Quick Answer
Elite Trader Funding offers more evaluation variety and lower one-time pricing. Topstep has a cheaper monthly entry point and its own live-account program (TopstepX). As of April 2026, Elite Trader Funding wins on plan flexibility with 6 models starting at $75 one-time, while Topstep wins on brand longevity and a lower monthly starting price of ~$49. Both firms offer paths to live capital — Elite through LIVE Elite after $25K in sim payouts, Topstep through its TopstepX program. Choose Elite Trader Funding for one-time pricing and evaluation variety; choose Topstep for a proven track record and cheaper monthly subscription.
How I compare firms: This comparison is built from detailed analysis of both firms' current rule structures, pricing, payout systems, and real trader feedback as of April 2026.
For the full breakdown of Elite Trader Funding, check out my complete Elite Trader Funding review. For the absolute latest, check Elite Trader Funding's website or their help center.
A prop firm comparison is a structured evaluation of two funded trading programs across their complete feature sets — pricing, evaluation mechanics, trading rules, payout structures, and progression paths — to help traders identify which program aligns with their strategy and goals. As of April 2026, Elite Trader Funding and Topstep represent two different approaches to futures prop trading: Elite with its 6-model evaluation system and one-time fees, Topstep with its established 2-step Trading Combine and monthly subscriptions.
Topstep has been in the prop trading space since 2012, making it one of the oldest and most recognized names in the industry. Elite Trader Funding is newer but has built a reputation for aggressive pricing and structural innovation — particularly its LIVE Elite pathway and the safety net drawdown mechanism.
I've evaluated accounts at both firms. Here's what actually matters when choosing between them.
How Do Elite Trader Funding and Topstep Compare Side by Side?
| Feature | Elite Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Steps | 1 step (all models) | 2 steps (Trading Combine) |
| Evaluation Models | 6 (1-Step, EOD, Fast Track, Diamond Hands, Static, Direct-to-Funded) | 1 (Trading Combine) |
| Cheapest Entry | $75 one-time (Fast Track 50K) | ~$49/month (50K account) |
| Pricing Model | One-time fees (most plans) | Monthly subscription |
| Account Sizes | $10K–$300K | $50K–$150K |
| Profit Split (Initial) | 100% on first $12,500 | 100% on first $10,000 |
| Profit Split (After) | 90/10 (trader/firm) | 90/10 (trader/firm) |
| Per-Trader Sim Payout Cap | $25,000 (then LIVE Elite) | No per-trader cap |
| Drawdown Type | Trailing with safety net lock | Trailing (end-of-day on funded) |
| Live Account Path | LIVE Elite after $25K sim payouts | TopstepX (live capital program) |
| Consistency Rule | 40% rule on funded accounts | Yes (varies by account phase) |
| Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, TradingView, 12+ more | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView |
| Years in Business | ~3 years | Since 2012 (14 years) |
How Does Pricing Compare Between Elite Trader Funding and Topstep?
What Does Elite Trader Funding Cost?
Elite Trader Funding's pricing model centers on one-time evaluation fees. The Fast Track 50K costs $75 — the cheapest way in. The 1-Step plan ranges from $80 (10K) to $365 (300K). The EOD plan starts at $100 for a 25K account. For traders who want to skip evaluation entirely, the Direct-to-Funded option runs $315 for 50K.
No monthly recurring charges. You pay once, trade the evaluation, and either pass or pay a reset fee to try again.
What Does Topstep Cost?
Topstep uses monthly subscriptions: approximately $49/month for the 50K account, $99/month for the 100K, and $149/month for the 150K. These are recurring charges that continue for as long as you're in the evaluation phase.
Topstep's monthly pricing is the cheapest subscription-based entry in the industry. But the 2-step evaluation process means you'll likely pay for at least 2-3 months before passing both steps, putting the total investment at $98–$147 minimum for the cheapest account.
Which Is Actually Cheaper?
For fast passers: Topstep's $49/month is cheaper than Elite's $75 one-time — but only for the first month. If evaluation takes 2+ months, Elite Trader Funding's one-time model becomes the better deal. Topstep also has fewer account size options, and its 2-step process inherently takes longer than Elite's 1-step evaluations.
Elite Trader Funding's model eliminates subscription anxiety entirely. There's no clock running on your monthly payment while you refine your approach.
How Do the Evaluation Structures Differ?
What Is Elite Trader Funding's Evaluation Process?
Elite Trader Funding offers 6 evaluation models, all using a single-step format:
- 1-Step: Standard evaluation with trailing drawdown, profit target, and minimum trading days
- EOD (End of Day): Drawdown calculated at session close rather than intraday
- Fast Track: Accelerated evaluation with reduced minimum days
- Diamond Hands: Designed for swing traders with relaxed holding rules
- Static: Fixed drawdown that doesn't trail — your risk stays constant
- Direct-to-Funded: Skip evaluation entirely and start funded immediately
This variety lets traders pick the evaluation structure that matches their trading style rather than forcing everyone through the same funnel.
What Is Topstep's Evaluation Process?
Topstep uses a single evaluation program called the Trading Combine, which has two steps:
- Step 1: Reach the profit target while staying within drawdown limits and meeting minimum trading days
- Step 2: Demonstrate consistent profitability with tighter rules and a lower profit target
Both steps must be passed sequentially before receiving a funded account. The 2-step structure means the overall evaluation takes longer, but it also verifies consistency more rigorously before allocating capital.
Which Evaluation Structure Is Better?
Elite Trader Funding's single-step approach is faster and more flexible — you pick the model that fits your style and pass in one phase. Topstep's 2-step process is slower but arguably more thorough, which may benefit traders who need the additional structure to build discipline.
For experienced traders who know their edge and just need to prove it, Elite Trader Funding's 1-step models are more efficient. For traders who value a gradual proving process, Topstep's Combine provides that scaffolding.
How Do the Drawdown Rules Compare?
What Is Elite Trader Funding's Drawdown System?
Elite Trader Funding uses trailing drawdown on most plans, with a key differentiator: the safety net. Once your funded account reaches a certain profit threshold, the trailing drawdown floor locks at your starting balance. This means your maximum loss is capped at your initial account value rather than continuing to trail upward.
The Static plan offers fixed drawdown — your risk floor never moves regardless of how much profit you accumulate. This is unique in the industry and preferred by traders who dislike the psychological pressure of trailing drawdown.
What Is Topstep's Drawdown System?
Topstep uses trailing drawdown during the evaluation phase (real-time intraday). On funded accounts, Topstep switches to end-of-day (EOD) drawdown calculation, which is more forgiving — your peak balance only updates at session close rather than on every tick.
The EOD calculation on funded accounts is a meaningful advantage. Intraday drawdowns from volatile entries don't immediately trigger rule violations as long as you recover before the close.
Which Drawdown System Is More Trader-Friendly?
Both firms offer favorable drawdown mechanics compared to the broader industry. Elite's safety net lock at break-even provides unique downside protection. Topstep's EOD calculation on funded accounts prevents intraday spikes from causing unnecessary violations. The choice depends on whether you prefer a hard floor lock (Elite) or daily calculation forgiveness (Topstep).
How Do the Payout Systems Compare?
What Are the Payout Terms at Each Firm?
Both firms offer generous profit splits, but the structures differ:
Elite Trader Funding gives traders 100% of the first $12,500 in profits, then moves to a 90/10 split (trader/firm). Total sim-funded payouts are capped at $25,000 per trader. After reaching the cap, traders transition to LIVE Elite accounts with real capital and no cap.
Topstep gives traders 100% of the first $10,000 in profits, then moves to a 90/10 split. There's no per-trader payout cap — traders can withdraw indefinitely from sim-funded accounts.
What About Live Account Paths?
Both firms offer paths to live capital, which sets them apart from many competitors:
- Elite Trader Funding's LIVE Elite: Available after $25,000 in total sim-funded payouts. Traders move to real market execution with no payout caps.
- Topstep's TopstepX: A live capital program that qualified funded traders can apply for. Selection criteria aren't fully public, but the program represents real market trading.
Having two firms that both offer live-capital paths is unusual in the prop trading space. If trading real money (not just simulated fills) matters to you, both firms deliver on this front.
Which Platforms Does Each Firm Support?
Elite Trader Funding supports Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, TradingView, and 12+ additional Rithmic-compatible platforms including Sierra Chart, Bookmap, ATAS, Jigsaw, MultiCharts, MotiveWave, and more.
Topstep supports Tradovate, NinjaTrader, and TradingView. Notably, Topstep does not offer Rithmic connectivity, which means traders who rely on Rithmic-based platforms for order flow analysis are excluded.
For traders who use standard charting platforms, this difference is negligible. For order flow traders who depend on Rithmic data feeds, Elite Trader Funding is the only option.
Where Does Elite Trader Funding Win?
- Pricing model: One-time fees eliminate recurring subscription pressure
- Evaluation variety: 6 models vs 1 — pick the structure that matches your trading style
- Account size range: $10K–$300K vs Topstep's $50K–$150K
- Platform support: 15+ platforms vs 3, including full Rithmic ecosystem
- 1-step evaluation: Faster path from start to funded
- Safety net drawdown: Break-even lock provides unique risk protection
- Higher 100% split: $12,500 vs Topstep's $10,000
Where Does Topstep Win?
- Industry reputation: Operating since 2012 with 14 years of track record
- Lower monthly entry: $49/month is accessible for budget-conscious traders
- No sim payout cap: Unlimited withdrawals without forced live transition
- EOD drawdown on funded: End-of-day calculation is more forgiving for volatile strategies
- TopstepX: Live capital program with established selection process
- Brand trust: One of the most recognized names in futures prop trading
Who Should Choose Elite Trader Funding?
Choose Elite Trader Funding if you prefer one-time pricing over subscriptions, want to pick from multiple evaluation structures, trade on Rithmic-compatible platforms, or want a defined path to live capital through the LIVE Elite program. It's also the better choice for traders who want smaller starting account sizes (under $50K) or the protective floor of the safety net drawdown lock.
Who Should Choose Topstep?
Choose Topstep if you value brand longevity and industry reputation, prefer a lower monthly entry point, want uncapped sim-funded payouts, or benefit from EOD drawdown calculations on funded accounts. Topstep is also a strong choice if the 2-step evaluation process appeals to you as a way to build trading discipline before receiving funded capital.
Bottom Line
Elite Trader Funding and Topstep are both legitimate firms with paths to real capital. Elite wins on pricing structure, evaluation variety, and platform support. Topstep wins on industry reputation, monthly affordability, and unlimited sim payouts. Traders who pass evaluations quickly will save money with Elite's one-time model. Traders who prefer a well-known brand with a longer track record will feel more comfortable at Topstep. Both firms are solid choices — the decision hinges on your priorities around cost, evaluation format, and how much weight you put on a firm's history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elite Trader Funding better than Topstep?
Neither is universally better. Elite Trader Funding offers more evaluation models, one-time pricing, and broader platform support. Topstep offers a longer track record, lower monthly entry, and uncapped sim payouts. The better choice depends on your trading style and priorities.
Does Topstep have a one-time payment option like Elite Trader Funding?
No. As of April 2026, Topstep operates exclusively on monthly subscriptions. Elite Trader Funding charges one-time fees on most evaluation plans, with no recurring monthly charges.
How many evaluation steps does each firm require?
Elite Trader Funding uses a single step across all 6 evaluation models. Topstep requires 2 steps (the Trading Combine), meaning the overall evaluation takes longer.
Which firm has better drawdown rules?
Both firms offer trader-friendly drawdown systems. Elite Trader Funding's safety net locks the drawdown floor at break-even after reaching a profit threshold. Topstep uses end-of-day drawdown on funded accounts, which is forgiving for intraday volatility. Both are above average in the industry.
Can you trade on Rithmic with Topstep?
No. Topstep does not support Rithmic connectivity as of April 2026. Topstep traders use Tradovate, NinjaTrader, or TradingView. Elite Trader Funding supports Rithmic and 12+ Rithmic-compatible platforms.
What is Topstep's cheapest account?
Topstep's cheapest account is the 50K Trading Combine at approximately $49/month. Elite Trader Funding's cheapest option is the Fast Track 50K at $75 one-time.
Do both firms offer live accounts?
Yes. Elite Trader Funding offers LIVE Elite accounts after $25,000 in sim-funded payouts. Topstep offers TopstepX, a live capital program for qualified funded traders.
What is the profit split comparison?
Elite Trader Funding gives 100% on the first $12,500, then 90/10. Topstep gives 100% on the first $10,000, then 90/10. Elite's 100% threshold is $2,500 higher.
Which firm is more established?
Topstep has been operating since 2012 (14 years), making it one of the oldest futures prop firms. Elite Trader Funding is approximately 3 years old. Topstep has a significantly longer track record.
Can you hold overnight positions at both firms?
Elite Trader Funding allows overnight holding on most evaluation plans. Topstep restricts overnight holding during the evaluation phase. Rules may vary on funded accounts at both firms.
