Cheapest Prop Firms 2026: Lowest Cost Evaluation Challenges
Discover the cheapest prop firms in 2026 with the lowest evaluation fees and challenge costs. This comprehensive guide compares affordable prop firm evaluations, identifies the best value options, and helps you find cost-effective funded account opportunities without compromising on quality or payout reliability.
Affordable prop firm evaluations and low-cost funded account options. Source: Unsplash
What Are the Cheapest Prop Firms?
Cheapest prop firms are proprietary trading companies offering the lowest evaluation fees and challenge costs. Evaluation fees typically range from $50-$500 depending on account size, with smaller accounts ($10K-$25K) often having the cheapest evaluations ($50-$200).
However, cheapest doesn't always mean best value. When choosing a prop firm, consider:
- Total Value: Funding amount, profit split, and payout reliability matter more than just cost
- Hidden Fees: Some cheap firms have hidden fees or poor payout reliability
- Trading Rules: Cheaper firms may have stricter rules or lower profit splits
- Payout Reliability: Always verify payout history, even for cheap firms
Top affordable prop firms include those offering $10K-$50K accounts with evaluation fees under $200, competitive profit splits (80-90%), and reliable payouts. Compare options using our prop firm comparison tool to find the best value, not just the cheapest price.
Top 10 Cheapest Prop Firms 2026
1. Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding offers excellent value with competitive evaluation fees starting around $50-$150 for $25K-$50K accounts. While not always the absolute cheapest, Apex provides outstanding value with $300K+ maximum funding, 90% profit splits, flexible rules, and reliable payouts.
Apex's value proposition: evaluation fees from $50-$150 (varies by account size and promotions), accounts up to $300K+, 90% profit split, no daily drawdown on most accounts, US trader friendly, flexible trading rules, and excellent customer support. Apex frequently offers promotions and discounts, making it even more affordable.
Why Apex is best value: combines reasonable costs with generous funding, high profit splits, flexible rules, and proven reliability. The total value (funding potential × profit split × reliability) far exceeds the evaluation cost, making Apex one of the best value prop firms.
2. My Funded Futures
Futures prop firm with competitive evaluation fees starting around $50-$100 for smaller accounts. Offers accounts up to $300K with 90% profit split. Excellent value for futures traders, especially US traders.
3. Take Profit Trader
Affordable futures prop firm with evaluation fees starting around $50-$150. Accounts up to $150K with 90% profit split. US-friendly with competitive pricing and frequent promotions.
4. FundedNext
Forex prop firm with competitive evaluation fees and aggressive scaling. Evaluation fees vary by account size, with smaller accounts starting around $100-$200. Excellent value with scaling up to $4M.
5. TopStep
Regulated futures prop firm with competitive pricing. Evaluation fees start around $150-$200 for smaller accounts. NFA regulated with accounts up to $150K and 90% profit split.
Cheapest Prop Firms Comparison Table 2026
| Firm | Eval Fee (Small) | Max Funding | Profit Split | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Trader Funding | $50-$150 | $300,000+ | 90% | Excellent |
| My Funded Futures | $50-$100 | $300,000 | 90% | Excellent |
| Take Profit Trader | $50-$150 | $150,000 | 90% | Good |
| FundedNext | $100-$200 | $4,000,000* | 90% | Excellent |
| TopStep | $150-$200 | $150,000 | 90% | Good |
*Scaling potential. Evaluation fees vary by account size and promotions. Prices current as of January 2026.
Understanding Prop Firm Evaluation Costs
What Are Evaluation Fees?
Evaluation fees are one-time costs paid to take a prop firm challenge or evaluation. These fees typically range from $50-$500 depending on account size, with smaller accounts ($10K-$25K) having cheaper evaluations ($50-$200) and larger accounts ($100K+) having more expensive evaluations ($200-$500).
Evaluation fees are non-refundable but give you access to the firm's evaluation process. If you pass, you receive a funded account. If you fail, you can retake the evaluation (often with a discount) or try a different firm. Some firms offer free retakes or refunds under certain conditions.
Factors Affecting Evaluation Costs
Several factors affect evaluation costs: account size (larger accounts cost more), firm reputation (established firms may charge more), account type (evaluation vs instant funding), and promotions (discounts reduce costs). Some firms offer bundle deals or multi-account discounts.
Account size is the primary factor: $10K accounts typically cost $50-$100, $25K-$50K accounts cost $100-$200, $100K accounts cost $200-$300, and $200K+ accounts cost $300-$500. However, promotions and discounts can significantly reduce these costs.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
While evaluation fees are the main upfront cost, watch for hidden costs: monthly account fees (some firms charge monthly), withdrawal fees (some firms charge for payouts), inactivity fees (if you don't trade), and platform fees (some firms charge for platform access).
Top prop firms typically don't charge hidden fees—they make money from profit splits, not additional fees. Always read the terms and conditions carefully and ask about any additional costs before signing up. Reputable firms are transparent about all costs.
Value vs Cost
Cheapest doesn't always mean best value. Consider total value: a $200 evaluation for a $100K account with 90% profit split may be better value than a $50 evaluation for a $10K account with 80% profit split. Calculate potential returns: (funding amount × profit split) - evaluation cost.
Best value firms balance reasonable costs with generous funding, competitive profit splits, fair trading rules, and reliable payouts. A slightly more expensive firm with better funding and profit splits often provides better long-term value than the cheapest option.
How to Find Discounts and Promotions
1. Follow Prop Firms on Social Media
Many prop firms announce discounts and promotions on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Discord). Follow your preferred firms to stay updated on limited-time offers, seasonal sales, and special deals. Some firms offer exclusive discounts to social media followers.
2. Subscribe to Newsletters
Subscribe to prop firm newsletters to receive email notifications about promotions, discounts, and special offers. Many firms send exclusive discount codes to subscribers, especially for first-time traders or during special events.
3. Look for Bundle Deals
Some firms offer bundle deals when you purchase multiple challenges or accounts at once. These bundles often provide significant discounts (10-30% off) compared to buying individual evaluations. Bundle deals are ideal if you plan to take multiple challenges or manage multiple accounts.
4. Check for Referral Bonuses
Many prop firms offer referral bonuses: if you refer someone who signs up, both you and the referred person may receive discounts or credits. Referral programs can significantly reduce costs, especially if you have a network of traders interested in prop firms.
5. Wait for Seasonal Sales
Prop firms often run seasonal sales during holidays (Black Friday, New Year, etc.) or special events. These sales can offer 20-50% discounts on evaluations. If you're not in a rush, waiting for seasonal sales can save significant money.
Are Cheap Prop Firms Worth It?
✓ When Cheap Prop Firms Are Worth It
- They offer good value (reasonable funding, competitive profit splits)
- They have proven payout reliability
- They have fair trading rules
- They offer transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
- They have good customer support
- They're cheap due to promotions, not poor quality
✗ When to Avoid Cheap Prop Firms
- They have poor payout reliability or delayed payouts
- They have unfair trading rules or hidden restrictions
- They charge hidden fees or monthly costs
- They have low profit splits (below 70%)
- They have poor customer support or communication
- They're cheap because they're new or unproven (high risk)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest prop firm evaluation?
The cheapest prop firm evaluations typically cost $50-$100 for smaller accounts ($10K-$25K). Some firms offer promotional pricing, bundle deals, or discounts that reduce costs further. However, cheapest evaluations often come with lower funding amounts or stricter rules. Consider total value (funding amount, profit split, rules) rather than just evaluation cost.
Are cheap prop firms worth it?
Cheap prop firms can be worth it if they offer good value: reasonable funding amounts, competitive profit splits, fair trading rules, and reliable payouts. However, avoid firms that are cheap because they have poor payout reliability, unfair rules, or hidden fees. Always research payout history, read reviews, and compare total value (not just evaluation cost) before choosing.
What should I consider besides cost when choosing a prop firm?
Besides cost, consider: maximum funding amounts, profit split percentages, payout reliability and speed, trading rules flexibility, platform support, customer service quality, and overall trader satisfaction. A slightly more expensive firm with better funding, profit splits, and reliability often provides better value than the cheapest option.
Do prop firms offer discounts or promotions?
Yes, many prop firms offer discounts, promotions, and special deals throughout the year. Common promotions include: percentage discounts on evaluations, bundle deals (buy multiple challenges at once), seasonal sales, referral bonuses, and first-time trader discounts. Follow prop firms on social media or subscribe to newsletters to stay updated on promotions.