18th Street Trading vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
Verdict: Who Wins?
Topstep
5 wins
Decisive Win
Best For:
Topstep
Topstep
Topstep
Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| 18th Street Trading | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| - | PFM Score | 8.0/10 |
| - | TrustPilot | 3.6/5 (14,785) |
| - | Safety Grade | A ★ |
| 10 F | Trust Score | 80 A ★ |
| 80% | Profit Split | 90% ★ |
| None | Daily Drawdown | $2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K) |
| Every 30 days | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $149 | Starting Price | $49 ★ |
| White-Label | Technology | Proprietary |
| Volumetrica, Rithmic, DXFutures | Platforms | Topstep X |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| United States | Country | United States |
| - | Established | Jan 2010 |
| 3 options | Challenge Options | 3 options |
Price Comparison by Account Size
Cheapest challenge price at each account size (where both firms offer the same size)
| Account Size | 18th Street Trading | Topstep | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $149 | $49 ★ | Save $100 |
18th Street Trading vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
18th Street Trading and Topstep are both Futures firms.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Topstep is more affordable with challenges starting at $49, which is $100 less than 18th Street Trading's starting price of $149. 18th Street Trading offers 3 challenge options, while Topstep offers 3.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, 18th Street Trading offers a single $50 account, while Topstep offers account sizes from $50 to $150 across 3 funding tiers. Picking the right tier matters because both the entry cost and the maximum capital you can scale to are tied to the account size you start with.
Trading Platforms
For trading platforms, 18th Street Trading supports Volumetrica, Rithmic and DXFutures, while Topstep runs on Topstep X. If you already trade on a specific platform, this can be the deciding factor between the two.
Profit Split & Payouts
18th Street Trading offers 80% profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. 18th Street Trading pays out Every 30 days, and Topstep pays out On-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: 18th Street Trading lists its daily drawdown as "None", while Topstep lists "$2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K)". Always confirm the drawdown type before buying, since a trailing rule behaves very differently from a static end-of-day one.
Payout Methods
Topstep supports withdrawals via Wise, ACH, International Wire / SWIFT and Aeropay.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, Topstep has 3.6/5 with 14,785 reviews.
Who Should Choose Which
Across the use cases we scored, Topstep is the stronger choice for budget-conscious traders, maximum profit potential and trust & reputation.
Overall, Topstep edges ahead winning 5 out of 6 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Topstep
Pros
Cons
Active Deals & Promo Codes
No active deals
Topstep
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, 18th Street Trading or Topstep?
Topstep scores higher overall, winning 5 out of 6 comparison categories including Overall Rating, Starting Price, Profit Split. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, 18th Street Trading or Topstep?
Topstep has the lower starting price at $49. 18th Street Trading offers 3 challenge options starting from $149, while Topstep offers 3 options starting from $49.
Which offers a higher profit split, 18th Street Trading or Topstep?
Topstep offers a higher maximum profit split. 18th Street Trading offers 80% while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do 18th Street Trading and Topstep pay out?
18th Street Trading has Every 30 days payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are 18th Street Trading and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. 18th Street Trading holds a unrated safety grade. Topstep holds a A safety grade and a 3.6/5 TrustPilot rating. Safety grades are based on payout history, community trust signals, and regulatory transparency.
Which is better for beginners, 18th Street Trading or Topstep?
Topstep may be more accessible for beginners due to its lower entry price. When starting out, consider challenge cost, drawdown rules, and profit split. Use the comparison table above to find which firm fits your experience level and risk tolerance.
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