Head-to-Head Comparison
Topstep vs TradeDay: Which Is Better in 2026?
Compare Topstep and TradeDay 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
TradeDay
Scores 85/100 overall based on trust, conditions, payouts, strategies, and platform access.
85
/ 100
Rating
4.6
vs4.9
TopstepTradeDay
Profit Split
100%
vs95%
TopstepTradeDay
Starting Price
$49
vs$125
TopstepTradeDay
Max Allocation
$150K
vs$150K
TopstepTradeDay
First Payout
5 days
vs1 days
TopstepTradeDay
Strategy Freedom
2/8
vs3/8
TopstepTradeDay
Score Breakdown
Topstep
US
75
Trust & Reputation
97
Trading Conditions
100
Payout Quality
57
Strategy Freedom
25
Platform & Access
68
TradeDay
US
85
Trust & Reputation
91
Trading Conditions
98
Payout Quality
87
Strategy Freedom
38
Platform & Access
100
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
Topstep
TradeDay
Overview
Rating
4.6
4.9
Reviews
13,700
1,331
Years Active
14 years
6 years
Verified
Country
US
US
Market
futures
futures
Pricing & Value
Starting Price
$49
$125
Max Allocation
$150K
$150K
Profit Split
100%
95%
Fee Refundable
Best Discount
No offer
30% off
Risk Management
Daily Loss Limit
$1,000
$2,000
Max Loss
$2,000
$3,000
Drawdown Type
trailing
trailing
Leverage
N/A
N/A
Execution
ECN
ECN
Payouts
First Payout
5 days
1 days
Payout Frequency
bi-weekly
on-demand
Scaling
Allowed Strategies
EA/Bots
Scalping
News Trading
Weekend Hold
Copy Trading
Hedging
Martingale
HFT
Platforms & Access
Platforms
TopstepX (sole platform from July 2025)
Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, TradeDayX, Quantower, ATAS, Jigsaw
Assets
ES, NQ, YM, RTY, CL, GC, SI, ZB, ZN, 6E, 6J, MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K, MCL, MGC
ES, NQ, YM, RTY, CL, GC, SI, ZB, ZN, 6E, 6J
US Accepted
Challenge Price Comparison
Comparing prices for matching account sizes available at both Topstep and TradeDay.
Account Size
Topstep
TradeDay
Savings
$50K(1-step)
$49
$88
$100K(1-step)
$99
$140
$150K(1-step)
$149
$210
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Better profit split (100% vs 95%)
- Lower starting price ($49)
- More reviews (13,700)
Cons
- Lower rating than TradeDay
- Slower first payout (5 days)
- No scaling program
- Fewer allowed strategies
Pros
- Higher rating (4.9/5 vs 4.6/5)
- Faster first payout (1 days)
- Scaling program available
- More trading strategies allowed (3/8)
Cons
- Lower profit split (95% vs 100%)
- Higher starting price ($125)
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Topstep if you...
- Want the highest possible profit split
- Are looking for a budget-friendly option
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
Choose TradeDay if you...
- Want fast payouts
- Plan to scale your account over time
- Need maximum trading flexibility (EAs, scalping, news trading)
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Topstep better than TradeDay?
Based on our data-driven analysis, TradeDay scores 85/100 overall. Topstep excels in trust & reputation, while TradeDay stands out for payout quality. The best choice depends on your priorities as a trader.
Which is cheaper, Topstep or TradeDay?
Topstep starts at $49 while TradeDay starts at $125. Topstep offers the lower entry price. However, consider the profit split and payout rules for the true value comparison.
Which has better profit splits, Topstep or TradeDay?
Topstep offers up to 100% profit split, while TradeDay offers up to 95% profit split. Topstep has the higher profit share. Some firms increase splits through scaling programs.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with Topstep and TradeDay?
Topstep does not allow Expert Advisors, and TradeDay allows them. Only TradeDay supports automated trading.
Which firm pays out faster, Topstep or TradeDay?
Topstep's first payout is available after 5 days with bi-weekly frequency. TradeDay offers first payout after 1 days with on-demand payouts. TradeDay gets you paid sooner.
Are Topstep and TradeDay legit?
Topstep has been operating for 14 years with 13,700 reviews and a 4.6/5 ratingverified. TradeDay has 6 years of operation with 1,331 reviews and a 4.9/5 ratingverified. Both are established prop trading firms.