The5ers vs Topstep: Compared Rule by Rule for 2026
The5ers and Topstep sit on opposite sides of the asset-class divide, and the choice between them tends to come down to two or three specific numbers rather than brand. The5ers 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: The5ers from $95, Topstep from $99/month.
Side-by-side comparison
| Rule | The5ers | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Forex, Indices, Metals, Crypto, Futures | Futures (CME) |
| Watchlist | No | on watchlist |
| Evaluation | 1/2/3-Step | 1-Step (Combine) |
| Account sizes | $2.5K, $5K, $10K, $20K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K, $250K | $50K, $100K, $150K |
| Fee (100K) | $95 | $99/month |
| Profit split | 75 to 100% | 90% |
| Max drawdown (100K) | 5% | $3,000 |
| Drawdown type | n/a | End-of-day trailing |
| Daily loss (100K) | n/a | n/a |
| Consistency rule | n/a | 55% |
| Min trading days | n/a | n/a |
| First payout | 14 days | 3 days |
| News trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| EAs / bots | Varies by programme | Allowed (limited) |
| Weekend holding | Allowed | Not allowed |
| US traders | Yes | Yes |
| Trustpilot | Trustpilot profile | Trustpilot profile |
Verdict
Pick The5ers if you want MT4, MT5 or cTrader access to forex, indices and metals, or a fast first payout window fits your cashflow. Pick Topstep if you want US futures on Rithmic or Tradovate rather than spot FX. In practice, day-trading scalpers gravitate to whichever firm keeps their per-trade cost lowest; multi-day swing traders weight the drawdown mechanic more heavily.
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.
The5ers strengths
Capital scaling pathway, higher splits at top tiers, established track record
The5ers weaknesses
Low starting split on Hyper Growth, tight drawdown, MT5 only
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