TopStep vs Earn2Trade
The main difference between TopStep and Earn2Trade is drawdown type: TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while Earn2Trade uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day). TopStep charges from $49, Earn2Trade from $150. 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. Earn2Trade 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; Earn2Trade from $150.
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 | Earn2Trade | |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 4% |
| Profit Target | 6% | 6% |
| Min Trading Days | None | 15 |
| Profit Split | 90-90% | 80-90% |
| Payout Frequency | Weekly | Monthly |
| News Trading | allowed | allowed |
| Overnight Holding | No | No |
| Weekend Holding | No | No |
| EA / Bots | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Markets | futures | futures |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView | NinjaTrader, Finamark |
| Cheapest Account | $49 ($50,000) | $150 ($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 $150).
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.
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.
Choosing between TopStep and Earn2Trade 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% 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.