Head-to-Head Comparison
PhoenixTraderFunding vs Topstep: Which Is Better in 2026?
Compare PhoenixTraderFunding and Topstep side by side. Profit splits, prices, challenges, payout speed, trading rules, and more. Based on verified data.
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner
Topstep
Scores 75/100 overall based on trust, conditions, payouts, strategies, and platform access.
75
/ 100
Rating
4.5
vs4.6
PhoenixTraderFundingTopstep
Profit Split
90%
vs100%
PhoenixTraderFundingTopstep
Starting Price
$97
vs$49
PhoenixTraderFundingTopstep
Max Allocation
$150K
vs$150K
PhoenixTraderFundingTopstep
First Payout
14 days
vs5 days
PhoenixTraderFundingTopstep
Strategy Freedom
2/8
vs2/8
PhoenixTraderFundingTopstep
Score Breakdown
PhoenixTraderFunding
US
70
Trust & Reputation
64
Trading Conditions
96
Payout Quality
62
Strategy Freedom
25
Platform & Access
92
Topstep
US
75
Trust & Reputation
97
Trading Conditions
100
Payout Quality
57
Strategy Freedom
25
Platform & Access
68
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
PhoenixTraderFunding
Topstep
Overview
Rating
4.5
4.6
Reviews
235
13,700
Years Active
2 years
14 years
Verified
Country
US
US
Market
futures
futures
Pricing & Value
Starting Price
$97
$49
Max Allocation
$150K
$150K
Profit Split
90%
100%
Fee Refundable
Best Discount
10% off
No offer
Risk Management
Daily Loss Limit
$1,500
$1,000
Max Loss
$2,500
$2,000
Drawdown Type
trailing
trailing
Leverage
N/A
N/A
Execution
ECN
ECN
Payouts
First Payout
14 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
ATAS, Quantower, Rithmic, ProjectX
TopstepX (sole platform from July 2025)
Assets
ES, NQ, YM, RTY, CL, GC, SI, ZB, ZN, 6E
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 PhoenixTraderFunding and Topstep.
Account Size
PhoenixTraderFunding
Topstep
Savings
$50K(1-step)
$150
$49
$100K(1-step)
$267
$99
$150K(1-step)
$357
$149
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Scaling program available
- Verified firm
- Account scaling available
Cons
- Lower rating than Topstep
- Lower profit split (90% vs 100%)
- Higher starting price ($97)
- Slower first payout (14 days)
Pros
- Higher rating (4.6/5 vs 4.5/5)
- Better profit split (100% vs 90%)
- Lower starting price ($49)
- Faster first payout (5 days)
- More reviews (13,700)
Cons
- No scaling program
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose PhoenixTraderFunding if you...
- Plan to scale your account over time
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
- Prefer a firm based in US
- Use ATAS as your trading platform
Choose Topstep if you...
- Want the highest possible profit split
- Are looking for a budget-friendly option
- Want fast payouts
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PhoenixTraderFunding better than Topstep?
Based on our data-driven analysis, Topstep scores 75/100 overall. PhoenixTraderFunding excels in strategy freedom, while Topstep stands out for trading conditions. The best choice depends on your priorities as a trader.
Which is cheaper, PhoenixTraderFunding or Topstep?
PhoenixTraderFunding starts at $97 while Topstep starts at $49. Topstep offers the lower entry price. However, consider the profit split and payout rules for the true value comparison.
Which has better profit splits, PhoenixTraderFunding or Topstep?
PhoenixTraderFunding offers up to 90% 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 PhoenixTraderFunding and Topstep?
PhoenixTraderFunding does not allow Expert Advisors, and Topstep does not allow them. Neither firm allows EAs.
Which firm pays out faster, PhoenixTraderFunding or Topstep?
PhoenixTraderFunding's first payout is available after 14 days with bi-weekly frequency. Topstep offers first payout after 5 days with bi-weekly payouts. Topstep gets you paid sooner.
Are PhoenixTraderFunding and Topstep legit?
PhoenixTraderFunding has been operating for 2 years with 235 reviews and a 4.5/5 ratingverified. Topstep has 14 years of operation with 13,700 reviews and a 4.6/5 ratingverified. Both are established prop trading firms.