Home Compare Topstep vs TakeProfitTrader
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Topstep
⚔ Head-to-Head Updated 2026-05-22 · Both firms reviewed by Paul

Topstep vs TakeProfitTrader (2026)

Side-by-side: drawdown, payouts, pricing, platforms. Topstep uses Intraday trailing, TakeProfitTrader uses EOD-trailing (no lock) — these are different beasts.

Quick verdict
Entry price
Topstep
Drawdown protection
Tie
Paul-tested
TakeProfitTrader
Profit split
Toss-up
Plans on offer
Topstep

Side-by-Side Specs

Dimension Topstep TakeProfitTrader
Drawdown mechanicIntraday trailingEOD-trailing (no lock)
Cheapest eval$49$90
Profit split90%80% / 90%
Payout frequencyNext Trading DayDaily
Max funding$150,000$150,000
Max payout$150,000
AssetsFuturesFutures
PlatformsTopstepX, NinjaTrader, TradovateNinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView, Rithmic
Payout methodsWise, Wire / SWIFT, ACH, Aeropay
Promo codeNOFEE40 (40% off)
Paul-testedResearch-basedYes

Drawdown — The Single Most Important Difference

Topstep uses Intraday trailing while TakeProfitTrader uses EOD-trailing (no lock). Your risk approach needs to adjust when switching.

Topstep

Intraday trailing

MLL tracks intraday equity-high tick by tick. Spike up = floor raised instantly.

TakeProfitTrader

EOD-trailing (no lock)

MLL trails end-of-day equity-high with no lock. Pure trailing-up.

Account Plans Compared

Topstep offers 4 plans. TakeProfitTrader offers 4 plans.

Topstep plans

  • Trading Combine $50K
    Starting $50,000 · $49 · 1d cycle
  • Trading Combine $100K
    Starting $100,000 · $99 · 1d cycle
  • Trading Combine $150K
    Starting $150,000 · $149 · 1d cycle
  • Express Funded $50K
    Starting $50,000 · 1d cycle

TakeProfitTrader plans

  • TPT $25K
    Starting $25,000 · $150 · 7d cycle
  • TPT $50K
    Starting $50,000 · $200 · 7d cycle
  • TPT $100K
    Starting $100,000 · $305 · 7d cycle
  • TPT $150K
    Starting $150,000 · $360 · 7d cycle

Who Fits Which Firm

→ Pick Topstep if

  • You want a Intraday trailing mechanic
  • Entry price matters — $49 beats $90
  • Your strategy fits this firm's drawdown profile

→ Pick TakeProfitTrader if

  • You want a EOD-trailing (no lock) mechanic
  • You want to diversify firm-risk alongside Topstep

FAQ — Topstep vs TakeProfitTrader

Is Topstep or TakeProfitTrader cheaper to start?

Topstep's cheapest evaluation is $49. TakeProfitTrader's cheapest is $90. Topstep wins on entry price marginally.

What's the drawdown difference between Topstep and TakeProfitTrader?

Topstep uses Intraday trailing. TakeProfitTrader uses EOD-trailing (no lock). These are fundamentally different — your risk model needs to change when switching between them.

Which firm has the better profit split?

Topstep: 90%. TakeProfitTrader: 80% / 90%.

Has Paul personally tested both firms?

Topstep is research-based on this site — Paul has not yet completed a full evaluation cycle there. TakeProfitTrader also Paul-tested with documented payouts.

Can I run both Topstep and TakeProfitTrader accounts simultaneously?

Yes. Different prop firms have no shared compliance — running them in parallel is the standard playbook for funded traders looking to diversify firm-risk. Track each firm's rule changes independently.

Which firm pays out faster?

Topstep payout cadence: Next Trading Day. TakeProfitTrader: Daily. Method matters too — Wise and Plaid typically beat ACH and wire by 1-2 days.

Are there overlap restrictions if I trade both?

No cross-firm compliance overlap. Each firm 1099s independently for US residents. Cross-firm copy-trading rules only matter inside a single firm's account family.

If I had to pick one, what's the deciding factor?

Drawdown mechanic comes first. Both firms run trailing mechanics — winners decide on entry price and payout speed. After mechanic, evaluate payout speed and your strategy's drawdown profile.