Head-to-Head Comparison

Earn2Trade vs TopStep

An honest, data-driven comparison to help you pick the right prop firm. We compare drawdown rules, challenge costs, profit splits, trading conditions, and more — no bias, just facts.

Earn2Trade

4.1

Educational-focused prop firm offering accounts from $25K to $200K with monthly subscription model and strong learning resources.

Visit Earn2Trade

TopStep

4.5

One of the original futures prop firms with a proven track record. Offers a structured Trading Combine evaluation and path to live funded trading with real capital.

Visit TopStep

Side-by-Side Comparison: Earn2Trade vs TopStep

Metric

Earn2Trade

TopStep

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

Profit Split

80/20

90/10

Challenge Cost

$150 - $350/mo

$49 - $149/mo

Trading Period

Monthly subscription

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Exchange margin

Full contract leverage

Instruments

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Account Sizes

$25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, $200K

$50K, $100K, $150K

Scaling

Gauntlet Mini and TCP programs with scaling

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

EA / Bots

Allowed

Not Allowed

Rating

4.1/5

4.5/5

The Verdict: Earn2Trade vs TopStep

The best choice depends on your trading style, risk tolerance, and goals. Here's our breakdown by trader profile:

Best for Beginners

Earn2Trade

Earn2Trade offers more forgiving drawdown rules, making it easier for newer traders to get started.

Best for Aggressive Traders

Earn2Trade

Earn2Trade provides 8% max drawdown allowance, giving aggressive trading styles more breathing room.

Best for Long-term Scaling

TopStep

TopStep offers better scaling potential: Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital.

Best for Overall Value

TopStep

TopStep earns 4.5/5 in our analysis, with a strong balance of rules, cost, and trader experience.

Earn2Trade Pros & Cons

Excellent educational resources

Strong reputation in futures

Multiple evaluation paths

Real futures market trading

Good community and support

Monthly subscription model

Higher minimum trading days

Futures only - no forex

Stricter drawdown limits

Lower profit split at 80%

TopStep Pros & Cons

Established since 2012 with proven track record

Path to real live funded account

Low monthly subscription cost

EOD trailing drawdown (not intraday)

Weekly payouts available

Futures only (no forex)

50% consistency target required

Daily loss limit on some platforms

Intraday trailing drawdown on PRO accounts

No automated trading bots

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Earn2Trade or TopStep?

It depends on your trading style. Earn2Trade offers 8% max drawdown and a 80/20 profit split, while TopStep offers 4% max drawdown and a 90/10 split. TopStep has a higher overall rating at 4.5/5.

What is the cheapest option between Earn2Trade and TopStep?

Earn2Trade challenges start at $150 - $350/mo, while TopStep starts at $49 - $149/mo. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.

Can I use EAs or trading bots with Earn2Trade and TopStep?

Earn2Trade allows EAs/bots. TopStep does not allow them. Always verify the latest rules on each firm's website.

What are the drawdown rules for Earn2Trade vs TopStep?

Earn2Trade has a 8% max drawdown and 4% daily drawdown. TopStep has a 4% max drawdown and 2% daily drawdown. Use our free Drawdown Calculator to find your safe lot size for either firm.

How long do I have to pass the Earn2Trade vs TopStep challenge?

Earn2Trade gives you Monthly subscription. TopStep gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 15 and 5 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, Earn2Trade or TopStep?

Earn2Trade offers a 80/20 profit split, while TopStep offers 90/10. Higher profit splits mean more of your trading profits go to you.