Head-to-Head Comparison
TheTradingPit vs Topstep: Which Is Better in 2026?
Compare TheTradingPit and Topstep side by side. Profit splits, prices, challenges, payout speed, trading rules, and more. Based on verified data.
Last updated: March 20, 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner
TheTradingPit
Scores 82/100 overall based on trust, conditions, payouts, strategies, and platform access.
82
/ 100
Rating
4.1
vs4.6
TheTradingPitTopstep
Profit Split
80%
vs100%
TheTradingPitTopstep
Starting Price
$49
vs$49
TheTradingPitTopstep
Max Allocation
$5M
vs$150K
TheTradingPitTopstep
First Payout
14 days
vs5 days
TheTradingPitTopstep
Strategy Freedom
6/8
vs2/8
TheTradingPitTopstep
Score Breakdown
TheTradingPit
LI
82
Trust & Reputation
81
Trading Conditions
77
Payout Quality
82
Strategy Freedom
75
Platform & Access
100
Topstep
US
75
Trust & Reputation
97
Trading Conditions
100
Payout Quality
57
Strategy Freedom
25
Platform & Access
68
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
TheTradingPit
Topstep
Overview
Rating
4.1
4.6
Reviews
855
13,700
Years Active
4 years
14 years
Verified
Country
LI
US
Market
both
futures
Pricing & Value
Starting Price
$49
$49
Max Allocation
$5M
$150K
Profit Split
80%
100%
Fee Refundable
Best Discount
20% off
No offer
Risk Management
Daily Loss Limit
5%
$1,000
Max Loss
10%
$2,000
Drawdown Type
balance
trailing
Leverage
1:50
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
cTrader, Rithmic, Quantower, ATAS, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Volumetrica
TopstepX (sole platform from July 2025)
Assets
FX, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Futures, Stocks
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 TheTradingPit and Topstep.
Account Size
TheTradingPit
Topstep
Savings
$50K(1-step)
$79
$49
$100K(1-step)
$151
$99
$150K(1-step)
$231
$149
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Higher max allocation ($5M)
- Refundable challenge fee
- Scaling program available
- More trading strategies allowed (6/8)
Cons
- Lower rating than Topstep
- Lower profit split (80% vs 100%)
- Slower first payout (14 days)
Pros
- Higher rating (4.6/5 vs 4.1/5)
- Better profit split (100% vs 80%)
- Faster first payout (5 days)
- More reviews (13,700)
Cons
- Challenge fee not refundable
- No scaling program
- Fewer allowed strategies
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose TheTradingPit if you...
- Need high capital allocation (up to $5M)
- Plan to scale your account over time
- Need maximum trading flexibility (EAs, scalping, news trading)
- Want your challenge fee refunded after passing
Choose Topstep if you...
- Want the highest possible profit split
- Want fast payouts
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TheTradingPit better than Topstep?
Based on our data-driven analysis, TheTradingPit scores 82/100 overall. TheTradingPit excels in strategy freedom, while Topstep stands out for trading conditions. The best choice depends on your priorities as a trader.
Which is cheaper, TheTradingPit or Topstep?
TheTradingPit starts at $49 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, TheTradingPit or Topstep?
TheTradingPit offers up to 80% 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 TheTradingPit and Topstep?
TheTradingPit allows Expert Advisors, and Topstep does not allow them. Only TheTradingPit supports automated trading.
Which firm pays out faster, TheTradingPit or Topstep?
TheTradingPit'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 TheTradingPit and Topstep legit?
TheTradingPit has been operating for 4 years with 855 reviews and a 4.1/5 ratingverified. Topstep has 14 years of operation with 13,700 reviews and a 4.6/5 ratingverified. Both are established prop trading firms.