Topstep vs FuturesElite – Prop Firm Comparison
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Introduction
Topstep and FuturesElite are both futures prop firms built around CME Group markets, which makes them direct competitors for traders who want funded access to contracts like ES, NQ, CL and GC. Topstep, founded 2012 (Chicago, IL) funds $50K / $100K / $150K accounts on CME futures, keeps flat 90/10 (new); 100% of first $10K then 90/10 (legacy), and runs single-phase Trading Combine, with standard, daily after 30 win days. FuturesElite, founded 2025 (Quantum SRL) funds Multiple sizes; Custom Accounts accounts on CME futures, keeps up to 100% (via custom configuration), and runs standard, Custom and Instant Funded, with bi-weekly, processed within 24 hours. Topstep is best for traders who want the most established firm and a large community, while FuturesElite suits futures traders who want customizable rules and instant-funding flexibility.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Topstep | FuturesElite |
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Founded | 2012 | 2025 |
| Profit Split | 90% trader share; first-$10,000 lifetime-profit exception for traders who joined the new dashboard before Jan 12, 2026 | 80-100% |
| Maximum Account Size | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | 1 | Yes |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.4 | 4.7 |
| Expert Grade | 9 | 7.7 |
Program Types
| Program | Topstep | FuturesElite |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Program | Not available | Yes |
| Scaling Options | No | Not available |
| Demo Account | No | Not available |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | Topstep | FuturesElite |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | Trading Combine Parameters - 50,000: 3,000 Trading Combine Parameters - 100,000: 6,000 Trading Combine Parameters - 150,000: 9,000 | Buffer zone system |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing MLL: $2,000-$4,500 | 4-4.5% daily |
| Minimum Trading Days | Trading Combine can pass in as few as 2 days, subject to 55% consistency; funded payout paths have separate day requirements | Not available |
| News Trading | Yes | Not available |
| Daily Loss Limit | Trading Combine Parameters - 50,000: Optional (1,000) Trading Combine Parameters - 100,000: Optional (2,000) Trading Combine Parameters - 150,000: Optional (3,000) | Not available |
| Maximum Contracts | Trading Combine Parameters - 50,000: 5 (50 micros) Trading Combine Parameters - 100,000: 10 (100 micros) Trading Combine Parameters - 150,000: 15 (150 micros) | Not available |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | Topstep | FuturesElite |
|---|---|---|
| Futures $50K Account | Trading Combine / USD 49 / Monthly Standard Trading Combine monthly price. Source Checked 2026-08-10 | Elite / USD 153 / One-time Official one-time list price; reset fee USD 89. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Nitro / USD 138 / One-time Official one-time list price; reset fee USD 99. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Prime / USD 179 / One-time Official one-time list price; reset fee USD 109. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Instant / USD 349 / One-time Official one-time list price. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $100K Account | Trading Combine / USD 99 / Monthly Standard Trading Combine monthly price; tier was marked temporarily on hold when verified. Source Checked 2026-08-10 | Elite / USD 253 / One-time Official one-time list price; reset fee USD 159. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Nitro / USD 218 / One-time Official one-time list price; reset fee USD 149. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Prime / USD 279 / One-time Official one-time list price; reset fee USD 159. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Instant / USD 469 / One-time Official one-time list price. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $150K Account | Trading Combine / USD 199 / Monthly Standard Trading Combine monthly price. Source Checked 2026-09-27 | Elite / USD 353 / One-time Official one-time list price; reset fee USD 229. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Nitro / USD 298 / One-time Official one-time list price; reset fee USD 219. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Prime / USD 369 / One-time Official one-time list price; reset fee USD 209. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Instant / USD 569 / One-time Official one-time list price. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Refund Policy | Not available | Not available |
| Coupons / Discount | Topstep discount | FuturesElite discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | Topstep | FuturesElite |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | TopstepX; Quantower connectivity for Trading Combine and Express Funded accounts | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Quantower, ATAS, Volumetrica, WealthCharts, DeepCharts |
| Forex | Currency futures, not spot Forex | Yes |
| Stocks | No | No |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | No | No |
| Bonds | Yes | Yes |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | Yes |
Payout
| Feature | Topstep | FuturesElite |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | $125 minimum; eligibility by funded-account path, not a bi-weekly schedule. XFA Standard: 5 winning days of $150+; XFA Consistency: 3 trading days and 40% consistency. Balance limits, account caps and method availability apply. | Bi-weekly, ~24 hours average |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | Topstep | FuturesElite |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Trading Combine has no maximum completion deadline while the subscription remains active; automated strategies permitted subject to rules; 90% current trader share; Standard or Consistency Express payout paths. Daily-loss-limit arrangements vary. | 40+ CME futures contracts, 7 professional platforms, Custom account configuration, Up to 100% profit split, Bi-weekly payouts, 4.7/5 Trustpilot |
| Weaknesses | Recurring Combine subscription; $149 XFA activation on Standard pricing path; futures-only; end-of-day trailing MLL can be breached intraday on unrealised losses | No DCA allowed, No scalping/micro-scalping, Newer firm (2025), Buffer zone required for payouts |
| Best For | Serious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluation | Futures traders seeking CME market access and platform flexibility |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
Choose Topstep if you want a cheaper entry, from USD 49. Choose FuturesElite if you are futures traders seeking CME market access and platform flexibility. Neither firm is better in the abstract. The right choice depends on your strategy, your budget and the instruments you trade, so read both full reviews before you commit. Verify current rules and pricing on each firm’s own site before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about Topstep’s programs?
Topstep distinguishes Express Funded Account Standard and Consistency paths, followed by a separate Live Funded Account stage. Topstep official rules.
What should I know about FuturesElite’s programs?
FuturesElite has multiple program-specific payout rulebooks. Prime and Elite do not have the same profitable-day or buffer requirements. FuturesElite official rules; FuturesElite official program information.
How do payouts differ between Topstep and FuturesElite?
The current payout policy lists a 90/10 split and a $125 minimum. Standard requires five winning days of $150 or more; Consistency requires three days and a 40% consistency target. Requests are subject to account-size caps. Topstep official rules.
The Prime first-payout guide requires the funded profit target, buffer and account-size minimum, with no minimum payout trading days. The 25K Elite guide instead requires six profitable days of at least $100 each and caps requests at 50% of remaining profit up to $1,000. FuturesElite official rules; FuturesElite official program information.
Which account rules matter when comparing Topstep and FuturesElite?
Express payouts are generally limited to 50% of account balance up to the applicable cap. Legacy eligibility and optional daily-loss-limit arrangements can change the caps or split treatment. Topstep official rules.
For 25K Elite there is no funded profit goal, consistency rule or buffer, but KYC and the profitable-day conditions still apply. Do not extend those exemptions to Prime or Instant accounts. FuturesElite official rules; FuturesElite official program information.
Is Topstep or FuturesElite automatically the better choice?
No, neither firm is the automatic pick, and the honest answer depends on how you actually trade.
Topstep Strengths: Industry pioneer and generous first $10K profit split. Watch-outs: Monthly subscription fees compound and $149 activation fee. Best suited to: Serious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluation.
FuturesElite Strengths: 40+ CME futures contracts and 7 professional platforms. Watch-outs: No DCA allowed and No scalping/micro-scalping. Best suited to: Futures traders seeking CME market access and platform flexibility.
Which one wins for you depends on how each firm measures drawdown, what the account actually costs once resets and add-ons are included, and the evaluation objectives on the exact size you buy, rather than on the headline numbers. Check both sets of current terms before you fund an account.
Are Topstep and FuturesElite both futures-only?
Yes. Both fund traders on CME Group futures – index, energy, metals and currency contracts. Neither offers forex or CFD funded accounts, so the choice comes down to rules, platforms and payouts rather than markets.
Which firm pays out faster?
Topstep offers standard, daily after 30 win days, while FuturesElite offers bi-weekly, processed within 24 hours. Match the payout cadence to how often you plan to withdraw.
Which firm has the better profit split?
Topstep keeps flat 90/10 (new); 100% of first $10K then 90/10 (legacy), and FuturesElite keeps up to 100% (via custom configuration). The better deal depends on the account tier and how far you scale.
Does either firm offer instant funding?
Topstep requires an evaluation, while FuturesElite offers one (instant Funded – skip evaluation).
Which firm gives more platform choice?
Topstep supports TopstepX only (new accounts since July 2025), while FuturesElite supports Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Quantower, ATAS, Project X.
How We Compared Topstep and FuturesElite
Both firms carry a JoinProp Rating out of 10, scored on the same nine weighted factors, led by payout reliability at 20%, then fee structure, drawdown rules and profit split at 15% each. The scores come from our own firm reviews, built from each firm’s current terms rather than its marketing pages and re-checked at least every 90 days. Affiliate relationships have no effect on any rating, and ratings are never sold. The tables above are the evidence behind those scores. Read our full ranking methodology.
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