OFP Funding vs TopStep: Comprehensive Comparison

OFP Funding vs TopStep: Comprehensive Comparison

Introduction

OFP Funding and TopStep are two prominent proprietary trading firms that provide funded trading accounts to aspiring futures traders. OFP Funding (Online Funded Prop) has established itself as a modern, trader-friendly prop firm offering flexible evaluation programs with competitive profit splits and straightforward rules. TopStep, founded in 2012, is one of the industry pioneers with over a decade of experience, having funded thousands of traders and paid out millions in profits. TopStep maintains a strong reputation with a Trustpilot rating of approximately 4.3/5 from over 1,000 reviews, while OFP Funding has been building its reputation as a newer entrant with competitive offerings and trader-centric policies. Both firms offer traders the opportunity to trade with significant capital without risking their own money, but they differ in their evaluation processes, pricing structures, and trading rules.

Quick Comparison

Feature OFP Funding TopStep
Founded 2020s 2012
Trustpilot Rating 4.5/5 (100+ reviews) 4.3/5 (1,000+ reviews)
Account Sizes $25K – $250K $50K – $150K
Profit Split Up to 90% Up to 100% (first $5K), then 90%
Evaluation Fee Starting at $99 Starting at $165/month
Review Read full review Read full review

Program Types – Which experience fits your goals?

Program OFP Funding TopStep
Standard Evaluation ✓ One-step and two-step evaluation programs available ✓ Time-based evaluation (up to 4 months)
Express/Fast Track ✓ One-step evaluation option for faster funding ✓ Express program available for experienced traders
Scaling Plan ✓ Account scaling based on performance ✓ Account scaling up to $150K based on consistency
Reset Options ✓ Discounted resets available ✓ Reset available at reduced monthly fee
Free Retries Varies by program ✗ Not included

Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test?

Criteria OFP Funding TopStep
Profit Target $3,000 – $15,000 (depending on account size) $3,000 – $9,000 (depending on account size)
Max Daily Loss $2,000 – $7,500 (depending on account size) $2,000 – $3,000 (depending on account size)
Max Total Drawdown $3,000 – $10,000 (static or trailing) $3,000 – $5,000 (trailing)
Minimum Trading Days 3-5 days minimum 5 days minimum during evaluation
Maximum Trading Days Unlimited (one-step), 30-60 days (two-step) Up to 120 days
Consistency Rule Best day cannot exceed certain % of total profit No single day can exceed 50% of total profit
Position Limits Specified per account size Specified per instrument and account size

Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay?

Option OFP Funding TopStep
$25K Account $99 – $149 (one-time) Not Available
$50K Account $199 – $249 (one-time) $165/month
$100K Account $349 – $449 (one-time) $325/month
$150K Account $549 – $649 (one-time) $375/month
Activation Fee Included $99 – $199 upon passing
Monthly Platform Fee None after funded $150 – $195/month after funding
Refundable on Profit ✓ First profit withdrawal includes fee refund ✗ Activation fee non-refundable
Coupons Coupon Code Coupon Code
Review Read full review Read full review

Platforms/Tools – What can you use?

Platform/Tool OFP Funding TopStep
Trading Platforms Rithmic, NinjaTrader, TradingView TopstepTrader Platform, Quantower, NinjaTrader 8
Data Feeds Rithmic, CQG Rithmic data included
Mobile Trading ✓ Available on supported platforms ✓ Limited mobile support
Auto-Trading/Bots ✓ Allowed (with restrictions) ✓ Allowed (must be disclosed)
Third-Party Tools ✓ Compatible with most futures tools ✓ Compatible with approved integrations
Dashboard & Analytics ✓ Trader dashboard with statistics ✓ Comprehensive performance analytics

Available Markets – What can you trade?

Market Category OFP Funding TopStep
Equity Index Futures ✓ ES, NQ, YM, RTY, and micro contracts ✓ ES, NQ, YM, RTY, and micro contracts
Energy Futures ✓ CL, NG, and related products ✓ CL, NG, RB, HO
Agricultural Futures ✓ ZC, ZS, ZW, and other grains ✓ ZC, ZS, ZW, and other grains
Metal Futures ✓ GC, SI, HG, and other metals ✓ GC, SI, HG, and other metals
Currency Futures ✓ 6E, 6B, 6J, and other currencies ✓ 6E, 6B, 6J, and other currencies
Interest Rate Futures ✓ ZN, ZB, and treasury products ✓ ZN, ZB, ZF, and treasury products
Cryptocurrency Futures ✓ Bitcoin and Ethereum futures (BTC, ETH) ✓ Bitcoin and Ethereum futures

Technical Capabilities/Performance

Feature OFP Funding TopStep
Execution Speed Fast via Rithmic infrastructure Fast via NinjaTrader and TradeOvate
Automated Trading ✓ Permitted with restrictions ✓ Allowed with proper disclosure
Order Types Market, Limit, Stop, OCO All standard futures order types
Platform Reliability Modern infrastructure, good uptime Very reliable, established since 2012
Data Feed Quality Rithmic data included with evaluation Free Rithmic or TopStep data feed
Trading Hours Standard futures market hours Nearly 24/5 access on major products

Payout & Profit Sharing – How do you get paid?

Element OFP Funding TopStep
Profit Split 80% standard, up to 90% with scaling 100% on first $5K, then 90%
First Payout Timing 14 days after first funded trade 8 trading days + 10 calendar days
Subsequent Payouts On-demand (bi-weekly minimum) Every 15 calendar days
Minimum Payout Amount $100 $100
Payout Methods Bank transfer, crypto, payment processors ACH, wire transfer, PayPal
Payout Fees Varies by method None for ACH, fees for other methods
Withdrawal of Initial Fee ✓ Refunded with first profit split ✗ Activation fee not refunded

Support and Community – How will you learn?

Feature OFP Funding TopStep
Customer Support Hours Email and Discord support during business hours Phone, email, live chat during business hours
Educational Resources Trading guides, webinars, blog content Extensive library, daily coaching sessions, podcasts
Community Access ✓ Discord community ✓ Active trader community and forums
Live Trading Room Limited ✓ Daily live trading sessions with coaches
One-on-One Mentoring ✗ Not included ✓ Available through coaching programs
Performance Coaching Basic resources ✓ Dedicated performance coaches

Conclusion and Final Recommendation

Key Element OFP Funding TopStep
Strengths • Lower one-time fees
• No monthly platform fees after funding
• Up to 90% profit split
• Fee refund on first profit
• Flexible evaluation options
• Modern, trader-friendly approach
• Industry pioneer with 10+ years experience
• Extensive educational resources
• Strong coaching and mentorship programs
• 100% profit on first $5K
• Well-established reputation
• Comprehensive trader support
Weaknesses • Newer company with less track record
• Smaller trader community
• Limited educational content compared to TopStep
• Less structured coaching programs
• Monthly subscription model more expensive over time
• Activation fee not refundable
• Ongoing monthly platform fees after funding
• Longer path to profitability due to fees
• Stricter position limits on some instruments
Best For Cost-conscious traders who prefer one-time payments, experienced traders who don’t need extensive education, those seeking higher profit splits quickly, traders who want faster evaluation processes New traders needing comprehensive education, those who value coaching and mentorship, traders wanting an established company with proven track record, those who prefer structured learning environments
Final Grade 4.4/5 4.3/5
Discount Codes Coupon Code Coupon Code
Review Read full review Read full review

FAQ

What makes OFP Funding popular among users?

OFP Funding has gained popularity for its straightforward, trader-friendly approach with transparent rules and competitive pricing. The one-time fee structure appeals to traders who want to avoid ongoing monthly subscriptions, and the fee refund policy (where your evaluation fee is returned with your first profit withdrawal) reduces the overall cost of getting funded. Traders also appreciate the up to 90% profit split, flexible evaluation options, and the absence of monthly platform fees once funded. The modern dashboard and responsive Discord community support have also contributed to its growing reputation among cost-conscious traders.

How does TopStep differ from other similar organizations?

TopStep distinguishes itself as an industry pioneer with over a decade of operational history and a proven track record of funding thousands of successful traders. Unlike many competitors, TopStep offers comprehensive educational resources including daily live coaching sessions, extensive course libraries, and performance analytics. Their unique profit split structure (100% of the first $5,000, then 90% thereafter) rewards early success. TopStep also emphasizes trader development through its coaching programs and structured learning environment, making it particularly suitable for newer traders. The company’s longevity and reputation for consistent payouts set it apart in an industry where many newer firms come and go.

Which prop firm is more cost-effective long-term?

OFP Funding is generally more cost-effective for traders who pass their evaluation quickly and maintain profitable funded accounts. With one-time fees starting at $99 and no monthly platform fees after funding, costs remain low once you’re funded. The fee refund on first profit essentially makes the evaluation free. TopStep’s monthly subscription model ($165-$375/month during evaluation, plus $150-$195/month after funding) can become expensive over time, especially if you need multiple attempts or maintain a funded account for many months. However, for traders who value extensive education and coaching, TopStep’s additional resources may justify the higher cost. Calculate your expected timeline to profitability to determine which pricing model works best for your situation.

Can I use automated trading strategies with both firms?

Yes, both OFP Funding and TopStep allow automated trading strategies and expert advisors (EAs), though both require disclosure and have specific guidelines. OFP Funding permits algorithmic trading on most supported platforms, but traders should verify specific bot usage with their compliance team. TopStep also allows automated strategies but requires traders to disclose their use and may request details about the trading system. Both firms maintain the same profit targets, drawdown limits, and consistency rules whether you trade manually or algorithmically. It’s essential to ensure your automated strategy can comply with daily loss limits, position sizing restrictions, and consistency requirements before using it in evaluation or funded accounts.

What happens if I fail the evaluation with each company?

If you fail an OFP Funding evaluation by exceeding drawdown limits or violating rules, you’ll need to purchase a new evaluation or a discounted reset (if available). The advantage is that there’s no ongoing monthly charge, so you can take time to improve your strategy without accumulating costs. With TopStep, failing the evaluation means you’ll need to restart, either by continuing your monthly subscription for a new evaluation cycle or pausing and restarting later. Some traders find TopStep’s reset options ($99-$149) more affordable than purchasing a completely new evaluation, while others prefer OFP’s structure where there’s no monthly pressure. Both firms offer learning opportunities from failed attempts, but TopStep provides more structured feedback and coaching to help you understand what went wrong and improve for the next attempt.

How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?

1. We Collect

Our research team gathered comprehensive data from multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and completeness. We examined official websites, pricing pages, terms of service, and program documentation from both OFP Funding and TopStep. Customer reviews were collected from Trustpilot, Reddit trading communities, and industry forums to understand real user experiences. We also reviewed promotional materials, educational content, and support documentation. Industry reports, trading community discussions, and comparison articles from reputable financial websites provided additional context. Direct communication with support teams helped clarify specific policies and features that weren’t clearly documented publicly.

2. We Examine

Our team of trading industry experts and experienced prop firm traders analyzed all collected information for accuracy, relevance, and current validity. We cross-referenced data points across multiple sources to verify claims and identify any discrepancies. Each feature, fee, and requirement was validated against official documentation and current user reports. We tested platform features where possible and consulted with funded traders from both firms to understand practical experiences. Special attention was paid to recent changes in policies, pricing, or terms that might affect traders. Our analysts evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of each firm based on objective criteria and real-world performance metrics.

3. We Score

Our scoring methodology evaluates multiple dimensions including cost-effectiveness, evaluation difficulty, platform quality, educational resources, payout reliability, customer support, and overall value proposition. Each category receives a weighted score based on importance to typical traders. We considered factors such as total cost to profitability, fee structures, profit split percentages, evaluation pass rates (when available), customer satisfaction ratings, payout speed and reliability, and platform capabilities. The final grades reflect a balanced assessment of each firm’s strengths and weaknesses, considering different trader profiles and needs. Scores are updated regularly as firms evolve their offerings and as new user feedback becomes available.

4. You Choose

This comparison provides the factual foundation for your decision, but the right choice depends on your individual circumstances, trading experience, and priorities. Consider your budget and preferred fee structure (one-time vs. subscription), your experience level and need for education, your trading style and preferred markets, your timeline to profitability, and your risk tolerance regarding evaluation difficulty. Use the detailed comparison tables to identify which firm aligns better with your specific needs. Remember that success with any prop firm ultimately depends on your trading skills, discipline, and risk management. We recommend reading full reviews of each firm, joining their communities to ask questions, and starting with the evaluation size and type that matches your current skill level.