Topstep vs Top One Futures - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
Topstep and Top One Futures are both US-based, futures-only prop firms built around CME Group markets, but they come from different generations. Topstep was founded in Chicago in 2012 by Michael Patak and is widely credited with inventing the modern evaluation model, having paid out more than $1 billion to funded traders. Top One Futures is the newer challenger, founded in 2023 by Matt Morris and Clay Hodges in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and it has scaled quickly on the back of very fast payouts and instant-funding options. Both run single-step style evaluations with a 6% profit target, and both keep you on CME index, energy, metal and currency futures. The real differences come down to payout speed, profit split, platform setup and funded-account rules. Topstep runs on its proprietary TopstepX platform with a 90/10 split (100% of the first $10,000 on legacy accounts), while Top One Futures pays 100% of your first $20,000 then 90/10, processes withdrawals on demand in about an hour, and offers no-evaluation funded routes. If you want the most established name in futures funding, Topstep is the benchmark. If you want the fastest payouts and the highest first-profit threshold, Top One Futures is one of the strongest newer options.
Quick Comparison |
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| Feature | Topstep | Top One Futures |
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|  |  |
| Founded | 2012 (Chicago, IL) | 2023 (Cheyenne, WY) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.5/5 (14,203 reviews, June 2026) | 4.8/5 (4,017 reviews, June 2026) |
| Account Sizes | $50K / $100K / $150K | $25K to $300K |
| Profit Split | Flat 90/10 (new accounts); 100% of first $10K then 90/10 for legacy | 100% of first $20,000, then 90/10 |
| Evaluation Style | Single-phase Trading Combine | 1-step Elite Challenge, plus instant-funded options |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? |
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| Program | Topstep | Top One Futures |
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| Standard Evaluation | Trading Combine – single phase, 6% profit target | Elite Challenge – 1-step, 6% profit target |
| Instant / Skip-Evaluation | Not offered – evaluation required | Instant Sim Funded, S2F Sim PRO and Ignite (no evaluation) |
| Drawdown Structure | Single EOD trailing structure | EOD trailing on all accounts; locks at starting balance |
| Educational Support | Discord (150K+ traders), live trading rooms, daily sessions | Onboarding resources and 24/7 support |
| Account Scaling | Not published beyond $150K Combine size | Scale to $2.5M+ across multiple accounts |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? |
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| Criteria | Topstep | Top One Futures |
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| Profit Target | 6% – $3,000 / $6,000 / $9,000 | 6% (e.g. $3,000 on a $50K account) |
| Maximum Daily Loss | None – no daily loss cap | 2.5% soft pause (trading resumes next day, no termination) |
| Maximum Drawdown | EOD trailing MLL – $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,500; freezes at starting balance | 4% EOD trailing; locks at starting balance |
| Minimum Trading Days | 5 trading days | None – can pass in a single day |
| Time Limit | None | None |
| Consistency Rule | Best single day no more than 50% of total profits at payout | 25% on funded accounts |
| Minimum Trade Duration | Not specified | 10 seconds |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? |
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| Option | Topstep | Top One Futures |
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| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription | Monthly (Elite Challenge) or one-time (instant accounts) |
| Entry Level ($50K) | $49/mo (Standard) or $109/mo (No Activation Fee) | $105/mo + $149 activation (Elite Challenge) |
| Instant Funding | Not offered | Instant Sim ~$679, S2F PRO ~$421, Ignite ~$398 (one-time) |
| Activation Fee | Included in path pricing | $149 after passing Elite Challenge |
| Payout Speed | Standard payout processing | On-demand, average under 1 hour (via Riseworks) |
| Coupons | See discounts | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? |
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| Platform | Topstep | Top One Futures |
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| Trading Platforms | TopstepX only (mandatory for new accounts from July 2025) | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, ProjectX (verify availability) |
| Data Feed | Integrated via TopstepX (TradingView charts built in) | Rithmic data feed supported |
| Mobile Trading | TopstepX supports mobile browser access | Tradovate and NinjaTrader mobile apps |
| Automated Trading | Fully permitted with no stated restrictions | Expert Advisors permitted on all account types |
| News Trading | Permitted | Fully permitted, no news restrictions |
| Execution | Institutional-grade infrastructure via TopstepX | Simulated funded model via third-party platforms |
Available Markets/Products |
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| Market | Topstep | Top One Futures |
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| Index Futures | ES, NQ, YM, RTY and all CME Group index products | ES, NQ, YM |
| Energy Futures | CL, NG and CME energy suite | CL, NG |
| Metals Futures | GC, SI and CME metals products | GC, SI |
| Agricultural Futures | CME agricultural suite (corn, wheat, soybeans) | Not specified |
| FX / Currency Futures | CME FX futures (6E, 6B, 6J) | 6E, 6B, 6J |
| Weekend Holding | Permitted on most CME contracts | Not permitted – close by 4:00 PM ET Friday |
Technical Capabilities/Performance |
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| Feature | Topstep | Top One Futures |
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| Execution Speed | Institutional-grade infrastructure via TopstepX | Third-party platform execution |
| Automated Trading | EAs fully permitted – no restrictions stated | EAs permitted on all account types |
| Platform Reliability | TopstepX – proprietary, purpose-built | Established third-party platforms (NinjaTrader, Tradovate) |
| Payout Processor | Standard payout processing | Riseworks (bank transfer and crypto options) |
| Payout Record | $1 billion+ paid out to traders | $21M+ paid out since 2023 |
| Trading Hours | CME hours; overnight/weekend holding permitted on most contracts | CME hours; no weekend holding |
Support and Community |
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| Support Feature | Topstep | Top One Futures |
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| Customer Support | Live chat, email, phone, SMS, WhatsApp | 24/7 live chat and email |
| Live Coaching | Live trading rooms and daily sessions via Discord | Not specified |
| Trading Community | Discord – 150,000+ members | Part of the wider TopOne brand |
| Educational Resources | Video library, trading guides, strategy sessions | Onboarding and support resources |
| Track Record | $1 billion+ paid out | $21M+ paid out; Trustpilot 4.8/5 |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation |
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| Key Element | Topstep | Top One Futures |
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| Strengths | Industry pioneer with $1B+ in payouts; 100% of first $10K on legacy accounts; no daily loss limit; largest futures community | 100% of first $20,000; on-demand payouts under 1 hour; instant-funding routes; soft daily-loss pause |
| Weaknesses | Single platform (TopstepX); monthly fees accumulate; no multi-asset access | Short track record (2023); no weekend holding; 25% consistency rule and tiered payout thresholds |
| Best For | Traders who want the most established firm and a large community | Traders who want the fastest payouts and the highest first-profit threshold |
| Final Grade | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Discount Codes | See discounts | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
Are Topstep and Top One Futures both futures-only?
Yes. Both firms fund traders exclusively on CME Group futures – index, energy, metal, agricultural and currency contracts. Neither offers forex or CFD funded accounts.
Which firm pays out faster?
Top One Futures is the faster of the two, with on-demand withdrawals that average under an hour through its Riseworks processor. Topstep processes payouts on a standard schedule once the funded account requirements are met.
Which firm has the better profit split?
Top One Futures lets you keep 100% of your first $20,000 in profits, then 90/10. Topstep runs a 90/10 split on new accounts, with legacy accounts keeping 100% of the first $10,000. Top One Futures has the higher first-profit threshold.
Does either firm allow instant funding without an evaluation?
Top One Futures does, through its Instant Sim Funded, S2F Sim PRO and Ignite accounts. Topstep requires you to pass its single-phase Trading Combine before reaching a funded account.
Can I hold trades over the weekend?
Topstep permits overnight and weekend holding on most CME contracts. Top One Futures does not allow weekend holding – all positions must be closed by 4:00 PM ET on Friday.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
This comparison was compiled using the published review data on JoinProp for each firm. All figures – fees, profit targets, drawdown limits and payout structures – are taken from each firm’s review page. Where a detail is not publicly disclosed, the cell reads “Not specified.” Verify current terms directly with Topstep and Top One Futures before purchasing a challenge.
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