Head-to-head comparison · 2026
Lucid Trading 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
2025
2012
Total cost to funded
Best$192
$198
Eval cost
$192
$49
Activation fee
-
$149
Pricing model
One-time
Monthly sub
Challenge type
1-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
EOD
EOD
Max profit split
90%
90%
First profit
90/10 on all accounts (upgraded Mar 2026)
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
15 minutes avg
Weekly
Max account
$150K
$150K
Consistency rule
50% eval only (Flex)
40% rule
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
MotiveWaveTradingViewTradovateQuantowerSierra ChartNinjaTraderTradesea
NinjaTraderTradovateTradingViewTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
Lucid Trading
Strengths
- Fastest payouts in the industry, 15 min average
- No DLL on LucidFlex, trade through volatility freely
- 90/10 split on all accounts since Mar 2026
Watch-outs
- Founded 2025, shorter track record than established firms
- Product rules have changed frequently since launch
- No overnight holds on standard accounts
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
Lucid Trading is cheaper to get funded at $192 total. 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.