Best Prop Firms 2026: Prop Trading Firms Ranked
Updated · Ranked by our prop firm review methodology
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These are the prop firms we have reviewed, ranked by overall score under our published methodology, which weights payout reliability and track record most heavily. The best prop firm for a given trader also depends on the drawdown type, the market (forex and CFDs or futures), the payout schedule and whether the firm accepts their country, so each pick says what it is best for.
Highest overall score in our reviews: operating since 2015 through Czech companies named in its terms, a static 10% maximum loss and a refundable fee on the 2-Step Challenge, and MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader and TradingView.
FTMO Challenge (2-Step): €540 for $100,000 · static max loss · 80%, up to 90% split · US traders: accepted
Read the full FTMO review →Operating since 2016, with a static maximum loss and no time limit on High Stakes, the lowest $100K fee among the 2-step challenges we reviewed, and a split that rises to 100% as the account scales; payouts are capped per cycle.
High Stakes (New): $405 for $100,000 · static max loss · 80%, up to 100% split · US traders: accepted
Read the full The5ers review →- 3
Topstep: best for futures traders
3.9 / 5A futures-only firm since 2012 that publishes its pass and payout rates; no daily loss limit that fails the account, a 90% split, and a monthly subscription instead of a one-off fee. Intraday trading only, with an end-of-day trailing loss limit.
Trading Combine (Standard): $99 a month + $149 activation for $100,000 · end-of-day trailing max loss · 90% split · US traders: accepted
Read the full Topstep review → - 4
E8 Markets: best for daily payouts and product choice
3.8 / 5Three one-step products, including E8 Pro with an 8% static drawdown and daily payouts, a published running payout total and pass rate, and four platforms. Fees are not refunded.
E8 One (default settings): $488 for $100,000 · trailing, locks at initial balance max loss · 80% (90% or 100% at a higher fee) split · US traders: accepted
Read the full E8 Markets review → Static maximum loss and no time limit on all Stellar challenges, a lower-fee Lite option and rewards every five business days on Stellar 1-Step; funded accounts carry extra risk, news and trade-duration rules.
Stellar 2-Step: $549.99 for $100,000 · static max loss · 80%, up to 90% (95% with a paid add-on) split · US traders: accepted
Read the full FundedNext review →- 6
Alpha Capital: best for a choice of payout schedule
3.4 / 5A UK company with a static maximum loss on Alpha Pro and a choice of bi-weekly or on-demand payouts at different prices; fees are not refunded and funded accounts have a 2% per-asset risk limit.
Alpha Pro 8%: $577 (bi-weekly payouts) or $527 (on-demand) for $100,000 · static max loss · 80% (90% as a paid add-on on on-demand) split · US traders: not stated
Read the full Alpha Capital review →
How to choose a prop firm
A higher score means a firm did better on our criteria, not that it suits every trader. Before buying a challenge, compare the points that decide most outcomes:
- Drawdown type: a static maximum loss leaves more room after a winning run than a trailing one: prop firm drawdown rules.
- Market and style: Topstep is futures-only and intraday-only; the others offer forex and CFDs, with different rules on news and weekend holding.
- Cost: compare the fee, whether it is refunded and whether the firm charges a monthly subscription: prop firm challenge explained.
- Payouts: the first payout date, the payout frequency, caps per payout and consistency rules: how do prop firm payouts work?
- Country: every firm excludes some countries, and some limit the platforms available to US traders.
How we rank prop firms
Each firm is scored from 1 to 5 on six criteria, with payout reliability and track record weighted 30%, fairness of the rules and cost 20% each, and platforms, transparency and access 10% each. All current reviews are based on each firm’s own published terms, checked on the date shown in the review. The full method is in our prop firm review methodology, and all reviewed firms are listed on the prop firm reviews page.
Prop firm rules and prices change often, and firms have closed with payouts unpaid. Treat a challenge fee as money you can lose, and check the firm’s current terms on the day you buy: are prop firms legit?
Comparisons and rankings
Frequently asked questions
What is the best prop firm?
There is no single best prop firm for everyone. On our methodology FTMO scores highest, mainly for its long track record and clear terms, but the right firm also depends on the drawdown type, market, payout schedule and country rules that apply to you.
Which prop firms have a static drawdown?
Among the firms we reviewed, FTMO's 2-Step Challenge, The5ers High Stakes, all FundedNext Stellar challenges, E8 Pro and Alpha Pro use a static maximum loss. Topstep, E8 Signature and FTMO's 1-Step use an end-of-day trailing loss limit.
Which prop firms accept US traders?
FTMO (through FTMO US), FundedNext, The5ers, E8 Markets and Topstep accept US residents, often on a limited choice of platforms. Alpha Capital's pages disagree on US residents.
How are the prop firms ranked?
By overall score under our prop firm review methodology, which scores payout reliability, rule fairness, cost, platforms, transparency and access, with payout reliability weighted 30%. Firms cannot pay to change a score.