In proprietary trading—also known as prop trading—traders don’t use their own capital. Instead, they trade using a firm’s funds, and profits are shared between the trader and the firm. This model lowers personal risk while offering high potential rewards. With the rise of online prop firms, futures trading in particular has seen an explosion of funding opportunities.
Many of these firms partner with Tradovate, a brokerage designed for modern traders. In this blog, we’ll compare major prop firms using Tradovate—Apex Trader Funding, Take Profit Trader, TradeDay, Elite Trader Funding, and The Trading Pit—and how you can automate trades across them using PickMyTrade.
Why Tradovate Is a Top Broker Choice
Let’s start with the core question: why do so many futures-focused prop firms choose Tradovate?
Tradovate’s core strengths:
- No software download required – Access your account from any browser.
- Subscription pricing – Monthly plans replace traditional per-contract commissions.
- Instant trade feedback – View PnL, drawdowns, and risk metrics in real-time.
- Automation-ready – Seamlessly connects with TradingView and other third-party platforms.
In short, Tradovate was built for speed, flexibility, and simplicity—qualities that benefit both prop firms and traders aiming for consistency.
Top Prop Firms Using Tradovate: Quick Breakdown
Here’s a clear look at what each firm offers when it comes to accounts, payouts, platforms, and structure:
| Firm | Started | Location | Account Sizes | Payout Structure | Evaluation Style | Core Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Trader Funding | 2021 | Austin, TX, USA | $25K – $300K | 100% of first $25K, then 90% | One-step | – Offers multiple accounts – No daily loss rule – Compatible with NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and Rithmic – Regular discounts and promotional offers |
| Take Profit Trader | 2022 | Orlando, FL, USA | Plan-based | 80% profit split | One-step | – Reset options available – No scaling phase – Supports TradingView, NinjaTrader, Tradovate – Education-focused setup |
| TradeDay | 2020 | Chicago, IL, USA | $10K – $250K | Starts at 80%, can increase | One-step | -Zero commissions after funding -Access to group coaching sessions -Supports platforms like Jigsaw, NinjaTrader, and TradingView |
| Elite Trader Funding | 2022 | Florida, USA | Futures only | 80% to trader | One-step | – Designed for futures traders – Integrated with NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic – Straightforward rules |
| The Trading Pit | Global reach | Multiple regions | Futures, FX, CFDs | Up to 80% | Two-step | – Access to multiple asset classes – Offers Tradovate for futures – Built-in trader support network |
Unique Features of Each Firm
Apex Trader Funding appeals to those managing high trade volume or multiple accounts. Its flexible drawdown rules and frequent discounts make it popular among advanced traders.
Take Profit Trader emphasizes a clean, education-focused experience. There’s no need for scaling or complex milestones, which is especially helpful for traders still developing consistency.
TradeDay supports traders who want daily interaction and feedback. The inclusion of group coaching and educational tools makes it feel more like a trading community than just a funding service.
Elite Trader Funding keeps it simple. With clear-cut rules and a futures-only focus, it’s ideal for traders who want a no-nonsense path to a funded account.
The Trading Pit is designed with a worldwide reach, supporting traders from over 200 countries and providing access to various asset classes. It’s ideal for those seeking cross-market versatility combined with a disciplined trading framework.
Automate It All with PickMyTrade
Manual execution across multiple accounts can get overwhelming—especially during evaluations or when managing risk across trades.
That’s where PickMyTrade comes in. It bridges TradingView strategies with your evaluation or funded account (Tradovate or Rithmic), so trades are triggered instantly and managed automatically.
Key features:
- Fast TradingView to Tradovate execution
- Integrated filters for time, volatility, and position sizing
- Supports trailing stops and risk caps
- No manual intervention needed during trades
Whether you’re in an evaluation phase or live funded, automation helps you focus on strategy—while it handles execution.
Wrapping Up: Who’s the Right Fit?
Selecting the ideal prop firm comes down to your trading style, personal preferences, and objectives:
- Apex – Ideal for experienced, high-frequency traders.
- Take Profit – Great for traders looking for simple rules and learning tools.
- TradeDay – Best for those who want a mix of trading and mentorship.
- Elite – Good for focused futures traders seeking a straightforward model.
- The Trading Pit – Perfect for traders looking to branch into multiple markets with community support.
No matter the firm, PickMyTrade can help streamline your process and improve your odds of success through reliable trade automation.
This is a helpful comparison for anyone exploring prop firms using Tradovate. I’d be curious to know how the evaluation styles differ in practice—especially for newer traders who might be navigating this space for the first time.