Head-to-Head Comparison

Phidias Propfirm 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.

Phidias Propfirm

4.3

Fast-growing firm with 48-hour path to payout, EOD drawdown, and flexible account types popular with US traders.

Visit Phidias Propfirm

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: Phidias Propfirm vs TopStep

Metric

Phidias Propfirm

TopStep

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

Profit Split

80/20 → 90/10

90/10

Challenge Cost

$69 - $599

$49 - $149/mo

Trading Period

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Exchange margin

Full contract leverage

Instruments

Futures

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Account Sizes

$10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K

$50K, $100K, $150K

Scaling

Scale with consecutive profitable months

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Allowed

Not Allowed

EA / Bots

Allowed

Not Allowed

Rating

4.3/5

4.5/5

The Verdict: Phidias Propfirm vs TopStep

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

Best for Beginners

Phidias Propfirm

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

Best for Aggressive Traders

Phidias Propfirm

Phidias Propfirm 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.

Phidias Propfirm Pros & Cons

48-hour path to payout

EOD drawdown calculation

Only 2 min trading days

News and weekend trading

No consistency rules in eval

Futures only

Relatively newer firm

Limited instrument variety

US-focused primarily

Smaller community

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, Phidias Propfirm or TopStep?

It depends on your trading style. Phidias Propfirm offers 8% max drawdown and a 80/20 → 90/10 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 Phidias Propfirm and TopStep?

Phidias Propfirm challenges start at $69 - $599, 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 Phidias Propfirm and TopStep?

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

What are the drawdown rules for Phidias Propfirm vs TopStep?

Phidias Propfirm 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 Phidias Propfirm vs TopStep challenge?

Phidias Propfirm gives you Unlimited. TopStep gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 2 and 5 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, Phidias Propfirm or TopStep?

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