TopStep vs SurgeTrader
The main difference between TopStep and SurgeTrader is drawdown type: TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while SurgeTrader uses static (floor never moves). TopStep charges from $49, SurgeTrader from $200. Profit splits: 90-90% vs 75-90%. 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. SurgeTrader uses static (floor never moves) with a 5% daily loss limit and 75-90% profit split. TopStep starts from $49; SurgeTrader from $200.
If you want more forgiving drawdown rules, SurgeTrader 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%.
| TopStep | SurgeTrader | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Type | 1-step | 1-step |
| Drawdown Type | Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day) | Static (floor never moves) |
| Daily Loss Limit | 2% | 5% |
| Max Drawdown | 3% | 8% |
| Profit Target | 6% | 10% |
| Min Trading Days | None | None |
| Profit Split | 90-90% | 75-90% |
| Payout Frequency | Weekly | Monthly (no longer operational) |
| News Trading | allowed | restricted |
| Overnight Holding | No | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | No |
| EA / Bots | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Markets | futures | forex, indices, commodities, crypto |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView | MT4, MT5 |
| Cheapest Account | $49 ($50,000) | $200 ($25,000) |
Scalping / Day Trading
SurgeTrader allows overnight holding, giving more flexibility. SurgeTrader's static drawdown is more forgiving for scalpers.
Swing Trading
Neither allows weekend holding — consider FTMO or The5%ers for swing trading.
Budget-Conscious
TopStep is cheaper to start ($49 vs $200).
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.
SurgeTrader 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.
- +Was one of the first 1-step evaluation firms
- +Had accounts up to $1M
- +Static drawdown model
SurgeTrader supports MT4, MT5 and processes payouts monthly (no longer operational).
Choosing between TopStep and SurgeTrader comes down to three things: the markets you trade, how much drawdown flexibility you need, and your budget. If you trade futures, TopStep is your only option here. If you trade forex or indices or commodities or crypto, go with SurgeTrader. TopStep is cheaper to get started at $49 vs $200.
The biggest structural difference is drawdown type: TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while SurgeTrader uses static (floor never moves). 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.