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. On the numbers that matter, Topstep prices its 100K challenge at "49/month, roughly a hundred dollars below The5ers, and The5ers uses a static drawdown while Topstep runs a trailing one.
Side-by-side comparison
| Rule | The5ers | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Forex, Indices, Metals, Crypto, Futures | Futures (CME) |
| Audited variants | 5 | 3 on watchlist |
| Evaluation | 1/2/3-Step | 1-Step (Combine) |
| Account sizes | $5K to $250K | $50K, "00K, "50K |
| Fee (100K) | ~$74 to $595 | "49/month |
| Profit split | 80 to 100% (scales) | 90% (100% first "0K legacy only) |
| Max drawdown | 4 to 6% | ~3% Trailing (locks at breakeven) |
| Drawdown type | Static | Trailing |
| Daily loss | 3% (pause) | 2% (optional on eval; enforced on Live) |
| Consistency rule | Min profitable days (no % cap) | Soft (40% on XFA path) |
| Min trading days | None | 1 winning day ($200+) |
| Payout speed | 1 to 3 days | 3 to 7 days |
| Payout frequency | Bi-weekly | Weekly (50% / $5K cap, $6K on XFA) |
| News trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| EAs / bots | Varies by programme | Allowed (limited) |
| Weekend holding | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Scaling cap | $4M | Multiple accounts + Live Funded |
| US traders | Yes | Yes |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 (21,000+) | 3.5 (10,000+) |
| Value score | 80 | 79 |
Verdict
Pick The5ers if you want MT4, MT5 or cTrader access to forex, indices and metals, or a 1 to 3 days first payout window fits your cashflow. Pick Topstep if you want US futures on Rithmic or Tradovate rather than spot FX, or the "49/month entry fee at the 100K tier changes your break-even maths. 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
Scale to $4M, 100% split at top tier, 10 year track record, 4.8 Trustpilot
The5ers weaknesses
Low starting split (50% on Hyper Growth), tight 4 to 6% 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 (2%/3%), slower monthly payouts