Elite Trader Funding vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
Elite Trader Funding
7.3 B+
Futures
Topstep
8.0 A
Futures
Verdict: Who Wins?
Elite Trader Funding
5 wins
Our Pick
Topstep
3 wins
Best For:
Topstep
Elite Trader Funding
Elite Trader Funding
Visual Comparison
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Head-to-Head Comparison
| Elite Trader Funding | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 7.3/10 | PFM Score | 8.0/10 ★ |
| 4/5 (1,077) ★ | TrustPilot | 3.5/5 (14,272) |
| B+ | Safety Grade | A ★ |
| 64.2 B ★ | Trust Score | 59.5 C |
| Keep up to 100% ★ | Profit Split | 90% |
| None on 1 Step, Static, Fast Track, and DTF plans; End of Day Realized on EOD and Diamond Hands plans. | Daily Drawdown | $2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K) |
| Same-day approval | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $57 | Starting Price | $49 ★ |
| Proprietary | Technology | Proprietary |
| Trading View, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic | Platforms | Topstep X |
| Yes | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| United States | Country | United States |
| - | Established | - |
| 15 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 | Elite Trader Funding | Topstep | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $97 | $49 ★ | Save $48 |
| $100K | $247 | $99 ★ | Save $148 |
| $150K | $347 | $199 ★ | Save $148 |
Elite Trader Funding vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
Elite Trader Funding and Topstep are both Futures firms.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Topstep is more affordable with challenges starting at $49, which is $8 less than Elite Trader Funding's starting price of $57. Elite Trader Funding offers 15 challenge options, while Topstep offers 3.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, Elite Trader Funding offers account sizes from $10 to $250 across 6 funding tiers, 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, Elite Trader Funding supports Trading View, NinjaTrader, Tradovate and Rithmic, 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
Elite Trader Funding offers Keep up to 100% profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. Elite Trader Funding pays out Same-day approval, and Topstep pays out On-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: Elite Trader Funding lists its daily drawdown as "None on 1 Step, Static, Fast Track, and DTF plans; End of Day Realized on EOD and Diamond Hands plans.", 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
When it comes to getting paid, Elite Trader Funding supports withdrawals via Rise, while Topstep pays out through Wise, ACH and International Wire / SWIFT.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, Elite Trader Funding has a 4/5 TrustPilot rating with 1,077 reviews, while Topstep has 3.5/5 with 14,272 reviews. Safety grades: Elite Trader Funding B+, Topstep A.
Who Should Choose Which
So who should pick which? Elite Trader Funding is the stronger choice for maximum profit potential and trust & reputation, while Topstep is the better fit for budget-conscious traders.
Overall, Elite Trader Funding edges ahead winning 5 out of 8 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
Elite Trader Funding
Pros
Cons
Topstep
Pros
Cons
Active Deals & Promo Codes
Elite Trader Funding
Topstep
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Elite Trader Funding or Topstep?
Elite Trader Funding scores higher overall, winning 5 out of 8 comparison categories including TrustPilot, Profit Split, Trust Score. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, Elite Trader Funding or Topstep?
Topstep has the lower starting price at $49. Elite Trader Funding offers 15 challenge options starting from $57, while Topstep offers 3 options starting from $49.
Which has better reviews, Elite Trader Funding or Topstep?
Elite Trader Funding has a higher TrustPilot rating of 4/5. Elite Trader Funding has 1,077 reviews while Topstep has 14,272.
Which offers a higher profit split, Elite Trader Funding or Topstep?
Elite Trader Funding offers a higher maximum profit split. Elite Trader Funding offers Keep up to 100% while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do Elite Trader Funding and Topstep pay out?
Elite Trader Funding has Same-day approval payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are Elite Trader Funding and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. Elite Trader Funding holds a B+ safety grade and a 4/5 TrustPilot rating. Topstep holds a A safety grade and a 3.5/5 TrustPilot rating. Safety grades are based on payout history, community trust signals, and regulatory transparency.
Which is better for beginners, Elite Trader Funding 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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