Virtual funded accounts, often referred to as demo accounts, offer traders a risk-free way to prove their skills in simulated markets, accessing significant capital without real financial exposure. These accounts are ideal for aspiring traders looking to join proprietary trading firms while adhering to regulatory standards. At VersoPropFirm, we’ve compiled a guide to the top prop firms offering demo accounts in 2025, highlighting their features, evaluation processes, and platform compatibility. Whether you trade forex, futures, or stocks, this post will help you explore the best firms to kickstart your virtual trading journey.
What Are Demo Accounts in Prop Trading?
Demo accounts allow traders to operate with virtual capital, typically ranging from $5,000 to $500,000, under firm-specific rules like profit targets and drawdown limits. Key benefits include:
- Risk-free trading, ensuring compliance with regulations by avoiding real capital.
- Opportunities to earn virtual profits, often split 80:20 or 90:10 with the firm.
- Skill development in simulated environments, preparing you for professional trading.
- Access to leading platforms like MetaTrader 4, cTrader, or NinjaTrader.
Ready to find the perfect prop firm for your demo account? Let’s explore the top firms for virtual trading in 2025.
Top Prop Firms for Demo Accounts
Below, we highlight five leading prop firms offering virtual funded accounts, focusing on their evaluation processes, platforms, and trader-friendly features. Each firm supports demo trading, ensuring a safe and compliant experience.
1. FTMO
- Overview: A Czech-based leader in prop trading, FTMO is renowned for its structured two-step evaluation and robust support for demo traders.
- Demo Account Features:
- Virtual Capital: $10,000 to $200,000.
- Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader.
- Profit Split: Up to 90%.
- Evaluation: Two phases (10% profit target in phase one, 5% in phase two; 5% daily drawdown, 10% total).
- Why Choose FTMO?: Offers a free trial demo, performance coaching, and transparent rules, making it ideal for forex traders.
- Best For: Forex traders seeking demo accounts with MT4/MT5 compatibility.
- Example: Pass FTMO’s two-step challenge by trading EUR/USD on MT5, achieving a 10% virtual profit while staying within a 5% daily drawdown.
- Learn More: Compare FTMO’s Demo Accounts
2. Topstep
- Overview: A Chicago-based firm specializing in futures, Topstep is a top choice for U.S. traders seeking virtual funded accounts.
- Demo Account Features:
- Virtual Capital: $50,000 to $150,000.
- Platforms: TopstepX, NinjaTrader, TradingView.
- Profit Split: 100% of the first $10,000, then 90%.
- Evaluation: One-step Trading Combine with no daily drawdown limits (6% total drawdown).
- Why Choose Topstep?: Flexible timeframes, extensive educational resources, and no daily loss limits make it beginner-friendly.
- Best For: Futures traders looking for a supportive demo environment.
- Example: Trade S&P 500 futures on NinjaTrader in Topstep’s demo account, meeting profit targets without daily drawdown restrictions.
- Learn More: Explore Topstep’s Virtual Accounts
3. FundedNext
- Overview: Based in the UAE, FundedNext is popular for its flexible evaluation options and diverse asset offerings in demo accounts.
- Demo Account Features:
- Virtual Capital: $6,000 to $200,000.
- Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5.
- Profit Split: 60% to 90%, based on performance.
- Evaluation: One-step or two-step challenges with no time limits.
- Why Choose FundedNext?: High leverage (up to 1:100) and balance-based drawdown suit active traders.
- Best For: Forex traders seeking scalable virtual accounts.
- Example: Achieve a 10% virtual profit in FundedNext’s one-step challenge by scalping GBP/USD on MT4, leveraging 1:100.
- Learn More: Discover FundedNext’s Demo Challenges
4. The5ers
- Overview: An Israel-based firm offering instant funding and demo accounts, The5ers is known for its trader-centric approach.
- Demo Account Features:
- Virtual Capital: $5,000 to $100,000.
- Platform: MetaTrader 5.
- Profit Split: 50% to 100%, based on performance.
- Evaluation: One-step, two-step, or instant funding options.
- Why Choose The5ers?: Flexible funding models and no weekend holding restrictions make it ideal for swing traders.
- Best For: Traders seeking instant virtual funding.
- Example: Use swing trading on USD/JPY in The5ers’ 30-day demo challenge on MT5, targeting 6% profit with a 4% drawdown limit.
- Learn More: Check The5ers’ Virtual Programs
5. DNA Funded
- Overview: A global leader in 2025, DNA Funded offers low-cost challenges and diverse markets for virtual trading.
- Demo Account Features:
- Virtual Capital: $10,000 to $500,000.
- Platforms: TradeLocker, DXtrade.
- Profit Split: 80% to 90%.
- Evaluation: One-step or two-step challenges with no time limits.
- Why Choose DNA Funded?: Over 800 tradable markets and competitive spreads support versatile trading styles.
- Best For: Stock and forex traders in demo environments.
- Example: Trade Apple stocks in a DNA Funded demo account on TradeLocker, meeting an 8% profit target in a one-step challenge.
- Learn More: Explore DNA Funded’s Demo Accounts
How to Choose the Right Prop Firm for Your Demo Account
Selecting a prop firm for virtual funded accounts depends on your trading goals and preferences. Consider these factors:
- Evaluation Structure: One-step challenges (e.g., Topstep, DNA Funded) for faster access; two-step challenges (e.g., FTMO) for structured evaluations.
- Platform Support: Choose firms offering your preferred platform, such as MT4/MT5 for forex or NinjaTrader for futures.
- Market Focus: Forex (FTMO, FundedNext), futures (Topstep), or stocks (DNA Funded).
- Profit Split: Look for splits of 80% or higher; some firms offer 100% on initial profits (e.g., Topstep).
- Drawdown Rules: Ensure daily/total drawdown limits align with your risk tolerance (e.g., FTMO’s 5% daily vs. Topstep’s 6% total).
At VersoPropFirm, we provide detailed reviews and comparisons to help you find the best prop firm for your demo trading needs.
Tips for Success in Demo Accounts
To excel in virtual funded accounts, follow these strategies:
- Practice in Platform Demos: Test strategies on MT4, cTrader, or NinjaTrader demo accounts before evaluations.
- Understand Firm Rules: Study profit targets, drawdown limits, and restrictions (e.g., scalping or news trading bans).
- Keep a Trading Journal: Track trades to ensure compliance and identify improvement areas.
- Stay Disciplined: Avoid impulsive trades to meet evaluation requirements.
- Use Educational Resources: Leverage coaching and tools from firms like FTMO or Topstep.
[Button: Download Our Free Demo Trading Guide]
Why Demo Accounts Are the Future of Prop Trading
Demo accounts offer a safe, regulation-compliant way to develop trading skills without real capital risk. They align with industry standards, enabling traders to focus on performance and strategy refinement. With firms like FTMO, Topstep, and DNA Funded leading the charge, 2025 is the perfect time to explore virtual trading opportunities.
Discover More Prop Firm Strategies
Coming Soon: VersoPropFirm’s Virtual Demo Accounts
At VersoPropFirm, we’re building a proprietary trading firm that will offer 100% virtual funded accounts, empowering traders to operate in simulated environments with platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. Our demo accounts will comply with all regulations, ensuring a risk-free experience. Join our waitlist to be among the first to access our innovative virtual trading programs in 2025!