Cheapest Prop Firm Challenges Ranked: Best Value in 2026

Published on March 17, 2026 | Updated March 2026 | By PropFirmDealFinder Team

Looking to enter proprietary trading but concerned about cost? We've ranked the 10 cheapest prop firm challenges based on their pricing for $100K accounts, one of the most popular sizes. This comprehensive guide shows exact prices, what you get at each level, profit splits, and rules—so you can compare not just cost, but real value.

                    Quick Summary: The cheapest prop firm challenge in 2026 costs just $199 when using discount code PFDF with The5%ers' $10K account. For a full $100K account, expect to pay between $379 and $599 depending on the firm. We've ranked all 10 firms from cheapest to most expensive, including profit splits and what makes each a good value.
                

Why Price Matters, But Value Matters More

The cheapest option isn't always the best value. A firm charging $299 for a $50K account but offering only a 70/30 profit split may deliver worse overall value than a firm charging $349 but offering 80/20 (you keep 80% of profits). This guide evaluates both cost and what you receive for that cost.

We're ranking based on $100K accounts specifically because it's one of the most popular sizes for serious traders. However, prices scale—a firm's relative competitiveness usually holds across all account sizes.

The 10 Cheapest Prop Firm Challenges Ranked

The5%ers - Ultra-Budget Leader

$349

Best Budget Pick: Lowest absolute price with incredible 90/10 profit split

The5%ers stands alone as the most affordable prop firm with the best profit split for budget traders. Their $100K account costs just $349 without any discount code—and when you apply the BUDGET20 code, it drops to $279.

Full Price

$349

With Code

$279

Code

BUDGET20

Profit Split

90/10

What You Get:

$100,000 trading capital
90% of profits go to you (best in industry)
MetaTrader 4 or cTrader platform
Leverage up to 1:30
5% daily loss limit, 10% maximum drawdown
10% profit target required
Minimum 20 trading days

Pros

Cheapest challenge available
Best profit split (90/10)
Aggressive discount available
Great for beginners
Fast funding process

Cons

Smaller max account size
Less company brand recognition
Fewer platform options

Best For: Budget-conscious traders, beginners, and anyone wanting maximum profit retention. If you're just starting and capital is tight, The5%ers offers the lowest barrier to entry with exceptional profit terms.

Learn More About The5%ers

FundedNext - Value Sweet Spot

$379

Best Overall Value: Great balance of price, profit split, and features

FundedNext offers exceptional value at $379 for a $100K account (or $322 with code PFDF15). They balance competitive pricing with a favorable 75/25 profit split and excellent customer service. This is the top choice for traders seeking the best overall value proposition.

Full Price

$379

With Code

$322

Code

PFDF15

Profit Split

75/25

What You Get:

$100,000 trading capital
75% of profits go to you
MetaTrader 4, cTrader, or MT5 platform
Leverage up to 1:50
5% daily loss limit, 10% maximum drawdown
10% profit target
Rapid funding process
Excellent customer support

Pros

Competitive pricing
Good profit split (75/25)
Multiple platform options
Fast customer support
Flexible rules
Growing community

Cons

Not the absolute lowest price
Not 80/20 split

Best For: Traders seeking the best overall balance of price, terms, and service. FundedNext is ideal if you want competitive costs without sacrificing quality. Excellent for intermediate traders with proven strategies.

Learn More About FundedNext

MyFundedFX - Education + Funding

$399

Best for Beginners: Strong educational resources included with your challenge

MyFundedFX charges $399 for their $100K account (drops to $339 with code MYFUNDED15). What distinguishes them is their focus on trader education. If you're new to trading, the included resources and support add significant value beyond just the funding.

Full Price

$399

With Code

$339

Code

MYFUNDED15

Profit Split

75/25

What You Get:

$100,000 trading capital
75% profit split
Educational resources and webinars
MetaTrader 4 and cTrader available
5% daily loss, 10% maximum drawdown
10% profit target
Community and mentorship
Account scaling options

Pros

Great educational content
Strong community
Good profit split
Responsive support
Reasonable rules

Cons

Not the cheapest option
Account scaling is limited

Best For: Newer traders wanting education alongside funding. If learning is as important as getting capital, MyFundedFX's educational focus justifies its slightly higher price compared to pure funding firms.

Learn More About MyFundedFX

E8 Markets - Balanced Approach

$399

Best for Flexibility: Balanced rules and good support for mixed asset trading

E8 Markets prices their $100K account at $399 (becomes $319 with code FINDER20). They offer a balanced approach between strict rules and trader freedom, making them ideal for traders who want flexibility in their trading approach.

Full Price

$399

With Code

$319

Code

FINDER20

Profit Split

70/30

What You Get:

$100,000 trading capital
70% profit split
Trade forex, indices, commodities
MetaTrader 4 platform
5% daily loss, 8% maximum drawdown
10% profit target
Flexible trading rules
Good customer service

Pros

Flexible trading rules
Multiple asset classes
Good discount available
Reasonable drawdown limit

Cons

Lower profit split (70/30)
Standard price is mid-range
Tighter drawdown than some

Best For: Traders who want flexibility across multiple asset classes. E8's balanced approach suits traders who trade occasionally across indices, commodities, and forex rather than focusing on one market.

Learn More About E8 Markets

Funding Pips - Crypto Integration

$429

Best for Crypto Traders: Only firm offering cryptocurrency trading in funded accounts

Funding Pips charges $429 for their $100K account (reduced to $364 with code PFDF15CRYPTO). Unique in the market, they let you trade cryptocurrency, stocks, indices, and forex all in one funded account—perfect if you diversify across assets.

Full Price

$429

With Code

$364

Code

PFDF15CRYPTO

Profit Split

70/30

What You Get:

$100,000 trading capital
70% profit split
Trade forex, crypto, indices, stocks
Unique multi-asset platform
5% daily loss, 10% maximum drawdown
10% profit target
Crypto trading with leverage
Flexible asset allocation

Pros

Crypto trading available
Multiple asset classes
Good discount code
Flexible trading approach

Cons

Slightly higher price
70/30 profit split
Crypto adds volatility risk

Best For: Traders who actively trade cryptocurrency or want the flexibility to diversify into crypto with funded capital. This is the only prop firm offering crypto access in funded accounts.

Learn More About Funding Pips

Blueberry Funded - Premium Spreads

$449

Best for Active Scalpers: Industry-leading spreads justify premium price

Blueberry Funded charges $449 for their $100K account (becomes $359 with code PROPFINDER). At a higher price point, they compensate with the tightest spreads in the industry—crucial for active traders and scalpers where spread costs directly impact profits.

Full Price

$449

With Code

$359

Code

PROPFINDER

Profit Split

80/20

What You Get:

$100,000 trading capital
80% profit split (excellent)
Tightest spreads in industry (0.1 pips average)
MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader
5% daily loss, 8% maximum drawdown
8% profit target (lower than competitors)
Rapid execution
Excellent customer support

Pros

Best profit split (80/20)
Tightest spreads
Lower profit target (8%)
Fast execution
Great discount available

Cons

Higher upfront cost
Smaller max account size
Stricter drawdown rules

Best For: Active traders, scalpers, and anyone making frequent trades where spread costs accumulate. The tight spreads and 80/20 split mean higher profits per trade once you're funded.

Learn More About Blueberry Funded

FTMO - Industry Leader

$499

FTMO is one of the most recognized prop firms globally, charging $499 for their $100K account (reduced to $399 with code PFDF). While not the cheapest, FTMO's brand recognition, extensive resources, and established track record justify the price for many traders.

Full Price

$499

With Code

$399

Code

PFDF

Profit Split

70/30

What You Get:

$100,000 trading capital
70% profit split
MetaTrader 4 or cTrader
Leverage up to 1:30
5% daily loss, 10% maximum drawdown
10% profit target
Extensive educational resources
Large trader community
Excellent reputation

Pros

Most recognized brand
Extensive educational resources
Large trader community
Good discount available
Established track record

Cons

Not the cheapest option
70/30 profit split
More traders = more competition

Best For: Traders who value brand reputation and educational resources. FTMO's established reputation makes it ideal if you want to be confident you're joining a stable, well-established firm.

Learn More About FTMO

True Forex Funds - Premium Service

$499

True Forex Funds charges $499 for their $100K account (becomes $399 with code TRUEFX20). They emphasize quality over quantity with selective trader acceptance and premium customer service. Higher price reflects their focus on supporting fewer, higher-quality traders.

Full Price

$499

With Code

$399

Code

TRUEFX20

Profit Split

75/25

What You Get:

$100,000 trading capital
75% profit split
Premium customer support
MetaTrader 4 and cTrader
5% daily loss, 10% maximum drawdown
10% profit target
VIP trader treatment
One-on-one support available

Pros

Premium customer service
Good profit split (75/25)
Selective quality control
One-on-one support

Cons

Higher price point
Selective acceptance
Smaller trader community

Best For: Professional traders seeking premium service and personal attention. If you want VIP treatment and don't mind paying for quality support, True Forex Funds delivers.

Learn More About True Forex Funds

Apex Trader Funding - Unlimited Scaling

$599

Apex charges $599 for their $100K account (becomes $539 with code PFDF10). They offer the highest maximum account sizes and unlimited scaling potential, making them attractive for traders planning long-term growth beyond $100K.

Full Price

$599

With Code

$539

Code

PFDF10

Profit Split

70/30

What You Get:

$100,000 trading capital (up to $500K available)
70% profit split
Unlimited account scaling
MetaTrader 4 and cTrader
5% daily loss, 10% maximum drawdown
10% profit target for phase 1
Career development focus
Community of ambitious traders

Pros

Unlimited scaling potential
Largest max accounts available
Focus on career growth
Professional trader community

Cons

Highest upfront cost
70/30 profit split
Best for serious traders only

Best For: Serious, experienced traders planning long-term funded careers. If you envision scaling to $200K+ accounts, Apex's unlimited growth model justifies the higher entry cost.

Learn More About Apex

TopStep - Futures Specialist

$599

TopStep focuses exclusively on E-mini futures at $599 for their $100K equivalent account (drops to $449 with code PROPSAVER). If you specifically trade futures rather than forex, TopStep's specialized tools and community justify the premium price.

Full Price

$599

With Code

$449

Code

PROPSAVER

Profit Split

80/20

What You Get:

$100,000 equivalent (ES, NQ micro contracts)
80% profit split (excellent)
Specialized futures platform
Futures-focused education
Risk limits adapted for futures
Trading simulator included
Active futures trader community
Strong educational content

Pros

Best profit split (80/20)
Excellent discount available
Specialized futures tools
Educational resources
Futures-focused community

Cons

Highest base price
Futures only (no forex)
For specialized traders only

Best For: Dedicated futures traders who want the best profit split and specialized tools for futures trading. If you trade E-mini contracts exclusively, TopStep's aggressive discount brings the effective cost down significantly.

Learn More About TopStep

Quick Price Comparison Table: All Firms at $100K

Rank	Firm	Full Price	With Discount	Profit Split	Best For
1	The5%ers	$349	$279	90/10	Budget traders
2	FundedNext	$379	$322	75/25	Best overall value
3	MyFundedFX	$399	$339	75/25	Beginners with education
4	E8 Markets	$399	$319	70/30	Multi-asset traders
5	Funding Pips	$429	$364	70/30	Crypto traders
6	Blueberry	$449	$359	80/20	Active scalpers
7	FTMO	$499	$399	70/30	Brand reputation seekers
8	True Forex Funds	$499	$399	75/25	Premium service seekers
9	Apex Trader	$599	$539	70/30	Unlimited scaling
10	TopStep	$599	$449	80/20	Futures specialists

Critical Decision Factors: Beyond Just Price

The absolute cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider these factors:

Profit Split Matters Most: A firm charging $400 with 75% profit split may deliver better value than a firm charging $300 with 70% split. Over 12 months of consistent trading, the better split generates significantly more income.
Rules Must Match Your Style: Strict drawdown rules suit cautious traders. Looser rules suit aggressive traders. Choose based on your style, not just price.
Scaling Potential: If you plan to grow beyond $100K, firms with unlimited scaling (like Apex) offer better long-term value than firms with smaller maximums.
Support Quality: Good support saves time and reduces errors. Premium support can justify higher costs if you're serious.
Community and Education: Firms like FTMO and TopStep invest heavily in education and community. If you're newer, this adds real value.
Platform Quality: All firms offer MetaTrader 4/5 or cTrader, but execution speed and reliability vary. Test their demo before committing.

How to Use Discount Codes to Maximize Value

Every firm in our ranking offers a discount code. Using these codes reduces your effective cost and improves your value proposition:

Apply the Code at Checkout: Enter the code in the promo field before confirming payment. The discount applies immediately.
Compare Discounted Prices: The discount percentage varies. TopStep's 25% discount is more aggressive than Apex's 10%, making TopStep more affordable even at a higher base price.
Stack with Affiliate Links: Some firms allow combining an affiliate link discount with a code. Always verify—most allow only one discount per purchase.
Time Your Purchase: Seasonal promotions sometimes offer extra discounts. March 2026 has exceptional deals. Check PropFirmDealFinder before committing.

Real Cost Example

Consider a beginner deciding between The5%ers and Blueberry:

The5%ers: $349 (full) → $279 (with BUDGET20 code) + 90/10 split = Keep 90% of profits
Blueberry: $449 (full) → $359 (with PROPFINDER code) + 80/20 split = Keep 80% of profits

The5%ers saves you $80 upfront AND gives you 10% more profits. That's $80 + potentially thousands more in annual earnings. The cheaper option wins both ways here.

Final Recommendations by Trader Type

Budget-Conscious Traders (Starting with Limited Capital):

Best Choice: The5%ers
At $279 with discount, you get the absolute lowest entry cost plus the best profit split. If you can pass their challenge, your earnings are maximized.

Traders Seeking Best Overall Value:

Best Choice: FundedNext
The $322 discounted price (with code PFDF15) combined with 75/25 split and excellent support creates the best overall value proposition for most traders.

Active Day Traders & Scalpers:

Best Choice: Blueberry Funded
At $359 with discount, the tight spreads and 80/20 split mean more profits per trade. Spread costs compound, justifying the investment.

Futures Traders:

Best Choice: TopStep
At $449 with PROPSAVER code, you get 80/20 split, specialized tools, and a futures-focused community. If you trade futures, this is your firm.

Beginners Wanting Education:

Best Choice: MyFundedFX or FTMO
Slightly higher cost ($339-$399) but excellent educational resources and community support help you develop solid trading habits before scaling.

Next Steps: Get Started Today

You now understand the full landscape of affordable prop firm options. Here's how to decide and act:

Identify which firm matches your trading style and capital.
Check PropFirmDealFinder for the latest active discount codes.
Apply the appropriate code when you sign up.
Pass your challenge using solid risk management and consistent strategy.
Start earning funded trading profits.

Download PropFirmDealFinder App

Stop searching multiple websites for deals. Get real-time alerts when new discount codes launch and prices change. The app compares all 10 firms side-by-side instantly.

Conclusion

The cheapest prop firm challenges in 2026 range from $279 (The5%ers with code) to $539 (Apex with code) for roughly $100K accounts. But cheap isn't everything—value includes profit splits, rules, support, and long-term earning potential.

Our ranking gives you the full picture. Whether you prioritize absolute lowest cost, best profit split, best overall value, or specialized features, you'll find your ideal fit. Use a discount code, pass your challenge, and start your funded trading career today.