Side-by-side comparison
Topstep vs The5ers
Rules, drawdown model, fees, and trading conditions compared side by side. Data verified from official sources.
Topstep vs The5ers: Full Comparison
| Rule |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Drawdown | Tick-by-tick Trailing drawdown on CME futures accounts. | Static Balance-based static drawdown. 3% daily loss limit, 6% max overall loss (stop-out level). |
| Consistency rule | Yes Best single day must stay ≤50% of the profit target (XFA Consistency Path: 40%). Checked for payouts and advancement. | Varies |
| News trading | Yes Allowed in all phases; only bars entering a full max-size position into scheduled major news. | Varies Holding through news is allowed; High Stakes accounts bar new orders 2 min before/after high-impact news. |
| Weekend holding | No Futures day-trading only — positions auto-flatten daily (~3:10 PM CT); no overnight or weekend holds. | Yes Overnight and weekend holding permitted across programs. |
| EAs / bots | Varies Automation via the TopstepX API only; bans VPS/VPN/remote servers, HFT and SIM-fill-exploit algos. | Varies EAs allowed but bans copy-trading/signals, tick scalping, latency/reverse/hedge arbitrage, HFT and emulators. |
| Daily loss limit | - | 3% |
| Overall loss limit | - | 6% |
| Profit split | up to 90% Futures-only. No crypto instruments available. | up to 100% Up to 100% split on both Pro Growth and Hyper Growth programs. |
| Fee refund | No Subscription-based pricing, not one-time fee. | No |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower | MT5 |
| Assets | Futures, Indices | FX, Metals, Indices |
| Account sizes | $50K, $100K, $150K | $5K, $10K, $20K |
| Payout methods | - | Bank wire, Crypto, Skrill |
Last verified: 2026-03-20 (Topstep), 2026-05-08 (The5ers). Always verify current terms on each firm's official site before purchasing.
Also consider·VelotradeMulti-asset prop trading,
one account for all markets.
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