Prop Firms: How to Succeed and Choose the Best in 2025 (FTMO, Apex, Topstep)
Prop firms allow traders to manage large capital after proving their discipline and performance. Whether you're an ambitious beginner or an experienced trader seeking leverage without personal risk, prop firms have become a go-to solution. But beware: not all are equal!
Here are our tips, strategies, and a comparison of the best prop firms to help you pass your challenge on the first try.
🔎 What is a Prop Firm?
A prop firm provides traders with capital to trade on the firm's behalf. You go through a (usually paid) evaluation, and if you follow the rules, you get access to a funded account. Traders share the profits (often 70-90% in the trader's favor).
- 💰 Goal: Access capital without risking your own funds
- 🔁 Evaluation: Usually in 1 or 2 phases
- 📊 Monitoring: Strict rules must be followed (drawdown, news, etc.)
⚙️ How Does a Prop Firm Work?
- Select a challenge: capital, duration, specific rules
- Phase 1: Reach a profit target without breaking rules
- Phase 2: Prove consistency
- Get funded + start profit sharing
🏆 Reliable Prop Firms Compared in 2025
🔹 FTMO
- 📍 Based in Europe
- 💰 Profit split: 80 to 90%
- 🔁 Two-phase evaluation (Challenge + Verification)
- 🔧 Platforms: MetaTrader, cTrader
- 🧾 Fees refunded upon success
- 🔗 Discover FTMO
✅ Pros:
- Professional interface, tracking tools
- Strong reputation, accounts up to €200k
❌ Cons:
- Strict rules on trading hours and economic announcements
🔹 Apex Trader Funding
- 📍 Based in the U.S. (Futures only)
- 💰 Profit split: up to 100%
- 🔥 Frequent promotions (-80%)
- 🖥️ Platforms: NinjaTrader, Rithmic
- 🔗 Discover Apex
✅ Pros:
- Very affordable with frequent discounts
- Fast challenge with no minimum trading days
❌ Cons:
- Trailing drawdown is difficult to manage without a clear strategy
🔹 Topstep
- 📍 U.S. pioneer in funding futures traders
- 💰 Profit split: 80 to 100%
- 🧭 Clear and educational structure
- 🔧 Pro platforms: NinjaTrader, Tradovate
✅ Pros:
- Structured monitoring, regular feedback
- Serious program to become professional
❌ Cons:
- No CFD or Forex funding
- Challenge is more demanding for beginners
🎯 Tips to Pass Your Evaluation
- ✅ Use a validated strategy aligned with the firm's rules
- 🧠 Aim for consistency, not extreme performance
- 📒 Keep a trading journal to track mistakes and improvements
- 🚫 Avoid trading during major economic news
- ⚠️ Never force trades under pressure or deadlines
🧠 Join Our Coaching to Pass Your Challenges
At TNG Institute, we coach our students specifically to succeed with prop firm challenges like FTMO and Apex.
Our strategies are built to comply with drawdown, duration, and risk management rules from these platforms.
🧾 Conclusion
Prop firms are a great opportunity to take your trading to the next level without risking personal capital. But success requires discipline, strategy, and consistency.
At TNG Institute, we help you tackle these challenges with optimized strategies and personalized coaching.
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