Head-to-head comparison · 2026
The5ers 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
- The5ers Futures is $99 cheaper to get funded on a 50K account ($99 vs $198, activation fees included).
- Topstep bills monthly, so its cost goes up for every extra month it takes you to pass. The5ers Futures is a one-time fee.
- Both use end-of-day drawdown.
- The5ers Futures has the higher maximum profit split, 100% against 90%.
- The5ers Futures allows trading during news. Topstep restricts it.
Market
Futures
Futures
Founded
2016
2012
Total cost to funded
Best$99
$198
Eval cost
$99
$49
Activation fee
-
$149
Pricing model
One-time
Monthly sub
Challenge type
1-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
EOD
EOD
Max profit split
Best100%
90%
First profit
Fee refunded on 3rd payout
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
-
Weekly
Max account
Best$500K
$150K
Consistency rule
40% per position
55% consistency target
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
-
NinjaTraderTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
The5ers Futures
Strengths
- Low one-time fee, refunded on your 3rd payout
- EOD drawdown, no activation fee, can pass in one day
- Scale up to $500K once funded
Watch-outs
- 40% consistency rule per position, evaluation and funded
- Tight 4% ($2,000) max loss
- Funded stage has its own 4% profit target
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 The5ers Futures if you want the lower cost to get funded, a higher profit split, news trading and more room to scale up.
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.