Head-to-head comparison · 2026
Bulenox vs Topstep
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Market
Futures
Futures
Founded
2022
2012
Total cost to funded
$323
Best$198
Eval cost
$175
$49
Activation fee
$148
$149
Pricing model
Monthly sub
Monthly sub
Challenge type
1-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
EOD
EOD
Max profit split
90%
90%
First profit
First $10K is 100%, then 90%
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
Weekly (Wednesdays)
Weekly
Max account
Best$2.8M
$150K
Consistency rule
40% rule
40% rule
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
TradingViewQuantowerTradovateSierra ChartNinjaTrader
NinjaTraderTradovateTradingViewTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
Bulenox
Strengths
- Scale to $2.75M across 11 master accounts
- Dual-option drawdown: choose trailing or EOD at signup
- First $10K profits at 100% split
Watch-outs
- Weekly Wednesday-only payouts, less flexible
- 40% consistency rule can deny payouts after big days
- Subscription model, costs mount on slow passes
Topstep
Strengths
- NFA-registered, owns its brokerage
- EOD drawdown is forgiving
- Established since 2012
Watch-outs
- No swing trading
- 40% consistency rule
- Payout caps per cycle
🐨 PropKoala verdict
Topstep is cheaper to get funded at $198 total. Bulenox offers a higher max split at 90%. Both use EOD or static drawdown, a plus for both.
This verdict is generated from our verified data. Always check each firm's current terms before purchasing.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account, last updated Sep 2026. Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.