Funding rock and TopStep are two prominent proprietary trading firms that provide traders with funded accounts to trade futures markets. TopStep, founded in 2012, is one of the industry pioneers with a well-established reputation and a Trustpilot rating of approximately 4.3/5 from over 3,000 reviews. Funding rock is a newer entrant in the prop trading space, focusing on providing flexible evaluation programs for futures traders. Both companies offer traders the opportunity to prove their skills through evaluation processes and earn profit splits from funded accounts, but they differ significantly in their program structures, pricing models, and trading rules. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which platform best aligns with your trading style and career goals.
TL;DR: Funding Rock (grade 7.9) offers a 80-90% profit split; Topstep (grade 9) offers 100% first $10,000, then 90/10. Full side-by-side below. Best for: Funding Rock - Both new and experienced traders seeking professional funding. Topstep - Serious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluation. Our higher-rated pick: Topstep (9 vs 7.9).
Funding rock has gained attention for its flexible evaluation structures and competitive pricing models. Traders appreciate the availability of larger account sizes (up to $250,000) and high profit splits reaching 90%. The platform offers both one-time payment and subscription options, allowing traders to choose the pricing model that best fits their needs. Additionally, Funding rock’s streamlined evaluation process with fewer phases can be attractive for experienced traders who want to reach funded status quickly.
How does TopStep differ from other similar organizations?
TopStep distinguishes itself as one of the original and most established prop trading firms in the industry, operating since 2012. Its unique subscription-based model gives traders unlimited time to pass their Trading Combine, removing the pressure of time constraints. TopStep also stands out for its comprehensive educational platform called “The Trading Floor,” which includes live sessions, recorded courses, and mentorship from experienced traders. The path to 100% profit split after account reset is another unique feature. TopStep’s extensive track record with over 3,000 Trustpilot reviews provides transparency and credibility that newer firms cannot match.
Which platform has more affordable pricing for beginners?
For beginners, the pricing comparison depends on how quickly you expect to pass the evaluation. Funding rock typically offers lower one-time entry fees starting around $99-$149, which can be more budget-friendly if you pass quickly. However, TopStep’s subscription model starting at $165/month includes unlimited attempts and time to pass, plus extensive educational resources that can be valuable for beginners. If you need multiple attempts or more learning time, TopStep’s subscription might provide better overall value despite higher monthly costs. TopStep also refunds one month’s subscription fee with your first profit withdrawal.
Can I trade the same markets and instruments on both platforms?
Both Funding rock and TopStep support futures trading across major asset classes including index futures (ES, NQ, YM, RTY), energies (crude oil, natural gas), metals (gold, silver), currencies, and agricultural commodities. TopStep offers a more comprehensive list of tradeable instruments with over 75 futures contracts available. Both platforms allow you to trade micro contracts and standard contracts, though position limits vary based on account size and instrument. The specific trading platforms differ-TopStep officially supports NinjaTrader, TradeOvate, and TradingView, while Funding rock may support different platform connections. Check with each firm for the complete list of supported instruments and platforms.
What happens if I fail the evaluation on either platform?
If you fail the evaluation on Funding rock, you typically need to purchase a new evaluation or pay a discounted reset fee to try again. The specific terms depend on your chosen program. On TopStep, since it operates on a monthly subscription model, you can simply continue your subscription and start a new Trading Combine without additional fees beyond the monthly subscription. This is one of TopStep’s advantages-unlimited attempts while subscribed. Both platforms may offer educational feedback on why you failed to help you improve. TopStep provides detailed analytics showing where you violated rules or fell short of targets. Many traders appreciate TopStep’s model because it removes the financial pressure of each individual attempt.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our research team gathered comprehensive data from multiple authoritative sources including the official websites of both Funding rock and TopStep, verified customer reviews from Trustpilot and other independent review platforms, trader testimonials from trading forums and social media communities, and publicly available information about program structures, pricing, and terms of service. We also consulted industry reports and analyses from futures trading publications and prop trading comparison websites to ensure we captured the most current and accurate information available about both firms.
2. We Examine
After collecting raw data, our team of experienced futures traders and financial analysts verified each piece of information against multiple sources to ensure accuracy. We cross-referenced pricing structures, evaluation rules, and program features directly with both companies’ official documentation. Our experts analyzed user feedback patterns to identify genuine experiences versus outliers, examined the historical performance and reputation of both firms within the prop trading industry, and evaluated the practical implications of each platform’s rules for different trading styles and experience levels. This thorough examination process ensures that our comparison reflects real-world trading conditions.
3. We Score
Our scoring methodology evaluates both platforms across multiple critical dimensions including reputation and track record (weighted at 25%), program structure and flexibility (20%), pricing and value proposition (20%), educational resources and support (15%), trading conditions and available markets (10%), payout structures and terms (10%). Each category is scored objectively based on measurable criteria, with subjective factors like user satisfaction incorporated through weighted review analysis. TopStep’s longer track record and comprehensive educational offerings contributed to its higher overall score, while Funding rock scored competitively on pricing flexibility and account size options.
4. You Choose
This comparison provides you with objective, detailed information to make an informed decision based on your specific needs. Consider your experience level-beginners may benefit more from TopStep’s educational resources, while experienced traders might prefer Funding rock’s streamlined approach. Evaluate your budget constraints and whether one-time fees or subscriptions work better for your financial situation. Think about your trading style and whether you need more time to pass evaluations (favoring TopStep) or prefer quick, focused attempts (favoring Funding rock). Assess the importance of community and education versus pure evaluation flexibility. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual trading goals, financial situation, and learning preferences.
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