Best Prop Trading Firms Worth Your Attention in 2026

Proprietary trading firms have completely changed the game for retail traders. Instead of risking your own capital, you can now trade with someone else's money and keep a share of the profits.

The concept is simple. Pass an evaluation, prove you can trade responsibly, and get access to funded accounts ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's an attractive path for skilled traders who lack the capital to trade at scale.

But not all prop firms are created equal. Some offer generous profit splits and reasonable rules. Others bury traders in hidden fees and impossible conditions.

We've evaluated the current landscape to bring you firms actually worth considering. Here are our top picks.

1. Hola Prime

Hola Prime has quickly established itself as a standout in the prop trading space. The firm offers a refreshingly transparent approach that traders appreciate in an industry sometimes plagued by fine print.

What immediately catches attention is their competitive profit split, allowing traders to keep a substantial portion of their earnings. Their evaluation process is challenging but fair, designed to identify consistent traders rather than lucky gamblers.

The platform supports multiple trading styles, whether you prefer scalping, swing trading, or longer-term positions. They don't box you into a single approach, which gives experienced traders the flexibility they need.

Customer support is another area where Hola Prime shines. Responsive communication and clear answers to questions might sound basic, but it's surprisingly rare in this industry. Traders report positive experiences when issues arise.

Their dashboard and analytics tools help you track performance and stay within risk parameters. Everything feels designed with the trader's experience in mind, not just the company's bottom line.

Best for: Traders seeking a transparent, flexible prop firm with strong support and competitive terms.

 

 

2. The5ers

The5ers has been around since 2016, making them one of the more established players in the space. Their longevity speaks to a sustainable business model and satisfied trader base.

They offer multiple program types, including an instant funding option for those who want to skip the evaluation phase. Their scaling plan allows successful traders to grow their accounts substantially over time.

Best for: Traders who value an established track record and flexible program options.

3. City Traders Imperium

Based in London, City Traders Imperium brings a professional, institutional feel to the retail prop trading world. They offer both evaluation programs and direct funding options.

Their educational resources set them apart from competitors. Traders get access to training materials and mentorship opportunities, making it suitable for those still developing their skills.

Best for: Traders who want educational support alongside their funded account opportunity.

4. E8 Funding

E8 Funding has gained popularity for its straightforward evaluation process and quick payouts. They offer account sizes up to $400,000 for traders who can prove their consistency.

The firm is known for reasonable trading rules that don't trip up legitimate strategies. Their profit split is competitive, and they've built a solid reputation for actually paying traders.

Best for: Traders prioritising fast payouts and straightforward rules.

5. Lux Trading Firm

Lux Trading Firm targets more serious traders with account sizes reaching up to $10 million for their elite program. They focus on developing long-term relationships with profitable traders.

Their evaluation is more rigorous than some competitors, but the potential rewards match the higher bar. They also offer a career path for traders who consistently perform.

Best for: Ambitious traders with proven skills looking for significant capital and career development.

6. Audacity Capital

Audacity Capital takes a slightly different approach, focusing heavily on trader development. They've funded thousands of traders and emphasise building a community around their platform.

Their Funded Trader Program requires an in-person or online interview, which adds a personal touch to the selection process. It's not just about passing numbers but demonstrating genuine trading knowledge.

Best for: Traders who appreciate a community-focused firm with a personal selection process.

 

 

7. Surge Trader

Surge Trader offers a simple, no-nonsense approach to prop trading. Their audition process has just one phase, which appeals to traders who find multi-stage evaluations tedious.

Account sizes range from $25,000 to $1 million, with an 75% profit split that can increase based on performance. They support forex, indices, metals, and crypto trading.

Best for: Traders who prefer a simplified, single-phase evaluation process.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Prop Firm

With so many options available, making the right choice requires some homework. Here's what smart traders evaluate before committing.

Profit splits matter, but they're not everything. A 90% split means nothing if the rules make it nearly impossible to trade profitably. Look at the complete picture, including drawdown limits, time restrictions, and prohibited strategies.

Check the payout history. Online communities are full of traders discussing their experiences. Look for firms with consistent track records of actually paying out profits. Delays or excuses are red flags.

Understand the fee structure. Most firms charge for evaluations, which is standard. But understand what happens if you fail. Are there discounts on retries? How much will this cost if it takes multiple attempts?

Match the rules to your style. Some firms prohibit holding trades over weekends or during major news events. If your strategy relies on these approaches, you'll need a firm that accommodates them.

Consider the trading platform. Most prop firms use established platforms like MetaTrader, but execution quality and spreads can vary. Poor conditions will eat into your profitability regardless of how good your strategy is.

The Reality of Prop Trading

Let's be honest about expectations. Prop trading isn't a guaranteed path to riches. Most traders who attempt evaluations don't pass on their first try.

Success requires genuine skill, discipline, and emotional control. The evaluation process exists precisely because trading with real capital is difficult. If it were easy, these firms wouldn't be profitable.

That said, for traders who have developed consistent strategies and proper risk management, prop firms offer a legitimate opportunity. Trading with $100,000 or more in capital, while keeping 70-90% of profits, can be transformative.

The key is approaching it professionally. Treat the evaluation like a job interview. Follow your strategy, manage risk appropriately, and don't let the pressure push you into reckless decisions.

Final Thoughts

The prop trading industry has matured significantly over the past few years. More competition has generally been good for traders, with firms offering better terms to attract talent.

Each firm on this list brings something different to the table. Your ideal choice depends on your trading style, experience level, and what you prioritise in a funding partner.

Take time to research thoroughly before committing any money to evaluations. Read reviews from actual traders, understand the rules completely, and make sure the firm aligns with how you trade.

The right prop firm can accelerate your trading career dramatically. The wrong one will just drain your wallet on failed evaluations. Choose wisely.