Head-to-Head Comparison

Trade The Pool 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.

Trade The Pool

Unique prop firm focused on equity/stock traders with a limited-risk model where traders keep profits while the firm handles downside.

Visit Trade The Pool

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: Trade The Pool vs TopStep

Metric

Trade The Pool

TopStep

Max Drawdown

5.5%

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

Profit Split

80/20

90/10

Challenge Cost

$97 - $397

$49 - $149/mo

Trading Period

45 days

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

1:1 to 6:1

Full contract leverage

Instruments

US Stocks, ETFs

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Account Sizes

$20K, $40K, $80K, $160K, $260K

$50K, $100K, $150K

Scaling

Virtual margin with scaling potential

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

4.5/5

The Verdict: Trade The Pool vs TopStep

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

Best for Beginners

Trade The Pool

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

Best for Aggressive Traders

Trade The Pool

Trade The Pool provides 5.5% 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.

Trade The Pool Pros & Cons

Unique stock trading focus

Limited risk model

Trade real US equities

Good for day traders

Competitive pricing

Stocks only - no forex/crypto

Lower leverage

EAs not allowed

Shorter trading period

Less popular than forex props

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, Trade The Pool or TopStep?

It depends on your trading style. Trade The Pool offers 5.5% 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 Trade The Pool and TopStep?

Trade The Pool challenges start at $97 - $397, 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 Trade The Pool and TopStep?

Trade The Pool 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 Trade The Pool vs TopStep?

Trade The Pool has a 5.5% max drawdown and 3% 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 Trade The Pool vs TopStep challenge?

Trade The Pool gives you 45 days. TopStep gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 3 and 5 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, Trade The Pool or TopStep?

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