With so many prop firms in the market, finding one that is legit and actually pays out is challenging. After personally trying multiple firms, here are the top 5 prop firms I’ve tested, ranked based on my experience in 2025:

1. The5ers (✅ Got Paid)

The5ers is one of the best firms I’ve tried—they actually pay out without issues. They offer different account types, but I went with their Hyper Growth Program, which lets you scale up to higher capital fast. Their rules are trader-friendly, and I had no trouble holding trades overnight.

Pros:

✔ Smooth and fast payouts—got my money in 24 hours.

✔ No time limit on challenges, so I could trade at my own pace.

✔ Can hold trades overnight and over weekends (important for swing traders).

✔ Great risk management flexibility, unlike some firms that force tight stop-losses.

Cons:

✖ Initial challenge fee is a bit pricey, but worth it since they actually pay.

✖ Limited to forex and metals—no crypto or stocks.

2. For Traders (✅ Got Paid)

For Traders is another solid firm that actually pays. Their challenge is fairly standard, but what stands out is their low fees and high profit split (up to 90%). The 15% bonus after passing the challenge is a nice touch. Plus, their Premium Program offers additional perks like monthly salaries and account balance boosts for consistent traders.

Pros:

✔ Fast payouts – Received my first one within 48 hours.

✔ Low challenge fees – More affordable than many competitors.

✔ High profit split – Up to 90%, plus a 15% bonus during the challenge phase.

✔ Supports multiple platforms – Available on cTrader, TradeLocker, and MT5.

✔ Premium Program – Monthly salaries and account boosts for consistent traders.

Cons:

✖ Limited reputation – Still a newer firm in the industry.

✖ No scaling plan – Cannot increase capital over time like with The5ers.

3. FundedNext (❌ No Payout Yet – Still Testing)

I’m still in the early phases of testing FundedNext. They have an interesting model where you start earning 15% profit share during the challenge, which is rare. But I’ve seen mixed reviews about withdrawals, so I’m waiting to see how smooth their payouts are.

Pros:

✔ Up to 95% profit split (one of the highest in the industry).

✔ No time limit on challenges, so I don’t feel rushed.

✔ 15% profit share even during evaluation, which no other firm does.

✔ Allows overnight and weekend holding, which is good for swing traders.

Cons:

✖ Strict drawdown limits, a huge wall for aggressive traders.

✖ Reports of spreads widening during news events—haven’t confirmed this yet.

✖ Some complaints about delayed payouts, so I’m cautious for now.

4. Maven (❌ No Payout – Issues Reported)

Maven looked good at first, but I ran into issues. Their rules are strict, and I personally don’t like their high forex spreads (which make trading more expensive). I’ve seen traders complain about restrictive payout policies, so I decided to stop testing them.

Pros:

✔ Low challenge fees – Affordable entry for traders.

✔ No time limits – Trade at your own pace without deadlines.

✔ 24/7 customer support – Assistance available around the clock.

Cons:

✖ High forex spreads – Can increase trading costs.

✖ Limited platform options – No support for MT4 or MT5.

✖ Restrictive payout policies – Profit concentration limits and payouts capped at $10,000 per cycle.

✖ Lack of transparency – Limited details on liquidity providers.

5. FTMO (❌ No Payout – Too Strict for Me)

FTMO is one of the most well-known prop firms, but I personally found it too strict. Their challenge was hard to pass, and their rules felt designed to make traders fail. I didn’t receive a payout since I couldn’t pass the challenge in time. However, I heard they recently removed the time limits, which is a step in the right direction.

Pros:

✔ Biggest name in the industry, making it a reputable and trusted choice.

✔ High profit split (up to 90%) for successful traders.

✔ Scaling plan available, allowing traders to increase their account size over time.

✔ Refundable challenge fee if you pass and make your first withdrawal.

Cons:

✖ Challenge has strict rules, making it difficult to pass. Used to have tight time limits, but this has now been removed.

✖ Expensive entry fees, and if you fail, you lose your money.

✖ No refunds if you fail the challenge, unlike some other firms.

✖ Restrictions on news trading and weekend holding unless using a Swing Account.

Disclaimer: The logos and trademarks used in this article belong to their respective companies. This review is for informational purposes only and does not imply any affiliation or endorsement.