2026 Prop Firm Comparison

Compare the Best Prop Firms in 2026

Compare evaluation models, drawdown, payouts, costs and platforms across leading prop firms.

  • Evaluation Models
  • Drawdown Rules
  • Payout Terms
  • Platform & Markets
Choose Your Market

CFD-Style or Futures?

Start with what you trade. The rules, platforms and trading hours differ.

CFD-style programmes 14 firms, including AIFO, FTMO, FundedNext, The5ers and E8 Markets

Compare forex, metals, indices, stocks and crypto CFD routes.

Futures 9 futures routes, including Topstep, Apex, Tradeify and TakeProfitTrader

Compare CME-group markets, session rules and futures drawdowns separately.

Compare Firms

Compare Prop Firm Rules Side by Side

Compare 19 firms across models, targets, loss limits, payouts and platform access. Expand any firm for rule context and official sources.

Last checked . Prices and rules can change; confirm current terms before purchasing.

6 firms visible at a time · scroll down for all 19
How this comparison works →
Firm Potential Fit Models & Targets Loss Limits Payout Terms Platform & Key Rule
AIFO
CFD traders comparing one-stage and two-stage evaluations, instant access and the time-limited Sprint path. Models: 1-Step, 2-Step, Instant, and Sprint
Targets: 1-Step 10%; 2-Step 8% + 5%; Instant has no traditional evaluation target; Sprint 3%.
1-Step 3% Daily Loss / 6% Static Maximum Loss; 2-Step 5% Daily Loss / 10% Static Maximum Loss; Instant 3% Daily Loss / 5% HWM trailing loss capped at the initial balance, with total floating loss ≤2%; Sprint total floating loss ≤1% / 2% Static Maximum Loss. Step: standard 14-day payout cycle when eligible, with an 80%–95% Profit Split. Instant: on demand when eligible, with an 80%–95% Profit Split. Sprint: one-time 90% payout after settlement at 3% to below 6% closed net profit, requested within 30 days of settlement, or an early 95% payout once closed net profit reaches at least 6% during the trading window. Minimum payout: $100. Platform: MT5; forex, metals, indices, stocks and crypto.
Check: Step has no Consistency Score. Instant highest-profit day must stay strictly below 20% of payout-period profit. Sprint: first trade within 48 hours; the continuous 24-hour window starts with that trade; first-traded instrument only; one open position at a time; largest single-trade profit strictly below 20% of total profit.
FTMO
CFD traders comparing a direct 1-Step route or an established 2-Step evaluation, including the 2-Step-only Swing option. Models: 1-Step Challenge; 2-Step FTMO Challenge with Standard or Swing account options (Swing is 2-Step only)
Targets: 1-Step 10%; 2-Step 10% + 5%.
1-Step 3% daily / 10% max with EOD trailing structure; 2-Step 5% daily / 10% max. 1-Step 90%; 2-Step starts at 80% and can scale to 90%; first reward request from day 14; review typically 1–2 business days. Platform: MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView; forex, commodities, indices, crypto and other CFDs.
Check: 1-Step uses a 50% Best Day Rule; holding/news conditions differ between Standard and Swing.
FundedNext
CFD traders wanting multiple Stellar evaluation structures or Instant access with different reward cycles. Models: Stellar 1-Step, 2-Step, Lite, Instant.
Targets: 1-Step 10%; 2-Step 8% + 5%; Lite 8% + 4%; Instant no evaluation target.
1-Step 3% daily / 6% max static; 2-Step 5% / 10% static; Lite 4% / 8%; Instant no daily loss limit and 6% trailing max loss. 1-Step reward cycle every 5 business days; 2-Step/Lite first reward after 21 days then 14-day cycle; Instant starts at 70% reward share and can reach 80%, with on-demand or 14-day options depending on conditions. Platform: MT4, MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader; forex, indices, crypto and commodities. Platform availability varies by region.
Check: Reward cycle, platform access and payout share differ substantially by Stellar model.
FundingPips
CFD traders comparing several evaluation structures and flexible reward-cycle options. Models: 1 Step Flex, 2 Step Standard, 2 Step Flex, 2 Step Pro, Zero
Targets: 1 Step Flex 12%; 2 Step Standard 8% + 5%; 2 Step Flex 10% + 6%; 2 Step Pro 6% + 6%; Zero no evaluation target.
1 Step Flex 3% daily / 12% static; Standard 5% / 10% static; Flex 4% / 12% static; Pro 3% / 6% static; Zero 3% daily / 5% trailing max. Standard: weekly 60%, bi-weekly 80%, on-demand 90% or monthly 100%. Other models use model-specific weekly, bi-weekly or monthly splits of 80%–100%. Platform: MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader; forex and other CFD markets.
Check: Profit Concentration Policy, reward-cycle conditions and model-specific holding rules can materially affect payouts.
The5ers
Traders prioritising long-term scaling and structured multi-stage CFD evaluations. Models: Hyper Growth 1-Step, High Stakes 2-Step, Bootcamp 3-Step; additional Futures/Stock products
Targets: High Stakes targets vary by version and size, including 10% + 5% and 8% + 5%; Hyper Growth 10%; Bootcamp uses staged objectives.
Current $100K High Stakes New/Classic tiers use a 3% Daily Pause; maximum-loss settings vary by version. Hyper Growth uses a 3% Daily Pause / 6% stop-out. Profit split is program-specific: Hyper Growth starts at 75%, while High Stakes starts around 80%; scaling can increase the split up to 100%. Platform: MT5 and cTrader for many non-US CFD accounts; TradingView availability differs by region; forex, metals, indices, oil and crypto.
Check: Profitable-day requirements, news windows, inactivity and program-specific scaling rules should be checked.
FXIFY
Traders prioritising program customisation, drawdown choice and varied payout schedules. Models: One Phase, Two Phase variants, Three Phase, Instant Funding, Lightning
Targets: One Phase 10%; 2-Phase variants include 10% + 5%, 5% + 10%, or 4% + 8%; Lightning 5%; Instant no evaluation target.
One Phase 3% daily / 6% trailing max; 2-Phase variants use product-specific static or trailing limits; Pro 4% daily / 8% static. Up to 90% on many programs; some variants support on-demand first payouts; Instant first payout generally after 14 days; Lightning after 7 days; later cycles vary by product. Platform: MT5, TradingView, DXtrade; forex, metals, indices, commodities, stocks and other supported instruments.
Check: Drawdown type and payout schedule vary heavily by the exact FXIFY product selected.
E8 Markets
Traders wanting configurable single-phase products across Forex, Crypto and Futures with different payout mechanics. Models: Current lineup centres on single-phase E8 One, E8 Signature, E8 Pro and E8 Zero
Targets: E8 One/Signature commonly use a 6% default target; other targets depend on product/configuration.
Product-specific: E8 One uses dynamic drawdown; Signature uses EOD dynamic drawdown; Pro uses static drawdown; Zero uses futures-specific drawdown rules. E8 One/Signature support on-demand payouts subject to Best Day rules; Pro and Zero support daily-style payouts; minimum payout generally $100. Platform: TradeLocker, Match-Trader, cTrader and MT5 depending on region/account; Forex, Crypto and Futures availability varies by product.
Check: Best Day Rule, payout buffer/caps and selected configuration matter more than one universal drawdown figure.
Topstep
Futures traders focused on CME-group markets and futures-specific evaluation rules. Models: Core path: Trading Combine → Express Funded Account. Limited Topstep Labs pilots vary and are excluded from this core comparison.
Targets: Trading Combine: 50K $3K; 100K $6K; 150K $9K.
Trading Combine MLL: 50K $2K, 100K $3K, 150K $4.5K. 90% split; minimum payout $125; eligibility depends on path and consistency. Platform: TopstepX; futures only, including CME, COMEX, NYMEX and CBOT products.
Check: Maximum Loss Limit, consistency target and chosen XFA payout path are the main rules to understand.
Alpha Capital Group
CFD traders comparing several evaluation structures from a UK-based firm. Models: One-, two- and three-step evaluation routes
Targets: Programme-specific; compare the selected route
Static daily and maximum-loss limits vary by programme Reward timing and split depend on the evaluation route Platform: Programme-dependent CFD platforms
Check: KYC, news, holding and payout rules differ by route
BrightFunded
CFD traders who want several platform choices and configurable evaluation rules. Models: Evaluation routes with multiple configurations
Targets: Target and loss structure depend on the order selected
Check static versus trailing conditions at checkout Eligibility and timing are programme-specific Platform: MT5, cTrader and DXtrade in eligible regions
Check: The platform and drawdown method are attached to the order
Fintokei
CFD traders comparing evaluation and direct-access routes with several reward methods. Models: ProTrader, SwiftTrader, StartTrader and related routes
Targets: Programme-specific evaluation or direct-access conditions
Daily and maximum-loss rules vary by programme Bank, wallet and crypto availability depends on country and plan Platform: Platform access depends on the selected programme
Check: Country eligibility and reward method must both be checked
Hola Prime
Traders deciding between forex-style programmes and exchange-traded futures. Models: Separate forex and futures routes
Targets: Market- and programme-specific objectives
Forex and futures use different risk frameworks Reward conditions differ by route and stage Platform: Several platforms across forex and futures
Check: Choose the market first, then compare its exact rules
ThinkCapital
CFD traders comparing multi-step and instant-access routes. Models: Dual Step, Lightning, Nexus and BOLT
Targets: Evaluation objectives vary by route; BOLT is direct access
Programme-specific daily and maximum-loss controls Standard and add-on payout schedules differ Platform: ThinkTrader and other programme-dependent platforms
Check: Residence can affect both programme and platform availability
OneFunded
CFD traders comparing evaluation routes across several familiar platforms. Models: Evaluation routes with model-dependent conditions
Targets: Objectives depend on the programme selected
Review the exact static or trailing loss calculation Reward eligibility and cycle are programme-specific Platform: MT5, TradeLocker and cTrader where available
Check: Platform access is country-dependent
Goat Funded Trader
CFD traders comparing multiple evaluation and direct-access paths. Models: Multiple challenge and direct-access routes
Targets: Targets and minimum-day conditions vary by product
Daily and maximum-loss rules are product-specific Reward timing and profit share depend on the route Platform: Platform availability depends on the selected product
Check: Review news-profit limits and payout rules before trading
Apex Trader Funding
Futures traders comparing EOD and intraday trailing evaluation structures. Models: Evaluation followed by a Performance Account
Targets: Account-size and drawdown-path dependent
EOD or intraday trailing threshold, depending on the account Qualifying days, safety net and payout caps apply Platform: Rithmic, Tradovate and other supported futures platforms
Check: Country, platform and payout-stage restrictions all matter
Tradeify
Intraday futures traders comparing simulated and live-stage routes. Models: Evaluation, Sim Funded and eligible live stages
Targets: Account-specific profit objective
Trailing drawdown and daily-loss settings depend on the plan Consistency and qualifying conditions apply Platform: Supported futures platforms
Check: Positions must follow its intraday session rules
TakeProfitTrader
Futures traders who prefer a Test-to-PRO account progression. Models: Test, PRO and PRO+ stages
Targets: Test objective depends on account size
Account-specific drawdown and daily controls PRO and PRO+ use different payout conditions Platform: Supported futures platforms and market data
Check: Location controls account and market-data access
Lucid Trading
Futures traders comparing evaluation and direct routes. Models: Evaluation and direct futures programmes
Targets: Programme- and account-size dependent
Drawdown mechanics vary by route Eligibility and timing depend on account stage Platform: Supported exchange-traded futures platforms
Check: Citizenship, residence and execution rules should be checked
What to Check

Five Checks Before You Choose a Prop Firm

Account size and profit split are only the headline. Review these five areas before you pay.

Trading Rules

Check daily and maximum loss, minimum trading days, holding rules, news trading and prohibited strategies.

Read the Rules

Payouts

Check eligibility, request timing, profit split, minimum payout, reviews and KYC requirements.

View Payout Terms

Account Model

Choose between 1-Step, 2-Step, multi-step and instant-access structures before comparing account sizes.

View Account Models

Total Cost

Look beyond the entry fee to usable drawdown, retries, spreads, commissions and paid add-ons.

Understand the Costs

Platform & Execution

Confirm platform availability, markets, spreads, server time, execution conditions and strategy restrictions.

View the Platform
Find Your Fit

Browse by Account Type or Trading Style

Go directly to the comparison that matches how you trade.

ACCOUNT TYPE

Best Prop Firms for Beginners

Start by understanding rules, risk, account types and what can cause challenge failure.

Best Prop Firms for Beginners

TRADING STYLE & PLATFORM

Best Prop Firms for Scalping

Compare spreads, execution, minimum hold rules and payout review risk.

View scalping comparisons
Before You Pay

Check the Rules, Not Just the Offer

A clear programme should explain its loss limits, payouts, restrictions, platform access and risk disclosures before checkout.

Prop firm due diligence checklist for rules, payouts, drawdown limits, platform access and risk disclosures
FAQ

Best Prop Firms FAQ

What is the best prop firm in 2026?

The best prop firm depends on your market, account model, loss limits, payout conditions, total cost and platform access. Start by choosing CFD-style or futures trading, then compare those rules side by side.

What is the best prop firm for beginners?

The best prop firm for beginners is usually one with clear rules, modest challenge pressure, transparent drawdown limits, simple payout conditions and an account model that allows traders to learn before taking excessive risk.

Related: Is Prop Trading Suitable for Complete Beginners? , What Is Prop Trading and How Does It Work?

How should I compare prop firms?

Compare firms using the same criteria: evaluation structure, daily and maximum loss rules, payout conditions, total cost, platform access, markets and strategy restrictions.

Is a 1-Step, 2-Step or Instant Funding model better?

None is automatically better. 1-Step uses a shorter evaluation route, 2-Step divides evaluation across two phases, while Instant Funding removes the traditional challenge but applies its own account and payout conditions.

What rules matter most when choosing a prop firm?

Check daily loss, maximum loss, consistency rules, minimum trading days, overnight and weekend holding, EA rules, news trading and prohibited strategies.

How important are prop firm payout rules?

Profit split alone is not enough. Check payout eligibility, first payout timing, payout frequency, minimum payout, consistency conditions and review requirements.

How do I check whether a prop firm is trustworthy?

Look for clearly published trading rules, payout terms, drawdown definitions, prohibited strategies, platform information, risk disclosures and accessible support before purchasing.

Explore AIFO

Find the AIFO Programme That Fits Your Trading

Compare account models, trading rules and payout options before you start.