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Independent Prop Firm Comparison: Compare Fees, Rules and Payouts
Compare prop firms side by side by challenge fees, drawdown rules, payout conditions, profit splits, platforms and trader suitability. Use filters for trading style, location, evaluation type and account features before choosing a funded account.
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Last reviewed: 14 August 2026. Key firm data is reviewed on a rolling basis.
This page is for traders comparing funded account providers before buying a challenge, not for traders looking for broker recommendations or trade signals.
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you purchase through one of these links, at no additional cost to you. Our rankings are based on suitability and published rules rather than the commission offered by a firm.
Compare Prop Firms Side by Side
Compare prop firms based on the rules that matter most: challenge structure, fees, drawdown limits, profit splits, payout conditions, trading restrictions and supported platforms.
For a detailed head-to-head comparison, see our FTMO vs FundedNext guide. You can also use the interactive prop firm comparison tool to compare selected firms and programmes side by side.
Prop Firm Comparison 2026
Compare eight leading prop firms by starting fee, evaluation structure, profit targets, drawdown limits, payouts and supported platforms.
| Firm | Programme | Fee | Profit target | Daily loss | Max drawdown | Profit split | Payout | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FundedNext | 1-Step, 2-Step | $44.9 | 8% | 10% | 10% | Up to 95% | 5 days | MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, MatchTrader |
| The5ers | 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step | $22 | 10% | 5% | 10% | Up to 100% | 1–3 days | MT5 |
| FTMO | 1-Step, 2-Step | $101 | 10% | 5% | 10% | 80% | 1–2 days | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade |
| Alpha Capital | 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step | $67 | 10% | 5% | 10% | 80%–90% | On-demand | MT5, cTrader, DXtrade |
| E8 Markets | 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step | $44 | 8% | 4% | 8% | 80% | 3 days | MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, MatchTrader |
| For Traders | Instant, 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step | $17 | 8% | 4% | 8% | 80% | 48 hours | MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker |
| Blue Guardian | Instant, 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step | $15 | 10% | 4% | 10% | 85% | On-demand | MT5, TradeLocker, MatchTrader |
| AquaFunded | Instant, 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step | $36 | 8% | 5% | 8% | 90% | 14 days | cTrader, MatchTrader, MT5, TradeLocker |
Important: Rules can differ between programmes and account types within the same firm. Check the specific programme conditions before purchasing a challenge. Data last reviewed 14 August 2026.
Find prop firms by trading style, cost and location
Find prop firms based on your trading requirements, budget, location and preferred funding model.
Top ranked prop firms
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What should you compare between prop firms?
A useful prop firm comparison should focus on the rules that affect whether you can pass an evaluation, keep the account and qualify for payouts.
Compare these first:
- Challenge structure and profit targets
- Daily and maximum loss limits
- Static or trailing drawdown
- Challenge and activation fees
- Payout timing and conditions
- News, overnight and weekend trading rules
- EA and trade copier restrictions
- Supported trading platforms
These factors usually matter more than headline account size or the highest advertised profit split.
One-step, two-step or instant funding?
Two-step evaluations spread the challenge across two phases, while one-step evaluations provide a shorter route to funded status but may use different drawdown or consistency rules.
Instant funding removes or reduces the traditional evaluation process, but pricing, drawdown and payout conditions can be more restrictive.
Compare the complete programme rules rather than choosing based only on the number of evaluation stages.
Compare drawdown rules carefully
Drawdown is one of the most important differences between prop firms.
A static drawdown generally stays tied to a defined balance level, while a trailing drawdown can move upwards as the account reaches new highs.
Also check whether daily loss limits use balance or equity, when they reset and whether floating losses count.
Compare payout conditions, not just profit split
A higher profit split does not automatically mean better value.
Check the first payout date, payout frequency, consistency rules, minimum withdrawals and whether taking a payout reduces your available drawdown.
The best programme is usually the one whose rules, costs and payout conditions fit the way you trade.
Why traders trust Prop Firms Compare
Official-source checks
Key rules and pricing are checked against official firm sources where possible.
Published methodology
Firms are assessed using the same weighted scoring framework.
Programme-level rules
We compare challenge, drawdown, payout and trading conditions rather than relying on headline account sizes.
Affiliate transparency
Affiliate commissions do not determine editorial rankings.
Compare prop firms by priority
| What matters most? | What to compare | Recommended page |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest upfront cost | Evaluation, activation and reset fees | Cheap prop firms |
| No evaluation | Instant-account fee and drawdown | Instant funding |
| Swing trading | Overnight, weekend and news rules | Swing traders |
| New trader | Rule simplicity and static drawdown | Beginners |
| UK access | Eligibility, GBP payments and platforms | UK traders |
| US access | Market type, platform and current eligibility | US traders |
Compare prop firms by trader location
Prop firm availability can vary by country, particularly because of platform access, payment methods and restrictions on who a firm can accept. Before buying a challenge, check that the firm accepts traders from your country and that your preferred programme and platform are available.
Prop firms for UK traders
If you trade from the UK, compare firms that accept UK traders alongside their challenge rules, fees, payout conditions and supported platforms.
See our guide to the best prop firms for UK traders for firms and programmes currently available to UK residents.
Prop firms that accept US traders
US traders have fewer options, particularly for forex and CFD-based prop firms, so eligibility should be checked before comparing fees or account sizes.
Our prop firms that accept US traders guide focuses on firms and programmes available to traders based in the United States.
Popular prop firm comparisons
| Comparison | Best for | Read |
|---|---|---|
| FTMO vs FundedNext | Traders comparing reputation, rules, pricing and payout speed | FTMO vs FundedNext |
| FTMO vs Alpha Capital | Traders comparing FTMO with a UK-based alternative | FTMO vs Alpha Capital |
| FTMO vs The5ers | Traders comparing a traditional challenge model with growth-style funding | FTMO vs The5ers |
How Prop Firms Compare scores firms
Our scoring system evaluates each firm objectively using a consistent methodology, giving more weight to the factors that genuinely influence long‑term trader success. Key ranking and comparison data is reviewed on a rolling basis.
Editorial rankings based on our published methodology
We compare prop firms using published account rules, challenge conditions, pricing, payout information, platform availability, trader feedback and our scoring methodology.
Scoring criteria
Each firm is analysed across these categories, highlighting hidden rules, scaling programmes, and allocation limits to help you make informed decisions. Full methodology ->
Regular updates
We review key ranking and comparison data on a rolling basis. Where possible, rules, pricing and payout information are checked against official firm sources. Traders should still confirm the latest terms on the firm’s website before buying a challenge.
Research individual prop firm reviews
FundedNext
Trustpilot: 4.5
98Overall ScoreA detailed review of FundedNext’s evaluation models, drawdown rules, payout conditions, platforms and suitability for different trading strategies.
The5ers
Trustpilot: 4.7
96Overall ScoreA detailed review of The5ers’ funding programmes, drawdown rules, account growth model, payout conditions and fit for lower-frequency traders.
FTMO
Trustpilot: 4.8
95Overall ScoreA detailed review of FTMO’s evaluation structure, daily and maximum loss rules, payout process, platform access and scaling conditions.
Alpha Capital
Trustpilot: 4.7
94Overall ScoreA detailed review of Alpha Capital’s evaluation structures, trading rules, platform options, account fees and payout conditions.
E8 Markets
Trustpilot: 4.4
92Overall ScoreA detailed review of E8 Markets’ programme range, drawdown calculations, trading restrictions, platform options and scaling conditions.
Latest prop firm discounts
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Test your risk before buying a challenge
Enter your win rate, risk per trade and reward-to-risk ratio to estimate how your strategy could perform against a prop firm target and drawdown limit.
Calculate Your Challenge-Passing Probability
Find out what is your probability of passing an evaluation challenge with our Monte Carlo Probability Calculator.
Need help choosing the right Prop Firm?
Prop firm comparison FAQs
A prop firm, or proprietary trading firm, gives traders access to a funded trading account after they meet the firm’s requirements. Traders usually pay for an evaluation and must reach a profit target without breaching drawdown or risk limits. Successful traders receive a share of the profits, while the prop firm provides the account, trading platform and risk-management framework.
Reputable prop firms are generally safe, but traders should research each firm carefully. Key things to check include: transparency of rules, payout reputation, company history, fees, and online reviews. Avoid firms with unclear policies, unrealistic promises, or poor customer feedback.
Most prop trading firms require traders to pass an evaluation or challenge. This usually involves meeting profit targets while following strict risk‑management rules. Once a trader passes, they may receive access to a funded-stage account. Depending on the firm, this may be simulated, live or managed through another risk model. Traders usually receive a share of eligible profits if they follow the firm’s rules.
Profit splits determine how trading profits are shared between the trader and the firm. Many firms offer splits ranging from 80/20 up to 90/10 (trader/firm). Some firms increase profit splits as traders progress or maintain consistent performance.
The available markets depend on the prop firm and account type. Common options include forex, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Futures-focused prop firms may offer exchange-traded futures, while some firms also provide access to stocks or synthetic instruments. Traders should also compare supported platforms, such as MT4, MT5, cTrader or proprietary trading terminals.
We assess each proprietary trading firm across seven weighted categories. Each category contributes a set number of points towards a maximum score of 100. Our scoring process considers the firm’s trading conditions, drawdown rules, challenge structure, costs, payouts, platform options, reputation and overall suitability for different types of traders.
Start by comparing the prop firm’s drawdown and risk-management rules. Maximum daily loss, overall drawdown, trailing drawdown and consistency rules can directly affect how you trade and how easily you could lose the account. After reviewing these limits, compare challenge fees, profit targets, payout conditions, trading restrictions and platform availability.
Many prop firms are legitimate businesses, but the industry is not regulated in the same way as traditional brokers or financial institutions. Prop firms should therefore be assessed through their company history, transparency, trading rules, payout record and reputation. Traders should compare several firms carefully and read the full terms before paying for an evaluation.
Prop Firms Compare focuses on a carefully selected group of established prop trading firms rather than listing every available provider. We prioritise firms with a visible operating history, clear trading conditions and an established presence in the industry. Our comparisons consider different trading styles and risk requirements, and our rankings are not determined by paid placements or promotional incentives from prop firms.