Choosing between The5ers and Topstep comes down to whether you prioritize profit retention or trading flexibility. The5ers offers 100% profit splits and no minimum trading days, making it attractive for traders who want maximum earnings potential without forced activity. Topstep counters with no daily loss limits and daily payouts, appealing to active traders who need consistent cash flow and freedom from daily drawdown constraints. This comparison examines the key differences in rules, payouts, and trader requirements to help you determine which firm aligns with your trading style and financial goals.
T
The5ers
Est. 2016 · Raanana, Israel
4.8
21,000 reviews
VS
3 wins
4 ties
2 wins
T
Topstep
Est. 2012 · Chicago, USA
4.4
14,000 reviews
Feature
The5ers
Topstep
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
N/A
Max Daily Loss
3%
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
Max Total Loss
6%
N/A
Min Trading Days
None✓ No minimum
5 days
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
100%✓ Higher profit split
50% (up to 90%)
Payout Frequency
monthly
daily✓ Faster payouts
Platforms
N/A
N/A
The5ers
Pros
+Scale up to $4M in funded trading capital with industry-leading spreads
+Up to 100% profit split with transparent one-time fees
+Unlimited time limit for evaluations with no consistency rules
+24/7 support and guidance with free educational resources
+10+ years active with 262K funded traders and reliable payouts
Cons
−Limited leverage at 1:30 compared to some competitors
−One-time fee of $260 applies to all account sizes
−Daily pause rule at 3% may limit aggressive trading strategies
Topstep
Pros
+Performance-based capital release structure with 20% initial access scaling to full balance
+Daily payout eligibility after 30 benchmark trading days with up to 90% profit split
+Performance bonus program offering over $250,000 in cash bonuses for consistent traders
+Dynamic risk expansion that adjusts daily loss limits as account balance grows
+Live Funded Account structure designed to help transition from simulated to live trading
Cons
−Must maintain account balance above $0 at all times or forfeit account
−Initial payout split limited to 50% until reaching 30 benchmark trading days
−Account automatically closed if inactive for 90 days
−All positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT daily
−Protective stops required on every open position
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
The5ers is better suited for profitable traders who trade less frequently and want to maximize their earnings per trade. The 100% profit split versus Topstep's starting 50% means The5ers traders keep significantly more of their profits, while the absence of minimum trading days accommodates swing traders and those who prefer quality over quantity. The scaling potential to $4 million also makes it more attractive for serious traders planning long-term growth.
Topstep works better for active day traders and scalpers who need operational flexibility and quick access to their profits. The lack of daily loss limits removes a major psychological barrier for aggressive trading strategies, while daily payouts provide immediate access to earnings rather than waiting monthly. However, the lower profit splits mean you'll need to generate significantly more profit to match The5ers' net payouts.
For most traders, The5ers offers better value due to the superior profit splits and scaling potential, making it the recommended choice unless you specifically need Topstep's daily payout structure or cannot work within daily loss constraints.
Choose The5ers if:
→Scale up to $4M in funded trading capital with industry-leading spreads
→Up to 100% profit split with transparent one-time fees
→Unlimited time limit for evaluations with no consistency rules
→24/7 support and guidance with free educational resources
Choose Topstep if:
→Performance-based capital release structure with 20% initial access scaling to full balance
→Daily payout eligibility after 30 benchmark trading days with up to 90% profit split
→Performance bonus program offering over $250,000 in cash bonuses for consistent traders
→Dynamic risk expansion that adjusts daily loss limits as account balance grows
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.