Topstep vs Take Profit Trader: Which Futures Prop Firm Wins in 2026?
A data-driven head-to-head on price, drawdown, profit split, payouts and platforms.
If you're comparing Topstep vs Take Profit Trader, you're weighing two futures prop firms that both trade futures and micros but take different routes to funding. Topstep is one of the most established names in the space, funding traders since 2012 with on-demand payouts. Take Profit Trader pairs a forgiving end-of-day drawdown with fast on-demand PRO+ payouts.
Both are worth a look, but they diverge on price, drawdown style, profit split and track record. Below we break Topstep and Take Profit Trader down head-to-head so you can pick the one that fits your capital and style.
| Metric | Topstep | Take Profit Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Trustpilot | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Founded | 2012 | 2021 |
| Evaluation | 1-Step | 1-Step (PRO) |
| Drawdown | trailing | eod |
| Profit split | 100% first $10K then 90% | Up to 90% |
| Consistency rule | None on funded (Express) | 50% on Test phase; none on PRO / PRO+ |
| First payout | 5 winning days | On-demand (PRO+) |
| Max allocation | $150K | $150K |
| Round-turn commission | Approx $4.00 per round-turn per contract | $5.00 per round-turn per contract |
| Platforms | 4 supported | 8 supported |
Topstep vs Take Profit Trader: evaluation model
Topstep runs a 1-Step model, and lets you run up to 5 accounts at once. Take Profit Trader runs a 1-Step (PRO) model. Both are one-step at heart, so you're funded after clearing a single target under the firm's risk rules — the difference is in those rules, which we cover next.
Pricing & commissions
Topstep charges Approx $4.00 per round-turn per contract. Take Profit Trader charges $5.00 per round-turn per contract. On per-trade cost, Topstep is the cheaper of the two (~$4.00 vs ~$5.00 per round-turn). Always check each firm's coupons page for the live discount before you buy.
Drawdown & risk rules
This is the key risk difference. Topstep uses a stricter trailing drawdown that follows your peak balance up, so a mid-trade dip can breach it. Take Profit Trader uses a more forgiving end-of-day drawdown that only settles at the close, giving you more intraday room. On consistency, Topstep applies: None on funded (Express). Take Profit Trader applies: 50% on Test phase; none on PRO / PRO+.
Profit split & payouts
Topstep pays 100% first $10K then 90%, with a first payout after 5 winning days. Take Profit Trader pays Up to 90%, with a first payout after On-demand (PRO+). On the split, Topstep has the edge. For anyone planning to withdraw serious profit, the split and payout cadence are worth reading in full on each firm's payouts page.
Trading platforms
Topstep supports NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView, Quantower and more; Take Profit Trader supports NinjaTrader, TradingView, Tradovate, Quantower and more. Take Profit Trader gives you more charting choice (8 vs 4). Both handle order-flow trading, so platform choice is rarely the deciding factor here.
Who should choose which?
- Long track record (since 2012)
- On-demand payouts
- 100%→90% split
- Simple 1-step evaluation
- EOD drawdown (more forgiving intraday)
- Huge platform choice
Want the full breakdown? Read our Topstep review and Take Profit Trader review, or grab the latest Topstep coupon codes.
Verdict — Topstep wins overall
This is a close matchup. Topstep wins overall (score 8.2 vs 8.0) on a stronger profit split, lower commissions, a longer track record. Take Profit Trader is still a strong pick if you want a more forgiving end-of-day drawdown.
FAQ
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Related comparisons
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