Tradeify vs Topstep: Which Futures Prop Firm Is Worth It in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Tradeify and Topstep — pricing, rules, payout structures, and who each firm is best for.
Two of the most popular futures prop firms right now are Tradeify and Topstep. They both offer traders a path to funded capital without risking personal savings, but they operate very differently. Here’s the honest breakdown.
Pricing: Monthly vs One-Time
Topstep uses a monthly subscription model. You pay $49/month for a $50K combine, $99/month for $100K, or $149/month for $150K — plus a $149 activation fee when you pass (or choose the No Activation Fee path at higher monthly prices). If it takes you three months to pass, you’re out $150+ before ever seeing a funded account.
Tradeify charges a one-time or monthly fee depending on the plan. The Select Daily plan runs $125 for a $25K account — you pay once, pass when you’re ready. No activation fee. This is a significant edge if you’re a slower, methodical trader.
Winner: Tradeify for cost predictability. Topstep can be cheaper if you pass fast.
Rules: What Can You Actually Do?
Both firms use trailing end-of-day drawdown at 4% (Topstep) vs 3% (Topstep — tighter) and 4% (Tradeify).
Key differences:
| Rule | Tradeify | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| News trading | ✅ Allowed (Growth/Lightning) | ❌ Restricted |
| Weekend holding | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| EA/Bots | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Consistency rule | Varies by plan | ❌ None |
| Min trading days | 1–7 (plan dependent) | None |
| Can pass Day 1 | Yes (Select Daily, Lightning) | Yes |
If you run automated strategies or trade news events, Tradeify is the clear choice. Topstep is more conservative — no bots, no news trading, which suits discretionary traders who want stricter guardrails.
Profit Splits and Payouts
Both firms offer 90% profit splits on sim-funded accounts. Where they diverge is the first-dollar treatment:
- Topstep gives you 100% of the first $10,000 you earn in your funded account. After that, it’s 90/10.
- Tradeify Growth also gives 100% on the first $15,000 cumulative, then drops to 90%.
- Topstep allows daily payouts — no minimum days required after initial qualification.
- Tradeify Select Daily also supports daily payouts within funded.
Payout processing: Topstep is known for fast, reliable payouts via bank transfer. Tradeify pays via RiseWorks and has a strong track record in 2025–2026.
Scaling and the Live Account Path
Topstep offers a real live brokerage account (TopstepX) once you’ve established a track record. It’s a genuine path to trading with real capital.
Tradeify Elite is their live funding offering — after 5 total approved payouts across any Tradeify account type, you qualify for Tradeify Elite with real CME capital.
Both paths are legitimate. Topstep’s is more established (the firm has been around since 2012). Tradeify is newer (2022) but growing fast.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Tradeify if:
- You trade with bots or EAs
- You want to trade around news events
- You prefer one-time fees over monthly subscriptions
- You want a smaller starting account ($25K option available)
Choose Topstep if:
- You’re a discretionary trader
- You value the brand’s 14-year track record
- You want the 100% split on your first $10K earned
- You can pass the combine quickly (keeps subscription cost low)
Bottom Line
These are both legitimate, well-reviewed firms. The right choice depends on your trading style more than anything else. Algo traders and news traders should default to Tradeify. If you’re a patient, rule-following discretionary trader, Topstep’s structure might actually keep you more disciplined.
Compare full plan details for Tradeify and Topstep on PropFirmDeck.