Topstep vs OneUp Trader – Prop Firm Comparison
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Introduction
Topstep and OneUp Trader 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. OneUp Trader, founded 2016 (United States) funds $25K to $250K accounts on CME futures, keeps 100% on first $10,000, then 90/10, and runs 1-Step Evaluation, with standard payout processing. Topstep is best for traders who want the most established firm and a large community, while OneUp Trader suits traders who want a long-established firm with free platform tools and no daily loss limit.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Topstep | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| 
| |
| Founded | 2012 | 2016 |
| Profit Split | 90% trader share; first-$10,000 lifetime-profit exception for traders who joined the new dashboard before Jan 12, 2026 | 100% first $10,000, then 90/10 |
| Maximum Account Size | $150,000 | $250,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | 1 | 1 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.4 | 4.7 |
| Expert Grade | 9 | 8 |
Program Types
| Program | Topstep | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Program | Not available | Not available |
| Scaling Options | No | Yes |
| Demo Account | No | Yes |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | Topstep | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | Trading Combine Parameters - 50,000: 3,000 Trading Combine Parameters - 100,000: 6,000 Trading Combine Parameters - 150,000: 9,000 | 6% |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing MLL: $2,000-$4,500 | Real-time trailing, locks at starting balance; touching the floor breaches; includes commissions and fees |
| Minimum Trading Days | Trading Combine can pass in as few as 2 days, subject to 55% consistency; funded payout paths have separate day requirements | 10 standard; 5 Pro; 3 Express (eligible returning funded traders only) |
| News Trading | Yes | Evaluation: allowed; funded: flat 1 minute before, during and after specified major releases |
| 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 | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Futures $25K Account | Not listed in review pricing source | Evaluation / USD 65 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $50K Account | Trading Combine / USD 49 / Monthly Standard Trading Combine monthly price. Source Checked 2026-08-10 | Evaluation / USD 75 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. 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 | Evaluation / USD 150 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $150K Account | Trading Combine / USD 199 / Monthly Standard Trading Combine monthly price. Source Checked 2026-09-27 | Evaluation / USD 175 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $250K Account | Not listed in review pricing source | Evaluation / USD 325 / Monthly Monthly evaluation price shown on OneUp Trader homepage. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Refund Policy | Not available | Not available |
| Coupons / Discount | Topstep discount | OneUp Trader discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | Topstep | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | TopstepX; Quantower connectivity for Trading Combine and Express Funded accounts | NinjaTrader, R|Trader, R|Trader Pro, Quantower, Sierra Chart, ATAS, and 16 more |
| 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 | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Weekday requests; retained buffer; $1,000 minimum trader share. Wire receipt 1–3 business days. Crypto: once/week, $3,000 cap, 5% fee, up to 14 business days after approval. |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | Topstep | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Founded 2016 one of longest-running, 100% profit on first $10K, No daily loss limit, 20+ platform support, Free NinjaTrader license, 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 | Recurring evaluation fee plus activation; no overnight/weekend holding; funded news windows, weekly activity and 90-day probation rules; Express eligibility restricted |
| Best For | Serious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluation | Experienced futures traders seeking established firm with generous early payouts |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
Choose Topstep if you want a lower 5-day minimum, a cheaper entry, from USD 49 and news trading allowed. Choose OneUp Trader if a larger funded ceiling at $250K and a demo account to test the platform first matter more to you. 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 OneUp Trader’s programs?
OneUp Trader was founded in 2016 and carries a JoinProp Rating of 8 out of 10. Our comparison table lists a 1-phase evaluation, a 6% profit target and a maximum funded account of $250,000. Trading platforms are listed as 20+ including NinjaTrader, Rithmic, ATAS, Quantower, Sierra Chart, Bookmap. On the same table scaling is offered, a demo account is available and an entry level program is available. Confirm the current terms for the exact account you buy before you fund it.
How do payouts differ between Topstep and OneUp Trader?
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.
OneUp Trader lists a profit split of 100% first $10,000, then 90/10. Its payout terms are listed as ACH, Wire transfer, Cryptocurrency.
Which account rules matter when comparing Topstep and OneUp Trader?
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.
OneUp Trader applies 2.2%-6% trailing as its maximum drawdown. It also lists a 6% profit target and 15 minimum trading days. On this firm news trading is not permitted and EAs and algorithms are permitted.
Is Topstep or OneUp Trader 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.
OneUp Trader Strengths: Founded 2016 one of longest-running and 100% profit on first $10K. Watch-outs: Futures only and No weekend holding. Best suited to: Experienced futures traders seeking established firm with generous early payouts.
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 OneUp Trader 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 OneUp Trader offers standard payout processing. 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 OneUp Trader keeps 100% on first $10,000, then 90/10. The better deal depends on the account tier and how far you scale.
Does either firm offer instant funding?
Topstep requires an evaluation, while OneUp Trader offers one (express Funding for returning traders).
Which firm gives more platform choice?
Topstep supports TopstepX only (new accounts since July 2025), while OneUp Trader supports 20+ platforms incl. free NinjaTrader license.
How We Compared Topstep and OneUp Trader
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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