Top 6 Cheapest Prop Firms in 2025

If you’re looking for the cheapest prop trading firms and want to break into the prop trading world with minimal upfront costs, this guide is for you. In 2025, proprietary trading firms continue to evolve, offering more competitive pricing, immediate access to virtual capital with real earning opportunities, and advanced trading tools for beginner traders and experienced traders alike. In this article, we’ll explore the top 6 cheapest prop firms for funded trading, highlight the key features they offer, and explain how you can choose the right prop firm for your trading journey. We’ll also share how ThinkCapital, a leading broker-backed trading firm, can help you start trading with low entry fees and higher profit potential—all while developing your trading skills and staying in tune with the latest market trends.

What Are Proprietary Trading Firms?

Proprietary trading firms—often referred to simply as prop trading firms—provide retail traders and new traders with funded accounts using the firm’s institutional capital. Instead of trading with your own money, you go through an evaluation process, known as a prop firm challenge, to prove your trading strategies and trading style. If you pass the challenge phase, you’ll upgrade to a funded account from the challenge account, which allows you to trade with the firm’s resources and start earning.

These prop firms typically have:

• Evaluation accounts or demo accounts where you show consistent performance.
• Risk management measures like profit targets, time limits, and maximum drawdown rules.Potential for instant funding or near-instant access instant funding if you meet performance criteria.
• A variety of trading approaches, from algorithmic trading and fundamental analysis to swing trading and scalping.

In essence, proprietary trading firms open doors for retail traders by giving them advanced trading platforms, advanced charting features, and multiple trading strategies to explore. Whether you’re focused on forex trading, indices, or other assets, the prop trading model lets beginner traders and experienced traders alike tap into institutional capital while preserving their own risk capital.

Characteristics of Cheap Prop Firms

1. Lower Fees: Cheap prop firms stand out for their low entry fees on the prop firm challenge. This makes them an attractive option for new traders who don’t want to risk large amounts of own money.
2. More Accessible: Because of their minimal upfront costs, these affordable prop firms lower the barrier to entry for funded trader programs, allowing traders from different backgrounds to test their trading potential.
3. Flexible or Strict Rules: Some of the cheapest prop firms come with strict risk management guidelines like low risk tolerance or short minimum trading days, while others may be more flexible but offer lower profit splits.
4. Potential Trade-Offs: With cheap prop firms, you might have less flexibility in profit splits, more stringent evaluation process conditions, or fewer educational resources. It’s crucial to balance cost with your preferred strategies and trading style.
   

Top 6 Cheapest Prop Trading Firms

When searching for the cheapest prop trading firms in 2025, you should consider the following six firms offering competitive pricing, evaluation accounts, and flexible account sizes that cater to different trading approaches.

1. FundedNext

• Low Entry Fees: Starting at just $59 for a $6,000 funded trading challenge account.
• Features: Offers immediate access to a trading platform with advanced trading tools.
• Highlights: Reasonable profit targets and a straightforward challenge phase appeal to both beginner traders and experienced traders looking for a cheap prop solution.

2. The 5%ers

• Budget-Friendly Evaluations: Challenges begin at $39 for a $5,000 funded account challenge.
• Key Benefits: Known for flexible risk management rules and a focus on forex trading.
• Advantage: Offers educational resources, enabling traders to refine their trading skills while striving for higher profit splits.

3. Goat Funded Trader

• Entry Fee: $44 for a $5,000 challenge account, featuring a two-step evaluation with no time limits.
• Standout Feature: Goat Funded Trader emphasizes multiple trading strategies and trading approaches, including algorithmic trading, so traders succeed with their preferred strategies.
• Why It’s Cheap: Their competitive pricing and no time limits make it great for those who need a more relaxed evaluation process.

4. Fxify

• Three-Step Challenge: Evaluations start at $39, with minimum trading days set at just 5.
• Trading Platform: Provides advanced trading platforms with advanced charting features.
• Good for: New traders and retail traders who want to start trading with multiple trading strategies, from fundamental analysis to swing trading.

5. PipFarm

• Affordable Pricing: Challenges from $50 for a $5,000 funded trading account.
• Key Benefit: Offers educational resources for trading style development, helping traders adapt to market trends and diverse trading tools.
• Appeals To: Those seeking a balance of low entry fees and a structured challenge phase with clear profit targets.

6. ThinkCapital

• Leading Broker-Backed Prop Firm: Offers a $5,000 challenge account for only $39, with a leverage as high as 1:100.
• Profit Splits: Up to 90%, which is among the higher profit splits in the industry, giving you tremendous profit potential.
• Advanced Trading Platforms: ThinkTrader with integrated TradersGym for backtesting and a seamless connection to TradingView, allowing traders to place orders directly from charts.
• Why Choose ThinkCapital: Combines competitive pricing, along with immediate access to institutional capital after passing a challenge, robust educational resources, and powerful yet flexible trading platforms—making it perfect for your trading journey, regardless of your experience level.
  

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Prop Firm

Choosing the right prop firm involves weighing various factors that can impact how traders succeed:

1. Evaluation Fees
   
   • Assess if the cheap prop firm’s fee structure aligns with your budget.
   • Watch for low entry fees vs. what you receive in funded accounts.
     
2. Profit Splits
   
   • Look for firms offering competitive pricing on fees but also profit splits that reward consistent success.
   • Higher profit splits maximize your profit potential.
     
3. Leverage & Trading Platforms
   
   • High leverage, like 1:100, can boost returns but requires strict risk management.
   • Ensure the trading platform offers advanced charting features and educational resources to enhance your trading skills.
     
4. Scaling & Growth Opportunities
   
   • Some prop trading firms provide scale-up plans, increasing account sizes as you meet profit targets.
   • ThinkCapital, for instance, offers a seamless path from smaller to larger funded accounts.
     
5. Multiple Trading Strategies
   
   • When evaluating a firm, check whether it supports a variety of trading styles, such as crypto trading, forex trading, and more.
   • Having the freedom to explore different trading strategies can help you adapt to changing market trends.

Benefits of Trading with Prop Firms

1. Minimal Risk to Your Own Money
   
   • Because you’re using institutional capital, albeit virtual, you don’t have to drain your personal account or savings.
     
2. Opportunities for Growth
   
   • Cheap prop firms allow you to climb the ranks as you hone your trading style and become a more experienced trader.
   • Instant funding or near-instant access instant funding can accelerate your trading journey.
     
3. Educational Resources & Mentorship
   
   • Similarly, many prop trading firms offer educational resources, such as webinars and tutorials. In addition, they provide Discord communities where you can connect and engage with fellow traders to further improve your trading strategies.
     

4. Diverse Markets & Trading Tools

   • With a funded trader account, you can experiment with forex trading, indices, commodities, and more using advanced trading tools.
     

How to Maximize Profits with Prop Firms

1. Develop a Solid Trading Plan
   
   • Whether it’s swing trading, scalping, fundamental analysis, or day trading, you should define your preferred strategies and stick to them.
     
2. Risk Management
   
   • Use tight stop-losses and maintain a strict risk tolerance.
   • Focus on protecting capital during the challenge phase, and this is because consistent gains often outweigh sporadic big wins.
     
3. Leverage Educational Resources
   
   • Study market trends, explore demo accounts, and engage with other firms’ forums or communities for insights.
     
4. Stay Disciplined
   
   • To succeed, prop trading evaluations require consistency. Therefore, it’s important to keep track of your trades, maintain emotional control, and, if needed, adapt your strategies along the way.
     

Evaluating Prop Firms for Your Trading Needs

Your trading style, risk tolerance, and overall goals dictate which prop trading firm fits best. When comparing cheapest prop firms, you should consider:

• Trading Tools: Does the trading platform support your preferred strategies with advanced charting features?
• Profit Splits & Scaling: Are the profit splits and scale-up plans beneficial for your long-term growth?
• Evaluation Process & Challenge Phase: Is there a time limit? Do you need to hit certain profit targets within a set period?
• Educational Resources: Can you expand your trading skills through mentorship or courses?
  

Features of Cheap Prop Firms

• Instant Funding: Some offer instant funding funded accounts after you pass the challenge account stage.
• Multiple Trading Strategies: Flexibility to practice different trading strategies, from fundamental analysis to algorithmic trading.
• Competitive Pricing: Lower evaluation fees and minimal upfront costs are common.
• Supportive Community: Webinars, tutorials, and good trader communities to help traders succeed in the prop trading arena.
  

Tips for Success with Prop Trading Firms

1. Maintain Discipline & Patience
   
   • The evaluation process can be tough, especially for beginner traders. Stay patient as you refine your trading style.
     
2. Leverage Multiple Trading Strategies
   
   • Experiment with swing trading, day trading, or even scalping to find what suits your personality and risk tolerance.
     
3. Use a Trading Journal
   
   • Track your trades, analyze performance, and adjust based on real data.
     
4. Stay Adaptable
   
   • Market trends change rapidly. Be ready to pivot your trading approaches as needed.

Conclusion

In 2025, the cheapest prop trading firms are making it easier than ever for traders to access institutional capital, refine their trading skills, and explore multiple trading strategies. Cheap prop firms offer low entry fees and competitive pricing—all designed to help you accelerate your trading journey without risking large amounts of your own money.

Among the top 6 cheapest prop firms, ThinkCapital stands out for its affordable $39 prop firm challenge, high leverage, advanced trading platforms, and up to 90% profit splits. With ThinkTrader’s advanced charting features, integrated TradersGym for backtesting, and direct integration to TradingView, you’ll have all the trading tools you need to grow. Whether you’re practicing forex trading, swing trading, or exploring algorithmic trading, ThinkCapital provides the perfect blend of resources, evaluation accounts, and supportive environment to help traders succeed in the prop trading world.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking for instant funding opportunities, minimal upfront costs, and a chance to rapidly develop your trading potential, ThinkCapital is your right prop firm. Start trading a $5,000 account for just $39. Enjoy competitive pricing on your challenge phase, and get one step closer to becoming a fully funded trader. Sign up today and discover how our affordable prop firms model can kickstart your trading journey and help you achieve your profit targets in prop trading.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a free prop firm?

Completely free proprietary trading firms are virtually nonexistent. Most prop firms require traders to pay a fee for the challenge phase because this helps the firm manage risks and operational costs. However, while some offer promotional discounts or very low entry fees, you should be cautious of any “free” claim. For instance, ThinkCapital stands out due to its exceptionally competitive pricing at just $39 for a $5,000 evaluation. Therefore, it makes an excellent alternative to any so-called “free” firm.

Q: What is the most legit prop firm?

If you’re serious about finding a legitimate firm, ThinkCapital undoubtedly tops the list. Not only does it have a broker-backed foundation and years of proven reliability, but it has also grown into a trusted name in the prop trading space. Moreover, ThinkCapital offers transparent rules, high profit splits (up to 90%), and direct integration with advanced trading platforms like TradingView. As a result, all these features confirm its standing as one of the most bona fide prop firms available.

Q: Which one is the best funded account?

The definition of “best” can vary depending on your trading style and preferences, but ThinkCapital consistently delivers superior value. They provide funded accounts starting at $5,000 for just $39, combined with up to 1:100 leverage and an industry-leading profit split. This exceptional package, plus ThinkCapital’s robust resources, ensures you maximize your trading potential and scale your account sizes as you hit profit targets.

Q: Is ThinkCapital a reliable prop firm?

Absolutely. ThinkCapital is known for its broker-backed status, minimal upfront costs, and streamlined evaluation process designed to help traders succeed. From new traders to experienced traders, everyone benefits from its user-friendly trading platform, integrated TradersGym, and hands-on support team. The firm’s transparency in payouts, quick instant funding options, and generous profit splits cement ThinkCapital as a highly reliable and reputable choice in the prop trading world.

Q: What is the best prop firm for beginners?

For beginner traders, ThinkCapital is a standout. Its evaluation starts at a very affordable $39, offering immediate or near-immediate access to a challenge account with straightforward time limits and profit targets. The educational resources, intuitive trading tools, and a supportive community make it far easier for newcomers to navigate the prop trading landscape. Moreover, the forgiving risk tolerance and flexible rules help new traders focus on developing consistent trading strategies without risking large amounts of their own money.

Disclaimer

Trading involves high risk. Retail investor accounts can lose money rapidly due to leverage. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research and consider your financial situation before making any investment decisions. Effective risk management is essential in Forex trading to protect your capital and manage risk appropriately.