I’ve been in the trading industry for more than a decade, and I’ve seen countless traders chase dreams of making money in futures markets. Some succeed, but most fail—not because they lack skill, but because they don’t have enough capital or discipline. That’s where futures prop firms come in.
In this post, I’ll give you an honest look at the best futures prop firms, what makes them worth considering, and how you can avoid wasting time and money.
What is a Futures Prop Firm?
A futures prop firm is a company that gives traders access to large funded accounts so they can trade futures markets—think S&P 500, Nasdaq, oil, gold, or bonds. Instead of risking your own $25,000, you prove your skills in an evaluation, get funded, and then split profits with the firm.
The catch? You must follow their rules—profit targets, maximum daily losses, and strict drawdown limits. Break them, and you’re out. Simple as that.
The upside is huge though: if you’re disciplined, you can grow faster with firm capital than you ever could with a small personal account.
Key Factors When Choosing a Futures Prop Firm
Over the years, I’ve tested and reviewed many prop firms. Here are the things that really matter (ignore these and you’ll regret it):
- Profit Split – If you’re not keeping at least 80%, keep looking. Some firms are generous; others will eat into your hard work.
- Rules – Be careful with unrealistic profit targets or strict drawdowns that make passing nearly impossible.
- Payouts – If a firm delays or avoids paying traders, run. A prop firm that doesn’t pay on time isn’t worth it.
- Platforms – Most futures traders use Rithmic, NinjaTrader, or Tradovate. Make sure your preferred platform is supported.
- Support – When things go wrong, you need fast answers. A responsive support team is a must.
Best Futures Prop Firms List
Now let’s cut through the noise. These are the best futures prop firms I believe traders should consider:
-
Topstep
- One of the oldest and most respected names in the industry.
- Solid education, fair rules, and a strong community.
-
Earn2Trade
- Best for beginners, thanks to its Gauntlet Mini evaluation.
- Focused on learning and building skills while getting funded.
-
Apex Trader Funding
- Gained popularity with low-cost evaluations and frequent discounts.
- Flexible rules and quick payouts make it attractive.
-
Leeloo Trading
- Known for competitive pricing and wide futures product access.
- Popular with active futures day traders.
-
OneUp Trader
- Transparent, well-structured evaluation program.
- Good choice for traders who like simple and clear rules.
- Transparent, well-structured evaluation program.
Each of these companies has strengths, but none are perfect. Don’t expect a free ride—you still need discipline and consistency to succeed.
Forex Green Pips (FGP): Funded Challenge Pass Service
Now, here’s something most beginners don’t realize: passing a funded challenge is often harder than trading itself. Even great traders fail because of strict rules or emotions.
If you’re struggling to pass, or you just want to skip the stress, I recommend Forex Green Pips (FGP). They’re one of the best funded challenge pass service providers out there.
FGP’s professional team helps traders clear tough evaluations (like FTMO and other major firms). They trade the challenge for you, follow every rule, and aim to hit the profit targets safely. With high pass rates and reliable support, they’ve become a trusted name among traders who just want to get funded and start trading.
For someone serious about entering prop firm trading but tired of repeated failures, FGP can save time, money, and frustration.
Why Futures Prop Firms Are Worth Considering
You might ask: are these best prop firms for futures trading really worth it? My answer: yes, if you’re disciplined.
Here’s why prop firms are a great opportunity:
- Futures are highly liquid and regulated.
- You can trade global markets almost 24/7.
- You don’t need massive personal capital to get started.
- With prop firms, the risk to your own money is minimal.
If you’ve been struggling to grow a small personal account, trading with a funded account could be the breakthrough you need.
Conclusion
Futures prop trading isn’t for everyone—it’s tough, disciplined work. But if you want access to serious capital and are willing to play by the rules, the best futures prop firms can give you that chance.
Start by checking firms like Topstep, Earn2Trade, Apex, Leeloo, and OneUp. They’ve stood the test of time and offer fair opportunities for traders.
And if passing the challenge feels overwhelming, don’t give up. Forex Green Pips (FGP) is there to help you cross that hurdle and get funded faster.
Trading with a prop firm could be your next big step—but only if you treat it seriously, respect the rules, and use the right support along the way.