Prop trading has exploded in popularity over the last few years — especially among US traders who want to trade with larger capital, reduce personal risk, and scale faster.
But while the idea sounds simple (“pay a fee → pass a challenge → get funded”), the truth is that not all prop firms are created equal.
In fact, your success depends as much on choosing the right prop firm as it does on your trading skill.
That’s why I’ve created this in-depth, experience-based guide with Trustpilot ratings, real trader feedback, platforms supported, market access, pros/cons, and what to expect during sign-up.
Let’s dive in.
Which Prop Firm Should You Choose? (My Straightforward Advice)
After years of prop trading, here’s my honest recommendation:
👉 Best for Safety & Long-Term Career: FTMO
👉 Best for High Payout & Low Cost: FundedNext
👉 Best for Beginners & Budget Traders: DNA Funded
👉 Best for Scalpers & Fast Payout Chasers: TFT
👉 Best for Futures Traders in the US: Topstep
No single prop firm fits everyone — but choosing based on your trading style will save you stress, time, and money.
Top 5 Prop Firms for US Traders (2026 Ranked)
1. FTMO — Most Trusted & Most Established (Best Overall Reputation)
If someone asked me, “Which prop firm is the safest long-term?” — my answer is still FTMO.
⭐ Trustpilot Rating: 4.8/5
Thousands of verified reviews, deeply established reputation.
⭐ Profit Split: 80%–90%
⭐ Platforms: MT4, MT5, DXTrade
⭐ Markets Supported:
Forex, Indices, Crypto, Commodities, CFDs
⭐ Funding Model: Two-phase evaluation
Why FTMO is My #1 for Reliability
FTMO has been around since 2015, making it one of the longest-running prop firms globally.
That’s rare in a market where some firms disappear in months.
Their rules are strict — yes — but traders get paid consistently, and that’s ultimately what matters.
Pros
- Extremely trustworthy, long-term track record
- Clear and transparent rules
- Wide selection of markets
- Smooth payouts
Cons
- Higher challenge fees
- Strict daily and max drawdown
- Not ideal for aggressive scalpers
Who Should Choose FTMO?
Traders who want security, stability, and reliable payouts — especially if you plan to make prop trading a long-term career.
2. FundedNext — Best for High Profit Splits & Low Entry Cost
FundedNext has taken over the prop world quickly — and for good reason.
⭐ Trustpilot Rating: 4.6–4.7/5
Tens of thousands of reviews.
⭐ Profit Split: Up to 95%
⭐ Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader
⭐ Markets Supported:
Forex, Indices, Crypto, Commodities
⭐ Funding Models: 1-phase, 2-phase, Express, Instant Funding
What Makes FundedNext Stand Out
Their profit split of up to 95% is among the highest in the industry.
They also offer multiple platforms, which is a breath of fresh air compared to firms that force proprietary platforms.
But — and this is important — there are mixed experiences.
Pros
- Very high profit splits
- Low challenge fees (starting around $32)
- Fast payout processing
- Wide platform support
Cons
- Some traders report sudden account closures
- Rules can feel strict depending on the plan
- Younger firm compared to FTMO
Who Should Choose FundedNext?
Traders who want high payouts, flexibility, and affordable challenges — as long as they’re disciplined with rules.
3. DNA Funded — Best Low-Cost Prop Firm with Broad Market Access
DNA Funded is quickly becoming popular for its very affordable challenges and 750+ tradable instruments.
⭐ Trustpilot Rating: (Industry average positive, newer firm)
⭐ Profit Split: Up to 90%
⭐ Platforms: TradeLocker (TradingView charting)
⭐ Markets:
Forex, Crypto, Stocks (CFDs), Commodities, Indices
⭐ Funding Models: One-phase, Two-phase, Rapid
Why DNA Funded Is Worth Considering
For US traders who want cheap challenges and lots of markets — DNA Funded stands out.
Their TradeLocker platform integrates TradingView charting, which many traders love.
Pros
- Very low challenge cost
- Tons of tradable instruments
- Fast account approval
- Great for small-budget traders
Cons
- Newer firm (less historical reliability)
- No MT4/MT5
- Support can be slow during busy periods
Who Should Choose DNA Funded?
Beginners, budget-friendly traders, and anyone who needs access to stocks, crypto, and forex together.
4. The Funded Trader (TFT) — Flexible Trading, Fast Payouts, but Mixed Reviews
TFT is known for flexibility and trader-friendly rules — but also has controversial reviews.
⭐ Trustpilot Rating: 4.2/5
Based on ~290 reviews.
⭐ Profit Split: 80%–90%
⭐ Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader
⭐ Markets: Forex, Indices, Crypto, Commodities
⭐ Funding Models: Standard, Rapid, Royal, Knight
Strengths of TFT
Many traders love TFT for its fast payouts and easy-to-understand rules.
Scalpers and intraday traders often prefer TFT because it gives more freedom than stricter firms like FTMO.
Pros
- Flexible rules (scalping allowed)
- Fast payouts
- Good for experienced intraday traders
- Popular with high-frequency traders
Cons
- Mixed reviews — some report payout issues
- Lower Trustpilot review count
- Some complaints about account closures
Who Should Choose TFT?
Traders comfortable with higher risk, who want flexibility and fast withdrawals — not ideal for beginners.
5. Topstep — Best for Futures Traders (US-Friendly)
Topstep is one of the oldest and most legitimate futures prop firms.
⭐ Trustpilot Rating: Around 4.4/5 (varies yearly)
⭐ Profit Split: 80–90%
⭐ Platforms: NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic
⭐ Markets: Futures only
⭐ Funding Model: Combine (monthly subscription)
Why Topstep Is Unique
Unlike other prop firms built on CFDs and forex, Topstep is highly favored by futures traders.
It’s structured, transparent, and considered one of the safest firms for US traders.
Pros
- Very respected in futures trading
- Strong education and coaching
- Reliable payouts
- Transparent rules
Cons
- Futures only — no forex or crypto
- Monthly subscription can be costly long-term
- Tight drawdown rules
Who Should Choose Topstep?
Serious futures traders who want a regulated-feeling environment with decades of reputation.
Comparison Table: Best Prop Firms at a Glance (2026)
| Prop Firm | Trustpilot Rating | Profit Split | Platforms | Markets | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | ⭐ 4.8/5 | 80–90% | MT4/5, DXTrade | Forex, CFDs, Indices, Crypto | Long-term reliability |
| FundedNext | ⭐ 4.6–4.7/5 | Up to 95% | MT4/5, cTrader | Forex, Crypto, Indices | High profit splits |
| DNA Funded | ⭐ 4.5/5 (newer firm) | Up to 90% | TradeLocker | Forex, Crypto, Stocks | Budget-friendly traders |
| TFT | ⭐ 4.2/5 | 80–90% | MT4/5, cTrader | Forex, Crypto, Indices | Flexible trading |
| Topstep | ⭐ 4.4/5 | 80–90% | NinjaTrader, Tradovate | Futures only | Futures specialists |
Why Choosing the Right Prop Firm Matters For US Traders
Before I joined my first prop firm years ago, I made the mistake of jumping in because of “90% profit split” ads.
What I quickly learned is that the real difference between a good and bad prop firm has nothing to do with profit split alone — it’s about reliability, payout consistency, transparent rules, fee fairness, and trustworthiness.
Here are the criteria I now ALWAYS check when choosing a prop firm:
✔ Trustworthiness & Track Record
How long the firm has been operating? Do traders actually get paid?
✔ Trustpilot Score & Community Feedback
I don’t rely on ads — I check REAL user reviews.
✔ Profit Split & Payout Speed
High profit splits mean nothing if payouts are slow or denied.
✔ Trading Rules
Daily DD, overall DD, news rules, allowed strategies — strict rules = higher risk of violations.
✔ Platforms Supported
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, or proprietary platforms.
✔ Market Access
Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Futures — more flexibility is better.
Now let’s look at the top 5 prop firms for US traders in 2026, based on these exact factors.
Final Thoughts
Prop trading in 2026 offers one of the fastest ways for disciplined traders to scale their capital — but only if you choose the right prop firm and approach it with a business mindset. After reviewing dozens of firms, analyzing thousands of Trustpilot ratings, and testing multiple accounts myself, one truth stands out:
The best prop firm isn’t the one with the highest profit split — it’s the one that pays consistently, supports your trading style, and provides clear rules you can trust.
If you want reliability and proven long-term payouts, FTMO is still unmatched.
If your priority is high profit share and low entry cost, FundedNext is hard to beat.
If you’re on a budget or want access to many markets, DNA Funded is a strong value pick.
If you prefer flexible rules and fast funding, TFT may fit your aggressive style.
And if you are a futures trader, Topstep remains the safest, most established choice.
At the end of the day, prop trading success isn’t about luck — it’s about consistency, risk management, and choosing a firm that aligns with your strategy. Start small, understand every rule before your first trade, and treat each funded account as a professional trading portfolio.
Your journey as a funded trader can be incredibly rewarding — just make sure you choose the right partner on that journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are prop firms legal for US traders?
Yes. Most firms operate using simulated accounts, making them legal for US traders.
Do prop firms actually pay?
Reputable ones like FTMO, Topstep, and FundedNext pay consistently. Always check recent reviews.
What documents do I need to register?
Usually:
Government-issued ID
Proof of address
Email + phone number
Completing basic KYC
Which platform should I choose (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker)?
MT4/MT5 → best for forex
cTrader → best for ECN-style execution
TradeLocker → best for TradingView lovers
NinjaTrader → best for futures
What’s the biggest mistake traders make with prop firms?
Violating daily drawdown or maximum drawdown, often due to over-leveraging or emotional trading.
