Virtual funded accounts, or demo accounts, allow traders to access simulated capital and prove their skills in risk-free environments, making them a cornerstone of proprietary trading. Choosing the right demo account can significantly impact your ability to pass evaluations and scale your trading. At VersoPropFirm, we’ve compared virtual funded accounts from top prop firms in 2025, focusing on account sizes, evaluation costs, trading rules, and scaling options. This guide will help you select the best virtual account for your trading goals, whether you focus on forex, futures, or stocks, while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Why Compare Virtual Funded Accounts?
Not all demo accounts are created equal. Comparing virtual funded accounts helps you:
- Identify accounts that match your capital needs, from $5,000 to $500,000.
- Understand evaluation costs, ensuring affordability for your budget.
- Navigate trading rules, such as drawdown limits and strategy restrictions.
- Evaluate scaling potential, allowing you to grow virtual capital over time.
- Trade in regulation-compliant environments, avoiding real capital risk.
Let’s compare virtual funded accounts from five leading prop firms to find the perfect fit for your demo trading journey.
Comparison of Virtual Funded Accounts
Below, we analyze demo accounts from FTMO, Topstep, FundedNext, The5ers, and DNA Funded based on key criteria: account sizes, evaluation costs, trading rules, and scaling options. Each account operates in a simulated environment, ensuring a safe and compliant experience.
1. FTMO Virtual Funded Account
- Account Sizes: $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, $200,000.
- Evaluation Costs: $155 to $1,080, depending on account size (one-time fee).
- Trading Rules:
- Two-phase evaluation: 10% profit target in phase one, 5% in phase two.
- Drawdown: 5% daily, 10% total.
- Allowed Strategies: Scalping, swing trading, algorithmic trading (news trading restricted during major events).
- Minimum Trading Days: 4 per phase.
- Scaling Options: Increase virtual capital by 25% every four months if profit targets are met (e.g., $100,000 to $125,000).
- Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader.
- Best For: Forex traders needing flexible account sizes and MT4/MT5 compatibility.
- Example: Pay $250 for a $50,000 demo account, achieve 10% profit in 30 days on EUR/USD, and scale to $62,500 after four months.
- Learn More: Explore FTMO’s Demo Accounts
2. Topstep Virtual Funded Account
- Account Sizes: $50,000, $100,000, $150,000.
- Evaluation Costs: $49 to $165 monthly subscription for the Trading Combine.
- Trading Rules:
- One-step evaluation: Profit target varies by account size (e.g., $3,000 for $50,000).
- Drawdown: No daily limit, 6% total trailing drawdown.
- Allowed Strategies: Swing trading, algorithmic trading (scalping and news trading allowed with restrictions).
- Minimum Trading Days: None.
- Scaling Options: No formal scaling plan; traders retain 100% of the first $10,000 in virtual profits.
- Platforms: TopstepX, NinjaTrader, TradingView.
- Best For: Futures traders seeking low drawdown limits and no daily restrictions.
- Example: Pay $125/month for a $100,000 demo account, trade S&P 500 futures on NinjaTrader, and keep 100% of the first $10,000 in profits.
- Learn More: Discover Topstep’s Virtual Accounts
3. FundedNext Virtual Funded Account
- Account Sizes: $6,000, $15,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, $200,000.
- Evaluation Costs: $59 to $999, depending on account size (one-time fee).
- Trading Rules:
- One-step or two-step evaluation: 10% profit target (one-step) or 8%/5% (two-step).
- Drawdown: 5% daily, 10-12% total (balance-based).
- Allowed Strategies: Scalping, swing trading, algorithmic trading, news trading.
- Minimum Trading Days: 5 per phase.
- Scaling Options: Double virtual capital after achieving consistent profits (e.g., $50,000 to $100,000).
- Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5.
- Best For: Forex traders seeking high leverage and flexible evaluations.
- Example: Pay $199 for a $25,000 demo account, scalp GBP/USD on MT4 with 1:100 leverage, and double to $50,000 after meeting scaling criteria.
- Learn More: Check FundedNext’s Demo Challenges
4. The5ers Virtual Funded Account
- Account Sizes: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $100,000.
- Evaluation Costs: $39 to $495, depending on account size (one-time fee).
- Trading Rules:
- One-step, two-step, or instant funding: 6-10% profit target, depending on model.
- Drawdown: 4-5% daily, 6-10% total.
- Allowed Strategies: Swing trading, algorithmic trading (scalping allowed, no weekend holding restrictions).
- Minimum Trading Days: Varies by model (none for instant funding).
- Scaling Options: Increase virtual capital by 10-25% with consistent performance (e.g., $20,000 to $25,000).
- Platform: MetaTrader 5.
- Best For: Traders seeking instant funding or swing trading flexibility.
- Example: Pay $95 for a $10,000 instant funding demo account, swing trade USD/JPY on MT5, and scale to $12,500 with steady profits.
- Learn More: Explore The5ers’ Virtual Programs
5. DNA Funded Virtual Funded Account
- Account Sizes: $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, $200,000, $500,000.
- Evaluation Costs: $99 to $1,500, depending on account size (one-time fee).
- Trading Rules:
- One-step or two-step evaluation: 8% profit target (one-step) or 8%/5% (two-step).
- Drawdown: 5% daily, 10% total.
- Allowed Strategies: Scalping, swing trading, algorithmic trading (news trading allowed for specific challenges).
- Minimum Trading Days: 5 per phase.
- Scaling Options: Unlimited scaling; increase virtual capital with profit milestones (e.g., $100,000 to $200,000).
- Platforms: TradeLocker, DXtrade.
- Best For: Stock and forex traders seeking large account sizes and diverse markets.
- Example: Pay $500 for a $100,000 demo account, trade Apple stocks on TradeLocker, and scale to $200,000 after hitting profit targets.
- Learn More: Discover DNA Funded’s Demo Accounts
Visual Comparison: Virtual Funded Accounts
To visualize the differences, we’ve created a scatter plot comparing virtual funded accounts by evaluation cost (for a $50,000 account) versus maximum account size available, highlighting affordability and growth potential.
- Insight: DNA Funded offers the largest maximum account size ($500,000) but at a higher cost ($500 for a $50,000 account). Topstep is the most affordable ($125) but caps at $150,000. FTMO and FundedNext balance cost and size, while The5ers is cost-effective but limited to $100,000.
How to Choose the Best Virtual Funded Account
Selecting a demo account depends on your trading style and goals. Consider these factors:
- Account Size: Choose based on your strategy; smaller accounts ($5,000-$25,000) for beginners, larger ($100,000+) for experienced traders.
- Evaluation Cost: Opt for affordable fees (e.g., Topstep’s $125/month) or one-time payments (e.g., The5ers’ $39-$495).
- Trading Rules: Ensure drawdown limits (e.g., Topstep’s 6%) and strategy permissions (e.g., FundedNext’s news trading) suit your approach.
- Scaling Potential: Prioritize firms with clear scaling plans (e.g., DNA Funded’s unlimited scaling) for long-term growth.
- Platform Support: Match your platform preference, like MT4/MT5 (FundedNext) or TradeLocker (DNA Funded).
At VersoPropFirm, we provide detailed comparisons to help you find the ideal virtual funded account.
Explore Top Prop Firms for Demo Accounts
Tips for Success with Virtual Funded Accounts
To excel in demo trading, follow these strategies:
- Practice in Platform Demos: Test strategies on MT4, cTrader, or TradeLocker before evaluations.
- Understand Account Rules: Study profit targets, drawdown limits, and strategy restrictions.
- Manage Risk: Risk 1-2% per trade to stay within drawdown limits.
- Track Performance: Use a trading journal to monitor compliance and progress.
- Leverage Resources: Utilize coaching from firms like FTMO or Topstep.
Download Our Free Demo Trading Guide
Why Virtual Funded Accounts Are Key to Prop Trading
Virtual funded accounts offer a safe, regulation-compliant way to build trading skills without real capital risk. They enable traders to focus on strategy development and performance, aligning with industry standards. With firms like FTMO, Topstep, and DNA Funded leading the way, 2025 is the perfect time to explore demo trading.
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Coming Soon: VersoPropFirm’s Virtual Funded Accounts
At VersoPropFirm, we’re developing a proprietary trading firm offering 100% virtual funded accounts, empowering traders to test strategies 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 access our innovative virtual trading programs in 2025!