Topstep is a leading proprietary trading firm, widely known for its futures trading programs. Traders who pass their evaluation process are granted access to large trading accounts, allowing them to trade futures with firm capital. While Topstep is highly regarded, there are several other proprietary trading firms that also offer competitive evaluation programs, unique features, and flexible profit-sharing structures. If you’re considering alternatives to Topstep, this article will explore some of the top prop trading firms and what they offer to futures traders.
1. FTMO
Overview:
FTMO is one of the most popular proprietary trading firms in the industry. While FTMO is best known for its focus on forex, it also offers futures trading through its evaluation programs. FTMO’s reputation for professional evaluations, clear rules, and scaling plans makes it a serious competitor to Topstep.
Key Features:
- Evaluation Process: FTMO offers a two-step evaluation process that tests a trader’s ability to meet profit targets while managing risk. The evaluation is designed to identify traders who are consistently profitable.
- Futures Trading: FTMO provides access to various futures markets, including popular contracts like the E-mini S&P 500, giving traders a broad range of opportunities.
- Profit Share: FTMO offers a competitive profit-sharing structure, with traders earning up to 90% of their profits once they become funded traders.
- Scaling Plan: FTMO offers the ability to scale up accounts, allowing successful traders to manage increasingly larger capital as they demonstrate profitability over time.
Why Choose FTMO?
FTMO is a strong alternative to Topstep for traders looking for a robust, well-established proprietary trading firm with favorable profit splits and a comprehensive scaling plan. Additionally, FTMO’s global reputation for fairness and professionalism makes it a top choice for futures traders.
2. The Funded Trader
Overview:
The Funded Trader is a rising player in the proprietary trading space, offering flexible futures and forex trading programs. Known for its low entry costs and competitive profit-sharing terms, The Funded Trader provides traders with a streamlined and trader-friendly approach.
Key Features:
- Evaluation Process: The Funded Trader offers a multi-step evaluation process that tests a trader’s consistency, risk management, and ability to meet profit targets. Traders can choose between various challenge levels to suit their trading styles.
- Futures Trading: The Funded Trader offers access to multiple futures contracts, including E-mini, commodities, and other popular markets, making it a versatile platform for futures traders.
- Profit Share: Successful traders can earn up to 85% of the profits, with the potential to increase their share as their performance improves.
- Account Sizes: The Funded Trader offers a wide range of account sizes, from smaller accounts to larger capital, giving traders flexibility in their choice.
Why Choose The Funded Trader?
The Funded Trader is a solid choice for futures traders seeking a lower-cost evaluation process and a competitive profit share. With a flexible scaling plan and access to diverse markets, it’s an attractive alternative to Topstep.
3. OneUp Trader
Overview:
OneUp Trader is another excellent alternative to Topstep, offering a comprehensive evaluation process and a unique focus on providing funding for futures traders. It aims to give traders access to substantial capital while maintaining a straightforward, trader-friendly approach.
Key Features:
- Evaluation Process: OneUp Trader features a single-phase evaluation process where traders must meet specific profit targets while adhering to risk management rules.
- Futures Trading: The firm provides traders access to several futures markets, including major indices, commodities, and forex futures contracts.
- Profit Share: Traders who successfully pass the evaluation process can receive a profit share of 80%, which is a competitive offering in the industry.
- Account Sizes: OneUp Trader offers a range of account sizes, starting with a $25,000 account, and allows traders to scale their capital as they continue to perform well.
Why Choose OneUp Trader?
OneUp Trader is an appealing alternative for traders looking for a single-phase evaluation and a quick path to funding. The firm’s focus on futures markets and relatively simple evaluation process make it a great option for traders who prefer a straightforward approach.
4. Earn2Trade
Overview:
Earn2Trade is a well-established proprietary trading firm that offers futures and forex traders the chance to manage firm capital after passing their evaluation program. Known for its transparency and educational support, Earn2Trade has become a popular choice for many traders.
Key Features:
- Evaluation Process: Earn2Trade offers the Gauntlet Mini and Gauntlet evaluation programs for futures traders. The Gauntlet Mini is a more affordable option with a shorter evaluation period, while the Gauntlet provides a more comprehensive evaluation.
- Futures Trading: Earn2Trade specializes in futures trading, offering access to popular futures contracts like E-mini S&P 500, crude oil, and others.
- Profit Share: The firm offers up to an 80% profit share for traders who pass the evaluation, with the possibility of increasing the share based on performance.
- Educational Support: Earn2Trade is renowned for its educational resources, including courses, webinars, and trading tools designed to help traders improve their skills.
Why Choose Earn2Trade?
Earn2Trade is a great choice for futures traders who value transparency, strong educational support, and a range of evaluation options. The firm’s flexible evaluation programs and focus on futures markets make it an attractive Topstep alternative.
5. The5ers
Overview:
The5ers is a proprietary trading firm that provides traders with the chance to manage firm capital in both forex and futures markets. The firm offers a more flexible approach than some competitors, with a focus on long-term profitability and risk management.
Key Features:
- Evaluation Process: The5ers offers a one-phase evaluation process that is designed to be straightforward and focused on consistent, long-term profitability.
- Futures Trading: The5ers provides access to a wide range of futures markets, including major indices, commodities, and forex futures.
- Profit Share: Traders who pass the evaluation process can start with a 50% profit share, which increases as they reach performance milestones.
- Scaling Plan: The5ers offers a scaling plan that allows traders to grow their account size as they maintain consistent profitability.
Why Choose The5ers?
The5ers is a great option for traders who want a more flexible evaluation process and an emphasis on long-term, consistent profitability. Its scaling plan and competitive profit shares make it an excellent alternative to Topstep for futures traders.
6. City Traders Imperium (CTI)
Overview:
City Traders Imperium (CTI) is a newer but rapidly growing proprietary trading firm offering futures and forex traders the opportunity to trade with firm capital. CTI’s one-phase evaluation process and trader-friendly conditions make it an attractive option for futures traders.
Key Features:
- Evaluation Process: CTI offers a one-phase evaluation with clear rules and profit targets. The process is designed to assess a trader’s consistency and ability to manage risk.
- Futures Trading: CTI offers a range of futures markets, including major indices, commodities, and other instruments.
- Profit Share: Successful traders can earn up to 70% of the profits, with the potential to scale up their profit share as they meet performance milestones.
- Account Sizes: CTI offers several account sizes, allowing traders to choose the one that best fits their trading style.
Why Choose CTI?
City Traders Imperium is an excellent choice for traders who prefer a simplified evaluation process and want to trade with a flexible, trader-focused firm. Its one-phase evaluation and competitive profit-sharing options make it a strong alternative to Topstep.
Conclusion
Topstep has set a high standard in the proprietary trading industry, but many other firms offer competitive alternatives for futures traders. Firms like FTMO, The Funded Trader, OneUp Trader, Earn2Trade, The5ers, and City Traders Imperium provide various benefits, from flexible evaluation processes to competitive profit-sharing terms and robust educational resources.
The best alternative depends on your trading style, risk tolerance, and goals. By exploring these alternatives, you can find a prop trading firm that aligns with your needs and helps you maximize your potential as a futures trader.
