HEAD-TO-HEAD · 2026
BuoyTrade vs Topstep
Side-by-side comparison of trust scores, profit splits, payout speed, and real trader reviews. Independent data — no sponsored rankings.
| METRIC | BuoyTrade | Topstep ✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| TRUST SCORE | 55/100 | 69/100BETTER |
| PROFIT SPLIT | 80% | 90%BETTER |
| PAYOUT DAYS | 14d | 7dBETTER |
| MIN COST | $50 | $49BETTER |
| MAX FUNDING | $1,024,000BETTER | $150,000 |
| RATING | 3.86/5BETTER | 3/5 |
| REVIEW COUNT | 3TIE | 3TIE |
| STEPS | 1-step | 1-step |
| DRAWDOWN | Static | Trailing EOD |
BUOYTRADE DETAILS
- MARKETS
- Forex
- PLATFORMS
- MT4
TOPSTEP DETAILS
- 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
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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
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