Topstep vs TradeDay: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
Verdict: Who Wins?
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Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Topstep | Metric | TradeDay |
|---|---|---|
| 8.0/10 | PFM Score | 8.1/10 ★ |
| 3.5/5 (14,272) | TrustPilot | 4.6/5 (1,350) ★ |
| A | Safety Grade | A+ ★ |
| 74.5 B+ ★ | Trust Score | 73.7 B+ |
| 90% | Profit Split | 80% initially, up to 95% after $50K cumulative profit ★ |
| 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. | Daily Drawdown | Trailing drawdown (no separate daily loss limit). $2,000 for $50K, $3,000 for $100K, $4,500 for $150K accounts (Intraday: calculated intraday; EOD: calculated at end of day). |
| On-demand | Payout Frequency | Daily |
| $49 ★ | Starting Price | $87 |
| Proprietary | Technology | Proprietary |
| Topstep X | Platforms | Trading View, NinjaTrader, Tradovate |
| Yes | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| United States | Country | United States |
| Jan 2010 | Established | Jan 2020 |
| 3 options | Challenge Options | 9 options |
Price Comparison by Account Size
Cheapest challenge price at each account size (where both firms offer the same size)
| Account Size | Topstep | TradeDay | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $49 ★ | $87 | Save $38 |
| $100K | $99 ★ | $140 | Save $41 |
| $150K | $199 ★ | $210 | Save $11 |
Topstep vs TradeDay: Detailed Analysis
Topstep and TradeDay are both Futures firms. Topstep has been in business longer, established in 2010, while TradeDay was founded in 2020.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Topstep is more affordable with challenges starting at $49, which is $38 less than TradeDay's starting price of $87. Topstep offers 3 challenge options, while TradeDay offers 9.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, Topstep offers account sizes from $50 to $150 across 3 funding tiers, while TradeDay 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, Topstep supports Topstep X, while TradeDay runs on Trading View, NinjaTrader and Tradovate. If you already trade on a specific platform, this can be the deciding factor between the two.
Profit Split & Payouts
Topstep offers 90% profit split, while TradeDay offers 80% initially, up to 95% after $50K cumulative profit. Topstep pays out On-demand, and TradeDay pays out Daily.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: Topstep lists its daily drawdown as "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.", while TradeDay lists "Trailing drawdown (no separate daily loss limit). $2,000 for $50K, $3,000 for $100K, $4,500 for $150K accounts (Intraday: calculated intraday; EOD: calculated at end of day).". 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, Topstep has a 3.5/5 TrustPilot rating with 14,272 reviews, while TradeDay has 4.6/5 with 1,350 reviews. Safety grades: Topstep A, TradeDay A+.
Who Should Choose Which
So who should pick which? Topstep is the stronger choice for budget-conscious traders and trust & reputation, while TradeDay is the better fit for maximum profit potential and fast payouts.
Overall, TradeDay edges ahead winning 6 out of 8 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, Topstep or TradeDay?
TradeDay scores higher overall, winning 6 out of 8 comparison categories including Overall Rating, TrustPilot, Profit Split. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, Topstep or TradeDay?
Topstep has the lower starting price at $49. Topstep offers 3 challenge options starting from $49, while TradeDay offers 9 options starting from $87.
Which has better reviews, Topstep or TradeDay?
TradeDay has a higher TrustPilot rating of 4.6/5. Topstep has 14,272 reviews while TradeDay has 1,350.
Which offers a higher profit split, Topstep or TradeDay?
TradeDay offers a higher maximum profit split. Topstep offers 90% while TradeDay offers 80% initially, up to 95% after $50K cumulative profit.
How fast do Topstep and TradeDay pay out?
Topstep has On-demand payouts while TradeDay offers Daily payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are Topstep and TradeDay legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. Topstep holds a A safety grade and a 3.5/5 TrustPilot rating. TradeDay holds a A+ safety grade and a 4.6/5 TrustPilot rating. Safety grades are based on payout history, community trust signals, and regulatory transparency.
Which is better for beginners, Topstep or TradeDay?
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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