The TradeMakers vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
Verdict: Who Wins?
Best For:
Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| The TradeMakers | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 4.7/10 | PFM Score | 8.0/10 ★ |
| 4/5 (4) ★ | TrustPilot | 3.5/5 (14,272) |
| C | Safety Grade | A ★ |
| 30 F | Trust Score | 74.5 B+ ★ |
| Up to 90% (Futures), Up to 80% (Equities) ★ | Profit Split | 90% |
| Futures Instant: $1,250 soft breach; Futures Eval: $1,250 hard breach; Equities Instant: $1,500 soft breach; Equities Eval: $1,000 soft breach (at $50K size) | Daily Drawdown | No daily loss limit on Standard plan. Max Loss Limit: $2,000 (50K) / $3,000 (100K) / $4,500 (150K) trailing EOD from highest balance. Optional DLL add-on: $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000. |
| Every 6 days | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $108 | Starting Price | $49 ★ |
| White-Label | Technology | Proprietary |
| Blackarrow | Platforms | Topstep X |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| United States | Country | United States |
| - | Established | Jan 2010 |
| 4 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 | The TradeMakers | Topstep | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $108 | $49 ★ | Save $59 |
The TradeMakers vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
The TradeMakers and Topstep are both Futures firms.
In terms of pricing, Topstep is more affordable with challenges starting at $49, which is $59 less than The TradeMakers's starting price of $108. The TradeMakers offers 4 challenge options, while Topstep offers 3.
The TradeMakers offers Up to 90% (Futures), Up to 80% (Equities) profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. The TradeMakers pays out Every 6 days, and Topstep pays out On-demand.
For trust and reputation, The TradeMakers has a 4/5 TrustPilot rating with 4 reviews, while Topstep has 3.5/5 with 14,272 reviews. Safety grades: The TradeMakers C, Topstep A.
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
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Active Deals & Promo Codes
No active deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, The TradeMakers 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, The TradeMakers or Topstep?
Topstep has the lower starting price at $49. The TradeMakers offers 4 challenge options starting from $108, while Topstep offers 3 options starting from $49.
Which has better reviews, The TradeMakers or Topstep?
The TradeMakers has a higher TrustPilot rating of 4/5. The TradeMakers has 4 reviews while Topstep has 14,272.
Which offers a higher profit split, The TradeMakers or Topstep?
The TradeMakers offers a higher maximum profit split. The TradeMakers offers Up to 90% (Futures), Up to 80% (Equities) while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do The TradeMakers and Topstep pay out?
The TradeMakers has Every 6 days payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are The TradeMakers and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. The TradeMakers holds a C 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, The TradeMakers 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.
More Comparisons
Not sold on either? Explore alternatives
See the closest-matched prop firms ranked head-to-head against each contender, with live 2026 prices and safety grades.