Topstep vs Tradeify: Compared Rule by Rule for 2026
Topstep is the longest-running futures prop firm; Tradeify is one of the fastest-growing newer entrants. Both target the futures category, both offer trailing drawdown, but they diverge meaningfully on cost structure and rule flexibility.
Side-by-side comparison
| Rule | Topstep | Tradeify |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Futures (CME) | Futures (CME) |
| Audited variants | 3 on watchlist | 3 on watchlist |
| Evaluation | 1-Step (Combine) | 1-Step (Growth/Select/Lightning) |
| Account sizes | $50K, "00K, "50K | $25K, $50K, "00K, "50K |
| Fee (100K) | "49/month | ~$265 one-time |
| Profit split | 90% (100% first "0K legacy only) | 90% (Sim Funded) / 80% (Elite Live) |
| Max drawdown | ~3% Trailing (locks at breakeven) | $2,000 EOD trailing |
| Drawdown type | Trailing | Trailing |
| Daily loss | 2% (optional on eval; enforced on Live) | None during eval |
| Consistency rule | Soft (40% on XFA path) | 40% (eval) / 20–30% scaling (funded) |
| Min trading days | 1 winning day ($200+) | 3 |
| Payout speed | 3 to 7 days | ~1 business day |
| Payout frequency | Weekly (50% / $5K cap, $6K on XFA) | Bi-weekly (Flex) / Daily (Lightning) |
| News trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| EAs / bots | Allowed (limited) | Allowed |
| Weekend holding | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Scaling cap | Multiple accounts + Live Funded | Elite Live accounts after 5 payouts |
| US traders | Yes | Yes |
| Trustpilot | 3.5 (10,000+) | 4.6 (~2,000) |
| Value score | 79 | 77 |
Verdict
Pick Topstep if track record and the live-funded pathway matter more than monthly cost. Pick Tradeify if you want a one-time fee, a slightly looser rule set and on-demand payouts without waiting for a monthly cycle.
Heads up: Topstep and Tradeify have announced model changes in the past 90 days. We re-audit watchlisted firms every 7 days; double-check the live rules page before purchasing.
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
Tradeify strengths
No activation fee, 3 day min eval, daily payout option, EOD drawdown locks early
Tradeify weaknesses
Monthly subscription, newer firm, 40% consistency rule