PropShopTrader vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
PropShopTrader
5.4 B
Futures
Topstep
8.0 A
Futures
Verdict: Who Wins?
PropShopTrader
2 wins
Topstep
5 wins
Decisive Win
Best For:
Topstep
Topstep
Topstep
Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| PropShopTrader | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 5.4/10 | PFM Score | 8.0/10 ★ |
| 4/5 (515) ★ | TrustPilot | 3.6/5 (14,382) |
| B | Safety Grade | A ★ |
| 51.5 C | Trust Score | 80 A ★ |
| 80/20 (Real Prop) ★ | Profit Split | 90% |
| Forge 25K: $625; Forge 50K: $1,250. Light: None (Day Trade), trailing drawdown applies. | Daily Drawdown | $2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K) |
| Automatic at Benchmarks 2-6 (Futures Forge), Signing Bonus at Real Prop (Stocks) | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $125 | Starting Price | $49 ★ |
| White-Label | Technology | Proprietary |
| Tickblaze | Platforms | Topstep X |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| Estonia | Country | United States |
| Mar 2024 | Established | Jan 2010 |
| 14 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 | PropShopTrader | Topstep | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $200 | $49 ★ | Save $151 |
PropShopTrader vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
PropShopTrader and Topstep are both Futures firms. Topstep has been in business longer, established in 2010, while PropShopTrader was founded in 2024.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Topstep is more affordable with challenges starting at $49, which is $76 less than PropShopTrader's starting price of $125. PropShopTrader offers 14 challenge options, while Topstep offers 3.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, PropShopTrader offers account sizes from $25 to $125 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, PropShopTrader supports Tickblaze, 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
PropShopTrader offers 80/20 (Real Prop) profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. PropShopTrader pays out Automatic at Benchmarks 2-6 (Futures Forge), Signing Bonus at Real Prop (Stocks), and Topstep pays out On-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: PropShopTrader lists its daily drawdown as "Forge 25K: $625; Forge 50K: $1,250. Light: None (Day Trade), trailing drawdown applies.", 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, PropShopTrader supports withdrawals via Wire Transfer, while Topstep pays out through Wise, ACH and International Wire / SWIFT.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, PropShopTrader has a 4/5 TrustPilot rating with 515 reviews, while Topstep has 3.6/5 with 14,382 reviews. Safety grades: PropShopTrader B, Topstep A.
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 7 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
PropShopTrader
Pros
Cons
Topstep
Pros
Cons
Active Deals & Promo Codes
PropShopTrader
No active deals
Topstep
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, PropShopTrader or Topstep?
Topstep scores higher overall, winning 5 out of 7 comparison categories including Overall Rating, Starting Price, Profit Split. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, PropShopTrader or Topstep?
Topstep has the lower starting price at $49. PropShopTrader offers 14 challenge options starting from $125, while Topstep offers 3 options starting from $49.
Which has better reviews, PropShopTrader or Topstep?
PropShopTrader has a higher TrustPilot rating of 4/5. PropShopTrader has 515 reviews while Topstep has 14,382.
Which offers a higher profit split, PropShopTrader or Topstep?
Topstep offers a higher maximum profit split. PropShopTrader offers 80/20 (Real Prop) while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do PropShopTrader and Topstep pay out?
PropShopTrader has Automatic at Benchmarks 2-6 (Futures Forge), Signing Bonus at Real Prop (Stocks) payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are PropShopTrader and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. PropShopTrader holds a B safety grade and a 4/5 TrustPilot rating. 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, PropShopTrader 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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