Halcyon Trader Funding vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
Verdict: Who Wins?
Best For:
Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Halcyon Trader Funding | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 4.7/10 | PFM Score | 8.0/10 ★ |
| - | TrustPilot | 3.6/5 (14,382) |
| D | Safety Grade | A ★ |
| 13 F | Trust Score | 80 A ★ |
| 90% | Profit Split | 90% |
| No daily loss limit; trailing drawdown (Lite) or end-of-day drawdown (Prime) | Daily Drawdown | $2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K) |
| On demand | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $129 | Starting Price | $49 ★ |
| White-Label | Technology | Proprietary |
| Trading View, Quantower, Volumetrica, Rithmic, Tradesea, WealthCharts | 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 | Halcyon Trader Funding | Topstep | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $192 | $49 ★ | Save $143 |
| $150K | $359 | $199 ★ | Save $160 |
Halcyon Trader Funding vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
Halcyon Trader Funding and Topstep are both Futures firms.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Topstep is more affordable with challenges starting at $49, which is $80 less than Halcyon Trader Funding's starting price of $129. Halcyon Trader Funding offers 3 challenge options, while Topstep offers 3.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, Halcyon Trader Funding offers account sizes from $25 to $150 across 3 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, Halcyon Trader Funding supports Trading View, Quantower, Volumetrica, Rithmic, Tradesea and WealthCharts, 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
Halcyon Trader Funding offers 90% profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. Halcyon Trader Funding pays out On demand, and Topstep pays out On-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: Halcyon Trader Funding lists its daily drawdown as "No daily loss limit; trailing drawdown (Lite) or end-of-day drawdown (Prime)", 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, Halcyon Trader Funding supports withdrawals via Rise, while Topstep pays out through Wise, ACH and International Wire / SWIFT.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, Topstep has 3.6/5 with 14,382 reviews. Safety grades: Halcyon Trader Funding D, Topstep A.
Who Should Choose Which
So who should pick which? Halcyon Trader Funding is the stronger choice for fast payouts, while Topstep is the better fit for budget-conscious traders and trust & reputation.
Overall, Topstep edges ahead winning 4 out of 5 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Halcyon Trader Funding or Topstep?
Topstep scores higher overall, winning 4 out of 5 comparison categories including Overall Rating, Starting Price, Safety Grade. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, Halcyon Trader Funding or Topstep?
Topstep has the lower starting price at $49. Halcyon Trader Funding offers 3 challenge options starting from $129, while Topstep offers 3 options starting from $49.
Which offers a higher profit split, Halcyon Trader Funding or Topstep?
Halcyon Trader Funding offers a higher maximum profit split. Halcyon Trader Funding offers 90% while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do Halcyon Trader Funding and Topstep pay out?
Halcyon Trader Funding has On demand payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are Halcyon Trader Funding and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. Halcyon Trader Funding holds a D 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, Halcyon 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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