Head-to-Head Comparison

TopStep vs The Trading Pit

An honest, data-driven comparison to help you pick the right prop firm. We compare drawdown rules, challenge costs, profit splits, trading conditions, and more — no bias, just facts.

TopStep

4.5

One of the original futures prop firms with a proven track record. Offers a structured Trading Combine evaluation and path to live funded trading with real capital.

Visit TopStep

The Trading Pit

Offers one of the highest allocation potentials at up to $5M with futures and forex trading across multiple platforms.

Visit The Trading Pit

Side-by-Side Comparison: TopStep vs The Trading Pit

Metric

TopStep

The Trading Pit

Max Drawdown

10%

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

Profit Split

90/10

60/40 → 80/20

Challenge Cost

$49 - $149/mo

$99 - $999

Trading Period

Unlimited

30 days

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Full contract leverage

1:100

Instruments

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Futures, Forex, Indices, Commodities

Account Sizes

$50K, $100K, $150K

$10K, $50K, $100K, $250K

Scaling

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

Max allocations up to $5M

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

Allowed

EA / Bots

Not Allowed

Allowed

Rating

4.5/5

4/5

The Verdict: TopStep vs The Trading Pit

The best choice depends on your trading style, risk tolerance, and goals. Here's our breakdown by trader profile:

Best for Beginners

The Trading Pit

The Trading Pit offers more forgiving drawdown rules, making it easier for newer traders to get started.

Best for Aggressive Traders

The Trading Pit

The Trading Pit provides 10% max drawdown allowance, giving aggressive trading styles more breathing room.

Best for Long-term Scaling

The Trading Pit

The Trading Pit offers better scaling potential: Max allocations up to $5M.

Best for Overall Value

TopStep

TopStep earns 4.5/5 in our analysis, with a strong balance of rules, cost, and trader experience.

TopStep Pros & Cons

Established since 2012 with proven track record

Path to real live funded account

Low monthly subscription cost

EOD trailing drawdown (not intraday)

Weekly payouts available

Futures only (no forex)

50% consistency target required

Daily loss limit on some platforms

Intraday trailing drawdown on PRO accounts

No automated trading bots

The Trading Pit Pros & Cons

Massive $5M max allocation

Multiple asset classes

Futures and forex

Low minimum trading days

Competitive evaluation

Lower starting profit split (60%)

30-day evaluation limit

Fewer account options

Support varies by region

Less transparent scaling details

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, TopStep or The Trading Pit?

It depends on your trading style. TopStep offers 4% max drawdown and a 90/10 profit split, while The Trading Pit offers 10% max drawdown and a 60/40 → 80/20 split. TopStep has a higher overall rating at 4.5/5.

What is the cheapest option between TopStep and The Trading Pit?

TopStep challenges start at $49 - $149/mo, while The Trading Pit starts at $99 - $999. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.

Can I use EAs or trading bots with TopStep and The Trading Pit?

TopStep does not allow EAs/bots. The Trading Pit allows them. Always verify the latest rules on each firm's website.

What are the drawdown rules for TopStep vs The Trading Pit?

TopStep has a 4% max drawdown and 2% daily drawdown. The Trading Pit has a 10% max drawdown and 5% daily drawdown. Use our free Drawdown Calculator to find your safe lot size for either firm.

How long do I have to pass the TopStep vs The Trading Pit challenge?

TopStep gives you Unlimited. The Trading Pit gives you 30 days. Both require a minimum of 5 and 3 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, TopStep or The Trading Pit?

TopStep offers a 90/10 profit split, while The Trading Pit offers 60/40 → 80/20. Higher profit splits mean more of your trading profits go to you.