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

Topstep vs The 5%ers

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

TOPS

Topstep

✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2012

5PRS

The 5%ers

✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2016

TOPSTEP

METRIC

THE 5%ERS

66/100BETTER

TRUST SCORE

—61/100

4/5TIE

RATING

TIE4/5

90%—

PROFIT SPLIT

BETTER100%

$150,000—

MAX FUNDING

BETTER$4,000,000

$49—

MIN COST

BETTER$39

7dBETTER

PAYOUT DAYS

—14d

28%BETTER

PASS RATE

—18%

1TIE

REVIEW COUNT

TIE1

TOPSTEP DETAILS

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

THE 5%ERS DETAILS

STEPS: 2-phase
DRAWDOWN: Trailing
MARKETS: Forex, Metals, Indices
PLATFORMS: MT4, MT5
TYPES: forex, large-cap, advanced

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.

The 5%ers PROS

+Profit split of 100% is the maximum possible, far exceeding the industry average of 84.7%
+Max funding of $4,000,000 vastly exceeds the industry average of $839,272, offering exceptional capital scale
+Min challenge cost of $39 is well below the industry average of $186.70, minimising entry costs
+Profit target of 5% is below the industry average of 7.9%, making the challenge easier to pass

The 5%ers CONS

−Days to first payout is 14, more than double the industry average of 6.5 days
−Pass rate of 18% is very low, indicating the majority of traders fail the evaluation
−Trailing drawdown type is the most restrictive, shrinking the drawdown buffer as profits grow

PROPDNA VERDICT

Topstep

Higher trust score (66/100). Faster payouts at 7d. 90% profit split.

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