The Best Futures Prop Firms for Traders in 2024

Finding the right funding partner is a critical step in your trading career, but the growing list of futures prop firms can be overwhelming. This guide cuts through the marketing hype to provide a direct, honest breakdown of the top firms available today. You'll learn the key differences between their evaluation models, drawdown rules, and payout policies so you can make an informed decision.

How to Choose the Right Futures Prop Firm

Before diving into the list, you need a clear framework for evaluation. Not all futures prop firms are created equal, and the best one for you depends entirely on your trading style, risk tolerance, and goals. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Evaluation Model: Do you prefer a one-step or two-step challenge? One-step challenges are faster but often have stricter rules.
• Drawdown Rules: This is crucial. A trailing drawdown updates in real-time with your account equity, which can be restrictive. An end-of-day (EOD) drawdown is calculated only at the market close, giving you more intraday flexibility.
• Profit Split & Payouts: Look for a firm with a high profit share (80-90% is standard) and a clear, reliable payout schedule. Some firms allow daily payouts, while others have minimum waiting periods.
• Account Rules: Check for restrictions on news trading, holding positions overnight, or maximum contract scaling. Make sure the rules align with your strategy.
• Cost vs. Value: Compare the evaluation fee to the account size, profit split, and platform quality. The cheapest option isn't always the best value.

Remember, trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. These programs test your ability to manage risk; passing an evaluation is not a guarantee of future profits.

1. Topstep: The Established Industry Standard

Topstep is one of the most recognized names among futures prop firms, known for its long history and structured path to funding. The firm’s reputation for reliability makes it a popular choice for traders seeking a stable and transparent partner.

Key Features and Rules

• Evaluation: A one-step challenge called the Trading Combine® on account sizes of $50K, $100K, or $150K.
• Drawdown: A maximum loss limit that trails your account balance until it meets the starting balance, then it locks.
• Platform: New evaluations must use Topstep's proprietary TopstepX™ platform.
• Profit Split: 100% of your first $5,000-$10,000 in profits, then 90% to the trader. Payouts can be requested daily.
• Cost: Monthly subscription fee for the evaluation, plus a one-time activation fee ($149) after passing.

Trader Tip: Topstep covers the real-time data fees for one exchange (e.g., CME Group) for funded traders, a savings of over $100 per month.

Pros:

• Longstanding, trusted industry reputation.
• Generous 90/10 profit split and fast payouts.
• Clear, one-step evaluation process.

Cons:

• Mandatory use of the TopstepX platform may not suit everyone.
• A one-time activation fee is required after passing.

Website: https://www.topstep.com

2. Apex Trader Funding: For Scaling and Flexibility

Apex Trader Funding has become a dominant force in the futures funding space, famous for its aggressive promotions and the ability to manage multiple accounts. It's an excellent choice for traders who want to scale their capital quickly and take advantage of deep discounts.

Key Features and Rules

• Evaluation: A one-step challenge with account sizes from $25K to $300K.
• Drawdown: A trailing threshold drawdown that updates in real-time.
• Platform: Connect via Rithmic or Tradovate, allowing you to use popular platforms like NinjaTrader and TradingView.
• Profit Split: Keep 100% of your first $25,000 in profit per account, then 90% to the trader.
• Key Advantage: Allows traders to manage and get paid from up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously.

Trader Tip: Apex frequently runs sales offering 80-90% off evaluation fees. It's almost always worth waiting for a promotion to sign up.

Pros:

• Unmatched scaling with support for up to 20 funded accounts.
• Frequent, deep discounts make evaluations very affordable.
• Excellent 90/10 profit split after a high initial payout.

Cons:

• The real-time trailing drawdown is challenging for many traders to manage.
• News trading restrictions can be strict.

Website: https://apextraderfunding.com

3. Earn2Trade: The Education-First Funding Path

Earn2Trade stands out by integrating comprehensive education directly into its funding programs. It's a great option for beginner-to-intermediate traders who want a structured, rule-based system that also helps them learn.

Key Features and Rules

• Evaluation: Offers several one-step programs, including the Trader Career Path and Gauntlet Mini™, with account sizes from $25K to $200K.
• Drawdown: Uses an End-of-Day (EOD) drawdown, which is less restrictive than a trailing drawdown as it only updates after the market closes.
• Profit Split: 80% to the trader. Payouts can be requested anytime with a $100 minimum.
• Education: The Trader Career Path includes a full trading education program alongside the evaluation.

Trader Tip: Earn2Trade is one of the few firms that lets you keep your data feed and platform access (like NinjaTrader) for free after failing or canceling an evaluation, which is great for practice.

Pros:

• Strong focus on education is built into the funding path.
• Trader-friendly End-of-Day drawdown rule.
• Transparent rules and a clear one-step process.

Cons:

• A minimum of 15 trading days is required to pass, which can slow down the process.
• The profit split (80/20) is lower than some competitors.

Website: https://www.earn2trade.com

4. OneUp Trader: Flexible Pricing and a Simple Path

OneUp Trader is known for its straightforward, single-step evaluation and an innovative pricing model that reduces upfront costs. It appeals to traders who want a simple, no-frills path to getting funded without a large initial investment.

Key Features and Rules

• Evaluation: A simple one-step evaluation with account sizes ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.
• Drawdown: Uses a trailing drawdown model.
• Profit Split: 100% of the first $10,000 in profits, then 90% to the trader.
• Pricing: Offers a "pay 50% now, 50% on pass" option, which lowers the initial financial risk.
• Funding: Upon passing, traders are placed with one of OneUp Trader's funding partners.

Trader Tip: Watch for OneUp Trader’s frequent promotions, which can significantly reduce evaluation fees and make it one of the most cost-effective entry points.

Pros:

• Innovative 50/50 payment model reduces upfront financial risk.
• Simple, one-step evaluation with clear rules.
• Excellent 90/10 profit split.

Cons:

• Funded account rules are determined by third-party partners and can vary.
• Strict geographical restrictions may exclude traders from certain countries.

Website: https://www.oneuptrader.com

5. Leeloo Trading: For Customization and Choice

Leeloo Trading offers a wide array of evaluation plans, giving traders the flexibility to choose rules and objectives that best fit their strategy. This customizable approach is perfect for traders who want more control over their funding journey.

Key Features and Rules

• Evaluation: Multiple plan types (e.g., Foundation, Express, Turbo) with different rules for profit targets and drawdown types.
• Drawdown: Varies by plan; some use a trailing drawdown, while others may offer an end-of-day option.
• Profit Split: 100% of the first $12,500 in profits, then up to 90% to the trader.
• Payouts: Specific windows for withdrawal requests and defined profit caps per payout, which increase as the account grows.

Trader Tip: Before signing up, carefully read Leeloo's highly detailed support articles. They provide concrete examples and calculations for complex rules like trailing drawdown and payout schedules.

Pros:

• Wide variety of evaluation plans to match different trading styles.
• Transparent and detailed support articles explaining rules.
• Frequent promotions can offer significant discounts.

Cons:

• The large number of plans can be confusing; requires reading the fine print.
• Payout caps and specific withdrawal windows can complicate profit-taking.

Website: https://www.leelootrading.com

6. UProfit Trader: A Streamlined and Accessible Path

UProfit Trader provides a straightforward evaluation process with clear rules and multiple funding programs. Its accessible structure and transparent policies make it a solid choice for traders who want a simple path to funding.

Key Features and Rules

• Evaluation: Offers programs from a 9K Micro account up to a $200K account.
• Drawdown: Uses an End-of-Day drawdown, giving traders more intraday flexibility.
• Profit Split: 100% of the first $8,000, then 80% to the trader.
• Key Advantage: Allows traders to use the maximum number of contracts from day one in a funded account, with no restrictive scaling plan.

Trader Tip: UProfit's end-of-day drawdown is a major benefit. It doesn't trail your intraday profits, giving you more room to manage trades without fear of being stopped out by a temporary equity spike.

Pros:

• Clear and transparent rules with published payout schedules.
• Trader-friendly End-of-Day drawdown.
• No restrictive contract scaling plan in funded accounts.

Cons:

• A "no holding positions between sessions" rule limits swing traders.
• Withdrawal requirements, like a minimum of 10 traded days, can slow down payouts.

Website: https://www.uprofittrader.com

7. Take Profit Trader (TPT): For Fast and Flexible Payouts

Take Profit Trader (TPT) stands out with its strong focus on payout flexibility, allowing traders to access their earnings quickly. It's a great fit for traders who prioritize rapid payouts and a simple evaluation process.

Key Features and Rules

• Evaluation: A single-phase test requiring a minimum of 10 trading days.
• Drawdown: Uses a Pro Drawdown limit.
• Profit Split: 80% in standard funded accounts, increasing to 90% for top performers in PRO+ accounts.
• Payouts: A standout feature is the ability to request daily payouts right from the first profitable day in a funded account.

Trader Tip: TPT has a "consistency" rule that no single day's profit can exceed 30% of your total profit during the evaluation. Plan your trades to distribute gains across multiple days.

Pros:

• Extremely flexible daily payouts from day one.
• High profit splits of up to 90% for top performers.
• Clear path from evaluation to funded PRO account.

Cons:

• Strict rules on holding positions and trading during major news events.
• The consistency rule can be a challenge for some trading styles.

Website: https://takeprofittrader.com

What About MyFundedCapital?

While MyFundedCapital is recognized as a top-tier prop firm in the CFD space, we do not currently offer futures trading. However, we are actively working to add futures to our platform in the near future.

Our reputation is built on fair rules, trader-friendly profit splits, and a commitment to transparency. We believe these principles are what make a prop firm reliable, regardless of the asset class.

FAQ: Common Questions about Futures Prop Firms

1. Can you really make a living with futures prop firms?
Yes, it is possible for skilled and disciplined traders to earn a consistent income through prop firms. However, it is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Success requires a proven strategy, strong risk management, and the discipline to follow the firm's rules. Most traders who attempt evaluations do not pass.

2. What is the biggest mistake traders make with prop firm challenges?
The most common mistake is ignoring the drawdown rule. Many traders focus only on the profit target and take excessive risks, causing them to violate the maximum drawdown limit. Understanding and respecting your drawdown limit is more important than hitting the profit target quickly.

3. Is it better to choose a firm with a trailing drawdown or an end-of-day drawdown?
This depends on your trading style. An end-of-day (EOD) drawdown is generally considered more trader-friendly because it gives you more room for intraday fluctuations. A trailing drawdown is more restrictive and can be difficult for beginners to manage, but it may suit traders with very tight risk controls.

Your Next Steps

Choosing a futures prop firm is a major decision. The best approach is to define your needs, create a shortlist of 2-3 firms from this list, and do your own deep-dive research. Read their FAQs, understand their rules, and find recent trader reviews.

While we are preparing to launch our futures programs, we invite you to see why traders choose MyFundedCapital for other markets.

Explore our funding programs and compare account types today!