The5ers vs Topstep
How The5ers and Topstep compare on fees, safety, tools, mobile and regional availability — scored independently of any commercial relationship.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account or sign up through links on this page. This does not cost you extra. Our rankings are based on our published methodology, not on commission amount.
| Overall score | 3.9/5 | 4.1/5 Better |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Forex prop traders, Steady, low-pressure styles | US futures prop traders, Traders wanting a proven firm |
| Regulation & trust | 80/100 | 86/100 Better |
| Fees & hidden costs | 74/100 Better | 72/100 |
| Ease of use | 76/100 | 82/100 Better |
| Tools & features | 74/100 | 78/100 Better |
| Mobile app quality | 56/100 | 74/100 Better |
| Assets | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto CFDs | Futures, Micro Futures |
| Minimum deposit | None / varies | None / varies |
| Paper trading | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | No | Yes Better |
| Availability | United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union | United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union |
| Fees summary | One-time program fee by program/account size; profit split from 50% up to 100% depending on program and scaling stage. | Monthly Trading Combine subscription until you pass; no separate profit-split reduction beyond the published split. |
| Protection | No SIPC/FSCS — contractual funded-account arrangement. | No SIPC/FSCS coverage — this is a contractual funded-account arrangement. |
| Affiliate offer | Official link only | Official link only |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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- Best for
- Forex prop traders, Steady, low-pressure styles
- Regulation & trust
- 80/100
- Fees & hidden costs
- 74/100Better
- Ease of use
- 76/100
- Tools & features
- 74/100
- Mobile app quality
- 56/100
- Assets
- Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto CFDs
- Minimum deposit
- None / varies
- Paper trading
- Yes
- Mobile app
- No
- Availability
- United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union
- Fees summary
- One-time program fee by program/account size; profit split from 50% up to 100% depending on program and scaling stage.
- Protection
- No SIPC/FSCS — contractual funded-account arrangement.
- Affiliate offer
- Official link only
- Pros
- Long track record
- Four programs from 1-step to Bootcamp
- Growth-focused scaling up to $4M
- Cons
- Forex/CFD focus (high-risk)
- Not for US futures traders
- Low starting split on some programs (50%)
- Best for
- US futures prop traders, Traders wanting a proven firm
- Regulation & trust
- 86/100Better
- Fees & hidden costs
- 72/100
- Ease of use
- 82/100Better
- Tools & features
- 78/100Better
- Mobile app quality
- 74/100Better
- Assets
- Futures, Micro Futures
- Minimum deposit
- None / varies
- Paper trading
- Yes
- Mobile app
- Yes Better
- Availability
- United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union
- Fees summary
- Monthly Trading Combine subscription until you pass; no separate profit-split reduction beyond the published split.
- Protection
- No SIPC/FSCS coverage — this is a contractual funded-account arrangement.
- Affiliate offer
- Official link only
- Pros
- Long, stable track record
- Clear rules and strong education
- Well-suited to US futures traders
- Cons
- Monthly subscription during evaluation
- Futures only
- Consistency/scaling rules to learn
Our verdict
On our commission-independent scoring, Topstep edges ahead overall (4.1/5 vs 3.9/5). But the right choice depends on your priorities: consider The5ers for forex prop traders, and Topstep for us futures prop traders. Rankings are never affected by commissions.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Funded trading programs have rules, fees, drawdown limits, payout conditions and restrictions. Read the provider's terms before buying a challenge or plan.