Head-to-Head Comparison

Take Profit Trader 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.

Take Profit Trader

4.5

Futures prop firm with a clear path from evaluation to real live funded trading. Offers PRO and PRO+ accounts with competitive profit splits and daily payouts.

Visit Take Profit Trader

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: Take Profit Trader vs TopStep

Metric

Take Profit Trader

TopStep

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

2.2%

Profit Target

Profit Split

80/20 → 90/10

90/10

Challenge Cost

$150 - $357

$49 - $149/mo

Trading Period

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Full contract leverage

Instruments

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Account Sizes

$25K, $50K, $75K, $100K, $150K

$50K, $100K, $150K

Scaling

Upgrade to PRO+ with real capital after $5K profit on PRO account

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

EA / Bots

Not Allowed

Rating

4.5/5

The Verdict: Take Profit Trader vs TopStep

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

Best for Beginners

TopStep

TopStep offers lower entry costs, making it easier for newer traders to get started.

Best for Aggressive Traders

Take Profit Trader

Take Profit Trader provides 4% 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

Take Profit Trader

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

Take Profit Trader Pros & Cons

Path to real live funded account (PRO+)

90/10 profit split on PRO+

No consistency rule on funded accounts

Daily payouts after 30 winning days

36% evaluation pass rate (industry leading)

Futures only (no forex)

News trading prohibited on funded accounts

No trading bots or algos allowed

Cushion buffer required before withdrawals

Trailing drawdown on PRO accounts

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, Take Profit Trader or TopStep?

It depends on your trading style. Take Profit Trader offers 4% 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 Take Profit Trader and TopStep?

Take Profit Trader challenges start at $150 - $357, 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 Take Profit Trader and TopStep?

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

What are the drawdown rules for Take Profit Trader vs TopStep?

Take Profit Trader has a 4% max drawdown and 2.2% 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 Take Profit Trader vs TopStep challenge?

Take Profit Trader gives you Unlimited. TopStep gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 5 and 5 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, Take Profit Trader or TopStep?

Take Profit Trader 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.