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 Brightfunded

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

TOPS

Topstep

✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2012

BFND

Brightfunded

EST. 2023

TOPSTEP

METRIC

BRIGHTFUNDED

66/100TIE

TRUST SCORE

TIE66/100

4/5BETTER

RATING

—0/5

90%BETTER

PROFIT SPLIT

—80%

$150,000—

MAX FUNDING

BETTER$200,000

$49BETTER

MIN COST

—$55

7d—

PAYOUT DAYS

BETTER1d

28%

PASS RATE

—

1BETTER

REVIEW COUNT

—0

TOPSTEP DETAILS

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

BRIGHTFUNDED DETAILS

STEPS: 2-phase
DRAWDOWN: Fixed
MARKETS: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Metals, Crypto
PLATFORMS: MT5, cTrader, DXtrade

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.

Brightfunded PROS

+Days to first payout is 1, dramatically faster than the industry average of 6.5 days
+Min challenge cost of $55 is well below the industry average of $186.70, lowering entry barriers
+Fee refund is offered, providing financial protection for traders who complete the challenge
+Supports three platforms — MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade — offering good platform flexibility

Brightfunded CONS

−Profit split of 80% is below the industry average of 84.7% by 4.7 percentage points
−News trading is not allowed, restricting traders who use fundamental or event-driven strategies
−Max funding of $200,000 is significantly below the industry average of $839,272, limiting earning potential

PROPDNA VERDICT

Topstep

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

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