Head-to-Head Comparison

TopStep vs ThinkCapital

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.

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

ThinkCapital

Offers challenge and free funded account options with competitive conditions and multi-platform support.

Visit ThinkCapital

Side-by-Side Comparison: TopStep vs ThinkCapital

Metric

TopStep

ThinkCapital

Max Drawdown

10%

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

Profit Split

90/10

80/20 → 90/10

Challenge Cost

$49 - $149/mo

$89 - $899

Trading Period

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Full contract leverage

1:100

Instruments

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Account Sizes

$50K, $100K, $150K

$10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K

Scaling

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

Scale with consistent profitability

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

Allowed

EA / Bots

Not Allowed

Allowed

Rating

4.5/5

4/5

The Verdict: TopStep vs ThinkCapital

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

Best for Beginners

ThinkCapital

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

Best for Aggressive Traders

ThinkCapital

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

Best for Long-term Scaling

ThinkCapital

ThinkCapital offers better scaling potential: Scale with consistent profitability.

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

ThinkCapital Pros & Cons

Free funded account option

Multi-platform support

Low minimum trading days

Competitive profit splits

No time limits

Lower brand recognition

Some restrictions on strategies

Newer in the market

Fewer account size options

Limited educational content

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, TopStep or ThinkCapital?

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

What is the cheapest option between TopStep and ThinkCapital?

TopStep challenges start at $49 - $149/mo, while ThinkCapital starts at $89 - $899. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.

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

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

What are the drawdown rules for TopStep vs ThinkCapital?

TopStep has a 4% max drawdown and 2% daily drawdown. ThinkCapital 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 ThinkCapital challenge?

TopStep gives you Unlimited. ThinkCapital gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 5 and 3 trading days respectively.

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

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