Topstep

Topstep uses a single evaluation called the Trading Combine. You pay a monthly subscription tied to account size (50K, 100K or 150K) and trade a simulated account until you hit the profit target without breaching the daily loss limit or maximum loss limit.

In our tests the rules were enforced exactly as documented — there were no surprise breaches. Once you pass, Topstep moves you to an Express Funded Account, and the monthly fee on the Combine stops. This subscription model rewards traders who pass quickly and penalises slow, drawn-out attempts.

Topstep is not the cheapest futures prop firm, but the price is reasonable for the track record. The headline subscription is rarely what you pay — Topstep runs frequent promo codes, and we routinely saw meaningful discounts at checkout.

Our advice: never buy at full sticker price. Wait for a promo, and factor in that you may pay for one or two months before passing. Value is strong if you treat the fee as a deposit you recover after your first payout.

This is where Topstep stands out. On the Express Funded Account you keep 100% of your first $10,000 in profit, then 90% beyond that. Funded traders report payouts arriving within the published window, with a clear breakdown.

Topstep has paid out funded traders for over a decade, and that documented history is the single biggest reason we trust it over newer firms. Always confirm the current minimum payout threshold and frequency in your dashboard before withdrawing.

Topstep supports its own TopstepX platform plus NinjaTrader, Tradovate and Quantower. Data feeds for CME futures (ES, NQ, GC, CL and others) were stable in our testing across these platforms.

If you already trade NinjaTrader or Tradovate, the transition is seamless. TopstepX is a solid browser-based option for traders who do not want to install software. Platform fees may differ from the broker-direct experience, so check what is bundled.

Topstep enforces a daily loss limit and a trailing maximum loss limit that follows your account equity up. There is also a consistency rule on the funded side that limits how much of your total profit can come from a single big day.

These rules are sensible for risk management but can frustrate traders who rely on one large win. In our experience, sizing down and trading consistently is the path of least resistance. Read the current rulebook carefully — rules evolve.

Topstep is best for disciplined futures traders who value a proven track record and clean payouts over the absolute lowest price. If you trade ES or NQ with consistent risk and can pass within a month or two, the value is excellent.

It is a weaker fit for traders chasing the cheapest possible evaluation or those who want unlimited accounts and minimal rules — newer discount firms suit that style better. Risk note: evaluation accounts are simulated until you are funded, rules matter, and every prop firm carries business risk, so never treat fees as guaranteed income.