Topstep vs Earn2Trade (2026): Which Futures Firm Wins?
Topstep and Earn2Trade are two of the longest-running futures prop firms — Topstep leads on payout track record and low monthly entry, while Earn2Trade offers larger max funding and a strong education focus. Here's the data-driven side-by-side.
Topstep
CME futuresBest for Traders who want the strongest payout track record and cheapest monthly entry
The veteran futures firm — end-of-day trailing drawdown, a 90% split, a large verified payout history and a low monthly Combine entry, with a winning-days requirement before payout.
Visit Topstep →Earn2Trade
CME futuresBest for Traders who want larger max funding and a structured education path
Education-focused futures firm with a well-structured Gauntlet Mini evaluation and larger maximum funding, but a lower base split and a smaller payout track record.
Visit Earn2Trade →| Factor | Topstep | Earn2Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Market | CME futures | CME futures |
| Founded | 2012 | 2016 |
| Evaluation | 1-step Trading Combine | Gauntlet Mini |
| Entry cost (100K) | From ~$49/mo (subscription) | From ~$315 |
| Profit split | 100% first $10K, then 90/10 | 80% (up to 90%) |
| Drawdown model | End-of-day (EOD) trailing | Trailing (evaluation) |
| Max funding | Up to $150K (stack to $750K) | Up to $400K |
| Platforms | TopstepX | NinjaTrader, Finamark |
| Education focus | Coaching + tools | Courses, webinars, structured path |
Topstep and Earn2Trade are two of the oldest futures prop firms still operating, and both have paid traders for years. But they take different approaches: Topstep is the payout-track-record leader with a low monthly entry, while Earn2Trade leans into education and a larger funding ceiling. This is a side-by-side to match the firm to how you trade and learn.
Two veterans, two philosophies
Topstep has run since 2012 with one of the largest verified payout histories in the industry and a simple one-step Trading Combine. Earn2Trade, launched in 2016, built its reputation on a structured education path — courses, webinars and a well-defined Gauntlet Mini evaluation — alongside funding. If you want hand-holding and a learning curriculum, that focus matters.
Cost and split
Topstep’s monthly Combine starts low (often around $49/month for a 100K evaluation, cheaper with promos), but it recurs while you evaluate and adds a one-time activation fee at funding. Earn2Trade’s Gauntlet Mini is typically a higher upfront cost. On split, Topstep is more generous early — 100% of the first $10K then 90% — versus Earn2Trade’s ~80% base. Pass quickly and Topstep usually costs less; take multiple attempts and you should compare total spend to first payout. See how long prop firm payouts take for the mechanics.
Funding ceiling and platforms
Earn2Trade offers a larger maximum funding ceiling (up to around $400K) versus Topstep’s single-account max of $150K — though Topstep lets you stack multiple accounts toward a higher combined size. Platforms differ too: Topstep runs its own TopstepX, while Earn2Trade uses NinjaTrader and Finamark. If you’re tied to a specific platform, that can decide it.
Drawdown
Topstep uses end-of-day trailing drawdown, generally forgiving for strategies with intraday swings. Earn2Trade uses a trailing model on its evaluation as well; confirm the exact mechanics for your program. If the difference isn’t clear, read static vs trailing drawdown firms before you buy.
The bottom line
Pick Topstep if you want the strongest payout track record, the cheapest monthly entry and a generous early split. Pick Earn2Trade if you value a structured education path and a larger single-account funding ceiling. Verify current pricing and rules on each official site before paying. For how Topstep compares to the discount-heavy futures leader, see Apex vs Topstep.
Ready to decide?
Check current pricing and rules on each firm's official site before you commit.