The Best Prop Firms with 1 Step Challenges

In the fast-paced world of 2026 prop trading, time is the ultimate currency. While the traditional two-step evaluation has long been the industry standard, a growing number of traders are pivoting toward 1-Step Challenges. The appeal is obvious: you hit one profit target, respect the drawdown limits, and move straight to funded status.

However, a 1-step challenge isn’t just a “faster” version of a 2-step; it’s a different psychological game. With only one phase to prove your worth, the pressure is concentrated, and the rules are often tighter to compensate for the reduced evaluation time. If you’re looking to get funded quickly this year, here are the top firms leading the 1-step revolution.

1. FundedNext (Stellar 1-Step)

FundedNext has solidified its spot as a top-tier contender in 2026, largely due to its Stellar 1-Step model. What makes this firm stand out isn’t just the single phase, but the fact that they offer a 15% profit share even during the challenge phase. This effectively means you’re getting paid to pass.

• Profit Target: 10%
• Drawdown: 3% Daily / 6% Overall (Static)
• The Edge: They have one of the fastest account setups in the industry. Once you hit that 10% target, you can be trading your funded account in as little as 48 hours.

2. TTT Markets (1-Step Evaluation)

As we’ve discussed in our previous guides, TTT Markets has built its reputation on “Trading Freedom.” Their 1-step challenge is designed specifically for traders who find traditional rules too restrictive. They allow for news trading and overnight holds, which are often the “fine print” traps that disqualify traders at other firms.

• Profit Target: 10%
• Drawdown: 4% Daily / 8% Overall
• The Edge: TTT Markets offers a more generous drawdown buffer than most 1-step providers, making it a favorite for swing traders who need their positions to “breathe” through market volatility.

3. FundingPips (1-Step Evaluation)

FundingPips remains a darling of the retail community for its simplicity and low entry costs. Their 1-step evaluation is famous for having no time limits, allowing you to trade at your own pace without the looming shadow of a 30-day deadline.

• Profit Target: 10%
• Drawdown: 4% Daily / 6% Overall
• The Edge: Payouts are remarkably flexible. Once funded, you can opt for weekly or even “on-demand” payouts, which is vital for traders who rely on their trading profits for monthly expenses.

4. The5ers (High Stakes Challenge)

The5ers has always been a “trader’s firm,” focusing on long-term growth. Their 1-step High Stakes Challenge is unique because it integrates a built-in scaling plan. If you prove consistency on your 1-step account, they will double your capital at every 10% gain milestone.

• Profit Target: 10%
• Drawdown: 3% Daily / 6% Overall
• The Edge: They offer a “salary” for top-tier funded traders, essentially turning a prop trading gig into a professional career path.

Conclusion – The Best Prop Firms with 1 Step Challenges

Choosing a 1-step challenge in 2026 is a trade-off between speed and safety. Firms like FundedNext and TTT Markets have made the path to capital shorter than ever, but the “one-and-done” nature of the evaluation means your risk management must be flawless. If you are a confident trader with a high-win-rate strategy, the 1-step model is undoubtedly the most efficient way to scale your career this year.

FAQ – The Best Prop Firms with 1 Step Challenges

1. Is a 1-Step Challenge harder than a 2-Step Challenge? 

Technically, no, you only have to hit one target. However, psychologically, it can be tougher because the drawdown limits (especially daily limits) are often tighter. You have less room for error, meaning a single “bad day” can end the challenge more easily than in a multi-phase model.

2. Do these firms allow “High-Frequency Trading” (HFT) bots to pass? 

In 2026, most reputable firms like FTMO or TTT Markets prohibit HFT bots that exploit demo server latency. While they allow standard Expert Advisors (EAs), using an HFT bot to “cheat” the challenge often leads to a denied payout later on. Always check the firm’s specific bot policy before starting.

3. Can I hold trades over the weekend on a 1-step account? 

It depends on the firm. TTT Markets is very permissive with weekend holds, while others may require you to close all positions by Friday’s market close. If you are a swing trader, this is the most important rule to check before you pay your evaluation fee.

We have helped thousands of traders reach funding at TTT Markets from account sizes of $5k upwards to $500k. Check out our programs.