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 BuoyTrade

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

TOPS

Topstep

✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2012

BUOY

BuoyTrade

TOPSTEP

METRIC

BUOYTRADE

66/100BETTER

TRUST SCORE

—0/100

4/5BETTER

RATING

—0/5

90%BETTER

PROFIT SPLIT

—80%

$150,000—

MAX FUNDING

BETTER$1,024,000

$49BETTER

MIN COST

—$50

7dBETTER

PAYOUT DAYS

—14d

28%

PASS RATE

—

1BETTER

REVIEW COUNT

—0

TOPSTEP DETAILS

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

BUOYTRADE DETAILS

STEPS: 1-phase
DRAWDOWN: Static
MARKETS: Forex
PLATFORMS: MT4

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.

BuoyTrade PROS

+Min challenge cost of $50 is well below the industry average of $186.7, making entry highly affordable.
+Single-step funding is better than the industry average of 1.6 steps, offering a faster path to funded status.
+Max funding of $1,024,000 is above the industry average of $839,272.7, providing above-average scaling potential.
+Profit target of 5% is well below the industry average of 7.9%, making the evaluation stage easier to pass.

BuoyTrade CONS

−Profit split of 80% is below the industry average of 84.7%, reducing the trader's share of earnings.
−Overall drawdown of 5% is well below the industry average of 7.9%, offering significantly less margin before breach.
−EA/automated trading is not allowed, restricting algorithmic traders from participating with this firm.

PROPDNA VERDICT

Topstep

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

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