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Earn2Trade vs TopStep

TopStep logo

Source review:

Source checked Mar 21, 2026 | Primary source: Earn2Trade and TopStep official rules

KEY FACTS

Earn2Trade: Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day), 80-90% split, from $150
TopStep: Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day), 90-90% split, from $49
Daily loss: 2.2% vs 2%
Max split: 90% vs 90%
Markets: futures vs futures

Earn2Trade vs TopStep: Which Firm Is Better?

Earn2Trade uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) with a 2.2% daily loss limit and 80-90% profit split. TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) with a 2% daily loss limit and 90-90% profit split. Earn2Trade starts from $150; TopStep from $49.

Both firms use the same drawdown type (trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day)), so the decision comes down to fees, profit split, trading restrictions, and the markets you trade. Both offer the same maximum profit split of 90%.

How to Choose Between Earn2Trade and TopStep

1. Start with drawdown type. If one firm uses static and the other does not, that is usually the biggest structural edge for the static-drawdown firm.

2. Check whether your actual market and holding style fit. A cheaper firm is irrelevant if it blocks the products or holding windows your strategy needs.

3. Use profit split and payout frequency as secondary filters after survivability and rule-fit are clear.

Choose Earn2Trade if...

  • You already trade futures and prefer Earn2Trade's overall fee and payout structure.

Choose TopStep if...

  • You want the cheaper starting path at $49.

Evidence Driving This Comparison

  • Earn2Trade uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day).
  • Earn2Trade starts at $150, while TopStep starts at $49.
  • Earn2Trade pays 80-90% and TopStep pays 90-90%.
  • Earn2Trade allows news trading; TopStep allows it.
  • Earn2Trade does not allow weekend holding; TopStep does not allow weekend holding.

Highlighted differences in the table below are the fields where these two firms diverge most materially for traders.

Earn2Trade

Evaluation Type
1-step
Drawdown Type
Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day)
Daily Loss Limit
2.2%
Max Drawdown
4%
Profit Target
6%
Min Trading Days
15
Profit Split
80-90%
Payout Frequency
Monthly
News Trading
allowed
Overnight Holding
No
Weekend Holding
No
EA / Bots
Not allowed
Markets
futures
Platforms
NinjaTrader, Finamark
Cheapest Account
$150 ($25,000)

TopStep

Evaluation Type
1-step
Drawdown Type
Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day)
Daily Loss Limit
2%
Max Drawdown
3%
Profit Target
6%
Min Trading Days
None
Profit Split
90-90%
Payout Frequency
Weekly
News Trading
allowed
Overnight Holding
No
Weekend Holding
No
EA / Bots
Allowed
Markets
futures
Platforms
NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView
Cheapest Account
$49 ($50,000)

Drawdown Type Comparison: Earn2Trade vs TopStep

Scalping / Day Trading

Both work for day trading.

Swing Trading

Neither allows weekend holding — consider FTMO or The5%ers for swing trading.

Budget-Conscious

TopStep is cheaper to start ($49 vs $150).

Who Should Choose Earn2Trade?

Earn2Trade is the better fit if you trade futures exclusively. The EOD trailing drawdown gives you flexibility during the session since the floor only updates at the close, which suits active day traders who have intraday swings.

  • +Partners with real futures brokers (Helios, etc.)
  • +Strong educational platform included
  • +EOD trailing drawdown
  • +No consistency rule

Earn2Trade supports NinjaTrader, Finamark and processes payouts monthly. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions.

Community reputation: 4.5/5 on Trustpilot (2,200 reviews)

Who Should Choose TopStep?

TopStep is the better fit if you trade futures exclusively. The EOD trailing drawdown gives you flexibility during the session since the floor only updates at the close, which suits active day traders who have intraday swings.

  • +Monthly subscription — cancel anytime ($49-149/mo)
  • +100% of first $10K profit, then 90%
  • +No minimum trading days
  • +Weekly payouts

TopStep supports NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView and processes payouts weekly. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.

Community reputation: 4.5/5 on Trustpilot (4,800 reviews)

Audit Your Trades Against Earn2Trade or TopStep Rules

Comparing rules on paper is step one. Step two: check whether your actual trades follow them. Pick either firm below and paste a trade to see which rules you break.

Earn2Trade

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Earn2Trade
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TopStep

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Check a trade against TopStep's rules. Sign in to save results and unlock the full verdict list.

TopStep
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Bottom Line: Earn2Trade vs TopStep

Choosing between Earn2Trade and TopStep comes down to three things: the markets you trade, how much drawdown flexibility you need, and your budget. TopStep is cheaper to get started at $49 vs $150.

Both firms use trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day), so focus on the other differences: daily loss limits (2.2% vs 2%), profit split (90% vs 90%), and trading restrictions. If you are still undecided, take the firm finder quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your trading style, risk tolerance, and budget.

Trading Rules and Restrictions Comparison

Consistency rule: Earn2Trade has no consistency rule. TopStep enforces "No single day > 50% of total profit". Consistency rules penalize traders who earn most profits in a single day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Earn2Trade and TopStep?

The main difference between Earn2Trade and TopStep is drawdown type: Earn2Trade uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day). Earn2Trade has a 2.2% daily loss limit vs TopStep's 2%. Profit splits are 80-90% vs 90-90%.

Is Earn2Trade or TopStep cheaper?

TopStep is cheaper to start. Earn2Trade's smallest account costs $150 ($25,000), while TopStep starts at $49 ($50,000).

Which is better for beginners, Earn2Trade or TopStep?

For beginners, both firms may be more forgiving. Both use trailing drawdown, so careful risk management is essential. Also consider that Earn2Trade is a 1-step evaluation while TopStep is 1-step.

Does Earn2Trade or TopStep have a higher profit split?

Both firms offer the same maximum profit split of 90%. Earn2Trade ranges from 80% to 90%, while TopStep ranges from 90% to 90%.

Can I trade news on Earn2Trade and TopStep?

Earn2Trade allows news trading, while TopStep allows it. Both firms have the same news trading policy.

Which has better drawdown rules, Earn2Trade or TopStep?

Earn2Trade uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) (4%), while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) (3%). Both use trailing drawdown, which requires more disciplined risk management.

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