20+ prop firm challenges ranked by fairness, transparency, and real trader pass rates. Compare 1-step, 2-step, 3-step, and instant funding challenges with complete rule breakdowns. Independently researched.
Our six-criteria evaluation framework. Only ~14% of traders pass prop challenges, and only ~7% reach payout — picking the right challenge matters.
Reasonable profit targets (8–10% P1, 5% P2), transparent drawdown calculation, no hidden restrictions.
5% daily DD and 8–10% total DD is the industry sweet spot. 3–4% daily limits are excessively restrictive.
Clear challenge fee with no hidden add-ons for data, platforms, or resets.
Firms that publish or allow verification of pass rates score higher.
Rules that don't change mid-challenge or have ambiguous interpretations.
Lower challenge fees with equivalent or better terms than competitors.
Four categories. Pick the one that matches your trading style and budget.
One-phase challenges with a single profit target.
Best for: Confident traders with proven strategies who want quick funding.
Pros
Cons
Classic evaluation: Phase 1 target + Phase 2 lower target.
Best for: Most traders — the balanced approach.
Pros
Cons
Three evaluation phases with the lowest entry fees.
Best for: Beginners testing the waters, traders on tight budgets.
Pros
Cons
Pay for immediate funded account — no challenge needed.
Best for: Experienced traders who want to skip evaluation entirely.
Pros
Cons
Real data on fees, targets, drawdown, time limits, and estimated pass rates.
| Firm | Type | Fee ($100K) | P1 Target | P2 Target | Daily/Total DD | Time Limit | Pass Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | 2-step | $540 | 10% | 5% | 5%/10% | None | ~8% | 9.2 |
| FundedNext Stellar | 2-step | $359 | 10% | 5% | 5%/10% | None | ~9% | 9 |
| The5ers | 2-step | $395 | 10% | 5% | 5%/10% | None | ~10% | 9.1 |
| FXIFY 1-step | 1-step | $319 | 10% | — | 4%/8% | None | ~6% | 8.3 |
| FXIFY 2-step | 2-step | $319 | 10% | 5% | 5%/10% | None | ~9% | 8.8 |
| Alpha Capital | 1-step | $399 | 8% | — | 5%/10% | None | ~7% | 8.1 |
| Blue Guardian | Instant | $10 | — | — | 5%/10% | — | Instant | 7.8 |
| Maven Trading | 3-step | $17 | 8% | 5% | 5%/10% | 30d/phase | ~11% | 7.5 |
| RebelsFunding Copper | 4-step | €25 | 8% | 5% | Static 8% | None | ~12% | 7.2 |
| Funding Pips | 2-step | $29 | 10% | 5% | 5%/10% | None | ~9% | 8 |
| AquaFunded | 2-step | $189 | 8% | 5% | 5%/10% | None | ~10% | 8.5 |
| SabioTrade | 2-step | $399 | 10% | 5% | 5%/8% | None | ~8% | 8 |
Pass rates are estimates based on publicly available data and trader reports.
Answer four questions to find your ideal challenge format.
Quick recommendations for every trading style and experience level.
Best for Beginners
Blue Guardian Instant ($10)
Best for Experienced
FundedNext Stellar (best payout)
Best for Scalpers
Fastest to funded
Best for Swing Traders
No consistency, no time limit
Best for News Traders
News trading explicitly allowed
Best for Budget Traders
Funding Pips ($29)
Everything you need to know about prop firm challenges.
20+ challenges compared by pass rate, value, and rule fairness. Filter by your trading style and budget.