Proprietary trading has exploded in popularity in recent years, giving aspiring and professional traders access to significant capital without risking their own money. With dozens of firms out there, three names stand at the top of the industry in 2025: FTMO, FundedNext, and Sponsor Trading.

If you're looking to join a prop firm, this comprehensive guide will help you compare these top contenders and discover why Sponsor Trading is leading the next evolution in funding models with instant access to real capital and zero evaluation.

What Is a Prop Firm?

A proprietary trading firm, or prop firm, provides traders with access to the company’s funds to trade in the financial markets. In return, traders share a percentage of the profits they generate. Prop firms often set conditions such as:

• Profit targets

• Risk limits

• Drawdown rules

Some require traders to pass evaluations before they gain access to live capital. Others, like Sponsor Trading, provide live trading accounts from day one with no evaluations, making them highly attractive in 2025.

Overview of the Top 3 Prop Firms in 2025

🔹 FTMO

Founded in 2015, FTMO has built a reputation as one of the most reputable prop firms globally.

• Profit Split: Up to 90%

• Evaluation Required: Yes (2-step evaluation)

• Payouts: Monthly and biweekly

• Markets: Forex, stocks, indices, commodities, crypto

• Platform: MT4, MT5, cTrader

• Trustpilot Rating: 4.8/5 from over 24,000 reviews

Strengths:

• Structured environment

• Large and established community

• Broad market access

Limitations:

• Challenge requirements can be stressful

• High failure rates during evaluation

🔹 FundedNext

A newer but fast-growing firm launched in 2022, FundedNext is known for flexible evaluations and generous payouts.

• Profit Split: Up to 95%

• Evaluation Required: Yes (1-Step & 2-Step options)

• Payouts: As fast as 5 hours

• Markets: Forex, metals, indices (no crypto)

• Platform: MT4, MT5

Strengths:

• High payout percentages

• Evaluation flexibility

• Frequent discount promotions

Limitations:

• No crypto support

• User complaints about account consistency and rule changes

🔹 Sponsor Trading

A true disruptor in the prop trading space, Sponsor Trading is the first firm to offer no evaluation, live funded MT5 accounts from the moment you sign up.

• Profit Split: Up to 70%

• Evaluation Required: ❌ None

• Payouts: Instant

• Markets: Forex, commodities, indices, (via MT5)

• Platform: MetaTrader 5

• Unique Offering: Real capital + no challenge + instant funding

Strengths:

• Zero evaluation barrier

• Real capital from day one

• Mentorship, analytics dashboard, and risk management tools

• Transparent, trader-first approach

Limitations:

• Best suited for traders with proven strategies

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

Why Sponsor Trading Is the Game-Changer in 2025

Sponsor Trading is built around trader empowerment. Here’s why more traders are switching:

✅ No Evaluation

Forget challenges, profit targets, or stressful demo stages. You begin trading real money right away.

✅ Live MT5 Access

Unlike other firms that use demo platforms for evaluation, Sponsor Trading gives you full access to MetaTrader 5—used by institutions worldwide.

✅ Fast Funding & Withdrawal

Start trading the same day you register. Withdraw profits quickly based on your plan.

✅ Comprehensive Support

From mentorship and analytics dashboards to risk alerts and growth tools—Sponsor Trading helps you succeed long-term.

FAQs About FTMO, FundedNext, and Sponsor Trading

1. Can I skip the evaluation at any of these firms?
Only Sponsor Trading allows you to start trading with real capital instantly. FTMO and FundedNext both require challenges.

2. Which prop firm is best for crypto trading?
FTMO offers. Sponsor Trading will be providing crypto trading soon.

3. Which firm pays fastest?
FundedNext advertises payouts in under 5 hours. Sponsor Trading offers Instant payouts, and FTMO typically pays monthly or biweekly.

4. What happens if I break trading rules?
All firms enforce strict rules. Sponsor Trading includes a fair risk framework with equity monitoring to help traders stay compliant.

5. Which firm is best for beginners?
FTMO and FundedNext offer more structured evaluations, which may help newer traders. Sponsor Trading is ideal for confident, experienced traders who are ready to scale fast.

Who Should Choose Which Prop Firm?

Final Thoughts: The Future of Prop Trading Is Sponsor Trading

While FTMO and FundedNext are powerful players with structured offerings, Sponsor Trading represents the future of proprietary trading—no evaluations, real capital, instant trading. In a world where time and freedom are key, Sponsor Trading gives traders everything they need without the friction.

If you're ready to get funded without jumping through hoops, head over to SponsorTrading.com and start your live trading journey today.