Disclosure: this page contains partner links. FX Handbook may earn a commission if you open an account or buy a challenge through them, at no cost to you. Commissions do not affect our scores, which follow our review methodology. Affiliate disclosure.
FX Handbook reviews prop trading firms with a published methodology. Each firm is scored on payout reliability, fairness of its rules, cost and value, platforms, transparency and access, with payout reliability weighted the most. Every review lists the fee, profit target, drawdown limits and profit split of the firm's main challenges, taken from the firm's own terms.
Reviewed prop firms
Prop firms are ranked by overall score. Each name links to the full review, with the challenge rules, fees, company information and the reasons behind the score.
| Prop firm | Score | Main challenge ($100,000) | US traders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 FTMOVerified 3 October 2026 | 4.5 / 5 | FTMO Challenge (2-Step): €540 static max loss, 80%, up to 90% split | Accepted | Visit FTMO |
 The5ersVerified 3 October 2026 | 3.9 / 5 | High Stakes (New): $405 static max loss, 80%, up to 100% split | Accepted | Visit The5ers |
 TopstepVerified 3 October 2026 | 3.9 / 5 | Trading Combine (Standard): $99 a month + $149 activation end-of-day trailing max loss, 90% split | Accepted | Read review |
 E8 MarketsVerified 3 October 2026 | 3.8 / 5 | E8 One (default settings): $488 trailing, locks at initial balance max loss, 80% (90% or 100% at a higher fee) split | Accepted | Read review |
 FundedNextVerified 3 October 2026 | 3.7 / 5 | Stellar 2-Step: $549.99 static max loss, 80%, up to 90% (95% with a paid add-on) split | Accepted | Visit FundedNext |
 Alpha CapitalVerified 3 October 2026 | 3.4 / 5 | Alpha Pro 8%: $577 (bi-weekly payouts) or $527 (on-demand) static max loss, 80% (90% as a paid add-on on on-demand) split | Not stated | Read review |
For picks by use case, see our ranked list of the best prop firms.
How are the prop firms scored?
Each prop firm is scored from 1 to 5 on six weighted criteria, with payout reliability and track record carrying the most weight. The full criteria and weights are in our prop firm review methodology. Prop firms cannot pay to change a score.
Before you buy a challenge
A challenge is a paid evaluation with strict loss limits. These guides explain the rules that decide most challenges:
- What is a prop firm?: how prop firms work and how they make money.
- Prop firm challenge explained: one-step, two-step and instant funding.
- Prop firm drawdown rules: static vs trailing drawdown.
- Prop firm consistency rule: limits on the best day’s share of profit.
- Are prop firms legit?: regulation, warnings and how to check a firm.
Comparisons and rankings
Frequently asked questions
Which prop firm is the best?
There is no single best prop firm for everyone. Scores show how firms compare on our criteria, but the right choice also depends on the drawdown type, rules and platforms that suit how you trade, and on whether the firm accepts your country.
Are prop firm challenges worth it?
A challenge fee pays for an evaluation on a usually simulated account, and the fee is lost if a rule is broken or the target is not reached. Whether a challenge is worth its fee depends on the trader's strategy, the firm's loss limits and the firm's payout record.
Does FX Handbook earn money from prop firms?
It may earn a commission when a reader buys a challenge through a partner link. Commissions do not affect scores; see the affiliate disclosure.