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Compare/Elite Trader Funding vs Topstep
HEAD-TO-HEAD · 2026

Elite Trader Funding vs Topstep

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

METRIC
ELTF
Elite Trader Funding
EST. 2021
TOPS
Topstep
✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2012
TRUST SCORE54/10069/100BETTER
PROFIT SPLIT80%90%BETTER
PAYOUT DAYS14d7dBETTER
MIN COST$150$49BETTER
MAX FUNDING$300,000BETTER$150,000
RATING3.33/5BETTER3/5
REVIEW COUNT3TIE3TIE
STEPS1-step1-step
DRAWDOWNFixedTrailing EOD

ELITE TRADER FUNDING DETAILS

MARKETS
Futures
PLATFORMS
NinjaTrader, Rithmic, Tradovate
TYPES
futures, large-cap

TOPSTEP DETAILS

MARKETS
Futures
PLATFORMS
MT4, MT5
TYPES
futures, beginner

Elite Trader Funding PROS

  • +Single-step funding process is faster than the industry average of 1.6 steps to get funded.
  • +Min challenge cost of $150 is below the industry average of $186.7, lowering the entry barrier.
  • +News trading and EA/automated trading are both permitted, offering strong flexibility for diverse strategies.
  • +Profit target of 6% is below the industry average of 7.9%, making the evaluation stage easier to pass.

Elite Trader Funding CONS

  • Profit split of 80% is below the industry average of 84.7%, meaning traders keep less of their earnings.
  • Max funding of $300,000 is well below the industry average of $839,272.7, limiting earning potential.
  • Days to first payout at 14 is more than double the industry average of 6.5 days, slowing cash flow.

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

Elite Trader Funding
Lower trust score (54/100). Slower payouts at 14d. 80% profit split.
Topstep
Higher trust score (69/100). Faster payouts at 7d. 90% profit split.

RELATED LINKS

Elite Trader Funding Full Review →Topstep Full Review →All Comparisons →
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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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