Head-to-head comparison · 2026
Phidias vs Topstep
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Quick verdict
- Topstep is $382 cheaper to get funded on a 50K account ($198 vs $580, activation fees included).
- Topstep bills monthly, so its cost goes up for every extra month it takes you to pass. Phidias is a one-time fee.
- Both use end-of-day drawdown.
- Phidias pays out faster (30 min average vs weekly).
- Phidias allows trading during news. Topstep restricts it.
Market
Futures
Futures
Founded
2024
2012
Total cost to funded
$580
Best$198
Eval cost
$580
$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
80% to 90%
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
30 min average
Weekly
Max account
Best$300K
$150K
Consistency rule
None
55% consistency target
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
TradingViewNinjaTrader
NinjaTraderTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
Phidias
Strengths
- No consistency rule, news trading allowed
- One payment, activation fee included
- Fast payouts, 30 minute average
Watch-outs
- High $580 list price, only good value with a code
- Higher $4,000 profit target, minimum 3 days to pass
- EOD trailing drawdown ($2,500)
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 Phidias if you want faster payouts, news trading and more room to scale up.
Choose Topstep if you want the lower cost to get funded.
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.