TopStep Review 2025: Complete Analysis
TopStep
Pioneers of Futures Prop Trading
90%
Profit Split
What is TopStep?
TopStep is one of the oldest and most respected proprietary trading firms specializing in futures trading. Founded in 2012, they pioneered the concept of the "Trading Combine" - an evaluation process that allows traders to prove their skills on a simulated account before receiving access to real capital.
Based in Chicago, the heart of futures trading, TopStep has funded thousands of traders worldwide and maintains an excellent reputation in the prop trading community.
How TopStep Works
- Choose Account Size: Select from $50K, $100K, or $150K accounts
- Trading Combine: Pass the evaluation by hitting profit targets while staying within rules
- Express Funded Account: Receive your funded account after passing
- Trade & Earn: Trade with real capital and keep up to 90% of profits
Account Sizes & Pricing
| Account | Monthly Fee | Profit Target | Max Contracts |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49/month | $3,000 | 5 contracts |
| $100,000 | $99/month | $6,000 | 10 contracts |
| $150,000 | $149/month | $9,000 | 15 contracts |
Trading Rules
- Daily Loss Limit: Cannot exceed daily maximum loss
- Trailing Drawdown: Maximum trailing drawdown from peak equity
- Consistency Rule: Best day cannot exceed 50% of total profits
- Minimum Trading Days: Trade at least 5 days during combine
- Instruments: Trade any CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX futures
Supported Platforms
TopStep supports multiple professional trading platforms:
- NinjaTrader 8
- Tradovate
- TradingView
- Quantower
- R | Trader Pro
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- • 12+ years in business - established reputation
- • Up to 90% profit split
- • Multiple platform options
- • Real futures market access
- • Chicago-based, NFA registered
- • Excellent education resources
❌ Cons
- • Monthly subscription (not one-time)
- • Consistency rule limits big winners
- • Futures only - no forex
- • Trailing drawdown can be challenging
TopStep vs Competitors
TopStep primarily competes with other futures prop firms like Apex Trader Funding and My Funded Futures. Key differences:
- vs Apex: TopStep has more platform options but monthly fees vs one-time
- vs My Funded Futures: TopStep is more established but slightly stricter rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TopStep legit?
Yes, TopStep is one of the most established prop firms, operating since 2012 with thousands of successful payouts.
How much can you make with TopStep?
With 90% profit split and accounts up to $150K, experienced traders can earn substantial income. Top traders have made six figures annually.
What instruments can you trade?
All CME Group futures including ES, NQ, CL, GC, and more.