Top One Futures vs Topstep: Which Prop Firm Should You Choose?

If you’re trying to decide between Top One Futures and Topstep, you’re not alone. Both are popular futures prop trading firms, but they differ in several key ways that can seriously impact your trading experience. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you make an informed decision based on your trading style, budget, and goals.

1. Pricing & Account Sizes

When you look at the entry cost, Top One Futures is the more budget-friendly option. It offers better value for the same account sizes compared to Topstep.

Account Size	Top One Futures	Topstep
$50,000	$135 (one-time)	$165/month
$100,000	$155 (one-time)	$325/month
$150,000	$195 (one-time)	$375/month
$200,000	$245 (one-time)	N/A

You pay once with Top One Futures. With Topstep, you’re committing to a monthly subscription — which adds up if you don’t pass quickly.

2. Payout Policy

If you’re trading for income, payout frequency matters. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Top One Futures	Topstep
First Payout	After 5 trading days	After 15 trading days
Payout Frequency	Weekly	Bi-weekly
Minimum Withdrawal	$100	$200
Payout Method	Wise, PayPal, ACH	PayPal, ACH

With Top One Futures, you can request your first withdrawal in as little as five days after going live. Topstep requires you to wait longer and withdraw in larger chunks.

3. Profit Split

You’re doing the work — so the split matters.

Phase	Top One Futures	Topstep
Evaluation	100% to trader	100% to trader
Funded Account	90% to trader	90% to trader

Both firms offer the same 90/10 split once you’re funded, but Top One Futures stands out by letting you withdraw more frequently.

4. Trading Rules and Flexibility

Rules can make or break your experience. Some prop firms are overly strict. Here’s how these two stack up:

Rule	Top One Futures	Topstep
Daily Drawdown	Trailing (dynamic)	Trailing (dynamic)
Weekly Loss Limit	No	Yes (e.g. $1,000 on $50k account)
Time Limit to Qualify	No	Yes (e.g. must trade at least 5 days)
Weekend Holding	Allowed (demo only)	Not allowed
News Trading	Allowed	Restricted
Scaling Plan	Removed ✅	Required

Top One Futures gives you more freedom — no weekly loss limits, no minimum trading days, and they recently removed their scaling plan, which means you can trade your full size right away.

5. Platform Support

You’ll want a firm that works with your preferred trading tools.

Platform Support	Top One Futures	Topstep
Rithmic	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Tradovate	✅ Yes (via Rithmic)	❌ No support
NinjaTrader	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Others (Sierra, Bookmap)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

If you use Tradovate or Rithmic-based platforms, Top One Futures gives you more compatibility.

6. Customer Support & Community

Support and community matter — especially when you’re trying to pass an evaluation.

Category	Top One Futures	Topstep
Support Response	Fast (via Discord & Email)	Slower (mainly Email)
Discord Community	✅ Active & helpful	❌ Limited or none
Educational Content	Some via Discord	Provided via dashboard

You’re likely to get quicker help and feedback in Top One Futures’ Discord, while Topstep focuses more on internal resources.

7. Refund Policy

Getting your evaluation fee back is a nice touch — and both firms offer it under certain conditions.

Refund Policy	Top One Futures	Topstep
Refund After Passing	✅ Yes (full refund)	✅ Yes (1st month refunded)
Conditions	Pass evaluation + 10 days live	Pass + withdrawal

Top One Futures gives you a full refund after going live for 10 days. Topstep refunds only your first month, and only after your first withdrawal.

8. Who It’s Best For

You’re a trader who…	Go with…
Wants low upfront costs	Top One Futures
Needs more time to pass an eval	Top One Futures
Prefers fewer restrictions	Top One Futures
Is okay with stricter rules and monthly fees	Topstep
Wants more structure and brand recognition	Topstep