5 Top Prop Trading Firms in 2026 (February 2026)

The proprietary trading industry continues to evolve rapidly, offering aspiring traders opportunities to access substantial capital without risking their own funds. Firms like The5ers, Apex Trader Funding, FundedNext, Earn2Trade, and Funded Trading Plus are often highlighted in overall comparisons and stand as 5 Top Prop Trading Firms in 2026 because they maintain a balanced approach between evaluation difficulty, profit-sharing potential, operational transparency, and long-term trader support.

Instead of focusing solely on quick funding or extremely high profit splits, these firms tend to offer more stable structures, clearer rule frameworks, and broader community trust, making them strong overall contenders among modern retail prop trading options. Read on this 5 Top Prop Trading Firms in 2026: Tested & Compared to know more about the top 5 prop trading firms for 2026.

5 Top Prop Trading Firms in 2026: The5ers, Apex Trader Funding, FundedNext, Earn2Trade, and Funded Trading Plus

Feature	The5ers	Apex Trader Funding	FundedNext	Earn2Trade	Funded Trading Plus
Market Type	Forex, Indices, Metals	Futures	Forex, Indices, Crypto	Futures	Forex, Indices
Evaluation Model	1-step & instant funding options	Evaluation with trailing drawdown	1-Step, 2-Step, Stellar Lite	Gauntlet Mini & Career Path	1-Step & 2-Step
Profit Target (Evaluation)	Around 10% (program dependent)	Fixed profit target per account size	1-Step: 10%, 2-Step: 10% / 5%	Program-based targets (not a single % listed)	Not publicly specified
Daily Drawdown	~3%	Trailing drawdown system	3–5% (model dependent)	Program-based	Not publicly specified
Max Overall Drawdown	~6%	Trailing threshold	6–10% (model dependent)	Program-based	Not publicly specified
Time Limit	No time limit (most programs)	No fixed time limit stated	No time limit	Time & minimum days required	Not publicly specified
Minimum Trading Days	Not clearly specified	Not clearly specified	2–5 days (model dependent)	10 trading days (Gauntlet Mini)	Not publicly specified
Profit Split (Funded)	Up to 100%	100% first $25K, then 90%	Up to 95%	Around 80%	Up to 90%
Scaling Plan	Yes, up to $4M	Yes	Yes	Yes, up to $400K	Yes
Maximum Account Size	High-scale multi-million	Futures-based account tiers	Up to $300K+	Up to $400K	Not clearly specified
Refund / Activation Fee	One-time evaluation fee	Monthly evaluation fee	Fee depends on challenge	Activation fee deducted from first payout	Not publicly specified
Withdrawal Rules	Rule-based withdrawals	Structured payout rules	Milestone-based withdrawals	Minimum profit & days required	Not publicly specified

Also, you may read Blueberry Futures vs Take Profit Trader vs Apex Trader Funding: A Deep Dive

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:

• 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 – Challenge Overview

Program	Account Sizes	Targets	Profit Split	Entry Cost / Notes
HyperGrowth (1-Step)	$5K, $10K, $20K	10% target6% stop-out, 3% daily pause	Up to 100%	$260 / $450 / $850
High Stakes (2-Step)	$2.5K – $100K	8% (Phase 1)5% (Phase 2)	80–100%	$22 – $545Budget-friendly
Bootcamp (3-Step)	$20K, $100K, $250K	6% per phase	—	Most affordableSkill-focused progression

Also, you may read 10 Prop Trading Firms Australia

• 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 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

The5ers: Strenghts & Considerations

Strengths	Considerations
Eight years of proven operational history	Lower maximum profit split (80–100%) compared to FundedNext
Three distinct program types for all trader levels	Daily pause mechanism may limit certain strategies
Extremely fast payouts (≈16-hour average)	Israeli registration may raise concerns in some regions
Comprehensive educational ecosystem	Smaller maximum account sizes compared to some competitors
Active trader community and global events
Scaling potential up to $4 million
Affordable entry via High Stakes program

2. 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.

Also, you may read 10 Best Forex Prop Trading Firms

Apex Trader Funding: Challenge Overview

Feature	Details
Evaluation Type	One-step evaluation process with defined profit targets and risk rules.
Profit Targets	Profit goals are set based on account size (e.g., $1,500 for 25K, $3,000 for 50K, etc.).
Minimum Trading Days	Traders must complete at least 7 trading days in the evaluation.
Drawdown Rules	No daily drawdown limits; trailing drawdown applies and must not be breached.
Trailing Drawdown	The drawdown threshold trails with account profits until the safety net is reached.
Contract Limits	Contract size limits apply until the drawdown threshold is surpassed.
Time Limit	No maximum time limit — traders may take as long as needed to qualify.
Transition to Funded Account	After meeting profit and day requirements without rule breaches, the evaluation converts into a Performance (funded) account.

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

Apex Trader Funding – Strengths & Considerations

Strengths	Considerations
Clear and simple one-step evaluation process	Focused primarily on futures markets only
100% profit on first $25,000, then 90% profit split	Payouts are not instantaneous — they occur on a fixed schedule (every 8 days)
No daily drawdown limits and flexible risk rules	Primarily for traders comfortable with futures trading
Ability to trade full-size contracts during evaluation and funded stages	Limited to futures — no forex or other asset classes
Supports up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously	Not focused on extensive educational programs
Regular payout cadence enhances cash flow predictability	Profit split tiers focus on futures instruments

3. FundedNext: Industry Leader in Scale and Innovation

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

• Up to $300,000 simulated funding with profit split up to 95% on funded accounts
• 15% profit share during the challenge phase when conditions are met
• No time limit on challenges with an account reset option available
• News trading allowed, with raw spreads from 0.0 pips and leverage up to 1:100
• Fast payouts within 24 hours, guaranteed by the firm
• Trade across forex, commodities, indices, futures & more
• Multiple programs: Stellar, Stellar Lite & Futures

Also, you may read 10 Prop Trading Firms Australia

FundedNext – Challenge Overview

Feature	FundedNext Challenge Overview
Simulated Funding	Up to $300,000 in virtual capital available for challenge accounts
Profit Sharing	Up to 95% profit split on funded accounts
Time Limit	No time limit to complete the challenge
Trading Conditions	Raw spreads available from 0.0 pips, leverage options offered
News Trading	News trading allowed in challenges
Payouts	Fast payouts (within 24 hours) guaranteed
Asset Coverage	Trade forex, commodities, indices, futures, etc.
Program Types	Multiple challenge models (e.g., Stellar, Stellar Instant, Legacy, Rapid, plus Futures challenges)

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

FundedNext: Strenghts & Considerations

Strengths	Considerations
Fastest payout processing in the industry	Higher entry fees compared to some competitors ($49.99–$1,049.99)
Highest profit split available (up to 95%)	Stricter daily drawdown rules may challenge aggressive traders
No time restrictions on challenges	UAE-based registration may concern some traders
Extensive global payment infrastructure
Strong track record with 125K+ funded accounts

4. 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.

Also, you may read 10 Best Stock Trading Prop Firms

Earn2Trade – Challenge Overview

Feature	Details
Program Structure	Offers structured evaluation programs designed to test trading skills and risk management before securing funding – the Trader Career Path® and The Gauntlet Mini™
Trader Career Path®	A growth-oriented evaluation on virtual accounts where traders demonstrate risk control and profit generation to qualify for funding
The Gauntlet Mini™	An intraday futures trading evaluation where traders can earn funding after a minimum of 10 trading days
Education Focus	Educational resources and tools are integrated to help traders improve their skills during the evaluation process
Trading Environment	Evaluations use virtual futures accounts to assess performance before matching with funded capital
Funding Pathway	Successful traders receive offers from a proprietary trading partner after passing evaluations
Profit Scaling	Traders may upgrade to larger account sizes as they meet targets and achieve consistent results
Supported Instruments	Focuses on futures products (e.g., CME, COMEX, NYMEX, CBOT markets)
Assessment Purpose	Both programs are designed to build risk discipline and consistent trading performance before funded account access
Performance Criteria	Traders must follow defined rules and meet profit & risk targets to complete evaluations and qualify for funded offers

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?

Earn2Trade: Strengths & Considerations

Strengths	Considerations
Combines education with funding evaluation	Evaluation programs may take longer than single-stage tests
Programs designed to build trader skills and discipline	Traders must perform consistently to pass evaluations
Offers multiple evaluation programs (Career Path® and Gauntlet Mini™)	Funding is achieved only after evaluation completion
Virtual accounts allow practice before funded status	More structured and potentially more complex than one-step models
Supports funding offers up to significant account sizes	Not instant — dependent on performance and rules adherence

5. Funded Trading Plus: The Scaling and Profit Split Champion

Funded Trading Plus (commonly abbreviated as FT+) operates under FT Simulated Trading Ltd, registered in Saint Lucia. The firm was established in 2021 and evolved from its predecessor, Trade Room Plus, founded in 2013 by a team of professional traders.

• Legal Entity: FT Simulated Trading Ltd
• Registration: Saint Lucia (Caribbean offshore jurisdiction)
• Founded: 2021 (evolved from Trade Room Plus, est. 2013)
• Operational Presence: Over 165 countries served
• Experience: Founding team has been trading professionally since 2013

Also, you may read 10 Best Crypto Prop Trading Firms

Funded Trading Plus – Challenge Structure Overview

Funded Trading Plus operates in a simulated trading environment with no monthly fees and no time pressure, allowing traders to trade without rushed deadlines. Depending on the selected program, accounts use either static or trailing drawdown models, with scaling available up to $2.5 million. Traders can earn up to 100% profit split and benefit from weekly profit withdrawals, making the platform suitable for long-term, growth-focused traders.

Challenge Program	Get Paid	Max Loss	Daily Loss	Profit Target(s)	Payout Split	Loss Type
1 Phase Experienced	Day 0	6%	4%	10%	100%	Trailing
2 Phase Advanced	Day 0	10%	5%	10% & 5%	100%	Trailing
2 Phase Premium	Day 7	8%	4%	8% & 5%	100%	Trailing
2 Phase Prestige	Every 14 Days	10%	5%	10% & 5%	100%	Static
Instant Master	Day 0	6%	6%	No Targets (Instant)	100%	Trailing

Funded Trading Plus is best suited for serious and experienced traders who aim for long-term capital growth and large account scaling, are comfortable investing in optional add-ons for better conditions, and can consistently generate strong returns to unlock higher profit splits.

It particularly appeals to traders who prefer flexible rules with no consistency or minimum trading day requirements, want multiple platform choices like MT5, cTrader, DXTrade, or Match-Trader, and value 24/7 human customer support. It is also a good fit for algorithmic and news traders (except in restricted programs) who seek operational freedom and professional trading infrastructure.

Also, you may read Funded Trading Plus: A Deep Analysis

Funded Trading Plus: Strenghts & Considerations

Strengths & Advantages	Limitations & Considerations
Very high scaling potential up to $2.5M–$5M	Offshore registration (Saint Lucia)
Up to 100% profit split achievable	Higher starting fees (from $119)
No consistency rules on Experienced program	Add-ons can increase total cost
Four trading platforms supported	EAs only supported on cTrader
24/7 human customer support	Master program restricts news trading
Strong reputation (4.7/5 Trustpilot, 4,500+ reviews)	Prestige program has complex rules
Clear, published scaling structure	Limited educational resources
No minimum trading days (Experienced)
News trading allowed (except Master)
Highly customizable programs

The5ers, Apex Trader Funding, FundedNext, Earn2Trade, and Funded Trading Plus: : Analytical Dive

Firm	Official Profit Split (Funded Stage)	Official Payout / Reward Policy	Official Scaling / Rewards
The5ers	Up to 100% (as stated in program descriptions)	Withdrawals allowed based on program rules	Explicit scaling plan published, scaling to multi-million capital
Apex Trader Funding	100% on first $25,000, then 90% thereafter	Payout rules clearly defined in payout policy	Scaling available through account growth
FundedNext	Up to 95% performance reward	Withdrawals allowed after meeting model-specific conditions	Scaling plans published for funded accounts
Earn2Trade	Around 80% (Career Path funded accounts)	Withdrawals permitted after profit & minimum trading-day rules	Career Path program allows scaling up to higher capital
Funded Trading Plus	Up to 90% (stated on official program pages)	Withdrawal rules exist but not summarized numerically	Scaling mentioned, exact figures not publicly detailed

Also, you may read E8 Markets vs Funded Trading Plus vs DNA Funded vs PipFarm

The5ers

Why it stands out: The5ers clearly positions itself as a long-term funding and scaling firm, openly publishing high profit splits (up to 100%), defined drawdown rules, and a structured scaling plan that can grow accounts to very large sizes.
Analytical edge: The firm’s official emphasis on no strict time limits and progressive capital scaling makes it analytically favorable for disciplined traders who prioritize risk management, consistency, and long-term capital growth over short-term payouts.

Apex Trader Funding

Why it stands out: Apex officially highlights an unusually trader-friendly payout structure, allowing traders to retain 100% of profits up to a stated threshold before moving to a high ongoing profit split.
Analytical edge: Its trailing drawdown model, as defined in official rules, rewards momentum and active futures trading but simultaneously demands precise drawdown awareness, making Apex analytically strong for experienced traders with tight execution discipline.

FundedNext

Why it stands out: FundedNext officially offers multiple evaluation models (1-Step, 2-Step, Lite), each with clearly published profit targets, drawdown limits, and performance reward percentages.
Analytical edge: This modular structure provides analytical flexibility, allowing traders to select a challenge model that best aligns with their risk tolerance and trading frequency, rather than forcing all traders into a single evaluation framework.

Earn2Trade

Why it stands out: Earn2Trade explicitly frames its programs as structured career pathways, combining evaluation, minimum trading-day requirements, and defined profit-sharing rules within its Career Path and Gauntlet programs.
Analytical edge: The official focus on progression, rules compliance, and staged capital increases makes Earn2Trade analytically suited for traders who value systematic development and stability over aggressive profit maximization.

Funded Trading Plus

Why it stands out: Funded Trading Plus officially promotes flexible evaluation programs with competitive profit splits and access to funded accounts across major trading instruments.
Analytical edge: While its reward structure is attractive, the firm publishes fewer consolidated numerical rule summaries upfront, meaning its analytical advantage lies in flexibility, but it requires traders to carefully review detailed terms before committing.

Also, you may read FundedNext vs The5ers vs Alpha Capital vs RebelsFunding: An Analytical Comparasion

Conclusion

The5ers and FundedNext emphasize transparency and scalability, Apex Trader Funding emphasizes payout efficiency, Earn2Trade emphasizes structured progression, and Funded Trading Plus emphasizes flexibility, making each firm analytically distinct in how it aligns trader performance with reward distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions