Head-to-head comparison · 2026
Futures Elite 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
-
2012
Total cost to funded
Best$152
$198
Eval cost
$152
$49
Activation fee
-
$149
Pricing model
One-time
Monthly sub
Challenge type
1-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
Trailing
EOD
Max profit split
90%
90%
First profit
90/10 from first payout, $2,000 cap per payout
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
Daily
Weekly
Max account
-
Best$150K
Consistency rule
50% eval only, none funded
40% rule
News trading
Restricted
Restricted
Platforms
NinjaTraderTradingViewTradovateWealthCharts
NinjaTraderTradovateTradingViewTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
Futures Elite
Strengths
- One-time fee, no activation fee
- Daily payouts, no consistency rule once funded
- No daily loss limit on evaluation or funded
Watch-outs
- Funded drawdown is trailing equity (EOD only on the evaluation)
- 50% consistency rule on the evaluation
- Payouts capped at $2,000 each, smaller and newer firm
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
Futures Elite is cheaper to get funded at $152 total. Topstep has the more forgiving EOD drawdown, giving you more room to trade.
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.