Topstep vs Tradeify: Which Futures Prop Firm Is Better in 2026?

Topstep and Tradeify are two of the most-compared futures prop firms. Both pay a 90/10 split and use end-of-day trailing drawdowns, but they price evaluations very differently. All figures below were checked on each firm's help center on November 3, 2026.

Quick verdict

• Choose Topstep if you expect to pass quickly and want the lowest upfront price, and you're happy trading on TopstepX.
• Choose Tradeify if you want a fixed one-time cost, no activation fee and a choice of platforms.

50K account compared

Total cost depends on how long you take

On Topstep's Standard path, passing in month one costs $49 + $149 = $198. Taking three months costs $147 + $149 = $296. Tradeify Growth costs $145 whether you pass in a week or a month (resets aside). The longer you expect to take, the more a one-time fee helps.

Resets and promo codes are not included.

Plan choices at each firm

Topstep keeps things simple: one Combine with two payment paths. Tradeify sells several evaluation types. Growth has no consistency rule and a soft daily loss limit. Select ($165 for 50K) has no daily loss limit but a 40% consistency rule in the evaluation, and leads to either a Select Flex or Select Daily funded account. Lightning accounts ($492 for 50K) skip the evaluation entirely. More choice is useful once you know your style, but takes longer to compare.

Daily loss limits compared

Both firms' daily limits pause trading rather than failing the account, but they work differently. Topstep's is optional: you choose at purchase whether to add a $1,000 limit on 50K, and it flattens positions and blocks new trades until the next session. Tradeify Growth's $1,250 limit is built in, and its help center calls it a soft breach that stops trading for the day. If you want the safety net, both have one. If you don't, Topstep lets you skip it, and Tradeify's Select plan has none.

Payouts

Topstep's Standard funded account lets you request a payout after five winning days of $150 or more, up to 50% of the balance, with a $125 minimum. Tradeify's Select Flex funded account pays after five winning days of $100–$250 depending on size, also up to 50% of profit, with a $250 minimum. Tradeify lowered Select Flex caps for purchases after September 1, 2026: the 50K cap is now $2,500 per payout, versus Topstep's $2,000 on a Standard 50K XFA.

If payout frequency matters most, Tradeify's Select Daily account lets you request daily once you're above a buffer ($2,100 on 50K), with a 24-hour processing guarantee once onboarding is complete. Topstep's approval takes one to three business days. See the fastest-paying prop firms.

News rules

Tradeify's help center says it has no rules against trading news events. Topstep restricts new opening trades in equity index and metals futures during a 10-minute window around CPI, the jobs report, PPI and Federal Reserve announcements. If you trade the 8:30 a.m. ET data releases, that difference matters. Our economic calendar guide explains each release.

Platforms

This is the biggest practical difference. New Topstep accounts can only use TopstepX. Tradeify supports most major futures platforms through Tradovate and Rithmic connections.

Which suits you

• Topstep if you're confident of passing within a month, value detailed documentation and like the optional daily loss limit as a safety net.
• Tradeify if you want one fixed cost, your own platform, no consistency rule on Growth and no news restrictions.

Whichever you pick, size positions from the $2,000 drawdown, not the 50K headline, with the position size calculator. Micros such as MES give you far more room than ES.

Read the full reviews: Topstep and Tradeify, or compare every firm in our prop firm rankings. For larger account sizes, see Tradeify vs Topstep at 100K and 150K.

Frequently asked questions

Is Topstep or Tradeify cheaper?

Topstep is cheaper if you pass in month one on its No Activation Fee path ($95). From month two, Tradeify Growth's $145 one-time fee is cheaper.

Do both firms pay 90/10?

Yes. Topstep traders who joined before January 12, 2026 also keep 100% of their first $10,000.

Can I use NinjaTrader at Topstep?

New Topstep accounts trade on TopstepX only. Tradeify supports NinjaTrader, Tradovate and TradingView among others.

Which has a consistency rule?

Topstep's Combine requires your best day to stay under 55% of the target. Tradeify Growth has none; Tradeify Select has a 40% rule in the evaluation.

Which allows more contracts on 50K?

Topstep allows 5 contracts or 50 micros; Tradeify Growth allows 4 contracts or 40 micros.

Can I fail during the day with an EOD drawdown?

Yes, at both firms. The limit is calculated at the close but enforced in real time.

Prop firm evaluations are paid simulated programs and most participants do not pass. Confirm current terms on each firm's site before buying.