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Loading...There is a modest pricing gap between these firms. Topstep comes in at $109 for the $50K evaluation while the other charges $175 — a $66 difference. That is roughly the cost of a reset at most firms, so it is worth factoring in if you budget for multiple attempts.
The profit split gap is notable. Topstep returns 90% of your profits, putting $900 in your pocket for every $1,000 earned. The other firm's 80% split means you would receive $800 on that same amount — a $100 per-thousand difference that scales with every payout.
Topstep requires fewer minimum trading days (2 vs 5).
These two firms take meaningfully different approaches to their challenge programs. The right pick depends on what you prioritize: lower cost of entry, a bigger share of profits, or more lenient risk parameters. Consider which rules align with how you actually trade, not just which numbers look best on paper.
View the full details on each firm's page: Topstep rules & pricing and TradeDay rules & pricing.
| Rule | Topstep | TradeDay |
|---|---|---|
| News Trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| Weekend Holding | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Overnight Holding | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Hedging | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Copy Trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Allowed | Allowed |
Rules shown reflect the $50K challenge account. Some rules may differ by account size or type.
The best prop firm depends on your experience level, trading style, and priorities. Here is how Topstep and TradeDay stack up for different types of traders.
New to prop firms and want to minimize risk while learning the ropes.
Topstep
Consistent track record, focused on maximizing earnings and scaling capital.
Topstep
Prefer wider stops, lower risk, and the flexibility to hold positions longer.
Topstep
Topstep charges $109 for their $50K challenge, compared to $175 at TradeDay (plus a $139 activation fee once funded). That is a $66 savings upfront.
Topstep gives you 90% of your trading profits versus 80% at TradeDay. In practice, if you earn $2,000 in a payout cycle, you would receive $1800 from Topstep and $1600 from TradeDay — a $200 difference per $2,000 earned.
Both firms set the max drawdown at $2,000.
Both Topstep and TradeDay allow news trading. This is particularly valuable for traders who capitalize on volatility around FOMC announcements, NFP releases, and CPI data drops.
Payout timelines are similar at both firms, typically requiring around 5 profitable trading days. Both support multiple withdrawal methods.
For beginners, Topstep has an edge thanks to lower challenge fee. These features reduce the pressure while you are still developing consistency. That said, both firms are viable — the best choice depends on your specific trading approach and budget.
Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the latest changes. Always verify current pricing and rules on each firm's official website before making a decision.
Detailed side-by-side comparison of Topstep and TradeDay $50K challenge accounts. Compare fees, profit splits, drawdown rules, and more.