [4].
Topstep enforces strict risk management rules, including contract limits based on account size (5 for $50K, 10 for $100K, and 15 for $150K). Express Funded Accounts require at least one trade every 30 days, and daily profits are capped at 50% of the target [3].
The company supports its traders with resources like an active Discord community of over 86,000 members and TopstepTV on YouTube, which has more than 120,000 subscribers [4].
Additional Costs:
- Exchange data fees: $135 per month per exchange
- NinjaTrader platform fee: $99 per month
- Depth of Market data: $39 per month
- Reset fees: $49 (for $50K accounts), $99 (for $100K accounts), and $149 (for $150K accounts) [4].
2. Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding offers trading accounts ranging from $25,000 to $300,000, covering 46 futures markets. With a TrustPilot rating of 4.5 stars from over 13,000 reviews [5], the firm has built a strong reputation by offering flexible account options and straightforward evaluation criteria.
Account Options
Apex provides two account types, each with its own features and costs:
| Feature | Tradovate Account | Rithmic Account |
|---|---|---|
| Commission per Side | $1.55 | $1.99 |
| Monthly Activation Fee | $105 | $85 |
| Lifetime Fee Range | $150-$360 | $130-$340 |
| Platform Compatibility | TradingView, Mobile, Mac | NinjaTrader 8, RTrader Pro |
Compensation and Profit Sharing
Apex pays traders an average of $14,033,203 monthly (as of January 2023) [6]. Traders keep 100% of their first $25,000 in profits, with earnings split between 75%-90% after reaching that threshold [5].
Trading Rules and Criteria
Apex enforces specific guidelines to ensure disciplined trading:
- Minimum seven-day trading period during the evaluation phase.
- Contract limits tied to account size.
- Strict adherence to their trading system.
- Algorithmic trading is prohibited in Performance and Live accounts.
- News trading is allowed but with restrictions.
"Apex wants to compensate traders who follow a consistent plan in size, stops, and targets. This means not trading the maximum or larger-than-usual contracts on one trade while trading micros for the rest of their time." – Darrell Martin, Apex Trader Funding [7]
Account Costs and Limits
Here’s a breakdown of account structures and associated fees:
| Account Size | Monthly Fee | Profit Goal | Contract Limit (Micros) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25K Full | $147 | $1,500 | 4 |
| $100K Full | $207 | $6,000 | 14 |
| $300K Full | $250 | $20,000 | 35 |
Additional Costs:
- Level 2 market data (CME Bundle): $41/month + $2 processing fee.
- Evaluation reset fee: $80.
- NinjaTrader platform fee: $75/month.
Community and Resources
Apex has an active trading community with 22,000 members on Discord, 27,400 members in their Facebook group, and 32,200 Instagram followers [5]. They also provide educational content, including market updates and trading tips, through their social media platforms.
Since 2022, Apex Trader Funding has paid a total of $439,408,133 in trader compensation [6]. Their one-step evaluation process offers a simpler path to funding compared to more complex, multi-stage programs.
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3. My Funded Futures
My Funded Futures (MFFU), established in October 2023, has quickly gained attention in the futures trading industry. With a Trustpilot score of 4.8 from over 1,020 reviews [8], it stands out for its straightforward one-step evaluation process and funding options of up to $600,000. This structure offers traders clear account options and benefits.
Account Types and Pricing
MFFU offers three account models tailored to different trader needs:
| Feature | Starter Plus | Expert Plan | Milestone Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $100 (50K), $200 (100K), $300 (150K) | $165 (50K), $265 (100K), $375 (150K) | Contact Support |
| Activation Fee | $149 | None | Varies |
| Reset Fee | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Contract Limits | 30 Micros (50K) | 50 Micros (50K) | 9 Micros (50K) |
Profit-Sharing Structure
MFFU provides a trader-friendly profit-sharing model. Traders keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profits, and profits beyond that are split 90/10 in favor of the trader [9]. Withdrawals are bi-weekly, with no limits on Expert accounts.
Trading Platforms and Markets
MFFU supports a variety of trading platforms, including NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView, R | Trader Pro, Quantower, and Sierra Chart. It covers major exchanges like CME, CBOT, COMEX, and NYMEX [9].
Additional Costs
Traders should be aware of additional fees, such as exchange data fees ranging from $116 to $132 per exchange. Platform fees and market data subscriptions are also required.
"Unlike most prop firms, MFFU not only grants you access to capital, trading resources and risk management tools but also provides you with the expert guidance needed to navigate the complexities of the futures market and enhance your returns." – Chika Uchendu, Contributor, Benzinga [9]
Trading Rules and Requirements
MFFU’s rules vary depending on the account type:
- Starter Accounts: Include scaling rules and capped withdrawals during the first two months.
- Expert Accounts: No scaling rules or consistency requirements.
- All Accounts: Prohibit the use of AI, bots, or automated trading systems [9].
Notably, about 25% of traders successfully pass the one-step challenge [10].
Customer Support and Resources
MFFU prioritizes trader support with a range of resources:
- Live chat assistance
- An active Discord community
- Detailed FAQ documentation
- Educational materials
- A 14-day refund policy (minus $75 for non-recoverable costs) if no trading activity occurs [9]
4. Elite Trader Funding
Elite Trader Funding provides evaluation models designed for different trading styles and risk levels. Their setup includes straightforward rules, generous profit-sharing, and affordable costs.
Account Types and Pricing
Elite Trader Funding offers a range of evaluation accounts with pricing tailored to various account sizes:
| Evaluation Type | Account Size | Monthly Fee | Activation Fee | Reset Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step | $50K | $165 | $360 | $75 |
| 1-Step | $100K | $205 | $564 | $75 |
| Fast Track | $100K | $75 (one-time fee) | $80/month | N/A |
| Static Drawdown | $100K | $135 | $420 | $75 |
| Diamond Hands | $100K | $365 | $720 | $75 |
Trading Rules and Requirements
To pass the evaluation, traders must complete at least 5 trading days and maintain weekly activity. Additionally, the best day’s profit cannot exceed 40% of total profits to qualify for payouts [11][12][13]. Certain strategies, like IP masking, Martingale, and Dollar Cost Averaging, are not allowed [12].
Profit-Sharing and Features
- Traders keep 90% of profits after the first $12,500.
- Includes a free NinjaTrader license.
- Real-time data is provided at no extra cost during and after the evaluation.
- Accounts reset automatically with subscription renewal.
- Access to a wide variety of futures instruments [2][12].
Affordable Options
Elite Trader Funding keeps costs low. For example, a $100K account on the Fast Track plan has a one-time fee of just $75 [2].
Direct Comparison of Prop Firms
Here’s a breakdown of key aspects to help traders evaluate major futures prop firms. This summary highlights costs, profit-sharing, trading requirements, and market access to simplify your decision-making process.
Cost Comparison
| Firm | Monthly Fee | Activation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Trader Funding | $75 | $80 (one-time) |
| Topstep | $99 | $149 (one-time) |
| Apex Trader Funding | $207 | $85/month or $220 (one-time) |
| My Funded Futures | $109 | None |
These fees give a snapshot of what you’ll need to budget for, with variations depending on the firm’s structure.
Profit-Sharing Overview
- Topstep: Traders keep 100% of profits up to $10,000, followed by a split arrangement.
- Apex Trader Funding: Offers 100% of profits up to $25,000, shifting to a 90/10 split afterward.
Be sure to check each firm’s latest terms for the most accurate details.
Trading Requirements and Support
Apex Trader Funding simplifies the process with a one-step challenge, while Topstep provides a structured and transparent funding path. According to Trustpilot reviews, both firms are well-rated: Topstep averages 4.6/5, and Apex Trader Funding scores slightly higher at 4.8/5.
Market Access
| Firm | Available Markets | Trading Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Topstep | 32 futures markets, including Forex, Equity Indices, and Commodities | 24/5 |
| Apex Trader Funding | Futures only | 24/5 |
| Elite Trader Funding | Not specified | 24/5 |
| My Funded Futures | Not specified | 24/5 |
Topstep stands out for its broader market access, making it a strong option for traders seeking variety.
Summary
Each firm caters to different priorities. Topstep shines with extensive market access and straightforward profit-sharing. Elite Trader Funding is a budget-friendly choice, while Apex Trader Funding offers an attractive profit-sharing model despite higher fees.
Summary and Recommendations
Based on our detailed comparisons, here are some tailored suggestions to help you align your trading style with the most suitable firm in 2025:
For Beginner Traders
Elite Trader Funding is a budget-friendly option for those just starting out. With a $100K account available for $75 per month, it offers a straightforward evaluation process, making it a great choice for new futures traders [2].
For Experienced Traders
Apex Trader Funding stands out for seasoned traders. It allows you to keep 100% of the first $25K in profits and provides an evaluation model designed for more advanced trading strategies [2].
For High-Volume Traders
If you’re a high-volume trader, Topstep is worth considering. It gives you broad market access with a $100K account priced at $99 per month [1].
Platform Considerations
Here are some key factors to weigh when deciding:
| Trading Style | Recommended Platform | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Day Trading | Elite Trader Funding | Low monthly costs ($75 + $80 access fee) |
| Swing Trading | Topstep | Broad market access |
| Scale Trading | Apex Trader Funding | Keep 100% of the first $25K in profits |
These points can help refine your choice alongside the firm-specific recommendations above.
Risk Management Focus
If risk management is your top priority, My Funded Futures is a solid option. It offers balanced risk controls and lets you retain 100% of the first $10K in profits [1].
"Affordability in futures prop trading firms lowers the entry barrier for new traders, facilitates access to larger capital, and may reduce financial stress, allowing traders to focus more on strategy and performance." – PropFirmMatch.com [2]
Pick a firm that fits your trading style, capital needs, and risk tolerance. Starting with a smaller account size can be a smart way to test the waters before committing to larger investments.