Home › Market News › Topstep vs. Other Prop Firms
Real traders. Real payouts. Real talk.
There are a lot of prop firms out there, but not all of them are built to help you grow.
That’s why you’re here, doing your research, asking the right questions. And that already puts you ahead of the pack. You’re thinking like a real trader: weighing risk, comparing rules, and hunting for an edge.
This post breaks it all down. No hype. No fluff. Just facts. Whether you roll with us or someone else, we want you to make the most informed choice possible.
Let’s dig in.
Here’s what most traders care about first: how do I get paid, and what rules do I need to follow to get there?
| Feature | Topstep | Some Prop Firms |
| Payout Policies | Get Paid Weekly. Withdraw up to $5K or 50% after just five winning days of $150 or more. Keep your first $10K. Then it’s a clean 90/10 split with 90% going to you. | Wait longer. Earn less. Deal with payout windows, lower splits, hidden rules, and fine print that makes getting paid harder than it should be. |
| Trading Rules | One Step. One Rule. Hit your profit target without hitting your Max Loss Limit, and move to a Funded Account. | Multiple steps. Confusing rules. And setups like intraday trailing drawdowns that punish normal trading behavior instead of helping you succeed. |
We want you to get funded and stay funded. That’s why the rules are clear, the path’s simple, and the risk tools are there to keep you in check. Stick to the plan, stay in the game. That’s how you win long term.
Most firms give you a login and wish you luck.
We do more than that.
At Topstep, you don’t just get a shot. You get a squad.
Trading alone can wear you down. We’ve seen it. Most traders wash out not because of their strategy, but because they feel isolated or stuck. That’s why we put support at the center of everything we do.
Other platforms cover the just basics: order entry, charts, maybe a few extras. They don’t actually help you get better. And jumping between tools while you trade only adds noise.
That’s why we built TopstepX. A platform made by traders, for traders who are serious about sharpening their edge.
You get TradingView charts, the real-time Tilt™ Indicator, a Trade Copier, and zero commissions. It’s all built in, so you can stay focused and in rhythm. A clean, no-nonsense setup that works with you.
Because the right tools help you develop the mindset you need. One built on discipline, focus, and growth. That’s the secret sauce.
We’ll be real. We’re not the perfect fit for every trader. But if you’re asking yourself the right questions, here’s how it might shake out:
| If you want… | Topstep delivers: |
| A steady path to long-term growth | Funded Account rules built for sustainability and smart risk. |
| Real structure and ongoing feedback | Group coaching, live trading, and tools to sharpen your process. |
| A transparent payout plan | Weekly payouts. No delays. No stress. |
| Tools to help you improve | Everything is built around learning and adapting, not just passing. |
We’ve funded over 10,000 accounts, and the number keeps climbing. Consistency is what wins.
The traders who stick around and take payouts have a few things in common:
We’ve been doing this for 12 years. We built this space from the ground up, and we know what works. Sure, some firms promise quick wins with flashy leverage, upsells, and all that. And yeah, it might get you funded fast, but it’ll just as quickly burn you out.
If you’re serious about building discipline, better habits, and a real shot at long-term success, Topstep isn’t just an option. It’s the move.
Earn Funding
Any prop firm can hand you a Sim account and say, “go.” But not every firm helps you develop the mindset and consistency to thrive when it gets tough.
We don’t promise shortcuts. We back traders who are ready to do the work.
So if you’re looking for something that lasts longer than one big trade, you’re in the right place.
👉 Start Your CombineTopstep’s mission is straightforward: turn people who trade into better traders. We focus on building real skill through structure, support, and tools that reinforce strong habits. You’ll learn by doing, backed by group coaching, a strong community, and our custom platform TopstepX, designed to help you trade smarter every day.
You trade. You earn. You get paid fast. Take payouts up to $5K or 50% after just five winning days of $150 or more. Keep your first $10K. Then it’s a clean 90/10 split with 90% going to you.
Whether you’re just getting started or have years in the game, Topstep is built for traders who treat this like a discipline. If you want structure, group coaching, and tools that actually help you get better, you’ll fit right in. The ones who stick with it? They show up, ask questions, review their process, and keep sharpening their edge. That’s how you grow.
Trading alone can burn you out. That’s why we built the largest futures trading Discord and stream live group coaching on TopstepTV Monday through Friday. You’ll learn from real traders and experts every week, get answers fast, and always have someone in your corner. It’s not just a chat. It’s a crew that pushes you to get better.
Fast funding sounds good until you blow up your account. We built Topstep for traders who want to stick around. You’ll develop real discipline, trade with purpose, and grow your skills over time. If you want to get funded and stay funded, this is where you build it.
