Best Futures Prop Firms In 2025
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If you're too busy to read the entire article and want a quick answer, the best futures prop firm is FundedNext. Why? Here are its key advantages:
- Is legit in your country (Identified as United States
) - Has a good user satisfaction score
- Low fees with high execution reliability
- High liquidity
Best futures prop firms:
- FundedNext - Beginners-friendly offers (free trial, trade copier software is allowed)
- Earn2Trade - Convinient scaling plans (relatively low profit goal, account upgrades after withdrawing first profit target)
- Leeloo Trading - Futures trading with low monthly fees, profit split up to 90%
- OneUp Trader - 1-Step Evaluation with mild conditions (no daily drawdown, unlimited balance resets)
- Elite Trader Funding - 1-step evaluations with terms for any trader (5 account types with variable conditions and up to 8 funding levels)
Finding the right futures prop firm can be a game-changer for traders aiming to access funding, advanced tools, and professional support. These firms not only provide the capital to trade but also offer the opportunity to refine skills, manage larger accounts, and share profits.
With so many options available, choosing the best futures prop firm can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll highlight what future trading entails and the top futures prop firms that can potentially help you succeed in futures trading. Read on.
Best futures prop firms in 2025
We compared the working conditions of top proprietary trading firms that support futures trading. Our analysis focused on key factors like supported trading assets, profit split, maximum funding size, and the minimum cost of participation. These parameters help traders evaluate which firm aligns best with their goals.
Supported trading assets: A wider range of assets offers more flexibility and opportunities for profitable trades.
Profit split: Higher profit splits benefit traders by allowing them to keep a larger share of their earnings.
Maximum funding size: Larger funding sizes enable traders to make bigger trades, increasing profit potential.
Minimum cost of participation: Lower entry costs make it easier for traders to start trading without significant upfront investment.
| Demo | Futures trading | Funding Up To, $ | Max. Leverage | Profit split up to, % | Open an account | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | 4 000 000 | 1:100 | 95 | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
|
| No | Yes | 400 000 | 1:30 | 80 | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
|
| Yes | Yes | — | — | — | Open an account Your capital is at risk.
|
|
| Yes | Yes | 250 000 | 1:1 | 90 | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
|
| No | Yes | 300 000 | No | 80 | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
How do I choose the best futures prop trading firm?
Choosing the right futures prop trading firm requires thoughtful evaluation. Focus on these key factors to align with your goals and ensure support:
Examine the firm's evaluation process. Are the rules strict? Match their criteria with your skill level to find a challenge you can handle.
Check the profit split. Favor firms offering a fair share of your earnings with minimal fees. Profit potential should be worth your effort.
Look for firms providing training, webinars, and mentorship. These resources are invaluable, especially if you're new to futures trading.
Responsive support matters. Reliable help during technical issues or questions ensures smoother trading.
Join firms with active communities or forums. Networking with other traders can enhance your knowledge and create a sense of belonging.
Note: Do not forget to research the firm's reputation. Read reviews, check their track record, and ensure they comply with regulations. A firm with strong credibility and support will boost your trading journey.
Is futures prop trading legal?
Futures proprietary trading, commonly known as "prop trading”, involves financial firms trading futures contracts using their own capital to generate profits. Unlike traditional brokerage models that execute trades on behalf of clients, prop trading firms engage in market activities for their own financial gain.
In the United States, the legality of futures prop trading is well-established. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversees the regulation of futures and options markets, ensuring that trading activities adhere to federal laws and maintain market integrity. Prop trading firms operating in these markets are subject to CFTC regulations, which aim to prevent fraudulent practices and promote transparency.
However, the regulatory landscape includes specific provisions that impact prop tradin activities, particularly for banking entities. The Volcker Rule, a component of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act enacted after the 2008 financial crisis, restricts proprietary trading by banks and their affiliates. This rule aims to limit speculative trading activities that could pose risks to the financial system. It's important to note that while the Volcker Rule imposes restrictions on banks, independent prop trading firms that do not accept customer deposits are generally not subject to these limitations.
Internationally, the legality of futures prop trading varies by jurisdiction. In many countries, such activities are legal but subject to local financial regulations and oversight. Traders and firms must ensure compliance with the specific laws and regulatory requirements of the countries in which they operate.
Pros and cons of joining a futures trading firm
While joining a futures trading firm offers unique opportunities, there are challenges. Below are some of the pros and cons of futures trading with a prop firm.
- Pros
- Cons
Access to substantial capital: Futures trading firms provide traders with significant financial resources, enabling larger positions, higher returns, and market diversification.
Networking opportunities: Collaborating with like-minded traders fosters idea exchange, shared experiences, and mentorship opportunities that support personal and professional growth.
Advanced trading tools: These firms offer cutting-edge platforms, real-time data, proprietary algorithms, and market research to help traders make informed decisions efficiently.
Performance-based earnings: Traders benefit directly from their performance, offering higher income potential compared to fixed-salary roles.
High fees: Some firms charge membership or desk fees for access to resources and technology, which can reduce overall profits.
Profit sharing: Firms typically keep a percentage of traders' profits, limiting the amount retained by the trader.
Restricted trading options: Certain firms may restrict the types of futures contracts traders can access, which may not align with individual strategies or preferences.
Choose a prop firm that fits you for smoother trading
When choosing a futures prop trading firm, it's important to check which trading platforms they support. Some firms have their own platforms with specific features, while others work with popular ones like NinjaTrader or TradingView. Making sure you can use a platform you're comfortable with can make your trading smoother. Also, look into the quality of their data feed and how fast trades are executed, as these can affect your results.
It's also crucial to understand how the firm's evaluation process matches your trading style. Some firms have strict criteria that might favor certain strategies, which could be a disadvantage if your approach is different. Finding a firm with a flexible evaluation process that accommodates various trading styles can give a fairer assessment of your skills and improve your chances of getting funded.
By carefully considering these aspects, you can find a futures prop trading firm that fits your needs and supports your way of trading, increasing your chances of success.
Methodology for compiling our ratings of prop firms
Traders Union applies a rigorous methodology to evaluate prop companies using over 100 quantitative and qualitative criteria. Multiple parameters are given individual scores that feed into an overall rating.
Key aspects of the assessment include:
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Trader testimonials and reviews. Collecting and analyzing feedback from existing and past traders to understand their experiences with the firm.
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Trading instruments. Companies are evaluated on the range of assets offered, as well as the breadth and depth of available markets.
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Challenges and evaluation process. Analyzing the firm's challenge system, account types, evaluation criteria, and the process for granting funding.
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Profit split. Reviewing the profit split structure and terms, scaling plans, and how the firm handles profit distributions.
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Trading conditions. Examining leverage, execution speeds, commissions, and other trading costs associated with the firm.
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Platform and technology. Assessing the firm's proprietary trading platform or third-party platforms it supports, including ease of use, functionality, and stability.
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Education and support. Quality and availability of training materials, webinars, and one-on-one coaching.
Conclusion
Futures prop trading offers traders the opportunity to access substantial capital, advanced tools, and expert guidance while mitigating personal financial risks. Selecting the right firm is key to maximizing these benefits. Focus on evaluating profit-sharing terms, training programs, trading platforms, and overall support to align with your trading goals. With the right futures prop trading firm, traders can enhance their skills, execute more significant trades, and achieve greater financial success while navigating the dynamic futures market.
FAQs
Can anyone join a futures prop firm?
No, prop firms selectively choose applicants and usually require traders to pass rigorous tests to prove their skills and strategies before being approved.
How are profits shared with prop firms?
Typically, prop firms take a cut ranging from 20-50% of monthly/quarterly profits, with the remainder going to individual traders. Some firms offer profit splits as high as 90%.
What happens if you lose money as a prop trader?
Traders are responsible for any losses incurred and may have reduced position sizes or account closure if losses exceed predetermined risk thresholds set by the prop firm.
Can prop traders trade part-time?
Yes, some prop firms allow flexible trading hours and part-time status for traders managing other commitments alongside prop trading. Performance requirements still apply.
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Team that worked on the article
Peter Emmanuel Chijioke is a professional personal finance, Forex, crypto, blockchain, NFT, and Web3 writer and a contributor to the Traders Union website. As a computer science graduate with a robust background in programming, machine learning, and blockchain technology, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of software, technologies, cryptocurrency, and Forex trading.
Having skills in blockchain technology and over 7 years of experience in crafting technical articles on trading, software, and personal finance, he brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to the table. His skill set encompasses a diverse range of personal finance technologies and industries, making him a valuable asset to any team or project focused on innovative solutions, personal finance, and investing technologies.
Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.
As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.
Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).
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