Best Futures prop firm 2026: use the right comparison frame
For Futures, market access alone is not enough. Drawdown type, connection, overnight rules, CASH terms, and total cost determine whether a program fits your plan.
Commercial disclosure
I am a Phidias affiliate and also perform support and community-management work for the firm. This relationship may influence my analysis. Facts therefore link to official rules, while limitations are stated without promising any outcome.
Phidias 2.0
Evaluation and CASH phases are simulated. Any LIVE transition depends on the selected path and the rules in force.
Official data as of July 13, 2026Drawdown and connection come before promotion
Check CME instruments, data route, compatible software, cutoff times, and overnight restrictions before comparing prices.
Five access routes announced with Phidias 2.0
Rithmic and DeepCharts remain available. Tradovate, NinjaTrader, and TradingView execution were added. TradingView routes through Tradovate; it is not a separate connection.
Rithmic
Official data as of July 13, 2026
DeepCharts
Official data as of July 13, 2026
Tradovate
Official data as of July 13, 2026
NinjaTrader
Official data as of July 13, 2026
TradingView
Routed through Tradovate
Three families, three risk structures
| Criterion | Express to Live | Fundamental | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replaces | Former Static | Existing family | Former Swing |
| Sizes | 25K / 50K / 100K / 150K | 50K / 100K / 150K | 50K / 100K / 150K |
| Drawdown | Static, never trails | Trailing, calculated end of day | Trailing, calculated end of day |
| Minimum evaluation days | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| CASH payout cycle | Fixed bonus then Switch to Live mechanism | 10 qualifying days | 5 qualifying days |
| Consistency | None in evaluation or CASH | None in evaluation; best CASH day capped at 30% of total profit | None in evaluation; best CASH day capped at 30% of total profit |
| Overnight / weekend | No | No | Yes |
| Trader share | 80% on the bonus | 80 % | 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, then 100% from payout five |
| LIVE transition | Rules-based E2L mechanism | Discretionary review, not guaranteed | Discretionary review, not guaranteed |
Evaluation and CASH phases are simulated. Any LIVE transition depends on the selected path and the rules in force.
Thresholds depend on the family
| Criterion | Sizes | Drawdown | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| E2L | 25K / 50K / 100K / 150K | 500 USD / 650 USD / 800 USD / 1,000 USD | Static, never trails |
| Fundamental | 50K / 100K / 150K | 2,500 USD / 3,000 USD / 4,500 USD | Trailing, calculated end of day |
| Premium | 50K / 100K / 150K | 2,500 USD / 3,000 USD / 4,500 USD | Trailing, calculated end of day |
The displayed evaluation price is not the full comparison
Evaluation prices are dynamic. Under a monthly plan, CASH activation is a one-time payment that lasts until the account fails. Under a one-time plan, the official rules currently state no CASH activation fee.
| Criterion | Sizes | Monthly plan | One-time plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| E2L | 25K / 50K / 100K / 150K | 83 / 149 / 149 / 169 USD | 0 USD |
| Fundamental | 50K / 100K / 150K | 149 / 149 / 169 USD | 0 USD |
| Premium | 50K / 100K / 150K | 149 / 149 / 169 USD | 0 USD |
No fixed discount is attributed to code LUCAS without checkout confirmation. Market data, add-ons, taxes, and any resets still need to be checked.
Decide with a dated checklist
- Save the rules and checkout on purchase day.
- Calculate maximum cost, not only entry price.
- Tie position size to actual drawdown room.
- Do not infer future outcomes from a testimonial or ranking.
Official documents reviewed
Rules can change. Check the official pages and checkout before making a decision.
- Official Phidias 2.0 presentation, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Official Phidias rules, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Phidias terms of use, accessed July 13, 2026.
Check the cart with code LUCAS
Price, currency, taxes, and code effect can change. Enter LUCAS, then verify the total and the rules of the selected account before paying.
Affiliate link: Lucas Prop Firm may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.