Head-to-Head Comparison

TopStep vs Axi Select

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.

T

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
A

Axi Select

4.3

Free-to-join capital allocation program by Axi broker offering up to $1M in funding with live trading accounts.

Visit Axi Select

Side-by-Side Comparison: TopStep vs Axi Select

Metric
TopStep
Axi Select
Max Drawdown
4%
10%
Daily Drawdown
2%
5%
Profit Target
6%
5%
Profit Split
90/10
40/60 → 90/10
Challenge Cost
$49 - $149/mo
Free
Trading Period
Unlimited
Unlimited
Min Trading Days
5
0
Leverage
Full contract leverage
1:500
Instruments
Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)
Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Account Sizes
$50K, $100K, $150K
$10K → $1M (progressive)
Scaling
Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital
Progress through stages up to $1M
News Trading
Allowed
Allowed
Weekend Holding
Not Allowed
Allowed
EA / Bots
Not Allowed
Allowed
Rating
4.5/5
4.3/5

The Verdict: TopStep vs Axi Select

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

Best for Beginners
Axi Select

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

Best for Aggressive Traders
Axi Select

Axi Select provides 10% max drawdown allowance, giving aggressive trading styles more breathing room.

Best for Long-term Scaling
Axi Select

Axi Select offers better scaling potential: Progress through stages up to $1M.

Best for Overall Value
TopStep

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

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

Axi Select Pros & Cons

Completely free to join
Real live trading accounts
Up to $1M funding
High leverage up to 1:500
Broker-backed reliability
Lower starting profit split (40%)
Slow progression through stages
Must use Axi as broker
Lower profit target limits growth
Less flexibility in platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, TopStep or Axi Select?
It depends on your trading style. TopStep offers 4% max drawdown and a 90/10 profit split, while Axi Select offers 10% max drawdown and a 40/60 → 90/10 split. TopStep has a higher overall rating at 4.5/5.
What is the cheapest option between TopStep and Axi Select?
TopStep challenges start at $49 - $149/mo, while Axi Select starts at Free. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.
Can I use EAs or trading bots with TopStep and Axi Select?
TopStep does not allow EAs/bots. Axi Select allows them. Always verify the latest rules on each firm's website.
What are the drawdown rules for TopStep vs Axi Select?
TopStep has a 4% max drawdown and 2% daily drawdown. Axi Select has a 10% max drawdown and 5% daily drawdown. Use our free Drawdown Calculator to find your safe lot size for either firm.
How long do I have to pass the TopStep vs Axi Select challenge?
TopStep gives you Unlimited. Axi Select gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 5 and 0 trading days respectively.
Which firm has a better profit split, TopStep or Axi Select?
TopStep offers a 90/10 profit split, while Axi Select offers 40/60 → 90/10. Higher profit splits mean more of your trading profits go to you.

Not sure which firm to pick?

Use our free tools to calculate your exact safe lot size and simulate your challenge before committing.

Drawdown Calculator Challenge Simulator

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Firm Review
TopStep Full Review

Detailed analysis of TopStep including pros, cons, and built-in calculator.

Firm Review
Axi Select Full Review

Detailed analysis of Axi Select including pros, cons, and built-in calculator.

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Drawdown Calculator

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Challenge Simulator

Simulate your probability of passing a prop firm challenge.

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Drawdown Replay

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Compare TopStep with Other Firms

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Compare Axi Select with Other Firms

Axi Select vs FTMOAxi Select vs E8 MarketsAxi Select vs FundedNextAxi Select vs The5ersAxi Select vs Apex Trader FundingAxi Select vs MyFundedFXAxi Select vs My Funded FuturesAxi Select vs Funded Trading PlusAxi Select vs Goat Funded TraderAxi Select vs Blue GuardianAxi Select vs Lux Trading FirmAxi Select vs City Traders ImperiumAxi Select vs TradeifyAxi Select vs Take Profit TraderAxi Select vs The Funded TraderAxi Select vs Aqua FundedAxi Select vs Hola PrimeAxi Select vs OneFundedAxi Select vs Elite Trader FundingAxi Select vs Moneta FundedAxi Select vs DNA FundedAxi Select vs FundingPipsAxi Select vs FXIFYAxi Select vs BrightFundedAxi Select vs Earn2TradeAxi Select vs Trade The PoolAxi Select vs Phidias PropfirmAxi Select vs For TradersAxi Select vs Alpha Capital GroupAxi Select vs FunderProAxi Select vs The Forex FunderAxi Select vs Alpha FuturesAxi Select vs TradeDayAxi Select vs ThinkCapitalAxi Select vs FintokeiAxi Select vs FTUKAxi Select vs Blueberry FundedAxi Select vs The Trading PitAxi Select vs Maven TradingAxi Select vs Top One FuturesAxi Select vs SabioTradeAxi Select vs Crypto Fund TraderAxi Select vs XLTradeAxi Select vs Clarity TradersAxi Select vs Funding FrontierAxi Select vs FundYourFXAxi Select vs Bespoke FundingAxi Select vs Tycoon FundedAxi Select vs Propel Capital

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