Head-to-head comparison · 2026
E8 Futures vs Topstep
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Quick verdict
- E8 Futures is $28 cheaper to get funded on a 50K account ($170 vs $198, activation fees included).
- Topstep bills monthly, so its cost goes up for every extra month it takes you to pass. E8 Futures is a one-time fee.
- Both use end-of-day drawdown.
- E8 Futures pays out faster (first payout in 3 days vs weekly).
- Topstep has the higher maximum profit split, 90% against 80%.
- E8 Futures allows trading during news. Topstep restricts it.
Market
Futures
Futures
Founded
2021
2012
Total cost to funded
Best$170
$198
Eval cost
$170
$49
Activation fee
-
$149
Pricing model
One-time
Monthly sub
Challenge type
1-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
EOD
EOD
Max profit split
80%
Best90%
First profit
80% split (Signature)
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
First payout in 3 days
Weekly
Max account
$150K
$150K
Consistency rule
None on eval, 35% funded
55% consistency target
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
-
NinjaTraderTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
E8 Futures
Strengths
- One-time fee, no activation fee
- EOD drawdown, can pass in a single day
- First payout possible after 3 days
Watch-outs
- 80% split on Signature, lower than most futures firms
- 35% consistency rule once funded
- $1,000 daily pause on the funded account
Topstep
Strengths
- Longest-running futures prop firm, founded 2012
- Low $49 monthly fee and $49 resets, reset credit each rebill
- Double payout caps included
Watch-outs
- $149 activation fee once you pass
- 55% consistency target and $1,000 daily loss limit
- Monthly fee keeps billing until you pass
🐨 Which should you choose?
Choose E8 Futures if you want the lower cost to get funded, faster payouts and news trading.
Choose Topstep if you want a higher profit split.
Written from our verified data for a 50K account, or the closest size a firm offers. Always check each firm's current terms before buying.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account (or the closest size a firm offers). Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.