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

For Traders vs Topstep

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

FORT

For Traders

EST. 2023

TOPS

Topstep

✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2012

FOR TRADERS

METRIC

TOPSTEP

65/100—

TRUST SCORE

BETTER66/100

0/5—

RATING

BETTER4/5

90%TIE

PROFIT SPLIT

TIE90%

$300,000BETTER

MAX FUNDING

—$150,000

$42BETTER

MIN COST

—$49

2dBETTER

PAYOUT DAYS

—7d

—

PASS RATE

28%

0—

REVIEW COUNT

BETTER1

FOR TRADERS DETAILS

STEPS: 1-phase
DRAWDOWN: Trailing
MARKETS: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Metals
PLATFORMS: cTrader, TradeLocker, DXtrade

TOPSTEP DETAILS

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

For Traders PROS

+Days to first payout of 2 is significantly faster than the industry average of 6.5 days
+Min challenge cost of $42 is dramatically below the industry average of $186.7
+Profit split of 90% exceeds the industry average of 84.7%, favouring the trader
+Single-step funding process beats the industry average of 1.6 steps for faster capital access

For Traders CONS

−Profit target of 9% is slightly above the industry average of 7.9%, requiring more effort to pass
−News trading and EA/automated trading are not allowed, limiting strategy flexibility
−Overall drawdown of 6% is below the industry average of 7.9%, offering less loss tolerance

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

For Traders

Lower trust score (65/100). Faster payouts at 2d. 90% profit split.

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