Earn2Trade
76/100
StrongTopstep
60/100
AdequateEarn2Trade scores 16.5 higher under TVSM-PF/2.0.2.
Payout split
Earn2Trade80/20 in trader favour across Live and LiveSim accounts
Topstep90% (flat for new traders as of Jan 12, 2026)
Max funded
Earn2TradeTCP25 → $200K final account; TCP50/100 → $400K
Topstep$150,000 (Express Funded Account)
Payout cap
Earn2TradeNone
Topstep$2,000/payout Standard, $3,000/payout Consistency — new $50K accounts from Apr 28, 2026
Drawdown model
Earn2TradeTrailing Drawdown until top-tier funded reached; converts to Fixed Drawdown ($194K floor on TCP25, $388K on TCP50/100)
TopstepTrailing EOD MLL — ratchets up with peak end-of-day balance, never resets down
Min trading days
Earn2Trade10
Topstep5 winning days required before payout request
Challenge fee
Earn2TradeTrader Career Path exam ~$150; $139 Live activation; CME data fees $140–156/mo separate
Topstep$49–$149/month subscription
Fee refundable
Earn2Trade$139 Live activation deducted from first profit withdrawal (conditional refund)
TopstepNo — subscription model, no refund on payout
News trading
Earn2TradeRestricted on funded accounts during major releases
TopstepAllowed — no restrictions on futures news trading
Platforms
Earn2TradeNinjaTrader, R-Trader, Quantower
TopstepTopstepX (proprietary, mandatory as of 2026)
Payout schedule
Earn2TradeWithin-week processing
TopstepOn demand after 5 winning days — processed 1-3 business days
| Specification | Earn2Trade 76/100 Strong | Topstep 60/100 Adequate |
|---|---|---|
| Payout split | 80/20 in trader favour across Live and LiveSim accounts | 90% (flat for new traders as of Jan 12, 2026) |
| Max funded | TCP25 → $200K final account; TCP50/100 → $400K | $150,000 (Express Funded Account) |
| Payout cap | None | $2,000/payout Standard, $3,000/payout Consistency — new $50K accounts from Apr 28, 2026 |
| Drawdown model | Trailing Drawdown until top-tier funded reached; converts to Fixed Drawdown ($194K floor on TCP25, $388K on TCP50/100) | Trailing EOD MLL — ratchets up with peak end-of-day balance, never resets down |
| Min trading days | 10 | 5 winning days required before payout request |
| Challenge fee | Trader Career Path exam ~$150; $139 Live activation; CME data fees $140–156/mo separate | $49–$149/month subscription |
| Fee refundable | $139 Live activation deducted from first profit withdrawal (conditional refund) | No — subscription model, no refund on payout |
| News trading | Restricted on funded accounts during major releases | Allowed — no restrictions on futures news trading |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, R-Trader, Quantower | TopstepX (proprietary, mandatory as of 2026) |
| Payout schedule | Within-week processing | On demand after 5 winning days — processed 1-3 business days |
| Visit Earn2Trade | Visit Topstep |
Which one fits?
- Earn2Trade is best for long-horizon cme futures traders who want a multi-year track record, formal exam-based qualification path, and structural payout protection via the fixed drawdown tier conversion.
- Topstep is best for cme futures traders who prioritize platform integration, established community, and a well-documented combine evaluation over uncapped payouts.
See the full Earn2Trade review and Topstep review for the verified specs and editorial verdict on each.