FundedNext vs Topstep: Compared Rule by Rule for 2026
Two firms, two operating philosophies. FundedNext was founded in 2022 out of Dhaka; Topstep followed in 2012 from Chicago, and the product design reflects that lineage. FundedNext focuses on forex, indices, metals and crypto on MT4, MT5 and cTrader, while Topstep covers US futures on the same execution stack. That alone makes them shortlisted together only when a trader is choosing an asset class rather than a firm.
At 100K: FundedNext from $144.99, Topstep from $99/month.
Side-by-side comparison
| Rule | FundedNext | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Forex, Indices, Metals, Crypto, Energies | Futures (CME) |
| Watchlist | No | on watchlist |
| Evaluation | 1-Step or 2-Step (Stellar) | 1-Step (Combine) |
| Account sizes | $2K, $5K, $6K, $10K, $15K, $20K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, $200K | $50K, $100K, $150K |
| Fee (100K) | $144.99 | $99/month |
| Profit split | 60 to 95% | 90% |
| Max drawdown (100K) | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Drawdown type | End-of-day trailing | End-of-day trailing |
| Daily loss (100K) | n/a | n/a |
| Consistency rule | 40% | 55% |
| Min trading days | n/a | n/a |
| First payout | 3 days | 3 days |
| News trading | Allowed in evaluation; news-profit rule on funded accounts | Allowed |
| EAs / bots | Allowed | Allowed (limited) |
| Weekend holding | Allowed | Not allowed |
| US traders | Yes | Yes |
| Trustpilot | Trustpilot profile | Trustpilot profile |
Verdict
Pick FundedNext if you want MT4, MT5 or cTrader access to forex, indices and metals. Pick Topstep if you want US futures on Rithmic or Tradovate rather than spot FX. Traders who plan to hold overnight or through news should read the specific policy on each firm's site before committing capital.
Heads up: Topstep has announced model changes in the past 90 days. We re-audit watchlisted firms every 7 days; double-check the live rules page before purchasing.
FundedNext strengths
Profit share during challenge, news trading allowed in evaluation, fast payout guarantee
FundedNext weaknesses
Newer firm (2022), news-profit rule on funded accounts, UAE/Bangladesh HQ
Topstep strengths
14 year track record, live funded account pathway, breakeven drawdown lock
Topstep weaknesses
Monthly subscription model, tightest drawdown in industry, slower monthly payouts