All Prop Firm Comparisons
Head-to-Head Comparison

Topstep vs The5ers

Full side-by-side breakdown of profit splits, drawdown rules, challenge costs, payout speed, and PFR Score™. Updated for 2026.

Topstep logo

Topstep

4.8/5

PFR Score™

The undisputed gold standard of futures prop trading with Chicago CME exchange access, 90% profit splits, and fast 24-hour payouts.

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🏆 PFR Winner
The5ers logo

The5ers

4.9/5

PFR Score™

A legendary institution in the prop space, offering the industry's most aggressive scaling plan up to $4M and a decade of proven reliability.

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Full Comparison Table

CriteriaTopstepThe5ers
PFR Score™4.8 / 5✓4.9 / 5
Max Funding$150K✓$4M
Max Profit Split90%✓100%
Challenge Price (Entry)$49✓$39
Daily Drawdown Limit3%✓5%
Max Total Drawdown6%✓10%
Min Trading Days✓0 days3 days
Payout Speed24-48 hours24-72 hours
News Trading✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
Weekend Holding❌ Not Allowed✅ Allowed
EA / Algorithmic Trading✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
Trustpilot Score4.6 / 5.0✓4.8 / 5.0
Trading PlatformsNinjaTrader, TradingView, RithmicMT5, MatchTrader
Tradeable AssetsFuturesForex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
DifficultyMediumMedium

Topstep — Pros & Cons

The industry leader in futures prop trading
90% profit split for funded traders
Supports TradingView for execution
Futures markets only (no forex or crypto)
Strict adherence to their 'Winning Trade' and scaling rules
Read Full Topstep Review

The5ers — Pros & Cons

Fixed monthly salary of $4,000–$10,000 on High Stakes accounts.
Exceptional 10-year track record with the industry's highest Trustpilot rating.
Scaling plan that genuinely reaches $4 million in funded capital.
Leverage on Bootcamp and Hyper Growth is significantly lower than competitors.
Strict mandatory stop-loss rule on Bootcamp accounts with automated enforcement.
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Verdict: Which Firm Should You Choose?

Based on our PFR Score™ methodology, The5ers edges ahead in this comparison. A legendary institution in the prop space, offering the industry's most aggressive scaling plan up to $4M and a decade of proven reliability. However, the best firm for you ultimately depends on your trading style, preferred platform, and risk tolerance.

Topstep vs The5ers — FAQ

Is Topstep or The5ers better for funded trading?+
Based on our PFR Score™ methodology, The5ers scores higher overall. However, the ideal choice depends on your trading style, preferred instruments, and whether you prioritize profit split or drawdown flexibility.
What is the profit split difference between Topstep and The5ers?+
Topstep offers up to 90% profit split, while The5ers offers up to 100% profit split to funded traders.
Which firm has stricter drawdown rules — Topstep or The5ers?+
Topstep enforces a 3% daily drawdown limit and a 6% max total drawdown. The5ers enforces a 5% daily drawdown and a 10% total drawdown. Topstep is stricter on daily limits.
Can I use automated trading (EAs) with Topstep and The5ers?+
Topstep allows automated Expert Advisors (EAs). The5ers allows automated EAs.