Looking for a trading challenge platform to start your journey? Here's what you need to know: these platforms simulate trading environments using virtual funds, allowing you to practice without risking real money. Some even offer profit-sharing opportunities if you perform well. But not all platforms are beginner-friendly - they differ in costs, rules, and educational resources.
Top Pick: For Traders stands out with flexible account options starting at $46, a 9% profit target, and access to educational resources like a 12+ video trading course. It’s perfect for beginners aiming to develop skills at their own pace. Other platforms like FundedNext and Funded Trading Plus also offer competitive features, such as profit splits up to 90% and varied funding programs, but may lack beginner-focused support.
Quick Overview:
- For Traders: Beginner-friendly, $46 entry, 15% profit share, strong educational tools.
- FundedNext: Flexible challenges, profit splits up to 95%, affordable starting point.
- Funded Trading Plus: Scalable accounts, profit splits up to 100%, no mandatory stop-loss.
- ThinkCapital, FTMO, DNA Funded: Limited transparency; details unclear.
Choose wisely by considering profit targets, fees, educational tools, and flexibility. Below is a comparison table for a quick glance.
The BEST Prop Firms In 2025 (Tier List)
Quick Comparison
| Platform | Entry Fee (Starting) | Profit Target | Profit Split | Educational Tools | Beginner-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Traders | $46 | 9% | 15% | Yes | Yes |
| FundedNext | Varies | Varies | Up to 95% | Limited Info | Yes |
| Funded Trading Plus | $119 | 10% (Scaling) | Up to 100% | Limited Info | Yes |
| ThinkCapital | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unclear |
| FTMO | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unclear |
| DNA Funded | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unclear |
Start with For Traders if you're new - it offers the best blend of affordability, resources, and simplicity.
1. For Traders
For Traders is a platform designed with beginners in mind, launching in mid-2023 and quickly becoming a go-to choice for those new to prop trading. In less than a year, it has paid out over $7 million and built a thriving community of more than 60,000 traders spanning 130+ countries.
Funding Options
The platform offers five funding tiers, catering to traders at various skill levels:
- $6,000 account: $46
- $15,000 account: $91
- $25,000 account: $163
- $50,000 account: $233
- $100,000 account: $413
Each account includes unlimited time for evaluation, giving traders the flexibility to progress at their own pace.
Profit Targets
For Traders keeps things simple with a 9% profit target across all account sizes. This uniform approach is especially helpful for beginners who are still learning to set and meet trading goals.
Profit Splits
Traders who succeed receive a 15% profit share, with payouts scheduled every two weeks. The platform also allows users to customize their trading challenges, offering options to adjust parameters like drawdown limits to suit their risk preferences and strategies.
Educational Resources
For Traders ensures that beginners have the tools they need to get started. Every account comes with access to a 12+ video trading course, providing essential knowledge for new traders. The platform also offers AI-powered performance coaching and real-time analytics to help users sharpen their skills. Additionally, the active global community serves as a resource, hosting events and meetups where traders can connect and learn directly from the platform's leadership.
Trading Platforms
The platform supports several professional trading tools, including MT5 (not available for U.S. residents), cTrader, TradeLocker, and its proprietary For Traders X platform for futures trading. With access to forex, crypto, and futures markets, beginners can explore a wide range of trading opportunities.
For Traders also boasts in-house technology, such as a custom dashboard with an integrated trading journal, making it easier for users to track and improve their performance. Customer support is available 24/7 in multiple languages, with an impressive average response time of just two minutes. Next, we’ll take a closer look at ThinkCapital to see how it measures up.
2. ThinkCapital
Currently, there isn’t much verified information available about ThinkCapital’s offerings. Key details such as account sizes, evaluation processes, profit targets, profit splits, and supported trading platforms remain unclear. Additionally, there’s no confirmed evidence to suggest they provide educational resources for beginners.
If you’re interested in learning more, it’s best to reach out to ThinkCapital directly for the most up-to-date information. Be sure to compare their features with insights from our detailed reviews of other platforms to make an informed decision.
3. FTMO
FTMO is often mentioned as a prominent prop trading firm, especially appealing to beginners exploring funded trading opportunities. However, specific details about their offerings - such as funding tiers, profit targets, profit splits, supported platforms, and educational resources - are not widely disclosed.
Funding Options
FTMO doesn’t provide clear information about its funding tiers or account sizes in publicly available materials. To get the most accurate and updated details, it’s best to visit their official website.
Profit Targets
Details about FTMO’s profit target structure remain unspecified. For the latest updates, checking their website is recommended.
Profit Splits
The profit-sharing terms between FTMO and its traders are not clearly outlined in the information currently accessible.
Trading Platforms
FTMO has not publicly shared which trading platforms they support.
Educational Resources
There is no confirmed information about whether FTMO offers educational tools or training programs to assist beginner traders in sharpening their skills.
For a comprehensive understanding of their requirements and offerings, it’s advisable to consult FTMO directly. Up next, we’ll take a closer look at FundedNext for comparison.
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4. FundedNext
FundedNext has earned a 4.4/5 rating from 589 reviews, often praised for its transparent evaluation process and flexible structure. It’s a prop trading challenge that balances affordability with accessibility, making it a popular choice among traders.
Funding Options
FundedNext provides three evaluation pathways tailored to different levels of experience and risk preferences. You can choose between a 1-step, 2-step, or 3-step challenge. The 1-step option is ideal for those seeking quicker access to funding, while the 2-step and 3-step formats allow for a more gradual and measured skill-building approach.
Profit Splits
One standout feature of FundedNext is its profit-sharing model, which is particularly appealing to newcomers. Traders can enjoy profit splits of up to 90%, and with account add-ons, this can increase to 95%. This setup allows traders to retain a significant portion of their earnings, offering strong financial motivation as they refine their trading strategies.
Trading Platforms
FundedNext does not publicly list the trading platforms it supports. To confirm compatibility, it’s best to reach out to them directly or visit their official website.
Educational Resources
Details about educational resources offered by FundedNext are not publicly available. Prospective users should contact the platform directly to learn more.
With its flexible challenge options, impressive profit-sharing structure, and budget-friendly entry point, FundedNext stands out as a solid choice for beginners. Up next, we’ll take a closer look at Funded Trading Plus.
5. Funded Trading Plus
Funded Trading Plus has earned more than 2,500 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, thanks to its profit-sharing model and flexible programs designed to support traders at all experience levels.
Funding Options
This platform offers four types of funding programs: 1-phase, 2-phase, static drawdown, and instant funding. Entry fees start at $119, with account balances ranging from $5,000 to $200,000. These options make it accessible for traders looking to scale their capital efficiently.
Profit Targets
Funded Trading Plus uses a scaling system where your account balance doubles every time you achieve a 10% profit, with a maximum limit of $5 million. This straightforward milestone encourages traders to focus on steady, consistent performance as they grow their funds.
Profit Splits
The platform’s profit-sharing starts at 80% and increases to 90% once you reach 20% simulated profit. It can even go up to 100% at 30% simulated profit. These generous splits are designed to reward traders for their success while providing financial motivation.
Trading Platforms
Funded Trading Plus offers features like news trading and weekend holding, and it does not require a stop-loss order. For newer traders, the absence of a mandatory stop-loss can be a game-changer, allowing them to develop their risk management strategies more effectively.
These features combine to create an environment where traders - especially beginners - can enhance their skills and steadily increase their earning potential.
6. DNA Funded
DNA Funded is a newer player in the prop trading challenge space, but details about its features and offerings remain scarce.
Funding Options
Information about DNA Funded’s funding structure, entry requirements, or account sizes hasn’t been made public yet. Without these details, it’s tough for traders to determine if the platform aligns with their budget or trading experience.
Trading Platforms and Additional Features
Specifics about DNA Funded’s trading platforms, profit-sharing arrangements, educational tools, or other features are currently unavailable. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for traders to assess the platform’s overall value.
If you’re considering DNA Funded, it’s crucial to dig deeper for more information before committing. Clear and detailed insights are especially important for newer traders who need to make informed decisions about their trading journey.
Platform Comparison: Advantages and Disadvantages
When selecting a trading challenge platform, beginners should focus on a few key aspects: time limits, profit targets, profit-sharing options, educational resources, and risk management tools.
For Traders is a great option for those just starting out, as it emphasizes flexibility and provides educational support to help new traders build their skills. While this platform caters to beginners, others take different approaches. Some platforms might require traders to meet higher profit targets or follow stricter risk management rules. Pricing and the availability of educational resources also vary widely. That’s why it’s crucial for beginners to thoroughly review each platform’s guidelines to ensure it aligns with their trading style, budget, and learning goals.
Another important consideration is cost. Entry fees can differ significantly across platforms, so finding one that balances affordability with quality education and solid risk management features is key.
Final Recommendations
After evaluating six trading challenge platforms, For Traders stands out as the best option for beginners. Why? It offers strong educational resources and no time restrictions, making it an ideal starting point. For just $46, you can access a $6,000 account along with over 12 video courses - combining affordability with essential training tools.
The platform strikes a balance between structure and flexibility. With entry fees ranging from $46 to $413 and a 9% profit target, it provides a clear path for skill development without overwhelming new traders. The low cost of entry is a big win for those on a budget, easing financial pressure so they can focus on learning.
Another major plus is scalability. Whether you’re starting with $6,000 in virtual capital or aiming for $100,000, the platform lets you grow at your own pace. As your trading improves, the consistent 15% profit share ensures your earnings grow alongside your performance.
Risk management is another area where For Traders excels. The 5% maximum drawdown limit acts as a safety net, encouraging disciplined trading habits while protecting new traders from significant losses. This feature is especially valuable for those still learning the ropes.
In short, For Traders emphasizes education, flexibility, and risk management - qualities that matter most for beginners. Instead of rushing through challenges with tight deadlines or high-pressure profit goals, traders can focus on mastering the fundamentals. This approach lays the groundwork for long-term success in simulated prop trading.
FAQs
What makes 'For Traders' a great platform for beginners starting trading challenges?
For Traders is built specifically for beginners, offering simple and clear challenge rules to help you start trading with ease. Some standout features include no time constraints, a 9% profit target, and a 5% maximum drawdown. These relaxed requirements give you the freedom to learn and progress without unnecessary stress.
Designed with new traders in mind, For Traders provides tools and features that encourage learning while presenting realistic challenges to help you sharpen your trading skills at your own pace.
What is the profit-sharing model on the 'For Traders' platform, and how does it benefit beginner traders?
The 'For Traders' platform uses a profit-sharing model where new traders get to keep 80% of their simulated earnings. This approach creates a realistic trading environment while rewarding users for their progress.
By providing such a generous profit split, the platform helps beginners build confidence and improve their trading skills - all without the stress of putting real money on the line. It’s a practical way for newcomers to gain experience and get ready for real-world trading.
What resources does 'For Traders' offer to help beginners develop their trading skills?
'For Traders' is packed with resources aimed at helping newcomers gain confidence and sharpen their trading skills. You'll find practical guides, step-by-step tutorials, and beginner-friendly tools designed to break down complex trading concepts into easy-to-understand terms.
One standout feature of the platform is its simulated trading environment. Here, users can test out strategies and explore the trading process without putting real money on the line. This hands-on learning method lets beginners progress at their own speed while building real-world experience in a completely risk-free way.
Whether you're taking your first steps into trading or looking to fine-tune your strategies, 'For Traders' provides the knowledge and tools you need to grow and succeed.