The verdict
How it scored
- Payouts
- 9.0/10
- Pricing & value
- 7.8/10
- Platforms & data
- 8.8/10
- Rules & flexibility
- 8.5/10
- Trust & track record
- 9.5/10
What we liked
- One of the longest track records in futures prop trading (since 2012)
- Keep 100% of your first $10k in profit, then a 90% split
- Transparent, well-documented payout process we verified ourselves
- Wide platform choice: TopstepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate and Quantower
- Frequent promo codes meaningfully cut the monthly subscription
Worth weighing up
- Monthly subscription adds up if you take several months to pass
- Consistency and scaling rules can frustrate aggressive traders
- Not the cheapest entry point versus discount-heavy competitors
Pricing & plans
Prices change often and discounts are common, always check the current promo before you buy.
| Plan | Account size | Profit target | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Combine — 50KSmallest account; lowest monthly cost. | $50,000 | $3,000 | From ~$49/mo (check current promo) |
| Trading Combine — 100KMost popular size in our testing. | $100,000 | $6,000 | From ~$99/mo (check current promo) |
| Trading Combine — 150KLargest standard size; higher loss limit. | $150,000 | $9,000 | From ~$149/mo (check current promo) |
The Trading Combine evaluation
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.
Pricing and value
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.
Payout process and proof
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.
Platforms and data feeds
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.
Rules and drawdown
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.
Who Topstep is best for
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.

