Editorial Policy
Last updated: June 1, 2026 · ApexEdge Media Ltd
This document describes exactly how PropFirmHQ produces its reviews, calculates trust scores, and maintains editorial independence from the commercial relationships that fund this website. We publish it in full because transparency about methodology is the foundation of credible financial media.
1. Who Produces PropFirmHQ Content?
PropFirmHQ is published by ApexEdge Media Ltd, an independent editorial media company registered in England and Wales. Our editorial team consists of:
Lead Analyst
James Harrington
8 years prop trading experience across FTMO, Topstep, and DT4A platforms
Senior Review Analyst
Sarah Okonkwo
Former quantitative risk analyst, specialises in evaluation rule structure and drawdown mechanics
Futures Markets Analyst
David Chen
CME-listed futures trader; covers Topstep, Apex Trader, and NFA-compliant platforms
Strategy Analyst
Marcus Webb
Quantitative trader; leads backtesting and platform execution quality analysis
No member of the editorial team holds a financial stake in any prop firm reviewed on this site. Editorial staff do not receive performance bonuses tied to affiliate revenue generated by specific reviews.
2. How We Test Prop Firms
Every firm awarded a rating of 4.0 or higher on PropFirmHQ has been evaluated via a real account purchased at the standard retail price. Testing involves the following stages:
Evaluation Purchase
We purchase a mid-tier evaluation (typically $25,000–$50,000 account size) at retail price. No discounts, no sponsored accounts. The firm receives payment under the same terms as any retail customer.
Phase Completion
We trade through Phases 1 and 2 using a standardised rule-based strategy with consistent risk parameters (0.5% per trade, maximum 5 trades per day). This allows direct comparison of rule enforcement and execution quality across firms.
Funded Account Monitoring
We hold the funded account for a minimum of 30 days, monitor payout processing from request to receipt, document any platform issues or rule clarifications required, and test the support team with standardised enquiries.
Platform Quality Assessment
We evaluate execution latency (manually timed across 50+ order entries), spread behaviour during news events, dashboard accuracy for drawdown calculations, and UI/UX quality on both desktop and mobile.
Documentation Audit
We read the full Terms and Conditions, Trader Agreement, and any FAQ documentation at the time of review. We flag ambiguous clauses, hidden restrictions, and any discrepancy between marketing claims and documented rules.
Firms rated below 4.0 may not have undergone full live testing. Where live testing has not been completed, this is stated explicitly in the review. Community data aggregation (see Section 3) is weighted more heavily for these firms, and ratings carry a lower confidence interval.
3. How Trust Scores Are Calculated
PropFirmHQ trust scores are composite scores out of 100, calculated from four data inputs:
| Component | Weight | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Editorial Testing | 40% | PropFirmHQ team evaluation accounts, funded account monitoring, payout receipts |
| Community Payout Aggregation | 30% | Reddit r/PropFirm, Trustpilot, TraderSync, Discord community reports — minimum 50 data points required |
| Transparency & Communication | 15% | Quality of documentation, clarity of rule communication, responsiveness to rule change notifications |
| Regulatory & Operational Depth | 15% | Incorporation quality, years of operation, regulatory registrations, public financial disclosures |
Trust scores are recalculated quarterly, or immediately following a material rule change, payout freeze, or significant shift in community sentiment. A firm's score can go up or down between review cycles. Historical score changes are documented in the "Review History" section of each firm's page.
85–100
Tier 1
Institutional-grade trust — FTMO, The5%ers, Topstep
70–84
Tier 2
Functional — Homa Prime, E8 Funding
< 70
Tier 3
Elevated risk — reviewed with caution advisory
4. Review Update Schedule
PropFirmHQ operates on the following review maintenance schedule:
- Quarterly full review: Complete re-evaluation of all scoring components. Editorial ratings recalculated. New live testing if significant product changes occurred.
- Material rule change: Immediate review update within 5 business days of confirmed rule change. Rating adjusted to reflect new parameters. Change documented with date and description.
- Payout controversy: Immediate community data refresh. Review advisory added. Rating adjusted if community data indicates systematic issue rather than isolated incident.
- Minor fee/platform update: Updated within 14 business days. Data tables refreshed. No rating change unless change is material to evaluation cost-benefit analysis.
- Firm closure or suspension: Immediate review status change to 'Suspended'. Affiliate links removed. Archival notice added with factual account of circumstances.
5. Editorial Independence Safeguards
The following structural safeguards protect editorial independence at PropFirmHQ:
- No prop firm has been shown a review before publication. We do not offer preview or right-of-reply prior to publishing.
- No prop firm has the ability to request removal of negative findings, request a rating change, or request withdrawal of a published review.
- Editorial staff compensation is not tied to affiliate revenue from specific reviews or firms.
- Firms with no affiliate relationship (Tradeify, Take Profit Trader) receive identical editorial treatment to affiliate partners.
- If a prop firm declines to provide information requested for a review, this is noted in the review text.
- Unsolicited contact from prop firms requesting editorial changes is logged and not acted upon.
6. Corrections Policy
PropFirmHQ is committed to factual accuracy. If a factual error is identified in any review or article on this site, we will:
- 1.Correct the error within 3 business days of confirmation.
- 2.Add a visible correction notice to the affected page noting what was changed and when.
- 3.Reassess whether the error materially affects any ratings or recommendations — and adjust if necessary.
To report a factual error or request a correction, email editorial@apexedge.com. Please include the specific claim you believe is inaccurate and any supporting evidence.
7. Rating Scale Reference
No major weaknesses identified. Tier-1 trust score. Recommended without reservation.
Minor weaknesses only. Strong payout history. Recommended for most trader profiles.
Solid platform with some limitations. Recommended with profile-specific caveats.
Functional but with meaningful limitations vs. better alternatives. Niche use cases only.
Multiple weaknesses. Only consider if no better option exists for your specific requirements.
Significant concerns about trust, payouts, or rule fairness. Avoid.