What is the best forex prop firm in 2025? It’s the question every ambitious trader is asking—because choosing the right proprietary trading firm can make or break your Forex journey. With the industry more crowded than ever, we’ve stacked 14 leading prop firms head-to-head, ranking them by challenge difficulty, profit split, fees/refunds, platform rules, payout reliability, and trader feedback. Our global analysis combines official data with real user reviews, covering firms like Blue Guardian, Alpha Capital Group, FTMO, The5ers, FXIFY, Funding Pips, FundedNext, Giimer, thePropTrade, Hantec Trader, BrightFunded, Quant Tekel, Crypto Fund Trader, and Goat Funded Trader. Below you’ll find side-by-side comparisons, deep-dive highlights, and an FAQ answering the questions traders care about most.
How We Compare Prop Firms
We evaluated each prop firm on key criteria:
- Evaluation Challenge: Profit targets, time limits, and drawdown rules (how easy or hard to pass).
- Profit Split & Scaling: What share of profits you keep (after payouts) and how your account can grow.
- Fees & Refunds: Cost of challenges/accounts and whether fees are refundable on success.
- Trading Platform & Rules: Available platforms (MT4/MT5/cTrader/etc.), allowed instruments, and special rules (news, weekends, scalping, etc.).
- Payout Process: Withdrawal frequency, speed, methods, and reliability.
- Trust & Reviews: User ratings (e.g. Trustpilot scores) and community feedback, indicating customer satisfaction.
In general, well-established firms (FTMO, The5ers, etc.) have high trust and stable operations, while newer firms often offer innovative features but come with less track record. The table below summarizes each firm’s main stats:
| Prop Firm | Max Funding | Profit Split (Max) | Evaluation Steps | Challenge Fee* | Payout Frequency |
| Blue Guardian | $400,000 | Up to 90% | 1–3 Steps | ~$49–$229 | ~7-day (weekly) |
| Alpha Capital Group | $200,000 | 80% | 1–2 Steps | $97–$997 | Monthly (varies)* |
| FTMO | $400,000 | 90% | 1–2 Steps | ~$99 | 1st payout @14d, then biweekly |
| The5ers | $4,000,000 | Up to 100% | 1 Step (Growth) | $260–$850 | Biweekly (first 14d) |
| FXIFY | $4,000,000 | Up to 90% | 1–3 Steps | $39–$1,999 | Monthly (on-demand) |
| Funding Pips | $300,000 | Up to 100% | 0–2 Steps | ~$529 (for 100K) | Weekly/Biweekly/Monthly |
| FundedNext | $300,000 | 80% (→90–95% w/add-ons) | 1–2 Steps | $99–$599 | 28d then biweekly |
| Giimer | $200,000 | Up to 90% | 1–2 Steps | $50–$499 | Monthly (2-week first) |
| thePropTrade | $200,000 | 80% (→90% scaling) | 1–2 Steps | $55 (for $5K) | Weekly |
| Hantec Trader | $200,000 | 75% (→90% w/add-on) | 1–2 Steps | $39–$89 (for $5K) | Monthly (biweekly add-on) |
| BrightFunded | ∞ | 80% (→100% scaling) | 1 Step | ~$49–$198 | Monthly (weekly add-on) |
| Quant Tekel | $2,000,000 | Up to 90% | 1–2 Steps | ~$60–$269 | Monthly |
| Crypto Fund Trader | $300,000 | 80% | 1–2 Steps | $55 (for $5K) | 48–72 hrs |
| Goat Funded Trader | ~$200,000 | 80% (→100% w/add-ons) | 3-Phase or Instant | ~$129–$599 | On-demand (no delay) |
*Fees scale with account size (e.g. FTMO $10K challenge ≈$99).
Key Findings & Standout Features
- FTMO (Overall Best) – The industry leader with huge brand recognition. FTMO offers up to 90% profit split on funded accounts, multiple account sizes to $400K, and a 2-step challenge with realistic targets. First payout is after 14 trading days, then biweekly. FTMO scores very high reviews (Trustpilot ~4.8/5). It’s known for fast, transparent payouts and a straightforward scaling program (double accounts). Best for serious traders seeking scale and reliability.
- The5ers (Best Scaling & Split) – Unique “hyper-growth” program with up to 100% profit share. Traders fund $10K, hit a 6–10% profit target (depending on product), then instantly double their balance. You can scale unlimitedly (up to $4M in funding). The5ers has no time limit on challenges and allows weekend holds. First payout is after 14 days, then biweekly. Its ultra-high profit splits and growth plan make it attractive for top traders who can meet the targets. Note: scaling can be aggressive, but The5ers is generally well-regarded for payouts and support.
- Blue Guardian (Best Fast Payouts) – A newer firm with very trader-friendly terms. Blue Guardian advertises 90% profit splits on funded accounts and has no time limit on the evaluation. Its flagship Instant Funding is a single-phase challenge with reasonable targets. Crucially, Blue Guardian pays out on a 7-day (weekly) cycle, much faster than most peers. It also boasts blockchain-verified proofs of payout. For beginners, Blue Guardian’s cheapest plan is just $49 (for a $5K account) with a 10% profit target and 5% daily drawdown. Overall, Blue Guardian stands out for quick payouts, simple rules, and rapid support response.
- Hantec Trader (Best for Low Fees) – Backed by the long-established Hantec Group broker, Hantec Trader offers very low-cost challenges (a $5K challenge costs only $49) with typical targets (10% profit with 5%/10% drawdowns). The base profit split is 75%, but you can add options to boost it to 90%. Hantec allows unlimited time (no deadlines) and has commission-free crypto trading. Withdrawals are monthly by default, with a biweekly option for an add-on fee. A major plus is Hantec’s solid trust: it is FCA-regulated via its broker and has a 4.7/5 Trustpilot score. In summary: exceptional value for beginners (very cheap entry) and reliable support.
- FXIFY (Best Flexibility) – Offers an extremely flexible structure with up to 90% profit share. You can choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-step challenges (catering to different styles) and eight account sizes (up to $4M total funding). FXIFY stands out for allowing expert features: unrestricted EAs, hedge & news trading, weekend holds, etc. It runs on a proprietary platform (with MT5 soon) and even offers performance protection add-ons. Trust scores are strong (4.1/5 on Trustpilot). Payouts are on-demand monthly (with optional 14-day cycle for a fee). In short, FXIFY suits traders who want maximum flexibility and high split at a moderate cost.
- Funding Pips (Best Payout Options) – Known for 100% profit share if you take monthly payouts (drops to 80% biweekly, 60% weekly). Funding Pips allows you to choose payout frequency as a feature. Its challenge comes in up to 3 steps with targets like 5–8%. It covers MT5, MT4, and even cTrader, and supports EAs and news trading. However, Funding Pips’ Trustpilot profile was recently suspended (raising caution), so be sure to verify terms. Standout is the “no reward denials” promise and flexible weekly/biweekly/ monthly payout cycles. Good for traders who prefer paid-out-by-cycles rather than monthly.
- FundedNext (High Add-Ons) – A controversial new firm. Base split is 80% (90% after one scale), but you can buy add-ons (e.g. 95% split for a fee). Accounts are $6K–$200K, and evaluation is 1 or 2 phases (10% then 5%). The initial fee ($99–$599) is fully refundable after payout – a unique feature. Payouts are after 28 days, then biweekly. FundedNext’s marketing highlights quick support, but some traders report delays or unexpected rules. In our ranking, FundedNext is near the bottom due to mixed reviews and higher base targets, despite its potentially generous scaling.
- Giimer (Unique Support & Education) – Aiming to be more than a prop firm, Giimer offers trading signals, education, and 24/7 support. Profit share goes up to 90%. Accounts from $2K–$200K are available, with 1 or 2-phase challenges (8–10% profit target, 4% daily/8% total drawdowns). Notably, Giimer allows weekend trading and positions a “risk-free” funding model (you keep a bonus during evaluation). New traders may appreciate the extra signals and user-friendly platform. Payouts follow FTMO’s pattern (first 14 days, then every 14 days). Overall, Giimer is solid but still building its reputation.
- thePropTrade (Weekly Payouts) – Offers 80% profit splits that scale to 90% after performance. It has very reasonable targets (e.g. 12% in one-phase) and no time limit on challenges. Two cool perks: no consistency rule (you don’t have to be profitable every day) and a weekly payout schedule (among the fastest in the industry). They also support crypto (with 1:2 leverage). ThePropTrade’s trading accounts are simulated (quant mindset), but payouts are real. In short, it’s an “easy” program with fast withdrawals, great for traders who dislike waiting for funds.
- BrightFunded (Unlimited Scaling) – A mid-size prop firm emphasizing infinite growth. Base split is 80%, but their scaling plan has no cap – you can keep scaling up your funded account indefinitely. They allow add-ons (up to 90% split, weekly payouts, etc.). Challenges are one-step with 8–10% targets. BrightFunded is user-friendly and fully remote, and traders like that you can withdraw even $0.01. Payouts are processed in 14 days (then biweekly). Overall, BrightFunded’s key draw is the upside: if you hit targets, you could multiply your balance without limits.
- Quant Tekel (High-Tech, High Scale) – A hybrid firm combining broker services and prop funding. You trade with up to $200K in a Tier-1 brokerage environment (tight spreads, MT5/DXtrade). Profit split is up to 90%, with a generous scaling plan: selecting 80% splits at payout automatically scales your account by 10% (up to $2,000,000). Its strong tech and education platform suit quant traders. User reviews praise its execution and rapid payouts, though a few warn about strict “15-second rule” trade executions. In summary: Quant Tekel blends broker-grade speed with a serious prop-challenge.
- Crypto Fund Trader (Crypto-Focused) – Positioned as “the first crypto prop firm,” CFT offers 80% profit share and zero spreads on crypto pairs. You can trade 120+ crypto assets plus FX and indices. The evaluation has 8% profit targets (10% for direct 1-phase) with 4%/8% drawdowns. Unique to CFT are its platforms: proprietary crypto-futures platform and MT5. Payouts are very fast (aiming within 2–4 business days) and there’s no minimum withdrawal. Its Trustpilot (~3.9/5) is lower than top firms, but reviews note transparent rules and fast payouts. CFT is best for traders focused on crypto markets.
- Goat Funded Trader (High Splits, Flexible) – Offers up to 100% profit share on its three-phase evaluation. Each phase only requires 6% gain (4% daily max, 8% trailing). There is no trading period limit, and you can withdraw profit on demand once funded. Goat also has a skip-the-test “Instant Funding” program (65% base split, 3%/6% drawdowns). Across the board, Goat stands out for extreme flexibility: unlimited time, many add-ons (faster payouts, higher splits, etc.), and instant funding. However, some traders have reported delays on withdrawals and strict rule enforcement, so due diligence is advised. Goat’s marketing emphasizes “unlimited scaling” and 100% profit, making it worth a look if you like configure-your-own options.
Conclusion: So, What is The Best Forex Prop Firm?
- Overall Best: FTMO and thePropTrade. FTMO’s balanced formula (90% split, strong brand, easy scaling) makes it the safest all-round pick. ThePropTrade similarly scores highly thanks to weekly payouts and very accessible rules (80–90% split).
- Beginners: Blue Guardian and Hantec Trader. Both have very low barriers ($49–$55), unlimited time, and friendly rules. Blue Guardian pays weekly and has a straightforward 10% target; Hantec offers the cheapest challenge and excellent support.
- High Payout Speed: thePropTrade (weekly) and The5ers (first payout after 14 days) are fastest. BrightFunded also lets you withdraw almost immediately after 30 days.
- Highest Profit Share: The5ers (up to 100%), Goat Funded (100% with add-ons), and BrightFunded (100% scaling) top the list.
- Most Capital: The5ers (up to $4M) and Quant Tekel (scales to $2M) offer the largest funding. FTMO and Hantec each cap at $200–400K.
- Crypto Focus:Crypto Fund Trader leads for crypto assets and payouts, with no commissions on crypto. Quant Tekel and FXIFY also support crypto trading well.
No single firm is “best” for everyone – your choice depends on style and priorities. FTMO remains the industry standard for experienced traders, The5ers is second-to-none for growth potential, while firms like Blue Guardian, Hantec, and thePropTrade offer beginner-friendly terms. Always read the fine print: user reviews remind us that firms like Alpha Capital Group have raised red flags, whereas top firms (FTMO, The5ers, Hantec) consistently earn praise.
FAQ
What is the best prop firm for beginners?
Beginners often want low cost and forgiving rules. Blue Guardian and Hantec Trader are excellent starter firms: challenges cost only $49, targets are moderate (10%), and there is no time limit to pass. Blue Guardian even pays weekly, making it very beginner-friendly. Hantec is similarly cheap and lets you trade demo-like accounts without harsh time pressure. Both have responsive support.
Which prop firm has the best payout?
For sheer speed, thePropTrade wins – it issues withdrawals on a weekly basis. The5ers and FTMO offer fast first payouts (14 days after funding), then biweekly. BrightFunded and Funding Pips let you choose weekly or biweekly add-ons for quicker cash-out. Crypto Fund Trader advertises 48–72 hour processing for payouts, which is among the fastest. In practice, FTMO, The5ers, thePropTrade and Hantec all maintain very reliable, on-time payout records.
Are Forex prop firms legit?
Yes, many are legitimate businesses providing real funded accounts in exchange for passing evaluation tests. Well-established firms like FTMO and The5ers have thousands of funded traders and excellent Trustpilot scores (FTMO ~4.8/5, Hantec ~4.7/5). They operate under transparent rules and regularly pay out millions to traders. However, the industry is lightly regulated, so you should always check reviews and terms. Some newer firms (e.g. Alpha Capital Group) have drawn scam warnings. In general, stick with firms that clearly publish their rules (profit targets, drawdowns, forbidden strategies) and have positive third-party feedback. Remember that a legitimate prop firm will not ask you to risk your own capital or hide fees, and it will process withdrawals promptly as advertised.
