Cheapest Prop Firm Challenges Ranked by Cost Per Dollar Funded (2026)

TLDR: Maven Trading offers the lowest cost per dollar funded at $0.0038/dollar on a $100K 2-step challenge (~$379). Funding Pips ($0.0044) and Blueberry Funded ($0.0050) round out the top three. We compared 8 firms across every account size, calculated cost-per-dollar-funded ratios, and ranked the 7 cheapest below.

Table of Contents

1. Quick-Pick Comparison Table
2. #1 — Maven Trading
3. #2 — Funding Pips
4. #3 — Blueberry Funded
5. #4 — FundedNext
6. #5 — The5ers
7. #6 — Alpha Capital Group
8. #7 — FTMO
9. How We Ranked These Firms
10. What to Watch Out For
11. FAQ
12. Related Articles

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A $100K challenge priced at $549 sounds cheaper than one priced at $379 — until you realize the second firm charges 31% less per dollar of funded capital. Sticker price tells you what leaves your wallet. Cost per dollar funded tells you how efficiently that money converts into trading capital. When two firms offer comparable rules and profit splits, the one with the lower cost-per-dollar ratio stretches your evaluation budget further and lets you retry more affordably if you fail. That single metric is the clearest way to compare prop firm value in 2026.

Quick-Pick Comparison Table

Rank	Firm	$100K Price	Cost Per $1 Funded	Profit Split	Trustpilot
1	Maven Trading	~$379 (2-step)	$0.0038	80–85%	4.5/5
2	Funding Pips	~$444 (2-step)	$0.0044	80%	4.5/5
3	Blueberry Funded	~$500 (2-step)	$0.0050	80–90%	4.6/5 [UNVERIFIED]
4	FundedNext	$549 (Stellar 2-step)	$0.0055	80–90%	4.5/5
5	The5ers	~$545 (High Stakes)	$0.0055	80%	4.8/5
6	Alpha Capital	~$497 (2-step) [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0050	80%	4.7/5 [UNVERIFIED]
7	FTMO	~$599 (2-step)	$0.0060	80%	4.8/5

Prices reflect base rates without discount codes as of March 2026. Always verify on each firm's checkout page before purchasing.

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#1 — Maven Trading

Cost per $1 funded: $0.0038 ($100K 2-step)

Maven Trading has built its brand around being the budget option — and the numbers back it up. Their 2-step challenge on a $100K account runs approximately $379 [UNVERIFIED], which produces the lowest cost-per-dollar ratio on this list at just $0.0038.

Pricing across account sizes (2-step challenge):

Account Size	Price	Cost Per $1
$2K	$19	$0.0095
$5K	$22	$0.0044
$10K	~$49 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0049
$25K	~$109 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0044
$50K	~$199 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0040
$100K	~$379 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0038

Maven also offers 1-step, 3-step, mini, and instant funding paths. The 3-step is even cheaper ($13 for a $2K account), but requires passing three phases — a tradeoff that slows down the funding timeline.

Strength: Five different challenge models mean you can match your budget and risk tolerance precisely. The $13 entry point is the lowest in the industry.

Limitation: No $200K account option. Maximum account size caps at $100K before scaling, which limits traders who want large capital from day one.

Best for: Budget-conscious traders who want funded capital under $100K and don't mind a newer firm with a smaller track record.

Read the full Maven Trading review →

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#2 — Funding Pips

Cost per $1 funded: $0.0044 ($100K 2-step)

Funding Pips hits a sweet spot between affordability and credibility. Their 2-step $100K challenge costs approximately $444, producing a cost-per-dollar ratio of $0.0044. With over 50,000 Trustpilot reviews and a 4.5 rating, the firm has earned substantial community trust.

Pricing across account sizes (2-step challenge):

Account Size	Price	Cost Per $1
$5K	$36	$0.0072
$10K	~$72 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0072
$25K	~$199	$0.0080
$50K	~$299	$0.0060
$100K	~$444	$0.0044

The cost-per-dollar ratio improves significantly at the $100K tier. Traders who can afford the higher entry fee get substantially more capital per dollar spent compared to the $5K or $25K tiers.

Strength: Four distinct challenge types (1-step, classic 2-step, pro 2-step, and instant funding) plus a 100% profit split through their Hot Seat program — a rare perk that no other firm on this list matches.

Limitation: The 80% base profit split is standard but not industry-leading. You need to earn your way into the Hot Seat program for the 100% tier.

Best for: Traders who want a well-reviewed firm with multiple evaluation paths and a realistic shot at keeping 100% of profits long-term.

Read the full Funding Pips review →

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#3 — Blueberry Funded

Cost per $1 funded: $0.0050 ($100K 2-step)

Blueberry Funded is broker-backed (by Blueberry Markets), which gives it a structural advantage most prop firms lack — direct access to institutional liquidity. The 2-step $100K challenge runs approximately $500, landing the cost-per-dollar ratio at $0.0050.

Pricing across account sizes (2-step challenge):

Account Size	Price	Cost Per $1
$5K	$35	$0.0070
$10K	~$68 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0068
$25K	~$150	$0.0060
$50K	~$275 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0055
$100K	~$500	$0.0050
$200K	~$1,100 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0055

Blueberry frequently runs 30–40% discount promotions. The code TRUSTED was active in March 2026 for 30% off, which would drop the $100K price to around $350 — pushing the cost-per-dollar ratio down to $0.0035 and making it the cheapest option on this list when discounted.

Strength: Broker-backed legitimacy and seven different account models (1-step, 2-step, rapid, prime, synthetic, and two instant funding options) give traders more variety than almost any competitor.

Limitation: Bi-weekly payouts mean slower access to profits compared to firms offering on-demand or weekly withdrawals.

Best for: Traders who value broker-backed infrastructure and want the flexibility of seven different evaluation types.

Read the full Blueberry Funded review →

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#4 — FundedNext

Cost per $1 funded: $0.0055 ($100K Stellar 2-step)

FundedNext is one of the most recognized names in the prop firm space, with over 63,000 Trustpilot reviews. Their Stellar 2-step $100K challenge costs $549.99, landing the cost-per-dollar ratio at $0.0055.

Pricing across account sizes (Stellar Lite / 2-step):

Account Size	Price	Cost Per $1
$6K	$59.99	$0.0100
$15K	$119.99	$0.0080
$25K	$199.99	$0.0080
$50K	$299.99	$0.0060
$100K	$549.99	$0.0055
$200K	$1,099.99	$0.0055

FundedNext uses slightly unconventional account sizes ($6K and $15K tiers instead of the standard $5K and $10K), which makes direct comparisons tricky. The cost efficiency improves meaningfully above the $50K level.

Strength: Profit splits scale up to 90%, and FundedNext's 15% profit sharing during the challenge phase is a unique feature — you earn real money even before getting funded.

Limitation: The $549.99 base price at $100K places it in the middle of this ranking. Without discounts, it's $170 more than Maven for the same account size.

Best for: Traders who want a large, established firm with profit-sharing during the evaluation phase and flexible account sizes.

Read the full FundedNext review →

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#5 — The5ers

Cost per $1 funded: $0.0055 ($100K High Stakes)

The5ers carries one of the highest Trustpilot ratings in the industry at 4.8/5 with 22,000+ reviews. Their High Stakes $100K challenge is priced at $545 (sometimes discounted to ~$518), yielding a cost-per-dollar ratio of $0.0055.

Pricing across account sizes (High Stakes 2-step):

Account Size	Price	Cost Per $1
$5K	$39	$0.0078
$25K	$195	$0.0078
$50K	$309	$0.0062
$100K	$545	$0.0055

The5ers also offers a Bootcamp program at different price points: $100K for around $475 [UNVERIFIED] and $250K for $225 — that $250K Bootcamp has an exceptionally low cost-per-dollar of $0.0009, though it comes with tighter rules and a longer evaluation timeline.

Strength: The $250K Bootcamp at $225 is arguably the most capital-efficient program in the entire prop firm industry. The5ers also scales up to $4 million in funded capital.

Limitation: The standard High Stakes challenge doesn't offer $200K accounts. Traders wanting six-figure capital beyond $100K must use the Bootcamp path.

Best for: Serious traders who want a highly rated, battle-tested firm with a path to $4M in capital. If you can handle the Bootcamp structure, the value is unmatched.

Read the full The5ers review →

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#6 — Alpha Capital Group

Cost per $1 funded: $0.0050 ($100K 2-step) [UNVERIFIED]

Alpha Capital Group offers a clean 2-step evaluation with no time limits — a feature that removes the pressure of hitting profit targets within 30 days. Their $100K challenge is priced at approximately $497 [UNVERIFIED], producing a cost-per-dollar of $0.0050.

Pricing across account sizes (2-step):

Account Size	Price	Cost Per $1
$10K	~$97	$0.0097
$25K	~$197 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0079
$50K	~$297 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0059
$100K	~$497 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0050
$200K	~$997 [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0050

Alpha Capital frequently offers 15% discount codes, and their free trial option lets traders test the platform before committing any money — something only a handful of firms provide.

Strength: No time limit on the evaluation removes a major failure point. The free trial is genuinely useful for testing execution quality and platform stability.

Limitation: The 80% profit split is on the lower end of this list, and biweekly payouts are standard rather than exceptional.

Best for: Patient traders who don't want artificial time pressure and prefer to let setups come to them naturally.

Read the full Alpha Capital review →

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#7 — FTMO

Cost per $1 funded: $0.0060 ($100K standard)

FTMO is the most established prop firm on this list. Founded in 2015, it holds a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating with over 41,000 reviews — the gold standard in social proof. The $100K challenge runs approximately $599 (€540 converted to USD), making its cost-per-dollar ratio $0.0060.

Pricing across account sizes (standard 2-step):

Account Size	Price (USD est.)	Cost Per $1
$10K	~$183 (€155)	$0.0183
$25K	~$295 (€250)	$0.0118
$50K	~$407 (€345)	$0.0081
$100K	~$599 (€540) [UNVERIFIED]	$0.0060
$200K	~$1,274 (€1,080)	$0.0064

FTMO charges in euros, so USD prices fluctuate with exchange rates. At the $10K tier, FTMO is the most expensive firm on this list by a wide margin — $183 versus Maven's $49 for comparable capital. The gap narrows at $100K but never fully closes.

Strength: Decade-long track record, the largest review base in the industry, and a fee-refund policy upon first funded payout. If reliability is worth a premium, FTMO justifies the cost. Trustpilot profile confirms consistent ratings over multiple years.

Limitation: The highest cost-per-dollar ratio on this list. Euro-denominated pricing adds currency risk for USD-based traders.

Best for: Traders who prioritize a proven track record over the cheapest price and want the confidence of the industry's longest-running firm.

Read the full FTMO review →

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How We Ranked These Firms

Our ranking methodology centers on one metric: cost per dollar funded at the $100K tier. Here's why, and how we applied it.

We chose the $100K account as the benchmark because it's the most popular size among serious retail traders — large enough to generate meaningful profits at an 80% split, but not so large that the challenge fee becomes a barrier. We calculated cost-per-dollar by dividing the base challenge price (no discount codes, no promotions) by the account size.

We only included firms that meet three criteria: (1) operational as of March 2026 with verifiable payouts, (2) listed on Trustpilot with a minimum 4.0 rating and at least 1,000 reviews, and (3) offering a standard 2-step evaluation for direct comparison.

Profit split, payout speed, and platform quality were used as secondary tiebreakers when two firms had identical or near-identical cost-per-dollar ratios. We did not factor in discount codes for the primary ranking because promotional pricing changes weekly and creates an unreliable baseline.

For context on how prop firm evaluations actually work, including profit targets, drawdown rules, and time limits, see our separate breakdown.

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What to Watch Out For

Reset fees are the hidden second price tag. Most firms charge 80–90% of the original challenge fee to reset a failed evaluation. A $379 Maven challenge with a $300 reset fee means your real cost after one failure is $679. Always check the reset policy before comparing sticker prices.

Discount codes expire and rotate constantly. A firm advertising "50% off" in March may revert to full price in April. Some firms inflate their base price specifically to make discounts look more dramatic. Compare the discounted price against competitors' base prices — if a "50% off" deal still costs more than a rival's full rate, it isn't actually cheap.

Activation fees add up on some platforms. A few firms charge $99–$199 to activate your funded account after you pass the evaluation. This fee doesn't appear on the challenge pricing page. Ask directly or read the terms of service before purchasing. None of the seven firms on this list currently charge activation fees for their forex challenges, but policies change.

Currency conversion matters for FTMO. FTMO prices in euros. If the EUR/USD rate moves 5% between when you compare prices and when you purchase, your effective cost shifts by 5%. Lock in your conversion rate mentally when budgeting.

"Lifetime free retries" often have conditions. Some firms offer free retries if you hit certain criteria (e.g., stayed within drawdown limits but missed the profit target). Read the fine print — these policies sometimes require you to have traded a minimum number of days or maintained a specific win rate. Review the common prop firm rules that traders overlook to avoid surprises.

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FAQ

What is cost per dollar funded, and why does it matter? Cost per dollar funded is the challenge fee divided by the account size. A $444 fee for a $100K account equals $0.0044 per dollar. This metric normalizes pricing across different account sizes and firms, making it the most objective way to compare value. Two firms might both charge around $500, but if one gives you $100K and the other gives you $50K, the first firm delivers twice the capital efficiency.

Which prop firm is the absolute cheapest in 2026? Maven Trading offers the lowest entry point at $13 for a $2K 3-step challenge. For the most popular $100K tier, Maven's 2-step at ~$379 also leads the field. However, "cheapest" should include reliability — a low fee means nothing if the firm doesn't pay out. Check Trustpilot ratings and payout proof alongside pricing.

Do discount codes change the rankings? They can, temporarily. Blueberry Funded's 30–40% discounts drop their $100K price below Maven's base rate. But discount codes expire, and we rank on base pricing to give you a stable comparison. Always check for active codes before purchasing, but don't rely on them being available when you're ready to buy.

Is FTMO overpriced compared to newer firms? FTMO's cost-per-dollar ratio ($0.0060) is the highest on this list, but the firm has operated since 2015 and has 41,000+ Trustpilot reviews. You're paying a premium for a decade of track record and payout consistency. Whether that premium is worth it depends on how much you value proven reliability versus saving $100–$200 on the entry fee.

Should I always pick the cheapest challenge? No. Cost per dollar funded is one factor. You should also evaluate profit split percentages, payout frequency, drawdown rules, platform quality, and the firm's payout history. A $50 savings on a challenge fee is irrelevant if the firm's rules cause you to fail more often or if they delay payouts for months.

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