Futures and forex prop firms sell the same idea, a funded account after an evaluation, but the rules are built very differently. Picking the right side matters more than picking the right firm.
At a glance
| Feature | Futures firms | Forex firms |
|---|---|---|
| Typical account we compare | $50K | $100K two-step |
| Fee | Often monthly ($49–$170/mo) or one-time | One-time ($491–$550 at $100K) |
| Profit target | $3,000 (6%), one step | 8–10%, then 5% |
| Maximum loss | $2,000 (4%), usually trailing | 10%, usually static |
| Daily limit | Often none or optional | Usually 4–5% |
| Profit split | 80–100% | Usually 80% to start |
| Platforms | TradingView, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic | MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade |
Futures firms suit you if…
- You trade index or commodity futures like NQ, ES or CL during the US session.
- You want a cheap way in: several futures evaluations cost under $200 to get funded at list price.
- You can manage a tight, trailing limit. $2,000 on $50K is 4%, and it follows your peak.
- You're happy to be flat by the close. Topstep, for example, requires all positions closed by 3:10 PM CT.
Forex firms suit you if…
- You trade currency pairs, gold or CFDs, often across the London and Asian sessions.
- You want a wider, static buffer: 10% that doesn't follow your profit.
- You can pass two phases and accept a 4–5% daily limit.
- You like the idea of a refund: FTMO, FundedNext and FXIFY's Standard account refund the fee with your first payout.
The real cost difference
Futures fees look smaller but recur monthly on several firms until you pass, and some add an activation fee (Topstep $149, Take Profit Trader $130). Forex fees are larger and one-time. If it takes you three months to pass, a $126/month futures evaluation costs $378, close to a forex challenge.
Tip: compare the cost of the number of attempts you realistically expect, not just one.
How to choose
Trade the market you already know. Then shortlist two or three firms on our comparison page and check the drawdown type first. Read our drawdown guide if you're unsure.