Funding rock vs TopStep: Comprehensive Comparison

Published: May 12, 2026 · Last updated: August 11, 2026

Table of Contents

Introduction

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.

🕑 Last updated: Aug 11, 2026⚖ How we rank firms ↗

Funding Rock

Grade 7.9/10 · 80-90% split

Visit Funding Rock →🎟 Funding Rock discount code

Topstep ▲ Higher rated

Grade 9/10 · 100% first $10,000, then 90/10 split

Visit Topstep →🎟 Topstep discount code

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).

Quick Facts

Feature	Funding Rock	Topstep

Founded	2025	2012
Profit Split	80-90%	100% first $10,000, then 90/10
Maximum Account Size	$1,000,000	$150,000
Evaluation Phases	2	1
Trustpilot Rating	—	3.4
Expert Grade	7.9	9

Program Types

Program	Funding Rock	Topstep
Entry Level Program	Yes	Yes
Advanced Program	Yes	—
Scaling Options	Yes	No
Demo Account	Yes	No

Rules & Assessment

Criteria	Funding Rock	Topstep
Profit Target	—	6%
Maximum Drawdown	—	Trailing MLL: $2,000-$4,500
Minimum Trading Days	—	5
News Trading	Yes	Yes

Real trader stories

Read a trading story of a Topstep trader →Read a trading story of a Topstep trader →

Fees & Pricing

Option	Funding Rock	Topstep
CFD $5K Account	USD 110 / Instant Funding / One-time	Not offered
CFD $10K Account	USD 180 / Instant Funding / One-time	Not offered
CFD $25K Account	USD 370 / Instant Funding / One-time	Not offered
CFD $50K Account	USD 640 / Instant Funding / One-time	Not offered
CFD $100K Account	USD 1000 / Instant Funding / One-time	Not offered
Futures $50K Account	Not offered	USD 49 / Trading Combine / Monthly
Futures $100K Account	Not offered	USD 99 / Trading Combine / Monthly
Futures $150K Account	Not offered	USD 149 / Trading Combine / Monthly
Coupons / Discount	Funding Rock discount	Topstep discount

Platforms & Markets

Feature	Funding Rock	Topstep
Trading Platforms	cTrader, TradeLocker	TopstepX
Forex	Yes	Yes
Stocks	No	No
Indices	Yes	Yes
Commodities	Yes	Yes
Cryptocurrencies	Yes	No
Bonds	No	Yes
EA/Algo Trading	Yes	Yes

Payout

Feature	Funding Rock	Topstep
Payout Terms	First after 14 days; bi-weekly thereafter; via Wise (1-3 business days)	Bi-weekly via ACH, wire, or Rise; $50 minimum
See all prop firm payouts →

Verdict

Key Element	Funding Rock	Topstep
Strengths	Generous profit splits, quick evaluation, flexible rules, scaling opportunities, transparent terms	Industry pioneer, generous first $10K profit split, no time limits, EAs permitted, no daily loss limit, $1B+ paid to traders
Weaknesses	Express payouts require add-on, newer firm with limited track record, limited rule detail	Monthly subscription fees compound, $149 activation fee, TopstepX platform exclusive, futures-only, trailing MLL can catch intraday profit-takers
Best For	Both new and experienced traders seeking professional funding	Serious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluation

Visit Funding Rock →Read full Funding Rock review

Visit Topstep →Read full Topstep review

Real funded traders – in their own words

Named traders JoinProp interviewed who passed and traded with these firms. Read their full stories:

Traders who chose Topstep

FAQ

What makes Funding rock popular among users?

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.