Which Prop Firms Offer Free Trials?
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Best free evaluation prop firms are:
- Funded Trading Plus - Instant funding accounts without profit target (max drawdown 6%)
- Emerge Profit - Offers funded accounts with a focus on sustainable, long-term trading growth
- City Traders Imperium - Best for traders with consistent results (salary potential, no major trading restrictions)
Tired of paper trading but not ready to risk real dollars? Prop firms may have just what you're looking for. Several allow traders to put their skills to the test through free simulated trials, helping hone strategies without financial exposure. While free trials are for practice alone, they can help maximize your chances when applying for funded programs.
In this article, we break down available options to help you choose the right fit. We'll compare minimums, market access, and evaluation criteria so you understand what each program evaluates. We also share trader insights on maximizing your results.
What is a free evaluation prop firm?
Proprietary trading firms that offer free evaluation periods, commonly called free trials, provide traders an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a simulated environment.
While free trials with prop trading firms don't guarantee future funding, they can provide aspiring traders invaluable hands-on experience without financial risk. During the evaluation period, firms establish parameters like profit targets or maximum drawdowns to assess performance.
It's important for participants to understand the primary purpose is skills evaluation, not securing capital access. However, consistently meeting goals may demonstrate one's work ethic and aptitude to the firm over time. At a minimum, traders leave with real market trading experience under their belt.
There's also potential upside beyond just practice. Impressing evaluators could open doors down the road, whether through advice on progressing one's strategy or enhanced consideration later on. While no payouts are promised, the lessons learned make trials a low-risk prospect versus gambling personal funds untested.
For ambitious individuals seeking to prove themselves, they present an ideal proof-of-concept stage to develop skills and gain exposure.
Best free evaluation prop firms in 2025
We present brokers that offer a free evaluation option along with their general terms of cooperation. While the free evaluation trading plan has common features, it may include specific options. For more detailed information, please visit the company's website.
| Funded Trading Plus | Emerge Profit | City Traders Imperium | The5ers | Lark Funding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Funding Up To, $ |
400 000 | 100 000 | 4 000 000 | 4 000 000 | 600 000 |
|
Profit split up to, % |
90 | 80 | 90 | 80 | 90 |
|
Free Evaluation Plan |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
Min Trade Days |
No time limits | 5 | 5 | 3 | No time limits |
|
Trading period |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
|
Instruments |
CFDs on currency pairs, indices, precious metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies | FX majors, FX minors, FX exotics, spot metals, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices | CFDs on currency pairs (28), indices (9), gold, silver, and oil | Currency pairs, precious metals, indexes, securities, cryptocurrencies | Forex, indices, cryptocurrencies, metals |
|
Open account |
Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
Open an account | Open an account | Open an account Your capital is at risk. |
Open an account Your capital is at risk.
|
What are the typical trading challenge participation fees in prop trading firms?
If you decide that paying a participation fee for a trading challenge is preferable to receive more lenient conditions, this option is also available at an affordable price. According to our analysis of around 40 leading prop firms, the average participation fee for a challenge with the minimum trading plan is $113, while the lowest fee offered by some companies is as low as $49.
We also present the trading plans of prop firms that have a participation fee for their challenges to help you make an informed decision.
| Trading Plans | Price, USD or EUR | Profit target, $ | Daily loss,% | Max. loss, % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pro Challenges 1 Step Pro |
65 |
500 |
3 |
6 |
|
|
Essential |
119 |
2000 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
One Phase |
49 |
500 |
3 |
8 |
How to find the best free evaluation prop firm?
Finding the best free evaluation prop firm requires a systematic approach and careful consideration of several factors. Follow these steps to ensure you select the prop firm that aligns with your trading goals and offers a favorable evaluation process:
Conduct thorough research:
Begin by conducting extensive research on various prop trading firms. Seek out firms that offer free evaluations as part of their onboarding process. Utilize trusted sources such as Benzinga, Software Testing Help, EpiccTrader, and Fortunly for recommendations and reviews. Compare factors such as reputation, fees, profit sharing models, access to diverse markets, and the quality of trading platformsEvaluate risks and fees:
Understand the potential risks associated with prop trading and carefully examine the fees involved in joining a prop firm. Since prop trading firms are relatively unregulated, exercise due diligence and invest only what you can afford to lose. Consider fees for software, remote trading, and any other costs that may arise. Compare these fees with those of retail trading to determine the cost-effectiveness of the prop firmAnalyze the evaluation process and requirements:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation process employed by each prop firm under consideration. Evaluate the specific requirements, profit targets, time limits, and risk parameters set by the firm during the evaluation phase. This evaluation phase serves to assess traders' skills, consistency, and ability to generate profits. Some firms may have multiple stages in their evaluation process. Determine if you are comfortable with the evaluation process and possess the necessary skills to consistently meet the criteriaAssess funding options and profit sharing:
Explore prop firms that offer various funding options based on evaluation results. Some firms may provide standard challenge accounts or rapid challenge accounts with different leverage options. Evaluate the profit-sharing arrangement offered by the firm. Typically, firms allocate around 20% of profits to traders who have successfully completed the evaluation. Be aware that prop firms offering immediate funding access may have higher upfront fees and less favorable profit-sharing terms. Consider the financial implications of these factors before making a decisionCompatibility with trading markets:
Assess the markets in which the prop firm operates. Determine whether they provide access to the financial markets, such as Forex, futures, or stocks, that align with your trading expertise and interests. This ensures that you can fully leverage your skills within the available markets, enhancing your potential for success
Are free evaluation prop firms legit?
Free evaluation prop firms can be legitimate entities within the realm of proprietary trading. These firms provide aspiring traders with an opportunity to showcase their skills and potential without an upfront financial commitment. While it's important for traders to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with any specific prop firm, many reputable and established firms offer free evaluation programs.
Expert Opinion
Most prop firms, before providing traders with capital for trading, require them to make an initial payment for participating in the challenge. However, some companies eliminate the initial financial barrier, allowing traders to focus on trading and prove their competence in a risk-free environment. This collaboration model is attractive to experienced traders who consistently trade profitably and potentially meet the conditions for profit targets and maximum drawdown. When choosing a prop firm with a free trial version, pay attention to the reputation, profit distribution model, diversity of available markets, and the quality of client support.
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:
-
Trader testimonials and reviews. Collecting and analyzing feedback from existing and past traders to understand their experiences with the firm.
-
Trading instruments. Companies are evaluated on the range of assets offered, as well as the breadth and depth of available markets.
-
Challenges and evaluation process. Analyzing the firm's challenge system, account types, evaluation criteria, and the process for granting funding.
-
Profit split. Reviewing the profit split structure and terms, scaling plans, and how the firm handles profit distributions.
-
Trading conditions. Examining leverage, execution speeds, commissions, and other trading costs associated with the firm.
-
Platform and technology. Assessing the firm's proprietary trading platform or third-party platforms it supports, including ease of use, functionality, and stability.
-
Education and support. Quality and availability of training materials, webinars, and one-on-one coaching.
FAQs
Can you earn real money on a prop firm free trial account?
No, the free trial accounts are simulated so while trading, no actual money is exchanged. Traders trade using fake money and simply gain experience.
What types of trading strategies can be used in free trials?
Traders can use any strategy - discretionary, algorithmic, scalping, trend following, etc. Firms encourage traders to find what works for their style.
Does trading well on a free trial guarantee a trader will get funded?
Not necessarily. Proprietary trading firms have rigorous evaluation processes and standards beyond just profitability that determine funding decisions.
Can you extend the length of the free trial if needed?
In some cases, traders can submit a request to extend the free trial if they need more time. However, firms have maximum trial lengths that cannot be exceeded.
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Team that worked on the article
Parshwa is a content expert and finance professional possessing deep knowledge of stock and options trading, technical and fundamental analysis, and equity research. As a Chartered Accountant Finalist, Parshwa also has expertise in Forex, crypto trading, and personal taxation. His experience is showcased by a prolific body of over 100 articles on Forex, crypto, equity, and personal finance, alongside personalized advisory roles in tax consultation.
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).
Crypto trading involves the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets, with the aim of making a profit from price fluctuations.
Options trading is a financial derivative strategy that involves the buying and selling of options contracts, which give traders the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price, known as the strike price, before or on a predetermined expiration date. There are two main types of options: call options, which allow the holder to buy the underlying asset, and put options, which allow the holder to sell the underlying asset.
Forex leverage is a tool enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying potential profits and losses based on the chosen leverage ratio.
Scalping in trading is a strategy where traders aim to make quick, small profits by executing numerous short-term trades within seconds or minutes, capitalizing on minor price fluctuations.
Paper trading, also known as virtual trading or simulated trading, is a practice where individuals or traders simulate real-life trading scenarios without using real money. Instead of placing actual trades with real capital, participants use a simulated trading platform or keep track of their trades on paper or electronically to record their buying and selling decisions.
