The TradeMakers vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
The TradeMakers
4.7 C
Futures
Topstep
8.0 A
Futures
Verdict: Who Wins?
The TradeMakers
1 wins
Topstep
4 wins
Decisive Win
Best For:
Topstep
Topstep
Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| The TradeMakers | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 4.7/10 | PFM Score | 8.0/10 ★ |
| 4/5 (4) ★ | TrustPilot | 3.6/5 (14,382) |
| C | Safety Grade | A ★ |
| 30 F | Trust Score | 80 A ★ |
| 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 | $2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K) |
| 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.
Pricing
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.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, The TradeMakers 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, The TradeMakers supports Blackarrow, 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
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.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: The TradeMakers lists its daily drawdown as "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)", 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 and International Wire / SWIFT.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, The TradeMakers has a 4/5 TrustPilot rating with 4 reviews, while Topstep has 3.6/5 with 14,382 reviews. Safety grades: The TradeMakers C, Topstep A.
Who Should Choose Which
Across the use cases we scored, Topstep is the stronger choice 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
The TradeMakers
Pros
Cons
Topstep
Pros
Cons
Active Deals & Promo Codes
The TradeMakers
No active deals
Topstep
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 14,382.
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 3.6/5 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.
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