Compare Side-by-Side
Select 2-3 firms to compare their rules, costs, and real talk.
| Feature |
Topstep
Up to 70% off Trading Combine |
|---|---|
| Eval Type | 1-Step Trading Combine |
| Cheapest Eval | $50K @ $49/mo (Standard) / $109/mo (No AF) |
| $100K Eval Cost | $99/mo (Standard) / $159/mo (No AF) |
| Drawdown Type | EOD Trailing (end-of-day balance, not intraday). Locks at starting balance once profit exceeds drawdown. |
| Daily Loss Limit | Optional add-on since April 14, 2026 ($1K/$2K/$3K by size). Always mandatory on Live Funded. |
| Min Trading Days | 0 |
| Consistency Rule | None |
| Payout Split | Post-Jan 2026: 90/10 from day one. Pre-Jan 2026: 100% first $10K then 90/10. |
| Payout Frequency | Standard: 5 winning days ($150+). Consistency: 3 trading days. Max $5-6K per request. |
| Reset Cost | Free with subscription renewal (1 credit per rebill). Paid reset = monthly price. Back2Funded: $599-$829. |
| Activation Fee | $149 (Standard path) / $0 (No AF path) |
| News Trading | Allowed |
| Copy Trading | Allowed |
| Automated Trading | Allowed |
| Platforms | TopstepX (all new accounts), Quantower (exception) |
| Watch Out For | After payout, MLL resets to $0 - extremely vulnerable. New accounts TopstepX only (no NinjaTrader/Tradovate). Funded starts at 2-3 contracts (must scale up). VPS/VPN usage PROHIBITED. Positions must close by 3:10 PM CT. $30 ACH payout fee. |
| Best For | Disciplined traders who want free resets and a reputable name. Automated strategies work on TopstepX API. Good for traders who profit consistently (not lumpy). |