RISK

Trading carries substantial risk of loss. Prop evaluation fees are typically non-refundable and the majority of traders do not pass first attempts. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Read full risk warning

HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON · 2026

BuoyTrade vs Topstep

Side-by-side comparison of trust scores, profit splits, payout speed, and real trader reviews. Independent data — no sponsored rankings.

BUOY

BuoyTrade

TOPS

Topstep

✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2012

BUOYTRADE

METRIC

TOPSTEP

0/100—

TRUST SCORE

BETTER66/100

0/5—

RATING

BETTER4/5

80%—

PROFIT SPLIT

BETTER90%

$1,024,000BETTER

MAX FUNDING

—$150,000

$50—

MIN COST

BETTER$49

14d—

PAYOUT DAYS

BETTER7d

—

PASS RATE

28%

0—

REVIEW COUNT

BETTER1

BUOYTRADE DETAILS

STEPS: 1-phase
DRAWDOWN: Static
MARKETS: Forex
PLATFORMS: MT4

TOPSTEP DETAILS

STEPS: 1-phase
DRAWDOWN: Trailing EOD
MARKETS: Futures
PLATFORMS: MT4, MT5
TYPES: futures, beginner

BuoyTrade PROS

+Min challenge cost of $50 is well below the industry average of $186.7, making entry highly affordable.
+Single-step funding is better than the industry average of 1.6 steps, offering a faster path to funded status.
+Max funding of $1,024,000 is above the industry average of $839,272.7, providing above-average scaling potential.
+Profit target of 5% is well below the industry average of 7.9%, making the evaluation stage easier to pass.

BuoyTrade CONS

−Profit split of 80% is below the industry average of 84.7%, reducing the trader's share of earnings.
−Overall drawdown of 5% is well below the industry average of 7.9%, offering significantly less margin before breach.
−EA/automated trading is not allowed, restricting algorithmic traders from participating with this firm.

Topstep PROS

+Profit split of 90% is well above the industry average of 84.7%, offering traders a superior earnings share.
+Min challenge cost of $49 is well below the industry average of $186.7, making entry highly accessible.
+Single-step funding is better than the industry average of 1.6 steps, streamlining the path to funded status.
+Founded in 2012, Topstep is one of the most established prop firms, providing strong credibility and track record.

Topstep CONS

−Max funding of $150,000 is far below the industry average of $839,272.7, significantly limiting earning potential.
−Overall drawdown of 10% with trailing EOD type means drawdown limits tighten as profits grow, increasing risk.
−Days to first payout at 7 is slightly above the industry average of 6.5, a minor but notable delay.

PROPDNA VERDICT

BuoyTrade

Lower trust score (0/100). Slower payouts at 14d. 80% profit split.

START WITH BUOY