Compare / Topstep vs The5ers
Topstep vs The5ers
Two one-step firms in different markets. Topstep is the established CME futures firm. The5ers is the established forex one-step firm. The right pick is decided almost entirely by what you trade — but the score gap (17 points) is real and worth understanding.
| — | Topstep 63 Average | The5ers 80 Excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Score Dimensions | ||
| Payout Integrity30% | 6.3 | 8.3 |
| Rules Integrity22% | 6.3 | 8.7 |
| Rules Stability8% | 6.0 | 9.5 |
| Business Viability18% | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Platform & Execution9% | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Cost Fairness10% | 4.5 | 7.0 |
| Specifications | ||
| Payout Split | 90% (flat for new traders as of Jan 12, 2026) | 80% (scales to higher tiers over time) |
| Max Funded | $150,000 (Express Funded Account) | $4,000,000 (via scaling plan) |
| Payout Cap | $2,000/payout Standard, $3,000/payout Consistency — new $50K accounts from Apr 28, 2026 | None |
| Drawdown Model | Trailing EOD MLL — ratchets up with peak end-of-day balance, never resets down | Static max loss from initial balance (never trailing) |
| Min Days | 5 winning days required before payout request | 3 |
| Challenge Fee | $49–$149/month subscription | ~$500–$700 for $100K Hyper program |
| Fee Refundable | No — subscription model, no refund on payout | Yes — refunded with first payout (Hyper program) |
| News Trading | Allowed — no restrictions on futures news trading | Generally allowed; minimal restrictions vs. peers. Scalping restrictions apply. |
| Platforms | TopstepX (proprietary, mandatory as of 2026) | MT4, MT5 |
| Payout Schedule | On demand after 5 winning days — processed 1-3 business days | Weekly; on-demand within 1–3 business days |
| Visit → | Visit → | |
The Verdict
Choose Topstep (63/100, Average) if you trade CME futures and want the most established firm in the category. Strong community, integrated TopstepX platform, the Combine evaluation that funded traders have been passing for years. The 17-point gap against The5ers is mostly Payout Integrity — Topstep cut its payout cap to $2,000 in April 2026, which dragged that variable hard and pushed the composite into Average. Choose The5ers (80/100) if you trade forex. The one-step instant funding model, no payout cap, and consistent payout cadence are the highest scores in the forex one-step category. These firms are not competitors — they serve different markets, and the right answer is decided by what you trade.