📘 Introduction
In 2025, funded trading accounts are more accessible than ever — and for futures traders, prop firms offer a smarter, safer way to scale capital without risking your own savings.
Whether you’re trading Gold (GC), Crude Oil (CL), or equity indices, passing a prop firm evaluation can open the door to consistent profits, professional development, and long-term financial freedom.
At Mastery Trader Academy, we believe smart traders don’t gamble with their savings — they trade with firm capital. This guide will walk you through the top 5 futures prop firms of 2025, breaking down:
• Evaluation models and trading rules
• Max payouts per plan
• Drawdown and consistency rules
• Pros, cons, and ideal trader types
Let’s dive in.
🥇 1. Apex Trader Funding
🧪 Evaluation Model
• One-Step Challenge
• Profit target: 6% of starting balance
• Trailing drawdown that stops trailing after breakeven
• No daily drawdown limit
• Minimum 7 trading days
💰 Max Payouts
• First 5 payouts: $1,000–$3,000 caps based on account
• 6th payout onward: No cap
• 100% of first $25K in profit, then 90%
⚠️ Key Rules
• 30% profit cap rule (no single day can be >30% of total profit)
• Must trade at least 5 days with $100+ profit
• Up to 20 active accounts per trader allowed
• Brokers: Rithmic, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, etc.
✅ Pros
• Huge discounts (up to 90%)
• Friendly for scalpers and intraday traders
• Generous scaling & payout system
❌ Cons
• Trailing drawdown requires careful exit timing
• Payout caps apply early on
🥈 2. TopStep Futures
🧪 Evaluation Model
• Two-Step Trading Combine
• Step 1: Hit profit target
• Step 2: Prove consistency under scaling plan
• Trailing max drawdown until funded
💰 Max Payouts
• First payout (Live Account): Up to $5,000
• After 30 trading days: Unlimited payouts, up to 100% split
⚠️ Key Rules
• Scaling plan limits contract size early
• Daily loss limit enforced
• Winning days = $200+ profit
• Broker platforms: Tradeovate, NinjaTrader
✅ Pros
• One of the most trusted and regulated firms
• Professional coaching & community
• Real-time scaling dashboard
❌ Cons
• More complex rules and time-intensive evaluation
• Drawdown remains until funding is achieved
🥉 3. Leeloo Trading
🧪 Evaluation Model
• One-step challenge
• 6% profit target
• Trailing drawdown applies
• No daily loss limit
• 10 minimum trading days
💰 Max Payouts
• Investor Account: $6,500 total max payout over 3 cycles
• Performance Account: No payout cap
• First payout: After 30 active days
⚠️ Key Rules
• 30% consistency rule applies
• No more than 3 micros at close unless permission granted
• Copy trading limited to 3 accounts
• Brokers: Rithmic, NinjaTrader
✅ Pros
• Excellent mobile UI and support
• Flexible trading styles allowed (scalping, swing, news)
• High growth potential in Performance tier
❌ Cons
• First payout requires 30-day wait
• Complex copy trading rules
🔹 4. MyFundedFutures (MFFutures)
🧪 Evaluation Model
• One-Step Challenge
• Profit target varies ($1.5K–$15K+)
• End-of-day trailing drawdown only
• No minimum or max trading days
💰 Max Payouts
• Starter Plan: $1,000–$3,000 per payout
• Expert Plan: Unlimited payouts, biweekly
• Profit split: Up to 90%
⚠️ Key Rules
• No daily drawdown
• No scaling or contract limits
• No consistency rule
• Up to 10 funded accounts per trader
• Brokers: Rithmic platforms
✅ Pros
• Fastest-growing futures prop firm in 2025
• Zero daily drawdown = freedom for swing trades
• No max time = stress-free evaluation
❌ Cons
• Starter Plan has withdrawal caps
• Limited education materials
🔸 5. UProfit Trader
🧪 Evaluation Model
• One-Step with 2 program options:
o Zero Program (Static DD)
o Zero Day Program (Daily loss + trailing DD)
• Profit target: 6%
• Minimum 5 trading days with at least 4 winning days
💰 Max Payouts
• First $15,000 payout = 100%
• After that: 80% split
• Payouts: Every 14 days, processed in 24 hours
⚠️ Key Rules
• 30% consistency rule in evaluation
• Static or trailing drawdown depends on program
• Limited to Rithmic-based platforms
✅ Pros
• Static drawdown is great for swing traders
• 24-hour payout turnaround
• No time pressure in Zero Program
❌ Cons
• Strict rules if you choose Zero Day
• Activation fee of $149 after passing
📊 Comparison Table (2025)
Prop Firm Eval Type Max Payout Drawdown Type Profit Split Best For
Apex 1-Step Unlimited (after 5 payouts) Trailing (EOD) 100% first $25K Beginners & scalpers
TopStep 2-Step $5K early, unlimited later Trailing (becomes static) 100% up to $10K Disciplined, long-term traders
Leeloo 1-Step $6.5K (Investor) or unlimited (Performance) Trailing 80–90% Swing traders, growth-focused
MyFundedFutures 1-Step $1K–$3K (Starter), uncapped (Expert) Trailing EOD Up to 90% Fast execution, no time limit
UProfit 1-Step $15K @100%, then 80% Static or trailing 100% / 80% Position traders, fast payouts
🧠 Final Thoughts: Which Prop Firm Is Right for You?
• Want fast scaling, minimal rules, and cheap resets? Go with Apex.
• Prefer structure, coaching, and a long-term growth path? TopStep delivers.
• Need flexibility to swing or day trade without daily limits? Choose Leeloo or MFFutures.
• Want static drawdown + quick withdrawals? UProfit is your best match.
At Mastery Trader Academy, we guide traders step-by-step through these evaluations — from choosing the right firm to building a consistent journaling system for success.
Top Prop Firms 2025: Mastery Trader’s Best Forex Picks
Introduction
At Mastery Trader Academy, we believe funded trading is the fastest path to professional growth in the forex world. In 2025, more traders are joining prop firms to skip personal capital risk and trade with institutional-sized accounts. But choosing the right firm is critical.
We’ve handpicked and verified the top 4 most trusted forex prop firms, analyzing their payout systems, evaluation rules, profit splits, and trading freedom.
🔍 Forex Prop Firm Comparison Table
| Feature | FTMO | E8 Markets | FundedNext | The Trading Pit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 | 2021 | 2022 | 2022 |
| Location | Czech Republic | USA | UAE/Bangladesh | Europe |
| Evaluation Type | 2-Phase | 2-Phase / Track | Evaluation / Express | 2-Phase w/Behavior Scoring |
| Max Account Size | $400K (scalable) | $1M | $200K (scalable) | $1M+ (long-term) |
| Max Drawdown | 10% | 8% | 6% | 6% |
| Daily Drawdown | 5% | 5% | 5% | 4%–6% |
| Leverage | 1:100 | 1:100 | 1:100 | 1:50 |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Weekly | Weekly | Monthly / Scaling |
| First Payout | After 14 days | After 8 days | After 15 days | Varies |
| Profit Split | 80–90% | 80–90% | 80–95% | 50–80% (scaling path) |
| Mobile Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Broker Flexibility | High (MT4, MT5) | High (MetaTrader) | MetaTrader + Dashboards | MT5 + Proprietary Tools |
| News Trading Allowed | With restrictions | Limited restrictions | Yes (some models) | No |
| Scaling Plan | Yes, 25% every 4 mo | Yes, up to $1M | Yes, multi-phase | Career-based |
Final Thoughts
For traders looking to scale in the forex market, these prop firms offer the best mix of legitimacy, funding, and flexibility. Whether you value fast payouts, a long-term career path, or higher profit splits, one of these firms will match your goals.
✅ FTMO: Best for structure and reputation
✅ E8 Markets: Fastest payouts with flexible evaluations
✅ FundedNext: Highest profit split potential and Express model
✅ The Trading Pit: Unique institutional track for serious traders
If you’re aiming to build a consistent income stream and prove your skills professionally, working with one of these prop firms is the smartest way forward.
🟦 Best Stock Prop Trading Firms (2025)
- Trade The Pool – Top Stock Prop Firm with Full Asset Access
Overview:
Built by the team behind The5ers, Trade The Pool gives traders access to over 12,000 U.S. stocks and ETFs, with programs tailored for day and swing traders. It’s known for reliability, flexible rules, and a strong educational foundation.
Programs:
• Funded accounts from $80K to $260K.
• Choose from Evaluation, Express (instant funding), or Elite Pro (premium scaling).
• No PDT rule.
• Leverage up to 1:30 on equities.
Rules:
• Max daily loss: 3–4%.
• Max overall loss: 6–7%.
• Holding overnight: allowed (swing program).
• News trading: allowed.
• Payouts: Bi-weekly, up to 80%.
Pros:
• User-friendly platform with trading journal access.
• Supports Tradersync and other journaling tools.
• Excellent for disciplined equity traders.
Cons:
• Higher one-time evaluation fees.
• Not ideal for ultra-short scalping.
- BrightFunded – High Profit Split Stock Prop Firm
Overview:
BrightFunded stands out for its 100% profit split models, strong add-on system, and excellent trader support. It offers an accessible entry point into stock prop trading.
Programs:
• Funded account sizes: $10K to $500K.
• Scaling up to $2 million.
• Evaluation or instant funding options.
Rules:
• Max daily loss: 4%.
• Max trailing drawdown: 8%.
• News trading and holding overnight: allowed (depending on plan).
• Payouts: Up to 100%, with weekly or biweekly options.
Pros:
• Flexible structure for all experience levels.
• Unique loyalty system (Trade2Earn) with perks.
• Community and mentor access.
Cons:
• Limited advanced analytics.
• Some add-ons can increase total cost.
🔶 Best Crypto Prop Trading Firms (2025)
- FX2 Funding – Best for Flexible Crypto Evaluations
Overview:
A top choice for crypto traders seeking flexibility and scale. FX2 Funding offers clear evaluation paths, scaling to $1M, and payout splits up to 95%.
Programs:
• $10K to $200K initial accounts.
• One-phase or two-phase challenges.
• Scaling to $1 million based on performance.
Rules:
• No time limit to pass challenges.
• Max drawdown: 5–8%.
• Profit target: 8–10%.
• News and weekend trading allowed.
• Payouts: Biweekly, up to 95%.
Pros:
• Simple and transparent rules.
• Accepts EAs and crypto scalping bots.
• Community support and coaching.
Cons:
• Fewer account types than competitors.
• No built-in analytics dashboard.
- PipFarm – Highest Scaling for Crypto Traders
Overview:
If you’re serious about scaling and long-term growth, PipFarm offers an XP program that rewards consistency and allows account scaling up to $1.5 million.
Programs:
• Instant and challenge-based accounts.
• Account sizes: $10K to $250K.
• Scaling milestones unlock higher capital and XP rewards.
Rules:
• Drawdown limits: 5% daily, 10% max.
• Profit target: 8% for challenge accounts.
• Trade weekends and news: allowed.
• Payouts: Up to 95%, released after 10 days of trading.
Pros:
• Supports crypto and forex pairs.
• Advanced support for cTrader + EA bots.
• Top-tier reward system for long-term traders.
Cons:
• Platform is newer in reputation compared to FX2 or FTMO.
• Requires consistent trading to maintain XP levels.
✅ Final Verdict: Best Prop Firm by Asset Class
Asset Type Best Prop Firm Why It’s Best
Stocks Trade The Pool Large equity pool, no PDT rule, swing-friendly
BrightFunded High payouts, loyalty rewards
Crypto FX2 Funding Flexible rules, bot-friendly, fast scaling
PipFarm Huge scaling, supports algorithmic traders
To better understand how prop firms operate and why they’ve become a key part of professional trading, explore this Investopedia guide on proprietary trading, which explains how firms fund traders and structure risk. As you evaluate your options, you can also review our Breakout Trading Strategy — a perfect fit for funded accounts where discipline and precision entries are essential. Combining the right strategy with the right firm helps you pass evaluations faster and scale your trading career with confidence.