Head-to-Head Comparison
Funded Elite vs Topstep: Which Is Better in 2026?
Compare Funded Elite and Topstep side by side. Profit splits, prices, challenges, payout speed, trading rules, and more. Based on verified data.
Last updated: March 25, 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner
Topstep
Scores 75/100 overall based on trust, conditions, payouts, strategies, and platform access.
75
/ 100
Rating
4.7
vs4.6
Funded EliteTopstep
Profit Split
80-95%%
vs100%
Funded EliteTopstep
Starting Price
$5
vs$49
Funded EliteTopstep
Max Allocation
$600K
vs$150K
Funded EliteTopstep
First Payout
21 days
vs5 days
Funded EliteTopstep
Strategy Freedom
6/8
vs2/8
Funded EliteTopstep
Score Breakdown
Funded Elite
IT
NaN
Trust & Reputation
84
Trading Conditions
NaN
Payout Quality
54
Strategy Freedom
75
Platform & Access
87
Topstep
US
75
Trust & Reputation
97
Trading Conditions
100
Payout Quality
57
Strategy Freedom
25
Platform & Access
68
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
Funded Elite
Topstep
Overview
Rating
4.7
4.6
Reviews
500
13,700
Years Active
3 years
14 years
Verified
Country
IT
US
Market
forex
futures
Pricing & Value
Starting Price
$5
$49
Max Allocation
$600K
$150K
Profit Split
80-95%%
100%
Fee Refundable
Risk Management
Daily Loss Limit
3%
$1,000
Max Loss
8%
$2,000
Drawdown Type
static
trailing
Leverage
1:100
N/A
Execution
CFD
ECN
Payouts
First Payout
21 days
5 days
Payout Frequency
bi-weekly
bi-weekly
Scaling
Allowed Strategies
EA/Bots
Scalping
News Trading
Weekend Hold
Copy Trading
Hedging
Martingale
HFT
Platforms & Access
Platforms
MT5, TradeLocker, cTrader, Edge by Axe
TopstepX (sole platform from July 2025)
Assets
Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto
ES, NQ, YM, RTY, CL, GC, SI, ZB, ZN, 6E, 6J, MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K, MCL, MGC
US Accepted
Challenge Price Comparison
Comparing prices for matching account sizes available at both Funded Elite and Topstep.
Account Size
Funded Elite
Topstep
Savings
$50K(1-step)
$5
$49
$100K(1-step)
$5
$99
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Higher rating (4.7/5 vs 4.6/5)
- Higher max allocation ($600K)
- Lower starting price ($5)
- Scaling program available
- More trading strategies allowed (6/8)
Cons
- Slower first payout (21 days)
Pros
- Faster first payout (5 days)
- More reviews (13,700)
- Verified firm
- 14 years of experience
Cons
- Lower rating than Funded Elite
- Higher starting price ($49)
- No scaling program
- Fewer allowed strategies
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Funded Elite if you...
- Are looking for a budget-friendly option
- Need high capital allocation (up to $600K)
- Plan to scale your account over time
- Need maximum trading flexibility (EAs, scalping, news trading)
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
Choose Topstep if you...
- Want fast payouts
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
- Prefer a firm based in US
- Use TopstepX (sole platform from July 2025) as your trading platform
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Funded Elite better than Topstep?
Based on our data-driven analysis, Topstep scores 75/100 overall. Funded Elite excels in strategy freedom, while Topstep stands out for payout quality. The best choice depends on your priorities as a trader.
Which is cheaper, Funded Elite or Topstep?
Funded Elite starts at $5 while Topstep starts at $49. Funded Elite offers the lower entry price. However, consider the profit split and payout rules for the true value comparison.
Which has better profit splits, Funded Elite or Topstep?
Funded Elite offers up to 80-95%% profit split, while Topstep offers up to 100% profit split. Topstep has the higher profit share. Some firms increase splits through scaling programs.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with Funded Elite and Topstep?
Funded Elite does not allow Expert Advisors, and Topstep does not allow them. Neither firm allows EAs.
Which firm pays out faster, Funded Elite or Topstep?
Funded Elite's first payout is available after 21 days with bi-weekly frequency. Topstep offers first payout after 5 days with bi-weekly payouts. Topstep gets you paid sooner.
Are Funded Elite and Topstep legit?
Funded Elite has been operating for 3 years with 500 reviews and a 4.7/5 ratingverified. Topstep has 14 years of operation with 13,700 reviews and a 4.6/5 ratingverified. Both are established prop trading firms.