Head-to-Head Comparison
The5ers vs Topstep: Which Is Better in 2026?
Compare The5ers 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
The5ers
Scores 78/100 overall based on trust, conditions, payouts, strategies, and platform access.
78
/ 100
Rating
4.8
vs4.6
The5ersTopstep
Profit Split
100%
vs100%
The5ersTopstep
Starting Price
$22
vs$49
The5ersTopstep
Max Allocation
$4M
vs$150K
The5ersTopstep
First Payout
14 days
vs5 days
The5ersTopstep
Strategy Freedom
5/8
vs2/8
The5ersTopstep
Score Breakdown
The5ers
IL
78
Trust & Reputation
98
Trading Conditions
85
Payout Quality
82
Strategy Freedom
63
Platform & Access
41
Topstep
US
75
Trust & Reputation
97
Trading Conditions
100
Payout Quality
57
Strategy Freedom
25
Platform & Access
68
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
The5ers
Topstep
Overview
Rating
4.8
4.6
Reviews
21,419
13,700
Years Active
10 years
14 years
Verified
Country
IL
US
Market
both
futures
Pricing & Value
Starting Price
$22
$49
Max Allocation
$4M
$150K
Profit Split
100%
100%
Fee Refundable
Best Discount
5% off
No offer
Risk Management
Daily Loss Limit
5%
$1,000
Max Loss
10%
$2,000
Drawdown Type
equity
trailing
Leverage
1:100
N/A
Execution
STP
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
MT5, cTrader
TopstepX (sole platform from July 2025)
Assets
FX, Metals, Indices, Commodities, 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 The5ers and Topstep.
Account Size
The5ers
Topstep
Savings
$50K(2-step)
$294
$49
$100K(3-step)
$90
$99
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Higher rating (4.8/5 vs 4.6/5)
- Higher max allocation ($4M)
- Lower starting price ($22)
- Refundable challenge fee
- Scaling program available
Cons
- Slower first payout (14 days)
- US traders not accepted
Pros
- Faster first payout (5 days)
- Accepts US traders
- Verified firm
- 14 years of experience
Cons
- Lower rating than The5ers
- Higher starting price ($49)
- Challenge fee not refundable
- No scaling program
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose The5ers if you...
- Are looking for a budget-friendly option
- Need high capital allocation (up to $4M)
- 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
- Are a US-based trader
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The5ers better than Topstep?
Based on our data-driven analysis, The5ers scores 78/100 overall. The5ers excels in trust & reputation, while Topstep stands out for platform access. The best choice depends on your priorities as a trader.
Which is cheaper, The5ers or Topstep?
The5ers starts at $22 while Topstep starts at $49. The5ers offers the lower entry price. However, consider the profit split and payout rules for the true value comparison.
Which has better profit splits, The5ers or Topstep?
The5ers offers up to 100% profit split, while Topstep offers up to 100% profit split. The5ers has the higher profit share. Some firms increase splits through scaling programs.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with The5ers and Topstep?
The5ers allows Expert Advisors, and Topstep does not allow them. Only The5ers supports automated trading.
Which firm pays out faster, The5ers or Topstep?
The5ers'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 The5ers and Topstep legit?
The5ers has been operating for 10 years with 21,419 reviews and a 4.8/5 ratingverified. Topstep has 14 years of operation with 13,700 reviews and a 4.6/5 ratingverified. Both are established prop trading firms.