The short answer
Elite Trader Funding vs Topstep, side by side
| Feature |  Elite Trader Funding |  Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | Established, large user base | 2012 — one of the longest track records in futures |
| Evaluation model | Six models (1-Step, EOD, Static, Fast Track, Diamond Hands, DTF) | Trading Combine, then an Express Funded Account |
| Pricing | Among the cheapest; frequent discounts | Monthly subscription (from ~$49/mo with promos) |
| Profit split | 100% of first $12,500, then 90% | 100% of first $10,000, then 90% |
| Payout cap before live | $25,000 sim cap, then a live 80/20 account | No equivalent cap — funded payouts continue |
| Rules clarity | Flexible, but a stricter consistency-style loss rule | Clean, transparent, well-documented rules |
| Track record | Established and popular | The benchmark — documented payouts we have seen verified |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, TradingView, Quantower | TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Quantower |
| US clients accepted | Yes — futures, open to US traders | Yes — futures, open to US traders |
| Best for | Cheap, flexible entry and model choice | Track record, payout reliability and clean rules |
Price and evaluation
Elite Trader Funding competes on price and flexibility: very cheap entry, frequent discounts, and six models so you can pick trailing, end-of-day or static drawdown, a fast cheap shot or a no-evaluation route. Topstep runs a monthly subscription (from around $49/mo with promos) on a clear two-stage path — pass the Trading Combine, then trade an Express Funded Account.
The cost shapes differ: ETF rewards picking the right model and timing a discount; Topstep rewards passing quickly, since the subscription adds up month over month. If you value a single clear path and proven structure, Topstep; if you want options and the lowest upfront cost, ETF.
Split, payout caps and reliability
The splits are close — both pay 100% early then 90%, with Topstep’s early band at $10,000 and ETF’s at $12,500. The bigger difference is the $25,000 sim payout cap at ETF, after which you move to a live 80/20 account; Topstep has no equivalent cap and keeps you on the funded model.
Where Topstep pulls ahead is reliability. It is the benchmark for documented, transparent payouts in futures prop trading, with the longest track record (since 2012) and notably clean rules. ETF is established and pays many traders, but its stricter consistency rule and live-account transition add complexity. For a decision that hinges on getting paid predictably, Topstep is the safer bet.
Platforms, and who each suits
Both share NinjaTrader, Tradovate and Quantower; Topstep adds its own TopstepX, while ETF adds TradingView and Rithmic. If you trade from TradingView, ETF is the one; if you want Topstep’s native platform and ecosystem, Topstep.
Pick Topstep for the most proven track record, clean rules and reliable payouts. Pick Elite Trader Funding for the cheapest, most flexible entry, model choice or TradingView support. Both are open to US traders.