Topstep vs Vest Markets

There is a modest pricing gap between these firms. Vest Markets comes in at $76 for the $50K evaluation while the other charges $109 — a $33 difference. That is roughly the cost of a reset at most firms, so it is worth factoring in if you budget for multiple attempts. Check available Vest Markets discount codes for additional savings.

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 provides $2,000 of drawdown room compared to $600 — an extra $1,400 buffer that can be the difference between surviving a losing streak and blowing an account. Vest Markets's static (doesn't trail) drawdown is more favorable than Topstep's end-of-day trailing calculation, giving you steadier risk limits during profitable runs.

Vest Markets sets the bar lower with a $1,000 profit target versus $3,000. Additionally, Vest Markets has no minimum day requirement — you can pass as fast as you trade — whereas Topstep mandates at least 2 days.

Topstep does not enforce a daily loss limit while Vest Markets caps daily losses at $300. These operational differences can shape your day-to-day experience, particularly if your strategy depends on volatility around economic releases or requires more intraday flexibility.

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.