Best Prop Trading Firms of 2023

Prop trading firms focused on in-house traders in local offices until a few years ago. However, with the increasing demand for remote trading, more and more prop firms offer their traders the to trade their capital from everywhere in the world. As a result, it has become even more necessary to identify the best proprietary trading firms to work with.

I’ve analyzed over 20 companies and compared them based on regulation, headquarters, account sizes, trading platforms, payout amounts and reliability. Below you will find my favorit ones. In addition, I’ve compiled a guide with background information about prop trading companies, tradeable financial instruments, trading strategies and the financial market.

Transparency: We may get compensated when you click on links in this article.

Best Proprietary Trading Firms

• Best for Trading Futures: Topstep (20% Off)
• Best Career Path: Earn2Trade (20% Off)

5 Best Prop Trading Firms

1. Topstep

Topstep is one of the leading prop trading firms in the United States, serving traders worldwide with high-end platforms, precious educational components and various prop trading accounts. Their so-called trading combine enables traders to trade with $50,000, $100,000 or $150,000 buying power provided by Topstep.

It is neither required to have a broker account nor to bring in risk capital. Instead, Topstep provides the money needed to trade. Since 2020, nearly $8,000,000 in payouts have been processed by Topstep to their traders.

With Topstep, it is possible to trade the top futures contracts such as:

• S&P 500 E-mini
• Nasdaq 100
• Gold
• Crude Oil
• Mocro Indices
• Interest rates and more

Topstep is one of the best prop firms in terms of profit split. Traders take home 100% of their first $5,000 profit and keep 90% after that. The earned money can be withdrawn quickly, within 7 hours on average.

The list of supported platforms includes TSTrader, TradingView, MotionWave, Quantenturm, NinjaTrader, Sierra Chart and many more.

The monthly fee to join the program depends on the selected account size and ranges from $165 to $375 per month (50K account=$165, $100k account=$325, $150k account=$375.)

Special Offer: Here, you get a 20% discount on all account sizes with Topstep

More Platform Insights: Topstep Review

2. Earn2Trade

Earn2Trade first started as a prop firm with a similar offering to Topstep. But now, only a few years after they went live, they introduced a new offering called the Trader Career Path, where new prop traders can test their trading skills on a $25,000 and $50,000 virtual account. Once they pass the exam, they trade a prop trading firms account. Earn2Trade has its headquarters in the United States.

Those who start with the $50k account can level up their managed balance to a senior live account with $400,000 starting capital. The profit split is a bit more conservative compared to Topstep, but still competitive with 80% flat on all profit made, which the trader can withdraw.

The tradeable assets include all CME future assets from CME, CBOT, NYMEX and COMEX. In addition, the supported trading platforms for their prop traders include NinjaTrader, R | Trader, Finamark, Overscharts, Multipcharts and many more to trade financial markets.

The monthly fee to join the Earn2Trade career path ranges from $150 to $190. In addition, it is possible to take a similar approach to Topstep with The Gauntlet Mini program by Earn2Trade with account sizes of $50,000 for $170, $100,000 for $315, $150,000 for $350 and $200,000 for $550.

Special Offer: A discount of 20% – 40% is available here for all account sizes.

More Platform Insights: Earn2Trade Review

3. FTMO

FTMO is one of the first and best forex prop firms, headquartered in the Czech Republic. Besides forex pairs such as EURUSD, GBPUSD and USDJPY, traders can trade indices, crypto and commodities within their prop account.

FTMO provides its traders with account analysis, customer support, a trading academy and a performance coach. FTMO was the winner of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 awards 4 years in a row since 2019.

The regular profit split is 80% of profits for the trader and 20% for FTMO, but with the scale-up plan, prop accounts it’s possible to increase it to 90/10.

The trading platforms are limited to the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader platform. However, US citizens can only use the MetaTrader platforms due to regulatory reasons.

The FTMO fee structure is a bit more complex due to the multiple possible account options ranging from about €150 for the normal 10,000 account to €1,080 for the 140,000 account. Something unique is the fact that all participation fees are charged in Euro, independently from your country or chosen prop account currency.

Discounts are not available at this time.

More Platform Insights: FTMO Review

4. The5ers

Traders can start their proprietary trading career with The5ers’ growth trading program, boot camp program and funded programs since 2016. The5ers headquarters are located in Israel, with and UK Office in London.

The supported trading platforms are MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, where prop traders can trade major forex pairs, gold, silver and various indices. The fee ranges from $260 for the regular $10,000 account to $850 for the $40,000 account (fee in USD), while the enrollment for the boot camp program costs between €95 and €225 (fee in EUR).

The profit split relies on a complex program level structure and begins at Level 1 with a payout of profits of 50%, increases to 75% at levels 2 to 5 and then goes higher on levels 6 to 8.

5. SurgeTrader

SurgeTrader is a modern-looking prop trading platform that made a strong appearance at the beginning of 2022. The company has its headquarters in the U.S. in Florida and is backed by venture capital. The prop accounts are managed through ASIC-regulated broker EightCap (ASIC=Australian Securities & Investments Commission.)

While we still have to await how SurgeTrader’s positioning on the market develops, it’s already good to see that multiple tradeable assets are supported. This includes OTC FX, indices, cryptos, shares, and commodities. Still, the trading platforms are limited to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.

The fee structure is more complex since multiple account sizes are offered. For example, the cheapest package costs $250 for the $25,000 account, while the most expensive one costs as much as $6,500 for the $1 million account. The standard profit share with SurgeTrader is 75%, where traders get 75% of the profits they make, and SureTrader keeps 25%. However, with add-on purchases, it is possible to increase the split to 90/10.

Comparison Table of Some Best Firms for Prop Trading

Best Prop Trading Firms Summary

The U.S.-based company Topstep is the clear winner of my comparison of the best proprietary trading firms of the year. With Topstep, traders keep 100% of their first $5,000 profits and 90% after that.

The tools, educational components and payout history know to convince, and the combination of powerful platforms and reasonable prices make it the perfect offer combined with the 20% discount.

Earn2Trade offers interesting new innovative trading concepts for a prop trading firm career at reasonable pricing. The number of supported trading platforms is comparable to Topstep, and their reputation has also been good for a couple of years.

For forex traders, FTMO is an interesting choice. The trading platforms are limited to MT4 and MT5, but that’s reasonable for trading the forex market. The payouts, fees, and educational components are also a plus.

The5ers and SurgeTrader are prop firms that I watch closer to right now, and I’ll keep you posted if I write an in-depth review of those firms.

All in all, it is essential to understand the benefits and risks associated with a prop trading company before choosing one. In addition, reviewing different firms can aid in selecting the most appropriate one for individual needs.

A background in finance or economics might be advantageous for those looking to enter the world of prop trading, yet it can be a challenge. However, with a clear understanding of prop trading and how these firms operate, traders can have more confidence when making their decisions.

Below I’ve compiled a guide about prop trading, financial instruments, global macro trading, major stock market indices, financial markets in general and general insights into the prop trading space.

What Is a Proprietary Trading Firm?

A proprietary trading firm is an organization that uses its own capital to trade in financial markets. Proprietary firms typically specialize in short-term strategies, such as day trading and scalping, and are often called “prop shops.” They are usually privately owned companies that don’t have clients but instead focus on their own investments.

These days, traders can work remotely for prop firms and the profits made are split between the prop trader and the prop firm. One main benefit for the trader is that he only pays a low monthly access fee but does not have to bring in risk capital.

Prop traders use sophisticated computer algorithms and quantitative models to identify profitable opportunities within the market. They may also employ fundamental analysis techniques or a combination of both approaches.

Highly-skilled prop traders are often found at large financial institutions, such as investment banks, hedge funds and mutual funds.

The advantages of joining a prop shop are manifold:

• Access to sophisticated trading technology
• Fast execution of trades, resulting in increased liquidity
• Lower commissions due to reduced overhead costs and special rates
• and the potential for significant profits if traders can make consistently successful trades.

In addition, prop shops give investors greater flexibility when setting up or exiting positions quickly.

Types of Proprietary Trading Firms

Proprietary trading firms may be either independent companies specializing in such activities or larger broker-dealers with more resources.

Independent firms are typically small, privately owned companies focusing solely on proprietary trading activities. They generally have fewer resources than larger broker-dealers. Still, they often provide more specialized services such as research and analysis of the markets or access to advanced software tools for traders.

Broker-dealers are substantial financial establishments that provide a broad selection of services, such as stockbroking, underwriting securities and carrying out trades on behalf of customers.

In addition, these firms usually have more resources, allowing them to offer better customer service and access to more sophisticated products such as derivatives or options contracts.

Independent prop trading firms tend to cater mainly to experienced traders who understand the complexities of the markets and know how to make informed decisions about their investments.

As these firms do not offer traditional investment advice they may require potential customers to pass specific tests to qualify for an account.

The testing process is designed so that only those who meet a certain level of proficiency in terms of understanding risk management strategies, market analysis techniques, etc., will be allowed access to their accounts and liquidity.

With their greater resources available at their disposal, broker-dealer prop trading firms generally provide a more comprehensive range of services than independent ones.

The offer:

• Research reports from professional analysts covering different sectors within the stock market
• Webinars and online courses for educational purposes
• Margin loans, if needed
• Trade execution capabilities across multiple asset classes
• Technical support when required
• Direct access through dedicated computer terminals connected directly with exchanges worldwide
• Automated systems to expedite order processing times
• Real time quotes from major exchanges around the world

Still, it is more difficult to join a broker-dealer prop firm.

So, both types of proprietary trading firms come with advantages and disadvantages depending on individual needs. Therefore, before investing/trading in stocks/securities, investors and traders should carefully assess their goals and objectives to determine which type of proprietary trading firm is best suited for them.

Understanding the different types of proprietary trading firms is essential for making informed decisions about which prop trading firms to partner with. While it is difficult to join a broker-dealer, joining independent prop firms specialized in remote trading offerings is more common and easier.

How Do Prop Trading Firms Work

The primary purpose of a prop trading firm is to generate profits from successful investments in stocks, options, futures, currencies and other instruments.

The goal is for the firm to be profitable by taking advantage of price movements in these markets through buying low and selling high or shorting high and covering the short position at a low price.

To do this successfully requires an understanding of technical analysis, fundamental analysis and risk management principles, and access to real-time market data feeds.

Prop trading companies are a critical element of the stock market, and comprehending their operation is essential for any investor or trader. With that in mind, it’s also worth exploring what kind of degree may be necessary to become a prop trader.

What Degree Is Needed for Prop Trading

No specific degree is required to become a proprietary trader. However, having an educational background in finance or economics can be beneficial.

A grasp of the stock market and its operations is essential for proprietary traders. In addition, proprietary traders need to understand different trading strategies, risk management techniques, and financial analysis methods to be successful.

Proprietary trading firms typically look for candidates who possess strong analytical skills and the ability to think quickly on their feet. In addition, knowing programming languages such as C++ or Python can also be helpful when creating automated or algorithmic trading systems with API connects.

In addition, a basic understanding of accounting principles is also helpful since traders will often need to monitor finances.

Many prop shops are willing to provide on-the-job training if they find a suitable candidate without industry experience but with other desirable qualities, such as excellent communication abilities and attention to detail.

How Does One Get Started With a Prop Trading Firm?

Before committing to a prop trading firm, prospective traders should weigh their options carefully.

Factors such as

• Monthly recurring fees
• Fees per transaction (commissions + exchange fees)
• Customer service quality + technical support availability
• Track record and reputation of the company
• Number and variety of assets traded
• Minimum account balance requirements
• Order execution speed
• and accuracy

must all be taken into consideration.

Additionally, it is crucial to remember that leveraging may amplify losses if positions go against you, while margin calls requiring extra deposits can occur when equity falls below certain thresholds.

Getting started with a proprietary trading firm can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor for traders and investors. Prop trading firms offer access to capital, technology, and research that many individual traders don’t have access to on their own.

But before you dive in headfirst, it’s essential to understand the basics of prop trading firms, so you know what you’re getting into.

First off, it’s important to understand exactly what a prop trading firm is. A prop trading firm is, per definition, a company that uses its own capital to trade financial instruments such as stocks, options, futures contracts or currencies on behalf of its clients or itself.

Prop trading firms generally hire experienced traders with market expertise and access to advanced technology and data that enable them to make decisions rapidly.

When looking for a suitable prop trading firm, there are several factors worth considering:

• Experience level of the team (who can you learn from)
• Type of investment and trading strategies used (high leverage, high risk vs. low risk)
• Risk management policies (who is in control and who takes the risk)
• Track record and reputation within the industry (do they pay their traders on time)
• Fees the firm charges (one-time fees + recurring fees), etc.

It’s also important to do your due diligence when researching potential firms – read reviews online from other users who have worked with them before signing up. Inquire about their services during the initial consultation to better understand how they run and if it’s suitable for you.

Once you’ve chosen your preferred option then it’s time to apply. Most in-house prop trading firms require applicants to complete an application form that includes details such as background information (education/experience), current financial situation (assets/liabilities) and investment objectives (short-term vs. long-term).

Some may even require additional documents such as bank statements or tax returns depending on where the applicant resides – this varies between countries, so check with your local laws beforehand if necessary.

Even more popular amongst retail traders are online prop firms that make it possible to join for everyone willing to pay a monthly fee for participating in the program.

Those programs typically start with a challenge where the trader has to prove his skills in a paper trading account by trading based on the required trading rules.

Once specific targets are met, the prop firm funds skilled traders and provides access to the prop platforms. The clear benefit of those vendors is that no degree or experience is needed to join.

Finally, once accepted to join, most companies will provide some form of training, including webinars or seminars covering topics like market analysis techniques and risk management strategies.

The onboarding is essential and should help introduce new traders to how things work at their particular firm. Given the proper instruction and direction, it should be possible for most individuals to become successful quickly.

How to Choose the Best Proprietary Trading Firms

Correctly selecting a proprietary trading company is essential for any investor or trader wanting maximum returns. However, it can take time to decide which firm will deliver the most profitable results when so many offer various services, charges, and records.

An excellent way to gauge a firm’s performance is by researching its past results. Investigate their longevity in the market and any earnings they have accrued during that period.

Additionally, ask about any awards or recognition the company has received from industry experts or peers. Gaining insight into the company’s standing within its sector can be done by looking at its longevity, financial gains, and any accolades it may have garnered.

Before committing to a firm, research the various fees they charge for their services and products. In addition to monthly subscription fees and commissions charged on trades, there may also be additional charges, such as account maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements, that need to be taken into consideration when comparing firms’ offerings side by side.

For optimal customer service, it is vital to ascertain the availability of knowledgeable personnel who can promptly and precisely respond to inquiries. Ask potential firms about customer service policies, including response times and support options.

Finally, remember that no matter how good a particular proprietary trading firm might look on paper, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. So ensure you feel comfortable with the people behind the scenes before committing yourself financially.

Choosing the right proprietary trading firm is a critical decision that can have long-term implications for your success in day trading and investing.

It is easy for online businesses to create a well-looking website with glamorous pictures of successful-looking people. But go the extra mile, check the history of the company online, find the company information on the site, the management team and insights about the payouts to traders. Also, ensure that the payment processing provider they offer works in your region.

How would you feel when you request a payout of your first $10,000, and it turns out that the prop shop is unreliable or that the payouts don’t work in your region? But remember, you start trading to win like professional traders, manage risk, and get your payout!

Benefits of Joining a Proprietary Trading Firm?

Working with a proprietary trading firm can provide traders with several advantages, including access to capital, technology, and risk management tools.

Market Accessibility for Undercapitalized Traders

In the U.S., many day traders are held back by various regulations from actively trading the markets. Bringing in $25,000 of risk capital is a huge step and many don’t have that capital freely available to trade.

For futures and forex trading, the capital requirements are not that high, but still, how much can one make trading one S&P 500 E-mini contract in a small account? A funded account from a trading firm can solve that problem since that company takes the risk, and the trader only pays a low monthly fee to join.

The managed account sizes typically start in the $10,000 to $25,000 range but can go as high as $400,000 for the best prop traders.

Availability of Multiple Trading Platforms

Prop firms provide their traders with multiple platforms, which work best for the assets they allow to trade. For example, forex prop trading firms typically provide access to MetaTrader, while future prop trading firms often work with Finamark or a white-labeled platform to execute future contract trades fast.

Scaling Opportunities

Everything starts small, and so does the prop trader career. Of course, the more success a prop trader brings to the prop firm, the more the account size grows. But the scaling opportunity is not limited to managing a higher account with one firm. It is also possible to scale opportunities by joining multiple prop first trading assets in different exchanges.

Access to Capital

Proprietary trading firms offer traders access to large amounts of capital they may not be able to obtain independently. This allows them to trade larger positions than they would otherwise be able to do without the backing of a prop firm. In addition, prop firms often have ties to banking and other financial entities, granting them access to prices not available on the open market.

Technology

Prop trading firms also typically provide their traders with advanced technology solutions such as high-speed data feeds and sophisticated analytics software. With access to cutting-edge technology, prop traders can leverage real-time market data and analytics for more informed decisions, enabling them to stay ahead of the competition.

Learning Capabilities

Trades joining prop firms get educated via online channels and sometimes even locally. These traders learn risk mitigation tactics such as stop-loss orders, portfolio diversification strategies and hedging can be employed by prop trading firms to help traders protect their investments from unexpected market movements.

Traders also learn the importance of diversifying a portfolio across different asset classes, which helps reduce exposure to any particular type of investment or sector of the economy.

FAQ