TopStep vs Bulenox
The main difference between TopStep and Bulenox is drawdown type: TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while Bulenox uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day). TopStep charges from $49, Bulenox from $125. Profit splits: 90-90% vs 80-90%. Updated March 2026.
TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) with a 2% daily loss limit and 90-90% profit split. Bulenox uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) with a 2.2% daily loss limit and 80-90% profit split. TopStep starts from $49; Bulenox from $125.
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%.
| TopStep | Bulenox | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Type | 1-step | 1-step |
| Drawdown Type | Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day) | Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day) |
| Daily Loss Limit | 2% | 2.2% |
| Max Drawdown | 3% | 3.5% |
| Profit Target | 6% | 6% |
| Min Trading Days | None | 5 |
| Profit Split | 90-90% | 80-90% |
| Payout Frequency | Weekly | Bi-weekly |
| News Trading | allowed | allowed |
| Overnight Holding | No | No |
| Weekend Holding | No | No |
| EA / Bots | Allowed | Allowed |
| Markets | futures | futures |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView | NinjaTrader, Rithmic |
| Cheapest Account | $49 ($50,000) | $125 ($25,000) |
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 $125).
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.
Bulenox 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.
- +Very affordable challenge fees with frequent sales
- +EOD trailing drawdown (not intraday)
- +No consistency rule
- +$25K account option for small capital traders
Bulenox supports NinjaTrader, Rithmic and processes payouts bi-weekly. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
Choosing between TopStep and Bulenox 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 $125.
Both firms use trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day), so focus on the other differences: daily loss limits (2% vs 2.2%), 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.