Best Prop Trading Firms [2026 Rankings & Reviews]
Last updated: February 2026
Prop trading firms have quietly changed what's possible for independent traders. Instead of grinding a $5,000 personal account for years, you can prove your skill through an evaluation and trade $100K, $200K, or more in firm capital. Keep 80-90% of what you make, risk nothing beyond the evaluation fee, and scale from there.
The catch is that choosing the wrong firm can cost you hundreds of dollars and months of progress. The prop firm industry has exploded since 2020, and while that's created genuine opportunity, it's also brought in operators who make money from your failures, not your success. Finance Magnates Intelligence estimates 80-100 prop firms disappeared in 2024 alone.
This guide cuts through the noise. We've compared the firms that actually pay, ranked them by what matters — profit splits, rule fairness, payout reliability, and trader experience — and identified what to look for and what to avoid.
TradeZella is the trading journal and analytics platform that over 50,000 traders use to pass prop firm evaluations and stay funded. With support for 100+ broker integrations and the ability to track up to 20 accounts simultaneously, you can manage multiple prop firm challenges from a single dashboard.
In This Guide
TL;DR: Most traders fail prop firm challenges due to poor discipline and rule violations, not lack of skill. The best prop firm for you depends on your trading style, market preference, and risk tolerance. TradeZella's multi-account tracking and real-time drawdown monitoring help you stay compliant across any prop firm's rules, turning evaluation attempts into funded accounts.
What Makes a Prop Firm Worth Your Money
A prop trading firm (proprietary trading firm) funds traders with company capital in exchange for a share of profits, allowing you to trade larger accounts than your personal capital would permit. The best prop firms offer transparent rules, reliable payouts, reasonable profit splits (typically 70-90%), and evaluation processes that challenge you without being designed for failure. TradeZella traders use the platform's analytics to identify which firms match their trading patterns before committing to expensive evaluations.
The firms that survive and thrive share common characteristics: rules that don't change mid-challenge, payouts that happen when promised, and evaluation criteria that reward actual trading skill.
TradeZella connects with platforms like MetaTrader 4 & 5, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, cTrader, and DXtrade — covering virtually every prop firm's trading platform. The automated sync means your performance data flows directly into 50+ analytics reports, showing you exactly which setups perform best under different market conditions.
Why Choosing the Right Prop Firm Matters
The Hidden Cost of Evaluation Failures
You're not just losing the $200-500 challenge fee when you fail an evaluation. You're losing weeks of focused trading time, the mental energy of starting over, and potentially the confidence that took months to build. Most traders attempt 3-5 evaluations before passing — that's $1,000-2,500 in fees alone.
The real cost compounds when you choose firms with rules that don't match your trading style. A scalper signing up with a firm that prohibits news trading or requires minimum holding times is setting themselves up for failure. A swing trader joining a firm with strict daily drawdown resets will constantly feel restricted.
TradeZella's strategy-specific analytics show you exactly how you perform under different rule sets. Before you pay for any evaluation, you can backtest your strategy against that firm's specific constraints — profit targets, drawdown limits, consistency rules — using up to 10 years of historical data.
What the Data Shows About Successful Prop Traders
FTMO holds a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from over 38,000 reviews. Earn2Trade shows a verified 10.42% pass rate for their evaluations. Apex Trader Funding has paid out over $378 million to funded traders. These numbers matter because they separate marketing claims from verified results.
The pattern from successful prop traders is consistent: they trade less, not more. They focus on one or two clean setups daily, keep risk small, and sit on their hands when markets look messy. Their equity curves aren't exciting day-to-day, but they pass evaluations and stay funded.
TradeZella's time-based performance reports reveal when you trade best and worst. The platform's "Zella Scale" feature shows your running P&L during trades, exposing those moments when you hold winners too long or cut losers too late — the exact behaviors that cause evaluation failures.
Why Multiple Accounts Require Professional Tracking
Managing three prop firm accounts manually is manageable. Managing eight or ten — which many serious prop traders do — becomes a full-time job of spreadsheet updates and mental rule-switching. Miss one daily loss limit on one account and you've lost hundreds in fees plus weeks of progress.
The traders who scale to multiple six-figure funded accounts treat their trading like a business. They have systems for tracking every account's specific rules, real-time monitoring of all drawdown limits, and documentation proving their consistency to both themselves and potential backers.
TradeZella's Pro plan supports up to 20 connected trading accounts. You see every account's status — drawdown remaining, profit target progress, rule compliance — in a single dashboard. The platform automatically calculates statistics across all accounts or isolates individual account performance for firm-specific reviews.
Top 10 Prop Firms Ranked for 2026
1. FTMO
FTMO pioneered the modern two-step evaluation model and remains the industry benchmark. Founded in 2015, they've built their reputation on transparent rules, consistent payouts, and a scaling program that takes traders from $10,000 to $2,000,000 in funded capital.
Profit Split: 80% standard, scaling to 90%Max Account Size: $400,000 (scaling to $2,000,000)Evaluation Cost: €155-€1,080 (~$165-$1,160) depending on account sizeMarkets: Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto
Pros: Industry-leading reputation with 38,000+ Trustpilot reviews at 4.8 stars. Fee refund after first profitable payout. Bi-weekly payouts with average 8-hour processing. No time limit on evaluations — you trade at your own pace until you hit the targets.
Cons: Two-phase evaluation requires more time than single-step alternatives. FTMO no longer accepts clients from the United States as of 2025 due to regulatory changes. Higher challenge fees than newer competitors.
Best For: Non-US forex and index traders who want maximum credibility and are willing to pay premium fees for a proven track record. If you're building a reputation as a funded trader, FTMO on your resume carries weight.
[AUTHOR NOTE: Share your experience with FTMO — pass rate across your attempts, how their analytics tools compared to TradeZella, or what the evaluation experience felt like vs. other firms you've tried.]
2. Topstep
Topstep focuses exclusively on futures trading through their Trading Combine evaluation, which they invented back in 2012 — essentially creating the model every other prop firm copied. They've processed over 81,000 payouts in 2024 alone and hold a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating from 11,500+ reviews.
Profit Split: 90/10 (traders keep 90%) for new accounts as of January 12, 2026Max Account Size: $150,000Evaluation Cost: $49-$149/month subscriptionMarkets: Futures only (CME products)
Pros: Monthly subscription model means lower upfront risk. One-step evaluation that can be passed in as little as two days. Strong educational resources and community support. Up to five funded accounts simultaneously, allowing you to trade different instruments in parallel.
Cons: Futures-only limits market access for forex and equity traders. Monthly fees add up if evaluation takes time. Smaller max account size than competitors. No overnight or weekend holding — all positions must close at session end.
Best For: Futures traders who want the most established firm in the space. Topstep's longevity (13+ years) and volume of verified payouts make them a safe choice for traders who prioritize trust over maximum profit split.
Note: Topstep changed their profit split structure on January 12, 2026. Traders who joined before that date keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profits, then 90% after. New traders are on a straight 90/10 split from the first dollar. Check Topstep's official payout page for current terms.
3. The5ers
The5ers takes a different approach with their scaling model. Instead of big starting accounts, you begin smaller and grow your capital as you hit profit targets — potentially reaching $4 million in funded capital across their scaling tiers.
Profit Split: 50-80% initially, scaling toward 100% at higher account tiersMax Account Size: $4,000,000 (through scaling)Evaluation Cost: Starting at $39Markets: Forex, metals, indices
Pros: Lowest entry point in the industry at $39 for a small initial account. Trustpilot score of 4.9/5 from 17,000+ reviews, with 93% of those being five stars. Multiple program options (Hyper Growth, High Stakes, Bootcamp). No time limits on any evaluation. Top performers approach 100% profit splits at the highest scaling tiers.
Cons: Starting profit splits (50% in Hyper Growth, lower tiers in High Stakes) are well below the 80-90% competitors offer. Reaching 100% requires sustained, demonstrated performance across multiple scaling levels — that's a long road. Smaller initial account sizes.
Best For: Traders who prefer proving themselves gradually rather than all-or-nothing evaluations. The5ers' structure is built for long-term trading careers, not quick payouts. The $150 minimum withdrawal is higher than some competitors, so factor that into your cash flow planning.
4. Apex Trader Funding
Apex dominates the futures prop firm space with a sprawling community across 150+ countries and $378 million+ in reported payouts. Their 100% profit retention on early earnings makes them genuinely popular with funded traders who are actually making money.
Profit Split: 100% on first $25,000 per account, then 90%Max Account Size: $300,000 (up to 20 accounts)Evaluation Cost: $147-$657 one-time, with frequent 70-90% promotional discountsMarkets: Futures only
Pros: Keep 100% of your first $25,000 per account — and you can run up to 20 accounts simultaneously. One-step evaluation. Apex publicly confirmed a single payout of $2.55 million in April 2025, the largest in prop firm history at the time. Frequent discount codes make evaluation costs very low.
Cons: Monthly platform fees ($85-105) reduce your effective profit split on an ongoing basis. 30% consistency rule and trailing drawdown can catch traders off guard. No swing trading — positions close at the 5 PM ET session break. Futures only.
Best For: Futures traders who want to scale across multiple accounts and appreciate keeping 100% of early profits. If you plan to run many accounts in parallel, Apex's structure rewards that approach — and their discount promotions make the entry cost genuinely low.
5. Earn2Trade
Earn2Trade has operated since 2016 with a verified 10.42% pass rate — one of the most transparent statistics in the industry. Their Trader Career Path and Gauntlet Mini programs offer structured paths to funding.
Profit Split: 80/20Max Account Size: $400,000 (through scaling)Evaluation Cost: $139-$350/monthMarkets: Futures only
Pros: Transparent pass rate data builds trust. Free reset with every monthly subscription renewal. Strong educational content and structured progression. 4.7 Trustpilot rating from 3,400+ reviews.
Cons: Must close all positions between 3:10-5:00 PM CT (no overnight holding). 30% consistency rule during evaluation. 80% profit split doesn't budge the way other firms' scaling plans do. Monthly subscription model.
Best For: Futures day traders who appreciate structure and transparency. The free monthly reset provides real value for traders who need multiple attempts, and the consistency rule — though restrictive — genuinely reinforces good habits.
6. E8 Funding (E8 Markets)
E8 Markets appeals to scalpers and traders who want flexibility in their evaluation timeline. With no time limits on challenges and fast execution, they've carved out a niche for active traders who hate clock pressure.
Profit Split: Up to 100% (through scaling tiers)Max Account Size: $400,000Evaluation Cost: $228-$988Markets: Forex, indices, commodities, crypto
Pros: No time limits on evaluation — trade at your own pace. Fast execution suits scalping strategies. Multiple account size options. E8 received industry recognition for "Best Payout / Credential Process" in 2025 at Prop Firm Match Awards.
Cons: Reaching 100% profit split requires multiple scaling cycles. Fewer years in operation than FTMO or Topstep. Higher entry-level cost ($228 minimum) than several competitors.
Best For: Scalpers and active traders who need fast execution and don't want time pressure during evaluation. Also good for traders with inconsistent schedules who can't commit to daily trading.
7. MyFundedFX (SeacrestFunded)
Rebranded as SeacrestFunded, this firm has grown to serve nearly 95,000 traders across 190+ countries. With 80,000 funded traders on record, they've proven their payout reliability at scale.
Profit Split: 80%, upgradable to 90%Max Account Size: $1,500,000 (through scaling)Evaluation Cost: $49-$499Markets: Forex, indices, commodities, crypto
Pros: Multiple evaluation options (1, 2, or 3-step challenges). No time limits on any challenge. Supports MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader, and DXtrade. Large existing funded trader base is evidence of payout reliability.
Cons: 80% starting profit split is lower than firms offering 90% out of the gate. Drawdown rules (4-5% daily, 6-10% total) can feel restrictive for more volatile setups. Brand confusion following the rebrand from MyFundedFX.
Best For: Traders who want platform choice and flexible evaluation timelines. The variety of challenge types lets you pick the structure that matches your confidence level and trading style.
8. FunderPro
FunderPro launched in February 2023 but has quickly built credibility with fast payouts (8-24 hours) and one of the highest scaling ceilings in the industry at $5 million.
Profit Split: Up to 80%Max Account Size: $5,000,000 (through scaling)Evaluation Cost: Starting at $79Markets: Forex, indices, commodities, crypto
Pros: Highest scaling potential in this comparison at $5M. Fast payout processing within 24 hours. Weekend holding is permitted — an important feature for swing traders. Both 1-phase and 2-phase options available.
Cons: 80% profit split doesn't reach the 90%+ that some competitors offer. As a newer firm, FunderPro has a shorter verified payout history than the established names on this list. Phase 1 requires a 10% profit target, which is on the higher end.
Best For: Swing and position traders who need weekend holding. Also a solid option for traders with long-term scaling ambitions — if managing $5M in capital is your goal, FunderPro is one of the few firms that can get you there.
9. Funded Trading Plus
Funded Trading Plus emphasizes trader education alongside funding opportunities. Their approach focuses on building sustainable trading habits, not just getting you through an evaluation.
Profit Split: Up to 90%Max Account Size: $200,000Evaluation Cost: $119-$549Markets: Forex, indices, commodities
Pros: Strong educational resources integrated with the funding program. Instant funding option available (higher cost). Reasonable evaluation fees. Good reputation for customer support.
Cons: $200,000 maximum account size is capped lower than most competitors. Less brand recognition than FTMO or Topstep. Strict 3% daily drawdown rule limits more aggressive strategies.
Best For: Traders who want funding combined with ongoing education and development. Solid choice for intermediate traders still refining their approach who want a structured environment while they grow.
10. Smart Prop Trader
Smart Prop Trader offers competitive pricing with flexible evaluation structures, targeting traders who want clear rules without layers of complexity.
Profit Split: Up to 90%Max Account Size: $200,000Evaluation Cost: $57-$497Markets: Forex, indices, commodities
Pros: Competitive pricing with frequent promotions. Clear, straightforward rules. Multiple account size options. Accessible entry point for first-time prop firm challengers.
Cons: Smaller firm with less verified payout history. Maximum account size caps earlier than industry leaders. Fewer platform integration options than larger firms.
Best For: Budget-conscious traders who want simple rules and competitive fees. Good entry point for first-time prop firm challengers who don't want to pay premium FTMO prices to learn the evaluation process.
Complete Comparison Table
FactorFTMOTopstepThe5ersApexEarn2TradeE8 MarketsMyFundedFXFunderProFunded Trading PlusSmart Prop TraderProfit Split80-90%90%50-100%90-100%80%Up to 100%80-90%Up to 80%Up to 90%Up to 90%Max Account$2M$150K$4M$300K$400K$400K$1.5M$5M$200K$200KMin Entry Cost~$165$49/mo$39$147$139/mo$228$49$79$119$57Evaluation Steps211-3111-21-31-21-21-2Time LimitNoneVariesNone7 days minVariesNoneNoneNoneVariesVariesMarketsForex, Indices, CryptoFuturesForex, MetalsFuturesFuturesForex, CryptoForex, CryptoForex, CryptoForex, IndicesForex, IndicesUS TradersNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesPayout Speed1-2 days1-2 days1-3 days2-4 days1-3 days1-2 days1-3 days8-24 hrs1-3 days1-3 daysTrustpilot Rating4.8/54.3/54.9/54.4/54.7/54.5/54.3/54.4/54.5/54.2/5Fee RefundYesNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesOvernight/WeekendYesNoYesNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNews TradingLimited (funded accounts)YesYesYesLimitedYesYesYesLimitedYesScaling ProgramYesNoYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYesDaily Drawdown5%Varies3-5%Varies2.5%5%4-5%5%5%5%Total Drawdown10%Varies6-10%Varies6%8-10%6-10%10%10%8-10%
Red Flags to Avoid
Withdrawal Delays and Denials
The clearest sign of a problematic prop firm is consistent withdrawal issues. Legitimate firms process payouts within their stated timeframes — usually 1-3 business days. When you see reviews mentioning "payouts under review for weeks" or "additional verification required right before withdrawal," that's a major red flag.
My Forex Funds faced massive backlash for freezing payouts and applying new rules mid-challenge. Crypto Fund Trader ended up blacklisted for backdating rules to disqualify traders right before payouts. These firms profited from challenge fees while making funded status nearly impossible to maintain.
Before paying for any evaluation, search recent reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and trading Discord communities. Look specifically for payout screenshots and timestamps. Old positive reviews mean nothing if recent ones mention payment problems.
Retroactive Rule Changes
Good firms don't change rules mid-challenge. You started under one set of terms, you finish under those terms. When firms introduce new restrictions or reinterpret existing rules to disqualify profitable traders, they're running a fee collection business, not a prop trading operation.
Fidelcrest fell from favor in 2024 after multiple reports of last-minute rule changes and accounts deactivated days before payout eligibility. True Forex Funds saw similar complaints — trades executed correctly but marked as violations, leading to canceled accounts and withheld profits.
Read the fine print before starting any evaluation. Vague language like "unacceptable behavior" or "violations at our discretion" without clear definitions is a warning sign worth taking seriously.
Unrealistic Rules or Pass Rates
If an evaluation seems designed for failure — absurdly tight drawdown limits, profit targets that require near-perfect trading for weeks, or rules that contradict each other — the firm is making its money from your failures.
Some firms advertise huge funded accounts at low prices because they know almost no one will reach funded status. The math only works if the vast majority of traders fail and keep paying challenge fees.
Industry averages suggest 5-10% of traders pass evaluations. If a firm's actual pass rate is significantly lower and they won't share data, that's telling. Earn2Trade's transparency about their 10.42% pass rate sets them apart — they're confident in their model.
Hidden Fees and Costs
The challenge fee is just the beginning for some firms. Platforms like Apex charge monthly fees ($85-105), and some firms add data fees, reset fees ($100+), and various admin costs that erode your effective profit split.
Calculate the total cost of trading with any firm over 6-12 months. Include the evaluation fee, monthly costs, likely reset attempts based on industry pass rates, and any ongoing funded account fees. Compare that to your realistic profit potential given your actual trading performance.
How to Choose the Right Prop Firm
Match Rules to Your Trading Style
A scalper needs different rules than a swing trader. Before choosing any firm, analyze your actual trading patterns — not how you wish you traded, but how you actually trade.
If you hold positions overnight or through weekends, eliminate firms that require flat positions at market close (Topstep, Apex, Earn2Trade). If you trade news events, avoid firms with news trading restrictions on funded accounts. If your strategy regularly sees drawdowns exceeding 3%, a firm with 3% daily limits will constantly stop you out.
TradeZella's strategy breakdowns show exactly how your trades perform under different conditions. You can filter by holding time, session, setup type, and volatility — giving you real data about which prop firm rules actually match your approach.
Consider Your Market Focus
Futures traders have different options than forex traders. Topstep, Apex, and Earn2Trade focus exclusively on futures through CME products. FTMO, The5ers, and E8 Markets offer forex, indices, and increasingly crypto access.
If you trade multiple markets, prioritize firms with broader asset class coverage. If you specialize in one market, the focused firms often have better terms for that specific niche.
Calculate True Costs
A $500 evaluation fee with an 80% profit split is different from a $150/month subscription with 90% split. The math depends on how long evaluations take you, how often you need resets, and your expected monthly profits once funded.
For traders who pass quickly, one-time fees beat subscriptions. For traders who need multiple attempts, subscription models with free resets provide better value. Run the numbers for your likely scenario, not the best-case one.
Verify Payout History
Check third-party sources for payout verification. Trustpilot reviews with specific amounts and dates carry more weight than vague positive comments. Reddit and Discord communities often have traders sharing actual payout experiences.
The firms ranked highest in this guide all have substantial verified payout histories. FTMO has paid out millions and publicly shares payout statistics. Apex reports $378 million+ in payouts and confirmed a single $2.55 million payout in April 2025. This transparency indicates firms that are confident in their model.
How TradeZella Helps You Pass Any Prop Firm
Step 1: Connect Your Evaluation Accounts
TradeZella integrates with over 100 brokers and platforms, including every major prop firm's preferred platform — MT4, MT5, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, cTrader, and DXtrade. Connect your evaluation account through broker integration, file upload, or manual entry.
Once connected, every trade automatically syncs to your TradeZella dashboard. You'll see your current drawdown status, profit target progress, and any rule compliance issues without manually updating spreadsheets.
TradeZella was the first trading journal with DXtrade automatic sync — critical for traders using newer prop firm platforms.
Step 2: Set Up Rule-Specific Tracking
Each prop firm has different drawdown rules, profit targets, and restrictions. In TradeZella, you can configure tracking for daily loss limits, trailing drawdowns, and consistency rules specific to your evaluation.
The running P&L visualization shows exactly where you stand against your targets. If you're at 3.8% drawdown on a 4% daily limit, you'll see that warning before you take another trade — not after you've already violated the rule.
Use TradeZella's Notebook feature to document each firm's specific rules alongside your tracking. Quick reference beats searching through PDFs during live trading.
Step 3: Analyze Your Rule Compliance Patterns
TradeZella's 50+ reports reveal patterns you can't see in real-time trading. Time-based performance shows when you're most likely to overtrade. Drawdown tracking exposes whether you cut losses quickly or let them run. Strategy breakdowns show which setups stay within risk limits versus which push boundaries.
The "Zella Scale" feature specifically shows your running P&L during trades. You'll see exactly when you held a loser too long or took profits too early — the behaviors that turn passing evaluations into failed ones.
Review your Trade Replay for any trade that approached a rule limit. Understanding why you entered and how the trade developed helps you avoid similar situations.
Use TradeZella to track drawdown limits, monitor compliance, and pass your next prop firm evaluation.
Step 4: Build Playbooks for Compliant Trading
TradeZella's Playbooks let you standardize your entry and exit rules for different setups. You can tag strategies as "prop firm compliant" with specific position sizing, stop loss placement, and target levels that respect evaluation rules.
The platform tracks performance for each playbook separately. You'll quickly see which setups work within prop firm constraints and which ones need adjustment before you risk real evaluation capital.
Browse shared playbooks from other TradeZella users to see which strategies have high success rates in prop firm environments.
Step 5: Scale to Multiple Funded Accounts
Once you're funded, the real work begins — maintaining multiple accounts without violating any single firm's rules. TradeZella's Pro plan supports up to 20 connected accounts, letting you monitor everything from one dashboard.
Your data stays with you even if you leave or fail a prop firm. Unlike firm-provided dashboards that disappear when your account closes, TradeZella maintains your complete trading history for continuous improvement.
Use TradeZella's export features to create professional track record documentation for backing applications or mentor evaluations.
FAQ
What is a prop trading firm?
A prop trading firm (proprietary trading firm) provides traders with company capital to trade in exchange for a share of profits. You don't risk your own money beyond evaluation fees — the firm takes the capital risk while you provide the trading skill. Most firms require passing an evaluation or "challenge" to prove your abilities before receiving funded capital.
How much can you realistically make with a prop firm?
Realistic earnings depend on your account size, profit split, and trading consistency, but funded traders commonly make $2,000-$10,000 monthly on $100,000 accounts. At an 80% profit split, a 5% monthly return on a $100,000 account yields $4,000 to the trader. Top performers managing multiple accounts or reaching higher scaling tiers can earn significantly more. TradeZella's analytics help you set realistic targets based on your actual historical performance.
Which prop firm has the highest profit split?
Apex Trader Funding offers 100% profit retention on the first $25,000 per account — the highest initial payout among major firms. After that threshold, both Apex and Topstep settle at 90%. The5ers offers up to 100% at their highest scaling tiers, but that requires sustained performance across many levels. Consider total compensation including ongoing fees, not just the headline split.
Are prop firms legit or scams?
The major established prop firms — FTMO, Topstep, The5ers, Apex — are legitimate businesses with verified payout histories totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. The industry does include fraudulent operators, though. Check Trustpilot reviews, verify recent payouts through trading communities, and avoid firms with vague rules or withdrawal complaints. Finance Magnates estimates 80-100 prop firms disappeared in 2024 — sticking with proven names matters.
Can US traders use FTMO?
No. As of 2025, FTMO no longer accepts clients from the United States due to regulatory changes. US traders should look at Topstep, Apex, Earn2Trade (futures), or The5ers, MyFundedFX, E8 Markets, and FunderPro for forex and multi-asset options. All nine other firms in this guide accept US traders.
How do I pass a prop firm challenge?
Successful prop firm traders focus on consistency over home runs — they trade less, manage risk tightly, and document everything. TradeZella users pass evaluations by tracking their performance against specific firm rules, identifying which setups stay within drawdown limits, and using the platform's analytics to eliminate behaviors that cause violations. The average trader attempts 3-5 evaluations before passing; data-driven improvement shortens that learning curve.
Can I trade with multiple prop firms at once?
Yes, many successful traders manage accounts across multiple prop firms simultaneously. This diversifies your income and protects against any single firm's rule changes or issues. TradeZella supports up to 20 connected accounts in one dashboard, making multi-firm management practical. Make sure you understand each firm's specific rules — they differ significantly.
What happens if I fail a prop firm challenge?
You lose the challenge fee and must purchase a new evaluation to try again. Some firms offer free resets with subscription renewals (Earn2Trade) or discounted retry fees. Your trading data from failed attempts is valuable learning material. In TradeZella, you retain all trade data regardless of evaluation outcome, allowing you to analyze exactly what went wrong and fix it before your next attempt.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right prop firm is half the battle — the other half is having the discipline and data to actually pass evaluations and stay funded. TradeZella gives you both: the analytics to identify your best firm match and the tracking tools to maintain compliance across any firm's rules.
FTMO remains the industry benchmark for non-US traders wanting maximum credibility, though newer firms offer competitive alternatives with lower fees. Topstep is the gold standard for futures with 13+ years of verified payouts and a clean one-step evaluation. Apex offers the most compelling early-payout structure for futures traders who plan to scale across multiple accounts. The5ers suits patient traders who want the longest-term scaling path in the industry.
Whatever firm you choose, avoid ones with withdrawal complaints, retroactive rule changes, or pass rates significantly below the 5-10% industry average.
Stop guessing which prop firm is right for you. Start with data. Connect your trading to TradeZella, analyze your patterns against different firm rules, and make decisions based on evidence.
Use TradeZella to track drawdown limits, monitor compliance, and pass your next prop firm evaluation.
