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Phidias PropFirm vs TopStep

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Source review:

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

Phidias PropFirm uses static (floor never moves) drawdown with 80-90% profit split. TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) drawdown with 90-90% profit split. Phidias PropFirm starts at $89, TopStep starts at $49.

KEY FACTS

Phidias PropFirm: Static (floor never moves), 80-90% split, from $89
TopStep: Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day), 90-90% split, from $49
Daily loss: 3% vs 2%
Max split: 90% vs 90%
Markets: forex, indices, commodities vs futures

Phidias PropFirm vs TopStep: Which Firm Is Better?

Phidias PropFirm uses static (floor never moves) with a 3% 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. Phidias PropFirm starts from $89; TopStep from $49.

If you want more forgiving drawdown rules, Phidias PropFirm is the better choice. Static drawdown means your profits create genuine breathing room, while TopStep's trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) raises the floor as you profit. Both offer the same maximum profit split of 90%.

How to Choose Between Phidias PropFirm 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 Phidias PropFirm if...

  • You want the more forgiving drawdown model, and Phidias PropFirm is the only one here using static drawdown.
  • You need access to forex, indices, commodities, which TopStep does not offer in this comparison.

Choose TopStep if...

  • You need access to futures, which Phidias PropFirm does not offer in this comparison.
  • You want the cheaper starting path at $49.

Evidence Driving This Comparison

  • Phidias PropFirm uses static (floor never moves) while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day).
  • Phidias PropFirm starts at $89, while TopStep starts at $49.
  • Phidias PropFirm pays 80-90% and TopStep pays 90-90%.
  • Phidias PropFirm allows news trading; TopStep allows it.
  • Phidias PropFirm allows 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.

Phidias PropFirm

Evaluation Type
1-step
Drawdown Type
Static (floor never moves)
Daily Loss Limit
3%
Max Drawdown
6%
Profit Target
10%
Min Trading Days
5
Profit Split
80-90%
Payout Frequency
Bi-weekly
News Trading
allowed
Overnight Holding
Yes
Weekend Holding
Yes
EA / Bots
Allowed
Markets
forex, indices, commodities
Platforms
MT5, cTrader
Cheapest Account
$89 ($10,000)

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)
Source: (verified )Source: (verified )Source:

Drawdown Type Comparison: Phidias PropFirm vs TopStep

Scalping / Day Trading

Phidias PropFirm allows overnight holding, giving more flexibility. Phidias PropFirm's static drawdown is more forgiving for scalpers.

Swing Trading

Phidias PropFirm is better — allows weekend holding. TopStep requires you to flatten before close.

Budget-Conscious

TopStep is cheaper to start ($49 vs $89).

Who Should Choose Phidias PropFirm?

Phidias PropFirm is the better fit if you focus on forex and CFDs. The static drawdown means every dollar of profit adds to your safety cushion, making it ideal for traders who build equity gradually and want protection from losing streaks.

  • +1-step evaluation — skip the second phase
  • +Static drawdown — floor never moves
  • +cTrader support (rare among Tier 2 firms)
  • +Overnight and weekend holding allowed

Phidias PropFirm supports MT5, cTrader and processes payouts bi-weekly. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Both overnight and weekend holding are permitted, giving swing traders full flexibility. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.

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 Phidias PropFirm 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.

Phidias PropFirm

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TopStep

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Bottom Line: Phidias PropFirm vs TopStep

Choosing between Phidias PropFirm and TopStep comes down to three things: the markets you trade, how much drawdown flexibility you need, and your budget. If you trade forex or indices or commodities, Phidias PropFirm is your only option here. If you trade futures, go with TopStep. TopStep is cheaper to get started at $49 vs $89.

The biggest structural difference is drawdown type: Phidias PropFirm uses static (floor never moves) while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day). Static drawdown is objectively more forgiving because profits create a permanent cushion. Trailing drawdown follows your equity peaks, meaning you can lose an account even while net profitable. If you are still undecided, take the firm finder quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your trading style, risk tolerance, and budget.

Markets: Phidias PropFirm vs TopStep

Phidias PropFirm offers forex, indices, commodities while TopStep offers futures. Only Phidias PropFirm provides forex, indices, commodities. Only TopStep provides futures. This is often the deciding factor -- choose the firm that covers the instruments you actually trade.

Trading Rules and Restrictions Comparison

Consistency rule: Phidias PropFirm 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 Phidias PropFirm and TopStep?

The main difference between Phidias PropFirm and TopStep is drawdown type: Phidias PropFirm uses static (floor never moves) while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day). Phidias PropFirm has a 3% daily loss limit vs TopStep's 2%. Profit splits are 80-90% vs 90-90%.

Is Phidias PropFirm or TopStep cheaper?

TopStep is cheaper to start. Phidias PropFirm's smallest account costs $89 ($10,000), while TopStep starts at $49 ($50,000).

Which is better for beginners, Phidias PropFirm or TopStep?

For beginners, Phidias PropFirm may be more forgiving. Phidias PropFirm's static drawdown means profits add extra buffer, which is safer for new traders. Also consider that Phidias PropFirm is a 1-step evaluation while TopStep is 1-step.

Does Phidias PropFirm or TopStep have a higher profit split?

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

Can I trade news on Phidias PropFirm and TopStep?

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

Which has better drawdown rules, Phidias PropFirm or TopStep?

Phidias PropFirm uses static (floor never moves) (6%), while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) (3%). Phidias PropFirm's static drawdown is more forgiving since profits create extra buffer.

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