Introduction
Topstep offers a structured trading evaluation for futures traders, allowing funded trading with profit-share arrangements. This article provides a factual overview of legitimate alternative prop trading firms which provide similar or improved funding pathways, without speculation or promotional content.
Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding provides a single-step evaluation and offers traders 100% of their profits up to $25,000 before moving to a 90% split. Account sizes grow up to $300,000, and fees start around $137/month. The firm allows multiple accounts—up to 20 per trader—and has no daily loss limit.
Take Profit Trader
Based in Florida, Take Profit Trader offers access to multiple futures instruments including equity, FX, commodities, energy, and metals. Account limits reach $150,000, with profit splits up to 90%. Platform options include TradingView, NinjaTrader, Rithmic, Quantower, and others. Accounts feature one-step funding and same‑day withdrawals.
My Funded Futures
My Funded Futures provides one-phase evaluation with fixed drawdown rules and no trailing drawdowns. Traders keep up to 90% of profits. Accounts begin at $50,000, scaling up to $150,000. Fee tiers range roughly from $80 to $220 per month. Withdrawal processing is fast. Compatible trading platforms include NinjaTrader and TradingView.
DNA Funded
DNA Funded offers challenge sizes from $5,000 to $200,000, with possible scaling to a total of $600,000. Traders earn 80–90% profit splits. The platform supports more than 800 instruments across forex, equities, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrency. Challenges cost between $49 and $1,209.
FTMO
FTMO supports traders with account scaling up to $2,000,000 and profit splits of 80–90%. Supported asset classes include forex, indices, commodities, and some futures. Challenges require meeting structured targets within specified timeframes.
The5ers
The5ers specialise in scaling prop trading across forex and equities with funding potential up to $4,000,000 and profit split models up to 100%. Evaluation follows an eight-level system. Futures access may be limited compared to other firms.
FundedNext
FundedNext offers various challenge options, including instant funding, with capital scaling up to $4,000,000. Profit splits range from 60% to 95%. Platforms include NinjaTrader and Tradovate. Free trial offers available.
TradeDay
TradeDay provides monthly subscriptions or challenge accounts starting around $99, funding up to $250,000. Traders keep 100% of profits up to initial amounts, then move to a 90% split. It’s targeted to users of NinjaTrader and Tradovate. Instant account activation is possible in many cases.
Funded Trading Plus (FTP)
Funded Trading Plus offers instant funding options or structured challenges with accounts up to $200,000 (scaling higher possible) and profit splits up to 90%. Withdrawal cycles are flexible—three, five, or seven days. The firm prioritises quick access to capital and payouts.
Key Feature Comparison
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | Take Profit Trader | My Funded Futures | DNA Funded | FTMO | The5ers | FundedNext | TradeDay | Funded Trading Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Type | Single-phase | Single-phase | Single-phase | Tiered challenges | Multi-phase | Multi-level scaling | Instant or tiered | Subscription-based | Instant or phased |
| Initial Profit Split | 100% to $25k then 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | 80–90% | 80–90% | Up to 100% | 60–95% | 100% then 90% | Up to 90% |
| Max Account Size | $300k | $150k | $150k | Scales to $600k | Up to $2M | Up to $4M | Up to $4M | $250k | At least $200k |
| Payout Timing | Fast | Same‑day | Fast | Weekly or 14-day | Bi‑weekly | Bi‑weekly | Bi‑weekly or trial model | Monthly or faster | 3‑7 day cycles |
Conclusion
These alternatives offer validated, operational services parallel to Topstep’s futures-focused model. Each firm presents distinct structures, profit-sharing terms, capital scaling limits, and payout schedules. Traders should assess match between the firm’s format and their trading objectives, markets, and risk approach before proceeding.
