Head-to-head comparison · 2026
The5ers vs Topstep
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Market
Forex / CFD
Futures
Founded
2016
2012
Total cost to funded
$278
Best$198
Eval cost
$278
$49
Activation fee
-
$149
Pricing model
One-time
Monthly sub
Challenge type
2-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
Static
EOD
Max profit split
Best100%
90%
First profit
50% to up to 100%
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
Every 14 days
Weekly
Max account
Best$4.0M
$150K
Consistency rule
None
40% rule
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
MT5cTrader
NinjaTraderTradovateTradingViewTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
The5ers
Strengths
- No time limit on evals
- Scales to $4M
- Strong education + ratings
Watch-outs
- Split starts low (50%)
- Capital-growth model is slow
- Fewer platforms
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
Topstep is cheaper to get funded at $198 total. The5ers offers a higher max split at 100%. 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.