Futures prop trading firms offer traders access to capital, advanced tools, and profit-sharing opportunities in CME futures markets. Here’s a quick overview of the top-rated firms for 2025, their features, and costs:
- Topstep: Budget-friendly with fees starting at $99/month for $100K accounts, 90/10 profit split after $10K, and strong educational tools. Rated 4.5 on Trustpilot.
- Apex Trader Funding: Offers the largest account sizes (up to $300K), 100% profit retention up to $25K, and no daily drawdown limits. Monthly fees start at $207. Rated 4.5 on Trustpilot.
- My Funded Futures: Highest Trustpilot rating (4.8), no activation fees, supports multiple platforms, and uses a single-phase evaluation. Monthly fees for $100K accounts start at $265.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding | My Funded Futures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Range | $50K – $150K | $25K – $300K | $50K – $150K |
| Monthly Fee ($100K) | $99 | $207 | $265 |
| Activation Fee | $149 | $220 (or $85/month) | None |
| Profit Split | 100% up to $10K, 90/10 | 100% up to $25K, 90/10 | 100% up to $10K, 90/10 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.5 (7.5K reviews) | 4.5 (12K reviews) | 4.8 (3.1K reviews) |
| Evaluation Process | 3-step evaluation | Flexible, no deadlines | Single-phase |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Quantower | Rithmic, Tradovate | 6+ platforms supported |
Each firm has unique strengths. Choose based on your budget, trading goals, and platform preferences.
Best Prop Firms for Futures Trading in 2025 (Trust, Cost …
1. Topstep
Topstep, a well-known futures prop firm, has distributed more than $40 million to traders over the past four years [2]. They use a three-step evaluation process – Trading Combine, Express Funded Account, and Live Funded Account – to help traders qualify for funded accounts [1].
Account Options and Profit Structure
Topstep provides three account tiers with varying fees and trading limits:
| Account Size | Monthly Fee | Profit Target | Max Loss Limit | Reset Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $49 |
| $100,000 | $99 | $6,000 | $3,000 | $99 |
| $150,000 | $149 | $9,000 | $4,500 | $149 |
Traders keep 100% of their profits up to $10,000. After that, profits are split 90/10 [1]. Topstep has earned a 4.6/5 rating on TrustPilot, based on feedback from over 5,500 users [1].
Trading Platform Features
TopstepX, their trading platform, includes commission-free trading, a built-in trade copier, The Tilt™ Indicator, integrated livestreams, and a $0.04 regulatory fee per contract [1]. Traders can access 32 futures markets spanning multiple asset classes [1].
Platform Costs
For funded traders, additional monthly costs include $135 per exchange for data, $99 for NinjaTrader software, and $39 for Level 2 market depth [1]. These fees are important to consider when evaluating the overall cost of trading with Topstep.
Educational Tools and Community
Topstep supports traders with a variety of educational tools, including TopstepTV™, free group coaching sessions, and their Prep-Trade-Reflect® framework. They also foster a strong sense of community through their Discord channel, which connects over 86,000 members from 143 countries [2][3].
With its robust features, educational tools, and global community, Topstep stands out as a strong choice for CME futures traders.
2. Apex Trader Funding
Launched in 2021, Apex Trader Funding has quickly made its mark in the futures prop trading world. Since 2022, the company has paid out over $439.4 million to traders, with an average monthly payout of $14 million in 2023 [5]. These numbers give insight into their funding model and trader support.
Account Structure and Evaluation Process
Apex Trader Funding operates with a straightforward evaluation process that has no deadlines [4]. Traders need at least 7 trading days to hit profit targets. Account sizes range from $25,000 to $300,000, each with specific profit targets and contract limits [4].
Profit Split and Trading Conditions
The profit-sharing model is appealing: traders keep 100% of the first $25,000 in profits, with a 90/10 split on anything beyond that [4]. Traders can also manage up to 20 funded accounts at the same time [4]. Additionally, the absence of daily drawdown limits gives traders more freedom to execute their strategies.
Platform Options and Costs
Apex Trader Funding offers two main platform options:
| Feature | Tradovate Account | Rithmic Account |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee (Funded) | $105 | $85 |
| Platforms | TradingView, Tradovate, Mobile, Mac | NinjaTrader 8, RTrader Pro |
| Commission (per side) | $1.55 (Equity Futures) | $1.99 (E-mini Futures) |
| Level 2 Data | $41/month + $2 processing | Included with platform |
They also provide a range of account tiers to suit different funding needs:
| Account Size | Monthly Cost | Profit Goal | Trailing Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $167 | $3,000 | $2,500 |
| $100,000 | $207 | $6,000 | $3,000 |
| $150,000 | $297 | $9,000 | $5,000 |
| $300,000 | $657 | $20,000 | $7,500 |
Performance and Reliability
Apex Trader Funding has earned a solid reputation, reflected in its 4.5 out of 5.0 TrustPilot rating from over 11,000 reviews [4]. Their payout performance is equally impressive, with $67.6 million distributed in just the last 90 days [5].
Reset and Continuation Options
Traders can reset their accounts for $80 per reset, with no cap on the number of resets [5]. This feature allows traders to recover from setbacks and continue pursuing their goals, reinforcing Apex’s trader-focused approach.
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3. My Funded Futures
Founded in October 2023, My Funded Futures (MFFU) is a futures prop trading firm with a high Trustpilot rating of 4.8 [6]. Their evaluation process is streamlined into a single phase, with a 25% pass rate [8].
Account Options and Features
MFFU offers two account models tailored to traders’ needs:
| Feature | Starter Plan | Expert Plan |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 Account | $100/month | $165/month |
| $100,000 Account | $200/month | $265/month |
| $150,000 Account | $300/month | $375/month |
| Activation Fee | $149 | None |
| Reset Fee | $100 | $100 |
Traders can operate up to ten accounts at once [8]. The platform supports trading on over 20 CME and other major futures contracts [7].
Profit Sharing and Withdrawals
MFFU allows traders to keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profits, with a 90% share on earnings beyond that. The Expert Plan offers unlimited withdrawal opportunities [7].
Platform Compatibility and Tools
MFFU integrates with several popular trading platforms, giving users flexibility in how they execute trades:
- NinjaTrader
- R | Trader Pro
- Tradovate
- TradingView
- Quantower
- Sierra Chart [6][7]
Contract Limits by Account Type
| Account Type | Starter Plan | Expert Plan |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | Up to 3 Contracts | Up to 5 Contracts |
| $100,000 | Up to 6 Contracts | Up to 10 Contracts |
| $150,000 | Up to 9 Contracts | Up to 15 Contracts |
These options provide flexibility and scalability for traders at different levels.
"Unlike most prop firms, MFFU not only grants you access to capital, trading resources and risk management tools but also provides you with the expert guidance needed to navigate the complexities of the futures market and enhance your returns." – Benzinga [7]
Performance and Support
MFFU has received positive feedback for its customer support and diverse offerings, contributing to its strong Trustpilot rating [7]. The platform’s EOD (End of Day) drawdown system replaces traditional daily loss limits, offering traders more freedom to execute their strategies effectively [7][8].
With its straightforward evaluation process, attractive profit-sharing model, and robust trading tools, MFFU stands out in the CME futures prop trading space.
Direct Comparison
Compare key factors to find the best futures prop firm for CME trading.
This side-by-side comparison highlights the main differences for CME futures traders.
| Feature | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding | My Funded Futures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Capital Range | $50,000 – $150,000 | $25,000 – $300,000 | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Monthly Cost (for a $100K account) | $99 | $207 | $265 (Expert Plan) |
| Activation Fee | $149 | $220 (one-time) or $85/month | None |
| Initial Profit Split | 100% up to $10,000 | 100% up to $25,000 | 100% up to $10,000 |
| Ongoing Profit Split | 90/10 | 90/10 | 90/10 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.5 (7.5K reviews) | 4.5 (12K reviews) | 4.8 (3.1K reviews) |
| Payout Schedule | After 5 winning days | Every 8 trading days | Every 2 weeks (Expert Plan) |
| Supported Platforms | NinjaTrader, Quantower | Rithmic, Tradovate | Multiple (6+ platforms) |
This table provides a clear overview of key differences, helping you identify the best fit for your trading needs.
Unique Strengths
Each firm offers specific advantages that cater to different trader preferences:
-
Topstep
- Offers a low monthly fee of $99 for a $100K account.
- Focuses heavily on trader education.
- Features its own proprietary platform, TopstepX.
-
Apex Trader Funding
- Allows traders to keep all profits up to $25,000.
- Provides the widest starting capital range, from $25,000 to $300,000.
- Includes an evaluation process without daily drawdown limits.
-
My Funded Futures
- Boasts the highest Trustpilot rating (4.8).
- Charges no activation fees.
- Supports over six trading platforms, offering unmatched flexibility.
- Uses a single-phase evaluation with no daily loss limits.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
If you’re considering a $100,000 funded account, here’s a breakdown of monthly costs:
| Cost Component | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding | My Funded Futures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $99 | $207 | $265 |
| First Year Activation | ~$12.42/month* | ~$18.33/month** | $0 |
| Total Monthly Cost | ~$111.42 | ~$225.33 | $265 |
*Activation fee of $149 spread over 12 months
**Activation fee of $220 spread over 12 months
(Platform fees and commissions not included)
Topstep emerges as the most budget-friendly option, while My Funded Futures stands out for its platform variety and flexibility. Apex Trader Funding appeals to those prioritizing higher profit retention and access to larger capital. Your choice should align with your trading goals, platform requirements, and budget.
Summary and Recommendations
Here’s a breakdown of suggestions tailored to different trading profiles, based on the comparison above.
For Beginner Traders
If you’re just starting with CME futures trading, Topstep is a great choice. It offers an evaluation process without time constraints, competitive pricing, and plenty of educational tools to help you grow as a trader.
For Experienced Traders
For seasoned traders, Apex Trader Funding stands out with its 100% profit retention on the first $25,000 – a feature that can significantly boost your earnings.
For Platform-Specific Traders
Your preferred trading platform can guide your choice:
| Trading Platform | Best-Suited Firm | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| NinjaTrader | Topstep | Integrated platform experience |
| Tradovate | Apex Trader Funding | $1.55 per side commission |
Budget Considerations
Here’s a quick look at monthly costs for funded accounts:
- Topstep: Most affordable at $111.42/month
- Apex Trader Funding: Mid-range at $225.33/month
- My Funded Futures: Higher-end at $265/month
Don’t forget about additional costs like:
- Market data fees
- Platform subscriptions
- Exchange fees
- Reset fees
Key Factors to Evaluate
When deciding, take these into account:
- Market Access: Topstep supports 32 futures markets.
- Profit Structure: Initial profit retention ranges from $10,000 to $25,000.
- Platform Integration: Consider available trading software and data feeds.
- Evaluation Process: Think about whether you prefer flexibility or a structured approach.
- Support Services: Look for educational tools and technical support.
Pick the firm that aligns best with your trading style, budget, and goals. Each option offers unique benefits based on your experience and approach.