The 6 Best Prop Trading Firms (2025) Which Is the Best?

Prop firms let skilled traders access firm capital while keeping a share of the profits, without risking personal funds. 

The key is choosing a trusted company that offers fair rules, reliable payouts, and real support. 

In this guide, we’ve reviewed the most reputable proprietary trading firms for U.S. traders, comparing funding options, profit splits, and trader experience. 

Whether you trade forex, futures, or indices, our expert-backed list highlights the prop firms that combine transparency, performance, and long-term growth potential.

TL;DR: Best Prop Firms Listed

• FTMO: Best overall for experienced traders
• Onefunded: Fast payouts, transparent one-step funding
• TopstepTrader: Ideal for U.S. futures traders
• Fidelcrest: Great for high-profit splits
• The 5%ers: Low-risk funding for steady traders
• City Traders Imperium: Best for flexible trading styles

How We Chose the Best Prop Firms

Choosing a prop firm shouldn’t be a guessing game. Our evaluation combines first-hand trader feedback, verified payout data, and transparent company practices. 

Each firm on this list went through a detailed review process where we assessed their payout reliability, funding structure, support, and overall trader satisfaction. 

Here’s what we considered before ranking them.

Profit Split & Scaling Opportunities

We focused on firms that reward consistency with generous profit splits and scalable account options. FTMO, Onefunded, and Fidelcrest, for instance, offer profit shares ranging from 80 to 90 percent, among the highest in the industry. 

We also examined whether firms let traders increase capital after hitting profit milestones, a key factor for long-term growth potential.

Realistic Evaluation & Rules

Many prop firms advertise easy funding, but unrealistic drawdown limits or overnight restrictions can trap new traders. 

We looked for balanced evaluations that mirror real market conditions. 

Firms like Onefunded’s one-step challenge and The 5%ers’ steady-growth model scored highly because they allow traders to prove skill without penalizing normal market fluctuation or healthy risk management.

Payout Reliability & Transparency

Trust matters most in prop trading. We verified that each firm has a history of consistent, verifiable payouts to funded traders. 

For example, FTMO and TopstepTrader publish payout stats and user testimonials confirming regular distributions. 

We also confirmed that payment methods, such as bank transfer, PayPal, or crypto, are prompt, transparent, and supported for U.S. residents.

Trader Support & Community Engagement

Strong support separates good firms from great ones. We evaluated the quality of trader education, responsiveness, and online community access. 

TopstepTrader and The 5%ers excel with live coaching, webinars, and active Discord communities. 

Onefunded also received positive reviews for its quick-response support team and transparent communication channels for funded traders.

Regulatory & Trust Factors

Because prop trading falls under “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL) content, we prioritized firms with visible ownership, registration details, and clear operational structures. 

TopstepTrader, regulated under U.S. CFTC oversight, scored high for compliance. 

For offshore firms, such as City Traders Imperium and Fidelcrest, we confirmed business registration, address verification, and public ownership information to ensure transparency.

Independent Reputation & User Feedback

We cross-checked each firm’s reputation using independent sources like Trustpilot, Reddit r/propfirmreviews, and trading forums. 

Only firms maintaining an average rating above four stars and showing consistent positive payout feedback made this list. 

We filtered out those with excessive complaints about payout delays, sudden rule changes, or lack of support, ensuring our rankings reflect genuine trader sentiment.

Best Prop Firms of 2025

The rise in popularity of proprietary trading (prop trading) has led to new prop trading firms opening left, right, and center.

This means traders have more options to join a firm than ever, but unfortunately, not every prop firm is a winner. 

In truth, the market is saturated with plenty of middle-of-the-road options. Even if you hit your profit target and get in, they might not give you the support you need to grow.

That’s why we’re putting together a list of our picks for the top prop trading firms on the market.

If you’re an aspiring proprietary trader searching for a quality firm, check out our picks for the best prop trading firms in 2025.

Let’s kick things off with one of the top names in the game, FTMO.

FTMO

• Leverage – 1:100
• Financial Instruments – Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto, and more
• Profit Split – Up to 90%

FTMO is a forex trading company that operates out of the Czech Republic.

It has a near-flawless reputation and is perhaps the most well-regarded prop trading firm.

You can trade an enormous assortment of financial instruments, which appeals to many trading strategies.

It even has a Swing Trading Account.

It provides up to $200,000 trading capital to anyone who can demonstrate that they are consistently profitable traders through its FTMO Challenge.

The FTMO Challenge is a two-step process.

The first part of the challenge demonstrates your skills at trading, and the second half tests whether you can replicate your results.

While the traditional FTMO challenge requires an upfront fee, there’s a free version as well.

Also, to increase your chances of success, there is a trial challenge you can take to learn the ropes before you commit your hard-earned cash.

The leverage offered by FTMO is 1:100, which can be lowered upon request.

The Swing Trading Account’s leverage is set to 1:30.

With FTMO, you keep up to 90% of the profit you generate and can have up to two $200,000 accounts, making your maximum trading limit $400,000.

One drawback to FTMO is that you can’t keep your positions over the weekend.

This is a departure from the FTMO Challenge, where traders are allowed to hold positions overnight as well as over the weekend.

With such a high-profit split, however, it’s still a solid contender for top prop trading company.

Pros and Cons of FTMO

Pros

• One of the most competitive profit spreads
• Can trade a range of financial instruments
• Fair profit targets
• High leverage

Cons

• Limitations for holding positions over the weekend
• FTMO challenge is… challenging

FTMO Reviews

FTMO is one of the best proprietary trading firms out there, and it’s earned glowing reviews online.

If you head over to Trustpilot, you’ll see tons of praise.

This is more than just a few positive reviews, FTMO has 2,300+ ratings and has locked in an impressive 4.8 score.

So while we think highly of this prop trading firm, you don’t need to take our word for it: these reviews speak for themselves.

Let’s switch gears and take a look at another shining star in the world of prop trading.

>> Learn more about FTMO in our FTMO Review HERE <<

OneFunded

• Leverage: Up to 1:100
• Financial Instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and crypto
• Profit Split: Up to 90% 

OneFunded has quickly become one of the most talked-about names among modern proprietary trading firms, thanks to its clear rules, fast payouts, and community-driven approach. 

Operated by Brynex Tech Limited, OneFunded was created by a team of fintech professionals and experienced traders who were determined to build a prop firm that eliminates the usual frustrations, hidden restrictions, confusing scaling plans, and delayed payments. 

The company’s founder, Anastasiia, along with key team members such as Iana and Oliver, bring years of experience in trading, product design, and customer service. 

This combination of real market insight and tech innovation gives OneFunded a strong sense of authenticity and trader-first focus.

At its core, OneFunded simplifies the funding process with a one-phase challenge that evaluates skill and discipline without unnecessary hurdles. 

Traders are required to reach a profit target under fair drawdown limits, allowing them to demonstrate real trading ability without the stress of passing multiple stages. 

Once a trader passes the challenge, they receive immediate access to a simulated live account that mirrors real market conditions. 

Profits are calculated in real time, and payouts are typically processed within forty-eight hours, a feature that has quickly become one of the firm’s biggest selling points.

The company’s structure emphasizes transparency. OneFunded makes it clear that all trades occur on demo accounts, ensuring compliance with financial regulations while still delivering accurate market data. 

The firm’s payout model is equally straightforward: traders can earn up to a ninety percent profit split, and those who perform consistently are eligible for account scaling, allowing their funding and earnings to grow as they prove reliability over time.

The firm also shares insights through blog posts and giveaways that keep the trader community informed and motivated.

Pros and Cons of Onefunded

Pros

• One-phase evaluation challenge (fastest route to funding)
• Payouts usually processed within 48 hours
• Up to 90% profit split
• Clear rules with no hidden restrictions
• Excellent customer support and active community

Cons

• Limited asset selection compared to larger firms
• Newer brand, so long-term history still developing
• Currently focused mainly on forex and indices

Onefunded Reviews

On Trustpilot, OneFunded holds an impressive 4.4 out of 5 rating from 127 verified reviews (as of October 2025). 

The majority of users praise the platform’s clear rules, smooth payout process, and responsive support team. 

Reviewers frequently mention the fast KYC verification, competitive spreads on major and crypto pairs, and genuine communication with real people instead of bots. 

Comments like “Got paid twice already, they do what they say” and “Support team is incredibly responsive and helpful” capture the prevailing sentiment among funded traders. 

Many also highlight the absence of hidden fees and appreciate that challenges carry no time pressure, making the experience less stressful and more trader-friendly.

TopstepTrader

• Leverage – 1:100
• Financial Instruments – Forex and futures
• Profit Split – Up to 80%

TopstepTrader is a Chicago-based proprietary trading company founded in 2010 that deals in forex and futures trading.

The proprietary firm evaluates and assesses a day trader’s performance in real-time simulated accounts.

Many forex and futures traders have reported that the firm has a very difficult path toward getting funded. 

So if you’re an inexperienced trader, you might want to check out the other prop trading firms on our list.

TopstepTrader does boast a slew of excellent educational materials, so this may balance out the difficult evaluation process.

When a trader passes their evaluation phase, they are awarded a funded trading account to trade on the financial markets.

Funded traders get to keep their first $5,000 in profits but are subject to the firm’s 80/20 split after that.

TopstepTrader stands out with an exceptionally extensive educational support system that includes:

• Courses
• Live classes
• Watching professionals trade live

With a minimum monthly fee of $165 and its wide range of educational materials, this firm is very accessible for new proprietary traders looking to develop their skills.

Another feature unique to TopstepTrader is the sheer number of platforms you can use to trade with.

Its website lists 14 platforms that you can trade on, including TradingView, NinjaTrader, Trade Navigator, and much more.

There is also a 14-day free trial if you want to test out the waters before you commit.

The firm offers up to $500,000 trading capital for professional and experienced traders.

Its funded account’s leverage is set to 1:100, which is par for the course with most prop firms.

Another great feature of TopstepTrader is that you can hold positions over the weekend, which many prop firms do not allow.

TopstepTrader also offers traders a very competitive 80/20 profit split; however, this is not as high as FTMO.

That being said, it’s still much higher than what many other prop trading firms provide.

Pros and Cons of TopstepTrader

Pros

• Respectable 80/20 profit spread
• Some of the best educational resources in the business
• Trial account available
• Has a dedicated forex trading program

Cons

• 1-on-1 coaching isn’t cheap
• Only for futures and forex trading

Like FTMO, TopstepTrader has garnered some impressive praise during its run.

Currently, the service has a solid 4.3 rating on Trustpilot — not too shabby.

It’s not as high as FTMO’s stellar 4.8 rating, but it’s nothing to scoff at.

As we mentioned above, this firm has a forex prop trading service that is hard to pass up. So keep an eye on this one if you want to trade exclusively on the forex market.

Time to turn our attention to one of the top proprietary firms known for trading a variety of financial instruments.

Have you heard of Fidelcrest?

>> Check out our TopstepTrader Review for more information on this firm! <<

Fidelcrest

• Leverage – 1:100
• Financial Instruments – Stocks, bonds, commodities, cryptocurrencies, metals, and more
• Profit Split – Up to 80%

Fidelcrest is a well-regarded proprietary trading firm that was established in 2018.

The firm has more than 6,000 successful traders operating from more than 170 different countries.

In fact, there are no country restrictions to joining Fidelcrest.

It offers funded trading accounts of about $400,000, with a scaling plan that maximizes at $800,000.

Fidelcrest pulls in top talent by providing one of the trading industry’s most competitive profit splits — though, not as good as FTMO.

Prop traders keep 80% of all profits generated.

You also have access to an impressive amount of trading instruments at your disposal.

Fidelcrest allows you to trade:

• Stocks
• Bonds
• Commodities
• Cryptocurrencies
• Metals and much more

While it values and rewards experienced proprietary traders, the firm also offers lower-funded account options for newer, less experienced traders to play around with.

Fidelcrest’s lowest-funded account option is $5,000, which is perfect for proprietary traders who are not yet ready to manage larger accounts and risk.

The firm also offers four different account types and gives starters a second chance on the entry challenge free of charge.

After completing the Trading Challenge, you can opt for the Scaling Plan that allows you to double your account’s initial balance in 12 months.

One downside, though, is that many traders find Fidelcrest’s trading conditions rather strict.

Still, with so many financial instruments to trade with, this prop trading firm appeals to a wide variety of folks.

Pros and Cons of Fidelcrest

Pros

• 80% profit split
• Up to $400,000 in funding
• Stellar support
• Trading challenge is difficult but fair

Cons

• Strict trading rules
• Not ideal for investors looking to hold long positions

Fidelcrest Reviews

Like other entries on this top proprietary trading firms list, Fidelcrest is a well-respected name in the space.

Trustpilot reviews have given the firm a fantastic 4.5 rating. It’s not the highest rating on our list, but it’s commendable, nonetheless.

It also opens the door to crypto trading, which few firms in the business allow. Many of them exclusively trade forex, so we’ll give this firm extra points for variety.

Now that you know more about Fidelcrest, we’re going to check out The 5%ers.

>> For more info on Fidelcrest read our review by clicking HERE! <<

The 5%ers

• Leverage – Up to 1:30
• Financial Instruments – Forex
• Profit Split – Up to 50%

One of the most well-respected proprietary trading firms around the world, The 5%ers offer funded accounts of up to $1,280,000.

This firm focuses on forex trading and is committed to helping traders reach their full potential. 

The prop trading firm gets its name from the idea that its traders represent the top 5% of talent.

Even better, the firm has realistic, fair trading requirements and milestones.

For each milestone you reach, the forex prop firm doubles the funding on your account.

Many traders find this progression structure a lot more natural and rewarding than jumping from one massive funding tier to the next.

The firm allows up to 180 days to pass the initial trading challenge.

5%ers also has a training program known as the $100,000 Bootcamp Challenge that only costs £50 (about $56) to join.

It’s a three-step challenge in which you only pay the remaining fee (£250) if you pass it.

This is huge for newcomers who don’t want to potentially blow thousands of dollars to find out months down the road that they can’t make the cut.

The 5%ers also allows traders to hold trades over the weekend.

Many firms restrict trading to weekdays or have very strict rules about holding positions over the weekend, so it’s a nice change of pace.

5%ers also offers a 50% profit split to traders, which could turn some away.

If you’re looking for a higher profit split, you might want to check out FTMO first.

That being said, 5%ers really goes out of its way to help new traders.

So if you’re inexperienced, you might want to start your search for a prop firm here.

Pros and Cons of The 5%ers

Pros

• 4.8 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot
• One of the best remote prop trading firms out there
• Instant funding accounts
• Scaling plans available
• Good education materials to improve your trading strategy

Cons

• 50/50 profit split
• Only for forex traders

5%ers Reviews

The 5%ers have earned a fantastic reputation online, and for good reason: it’s one of the top forex prop firms on the market.

Right now, the firm has an exceptional 4.8 rating out of 5 on Trustpilot. So it’s tied with FTMO, the gold standard.

That being said, the 5%ers does not have as many reviews as FTMO, so we’ll have to give it to FTMO for best rep so far.

If you’re looking to trade forex with a popular prop firm, you won’t want to sleep on the 5%ers.

Now that you have the full rundown, let’s take a look at another firm that’s known to help folks boost their forex trading skills.

Enter, City Traders Imperium…

City Traders Imperium

• Leverage – 1:10
• Financial Instruments – Forex
• Profit Split – 50/50 starting (up to 70%)

City Traders Imperium (CTI) is a leading prop trading firm based in London.

The firm started as a forex trade training company, selling forex education to ambitious traders.

When you look at its commitment to helping new traders build their skills, it’s no surprise that the firm had its roots in training investors.

One of the standout features of this mentorship program is that it offers extensive psychological training to prepare you to make dispassionate and calculated trades.

Many other prop firms tend to overlook or skim over this as part of their training regimen, so it’s a welcomed addition.

Besides offering a platform for professional day traders, the firm also provides forex education to those looking to break into the financial trading world.

Also, if you prefer to trade with algorithms, CTI does allow traders to use an expert advisor (EA).

This is a welcomed departure from most prop firms, which explicitly ban the use of algorithms when trading.

Your access to capital ranges from 20,000 to $3,000,000, and the profit split can go as high as 70/30 — though, it does start at 50/50.

While this isn’t the best split out there, it’s still competitive.

Also, if you want to trade with an EA, your firm options are rather limited, so CTI might be your best bet.

All in all, City Traders Imperium offers a lot of flexibility, and it’s one of the best prop trading firms for beginners.

Pros and Cons of City Traders Imperium

Pros

• CTI challenge gives prop traders a full year to pass
• Scaling accounts
• Allows news trading
• Leading proprietary trading firm
• Free education resources
• Respectable 70/30 profit split

Cons

• Customer service doesn’t run 24/7
• Crypto trading is not supported

City Traders Imperium Reviews

City Traders Imperium is in a three-way tie for top-rated prop firm.

The Trustpilot score is a rock-solid 4.8, and it has 440+ reviews under its belt. Few firms have the notoriety of FTMO, so we don’t really expect it to have the same number of ratings.

Still, 4.8 is a very impressive number.

>> Check out our review of City Traders Imperium HERE! <<

Should You Join a Prop Trading Firm?

Let’s have a look at some key reasons you might want to join a proprietary trading firm.

Lower Risk

Proprietary trading firms provide successful traders with funded accounts.

This means you can trade with more capital than you would have access to as an independent trader.

Also, you have access to comparatively high proportions of the profit, but take on much less risk, if any at all.

This is a much more appealing starting position for new prop traders.

Higher Purchasing Power

Being funded for trading activities in financial markets means having more purchasing power behind you.

This could result in higher profit margins for successful traders.

Access to Better Tools

Many prop trading firms have their own sophisticated electronic trading platforms that feature great technical analysis tools.

Using these tools can make your work much more streamlined than it would otherwise be.

This saves time and energy and could result in a more profitable workflow.

Mentoring and Trading Education

Prop trading firms, especially those with rigorous entrance programs, house some of the best traders out there.

Mentorship from traders with proven success in the financial markets can fast track your development and propel your strategies to new heights.

Best Prop Firms: Final Words

Prop trading is an ever-growing industry that shows no signs of slowing down.

More and more traders are flocking to join prop firms, as they provide a great way to hone your craft and make sizable profits at the same time.

These firms are also a great place to learn the ins and outs of the stock market if you are a relatively new trader and need solid mentorship.

Generally, proprietary trading firms also provide successful prop traders higher compensation (up to 90/10 profit splits) than other investment vehicles, such as hedge funds (2%).

If you already have a trading niche, we recommend searching for a proprietary trading firm specializing in a financial instrument you’re familiar with.

Best Prop Firms FAQ

Take a look at our answers to the most commonly asked questions about the best proprietary trading firms.

What Is a Proprietary Trading Firm?

A prop trading firm is a bank or firm that uses its own money to trade financial instruments for a profit — unlike a hedge fund; these firms usually source third-party traders who can demonstrate consistent profitability and provide them with funded accounts.

Which Prop Firm Is the Best?

There’s no easy answer, but the prop firm with the best profit split on our list is FTMO; a profit split of 90/10 for select accounts is much higher than the industry average of around 50/50.

Do Proprietary Trading Firms Make Money?

Proprietary firms have a few ways of making money, which can include membership fees as well as profit splits, in which they keep a percentage of the money made on a prop trader’s investments.

Is Prop Trading a Good Career?

Prop trading could be a good career if you pick the right firm and can demonstrate the ability to consistently make profitable trades; while many novice traders succeed in this field, it’s often better suited to experienced traders.

How Do Prop Traders Get Paid?

Prop traders get paid through the firm’s profit split; a portion of the profits (between 50% and 90%) are paid out to the trader by the proprietary firm.

Is There a Prop Firm for Stocks?

FTMO allows you to trade stocks in addition to other financial instruments. If your trading strategy mostly involves stocks, you might want to check out this proprietary trading firm first.

Final Thoughts

Prop firms can accelerate your journey as a trader if you choose wisely. 

Each firm has its unique pros and cons that you’ll want to consider before making any kind of decision. Never jump in without understanding what you’re getting into.

Focus on firms with transparent rules, fair payouts, and a proven track record of supporting their traders. 

Similarly, make sure you have clear expectations about how to meet the prop firm’s deliverables and what the risks can be.

I believe any of the prop firms on this list can work wonders for you if you have the right discipline, as they all meet the rigorous criteria we’ve set forth.

Be sure to do your own research to supplement ours, and never put yourself in a situation where you’re investing more than you can afford to lose.