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

Optimal Traders vs Topstep

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

OPTM

Optimal Traders

TOPS

Topstep

✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2012

OPTIMAL TRADERS

METRIC

TOPSTEP

0/100—

TRUST SCORE

BETTER66/100

0/5—

RATING

BETTER4/5

—

PROFIT SPLIT

90%

—

MAX FUNDING

$150,000

—

MIN COST

$49

—

PAYOUT DAYS

—

PASS RATE

28%

0—

REVIEW COUNT

BETTER1

OPTIMAL TRADERS DETAILS

STEPS: -phase

TOPSTEP DETAILS

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

Optimal Traders PROS

+The firm name implies an optimisation-focused approach to trader evaluation and development.
+Inclusion on a comparison platform indicates some degree of public presence and accountability.
+A structured funding model, if present, could support disciplined and performance-driven traders.
+Potential for competitive terms cannot be ruled out without further data disclosure.

Optimal Traders CONS

−No data whatsoever has been provided for this firm, making any objective evaluation impossible.
−Without profit split, drawdown, funding levels, or challenge cost, no industry comparisons can be made.
−Traders cannot make any informed decisions without full disclosure of this firm's core terms and conditions.

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

Optimal Traders

Lower trust score (0/100). Slower payouts at —d.

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