5 Most Trusted Prop Trading Firms Right Now

The retail proprietary trading industry has grown rapidly in recent years, offering traders the opportunity to access funded accounts without risking large personal capital. However, with many firms entering the market, trust and payout reliability have become the most important factors when choosing a prop trading firm. 5 Most Trusted Prop Trading Firms Right Now are those that have built strong reputations through consistent payouts, transparent trading rules, fair evaluation processes, and positive trader feedback over time.

Based on these criteria, firms such as The5ers, FundedNext, E8 Funding, Apex Trader Funding, and Earn2Trade stand out as some of the most reliable and trusted retail prop trading firms, known for their stability, credibility, and trader-friendly funding models.

5 Most Trusted Prop Trading Firms Right Now: The5ers, FundedNext, E8 Funding, Apex Trader Funding, and Earn2Trade

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1. The5ers: Veteran Trader-Focused Approach

The5ers operates as Five Percent Online Ltd., registered in Israel since 2016, making it one of the industry veterans with over eight years of operational history. The firm emphasizes fair play, transparency, and genuine trader development with over 1.6 million trading accounts created.

The5ers Key Features:

Account Sizes & Programs:

• Three distinct programs: HyperGrowth (1-step), High Stakes (2-step), and Bootcamp (3-step)
• Account sizes from $2,500 to $250,000
• Maximum scaling potential up to $4 million
• Unique program variety catering to different skill levels

The5ers Program Types:

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• Unlimited time limits across all programs
• Minimum 3 profitable days (scaling requires 3 days)
• 5% maximum daily loss
• 10% maximum total loss
• Leverage 1:30
• Industry-best spreads with competitive commissions

The5ers Unique Features

The5ers emphasizes educational resources with a comprehensive Academy offering free classes for all skill levels, weekly webinars, and masterclasses. The firm runs regular trading competitions, hosts global meetups and events, and maintains an active Discord community. Average payout time is remarkably fast at 16 hours, and the firm processes approximately 3,740 monthly payouts. The company operates with 350+ dedicated professionals across four global offices.

Also, you may read The5ers: A Brief Review

2. FundedNext: Industry Leader in Scale and Innovation

Company Overview

FundedNext positions itself as one of the industry’s most established proprietary trading firms, operating under GrowthNext F.Z.E., registered in the United Arab Emirates with additional operations in Cyprus. The firm has achieved remarkable milestones with over 125,000 funded accounts, 43,000+ rewarded traders, and more than $150 million in total rewards distributed.

FundedNext Key Features:

Account Sizes & Programs:

• Account sizes ranging from $6,000 to $300,000 (CFDs)
• Multiple challenge models: Stellar 2-Step, Stellar 1-Step, and Stellar Lite
• Recently launched FundedNext Futures for futures trading enthusiasts
• Maximum account scaling potential up to $300,000

Profit Sharing Structure:

• Industry-leading profit split up to 95%
• Guaranteed 24-hour payout promise with $1,000 penalty if delayed
• Average disbursement time of just 5 hours
• First withdrawal available after 21 days

Trading Conditions:

• No time limits on challenge phases
• 8% profit target for Phase 1, 5% for Phase 2
• Maximum loss limit: 10%
• Daily loss limit: 5%
• Minimum 5 trading days required
• News trading permitted
• Leverage up to 1:30

Platforms & Technology:

• Award-winning Match-Trader and cTrader platforms
• Raw spreads with low commissions
• 24/7 human support available
• Extensive payment options including M-Pesa, PayPal, Skrill, cryptocurrencies, and regional methods

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FundedNext Unique Features

FundedNext distinguishes itself through its “Guaranteed Rewards” promise, paying traders an additional $1,000 if payouts aren’t processed within 24 hours. The firm offers comprehensive add-ons including Lifetime Reward 95%, 150% Reward, Double Up options, and No Minimum Trading Days modifications.The company has received multiple industry accolades including “Best Prop Trading Firm of The Year 2025,” “Best Prop Trading Firm Africa,” and “Best Trading Experience Award.

Also, you may read FundedNext: Review

3. E8 Markets: Simulated Learning With Real Payouts

E8 Markets is a proprietary trading firm and trading community that empowers traders to access large funded accounts across forex, futures, and cryptocurrency markets by completing a structured evaluation challenge. Through simulated real-time market conditions, traders demonstrate their skills and risk management to qualify for funding, with profit payouts tied to performance.

The platform emphasizes transparent rules, multiple trading market options, fast payout processes, and a range of supported trading interfaces including TradeLocker, MatchTrader, cTrader, and MetaTrader 5. It also offers ongoing support and educational resources to foster trader development.

E8 Markets Key Features

• Traders participate in a simulated trading environment with real-time execution data in forex, futures, and crypto.
• No deposits, no brokers, and no margin calls are required — sign-ups purchase access to the simulation and assessment tools.
• Upon meeting challenge objectives, traders may qualify for real cash payouts, typically within a short time frame (for example, as little as three days after passing).
• Payouts are tied to performance data and are discretionary based on E8’s acceptance and licensing of that data.
• Trading challenges are designed to train and evaluate skills without risk to personal capital.
• Traders can potentially access simulated capital up to around $1 million depending on the challenge path.

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E8 Markets – Challenge Overview

E8 Markets places strong emphasis on security and safety through a combination of technical safeguards, compliance practices, and transparent disclosures. To strengthen account security, traders can enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and manage login credentials directly through the E8X dashboard, adding an additional layer of protection.

E8 Markets also applies compliance and eligibility controls, including identity verification requirements and restricted country policies, to maintain a secure and regulated operating environment. From an operational standpoint, the firm highlights the use of proprietary technology infrastructure, allowing greater control over system stability and security.

Also, you may read E8 Markets: Review

4. Apex Trader Funding – Simple one-step funding for futures traders.

Apex Trader Funding operates within the growing proprietary trading ecosystem, positioning itself as a performance-based capital access platform for futures traders seeking scale without deploying substantial personal capital. Its core proposition centers on a single-step evaluation model, emphasizing risk discipline and consistency over multi-phase challenges, reflecting an industry shift toward simplified qualification frameworks designed to attract high-volume and retail-professional traders.

Apex Trader Funding Key Details

• One-step evaluation process: Traders aim to reach profit targets without complex multi-stage hurdles.
• Profit splits: Traders receive 100% of the first $25,000 in profits and 90% beyond that.
• Regular payouts: Profit withdrawals occur every 8 days.
• No daily drawdown limit: Apex does not impose daily drawdown rules.
• Trading flexibility: Traders can trade full-sized futures contracts in both evaluation and funded accounts and are allowed to trade across holidays and news hours.
• Multiple accounts: Traders can hold up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously.
• Instruments: Futures contracts including equities, currencies, energies, metals, and more are supported.

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Apex Trader Funding: Challenge Overview

Apex Trader Funding positions itself as a futures-focused prop firm offering a simple one-step evaluation, high profit splits, and flexible risk management through a trailing threshold. With features such as no daily drawdowns, frequent payouts, and the ability to trade full-sized contracts, news events, and holidays, the platform is designed for traders seeking funded capital with fewer restrictions. Overall, Apex presents a structured yet flexible funding framework for disciplined futures traders looking to scale their trading without using personal capital.

Also, you may read Apex Trader Funding: A Detailed Review

5. Earn2Trade – An education-driven prop firm

Earn2Trade is a U.S.-based futures trading education and evaluation firm that positions itself as a structured gateway for aspiring traders to transition from learning to professional funded trading. Through its core programs—the Trader Career Path and The Gauntlet Mini—Earn2Trade offers traders the opportunity to demonstrate their market skills on simulated accounts, meet defined profit and risk management targets, and, upon successful completion, receive a funding offer from proprietary trading partners to trade live capital and retain a majority share of profits.

With over eight years in operation and thousands of funded accounts established in 2024, the platform emphasizes disciplined risk control, progressive account scaling, and accessible educational resources designed to support traders at different experience levels. With underscore user perceptions of supportive communication and well-structured challenges, while detailed disclaimers clarify the inherent risks associated with futures trading and the rigorous nature of the evaluation process.

Earn2Trade Key Details

• Trader Career Path®: A structured evaluation program on virtual accounts designed to test risk management and trading skills.
• The Gauntlet Mini™: An intraday futures trading exam where traders must reach profit targets without violating rules over at least 10 trading days, potentially earning funding quickly.
• Skill development emphasis: Educational content and tools to help traders sharpen their capabilities before moving to funded trading.
• Funding offers: Successful candidates may receive funding offers matching the evaluation account size.

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Earn2Trade – Challenge Overview

Earn2Trade’s offering provides a structured and transparent pathway to funded futures trading through performance-based evaluations. With access to both the growth-focused Trader Career Path® and the fast-track Gauntlet Mini™, the platform supports different trading styles while maintaining a strong emphasis on rule-based discipline and risk management.

The clearly defined objectives and simulated trading environment position Earn2Trade as a professional-grade program, though the challenging evaluation standards and low pass rates indicate it is best suited for experienced and disciplined futures traders rather than complete beginners. Overall, Earn2Trade is a solid choice for international traders seeking a credible, structured route to proprietary trading capital.

Also, you may read Earn2Trade Review – Legit or Scam?

5 Most Trusted Prop Trading Firms Right Now: The5ers, FundedNext, E8 Funding, Apex Trader Funding, and Earn2Trade

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The5ers
The5ers is best suited for disciplined forex traders who prefer long-term growth and account scaling. It is ideal for traders who want stable funding, no strict time pressure in many programs, and the opportunity to grow capital over time with consistent performance.

FundedNext
FundedNext is well suited for active forex and multi-asset traders looking for high profit splits and fast payouts. It is a good choice for traders who want flexible challenge options, frequent withdrawal opportunities, and strong community support.

E8 Funding
E8 Funding is best for tech-savvy traders who value a modern dashboard, fast payouts, and high profit split potential. It suits traders who prefer clear rules, quick scaling opportunities, and advanced performance analytics.

Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding is ideal for futures traders who want low-cost evaluations and access to multiple funded accounts. It is best suited for traders specializing in futures markets and looking for consistent payout structures and scaling potential.

Earn2Trade
Earn2Trade is most suitable for beginners and disciplined futures traders who want a structured learning path along with funding. It works well for traders who prefer an education-focused approach and a clear roadmap from evaluation to funded trading.

Also, you may read My Funded Futures vs Elite Trader Funding vs Alpha Futures vs BluSky Trading: Comparasion

Conclusion

Choosing a reliable retail proprietary trading firm is essential for traders seeking consistent payouts and long-term growth opportunities. The5ers, FundedNext, E8 Funding, Apex Trader Funding, and Earn2Trade have established themselves as some of the most trusted names in the retail prop trading industry due to their transparent funding models, competitive profit splits, structured evaluation processes, and strong reputations among global traders.

Each firm offers unique advantages, whether it is long-term scaling potential, fast payouts, advanced trading infrastructure, or education-focused funding pathways. For traders in 2026, selecting a prop firm with a proven track record, clear rules, and dependable payout systems remains the key to building a sustainable and successful funded trading career.

Frequently Asked Questions