Earn2Trade vs Topstep: Which Prop Firm Is Better in 2026?
Both firms' numbers come from their verified data records - see how our ratings work.
Earn2Trade
26.5/100
Read the full Earn2Trade review →
Topstep
77.4/100
Higher BPF Score
Read the full Topstep review →
Quick Verdict
Topstep scores 77.4/100 while Earn2Trade scores 26.5/100 - Topstep takes a decisive win. Earn2Trade's low score stems from weak Rules, Payouts and Costs categories, despite a 2016 founding and 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating. Its 80/20 split with restrictive funded-stage rules makes it a tough sell for profit-focused traders. Topstep counters with superior scores across every category, a 90% split, and the proprietary TopstepX platform. Both are futures-only US-based firms. Topstep wins on trader-friendly rules, payout potential and overall scoring. Choose Earn2Trade only if structured education matters more than every other trading metric. Choose Topstep for a fairer, more profitable funded-stage experience.
Earn2Trade vs Topstep at a Glance
| Attribute | Earn2Trade | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| BPF Score | 26.5/100 | 77.4/100 |
| Market | Futures | Futures |
| Founded | 2016 | 2012 |
| Trustpilot | 4.6/5 (5,013 reviews) | 3.6/5 (14,878 reviews) |
| Cheapest challenge | $150 | $49 |
| Max profit split | 80% | 90% |
| Payout processing | Weekly (Wednesdays) | 1-3 business days |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Finamark, Rithmic, Tradovate, BlackArrow, TradingView | TopstepX, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Tradovate, Quantower, T4 |
Category Scores Compared
Left bar: Earn2Trade (teal). Right bar: Topstep (indigo).
Who should choose Earn2Trade?
Choose Earn2Trade if you value structured education, a long operating history (founded 2016), and are comfortable with an 80/20 split. The firm offers strong educational resources and a clear progression path, with weekly Wednesday payouts from $100 and no activation fee - instead, a first-withdrawal deduction applies. Platforms include NinjaTrader, Finamark, Rithmic, Tradovate, BlackArrow, and TradingView. The 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating reflects solid community sentiment. Best for developing traders who prioritize learning over maximizing profit share and accept restrictive funded-stage rules, but note the firm scores poorly on Rules, Payouts and Costs.
Who should choose Topstep?
Choose Topstep if you want a more trader-friendly funded-stage experience with a 90% split, on-demand payouts in as little as 3 days, and a higher Trust 9 score. Founded in 2012, Topstep offers two Trading Combine paths - Standard (from $49/month plus $149 activation) and No Activation Fee (from $95/month) - with the proprietary TopstepX platform plus NinjaTrader, TradingView, Tradovate, Quantower, and T4. Processing takes 1-3 business days. Best for futures traders who want flexible evaluation paths, structured risk rules, and a fairer profit split than Earn2Trade's 80/20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Earn2Trade better than Topstep?
Topstep scores far higher overall at 77.4/100 versus Earn2Trade's 26.5/100. Earn2Trade's strength is in education and structured progression, but its Rules, Payouts and Costs scores are weak and its 80/20 split is less competitive. Topstep offers a superior 90% split, a higher Trust score of 9, and stronger scores across Rules, Payouts, Costs and Trading Access. For pure trading experience and profit potential, Topstep is better. For educational value, Earn2Trade has merit but the scoring gap is wide.
Which is cheaper, Earn2Trade or Topstep?
Topstep has the lower entry fee at $49/month on the Standard path, but you must also pay a $149 activation fee when funded. Earn2Trade starts at $150 with no activation fee - instead deducting from your first withdrawal. Both are futures-only firms. If you pass quickly, Topstep's first-month cost plus activation totals $198, making Earn2Trade's $150 slightly cheaper upfront. Over multiple months, Topstep's recurring fees can exceed Earn2Trade's one-time cost, so your evaluation speed determines which is truly cheaper.
Which pays out better, Earn2Trade or Topstep?
Topstep pays out better with a 90% split, on-demand schedule in as little as 3 days, and 1-3 business day processing. Earn2Trade offers only an 80/20 split with weekly Wednesday payouts from a $100 minimum, and a first-withdrawal deduction replaces the activation fee. Topstep wins on both split percentage and payout frequency. Earn2Trade's structure is more restrictive, with caps and rules that make accessing profits slower and less rewarding than Topstep's straightforward on-demand system.