Firm Comparison
Topstep is the oldest futures prop firm (since 2012). DayTraders.com is newer but built around automation, multiple drawdown types, and a live funded path. Both are futures-only. Both use Rithmic. Here is where they differ.
Topstep built its reputation on the Trading Combine evaluation and has funded over 10,000 traders from Chicago. In July 2025, it migrated all new accounts to TopstepX, its proprietary platform, and replaced the old Scaling Plan with Dynamic Live Risk Expansion.
DayTraders.com uses one-time pricing, offers five evaluation tracks, and provides a direct path to live funded trading. This comparison uses current data from both firms.
Topstep can be cheaper on the initial month for fast passers. For traders who take 2 to 3 months, the subscription accumulates while DayTraders.com's one-time fee stays fixed. Visit the pricing page for current rates.
Topstep's EOD drawdown is more forgiving for intraday volatility. DayTraders.com offers more structural choice: EOD as a standard evaluation, EOD through S2F (no eval), fixed through Static, or maximum contracts through Trailing. The 50K Trailing buffer is also $500 larger at DayTraders.com ($2,500 vs $2,000).
Topstep's 100% on the first $10K is more generous at the start. DayTraders.com gives 100% on Pro and S2F from the first dollar with no conditions beyond qualifying days. For traders generating more than $10K, the long-term math depends on consistency and payout frequency.
DayTraders.com offers double the contract limit on the 50K (10 vs 5) and a $500 larger buffer. Topstep has no consistency rule in evaluation, which gives more freedom but means traders can pass on a single lucky streak. DayTraders.com's 50% rule ensures profits are distributed across at least 2 sessions.
All new Trading Combines exclusively on TopstepX (built on ProjectX). Existing NinjaTrader/Quantower/Tradovate accounts grandfathered but no new platform switches. Built-in TradingView charting.
Platform lock-in on new accountsRithmic for data and execution. Any Rithmic-compatible platform including NinjaTrader, Quantower, and others. No forced migration. Platform license included with every account.
Platform flexibility, license included25K to 300K across four program types. 300K Trailing offers 40 contracts (400 micros). No restrictions on combining sizes.
50K to 150K. Dynamic Live Risk Expansion rewards profitable traders with increased position limits over time.
DayTraders.com provides triple Topstep's funded account capacity (15 vs 5). Combined with sizes up to 300K and four distinct program types, the scaling flexibility is significantly broader.
Over a decade of operating history. 150,000+ Discord members. Live coaching via TopstepTV. $20M+ in reported payouts. Trustpilot declined from 4.5 to ~3.4 with complaints about rule changes, platform migrations, and pricing updates through 2025.
$1M+ in verified payouts. Active communities on Discord, Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Built by traders and software engineers with proprietary technology. No major rule overhauls or community trust issues since launch.
Topstep has the longer track record. DayTraders.com has the more modern infrastructure and has avoided the trust issues Topstep faced during its recent platform and rule transitions.
You want EOD drawdown during evaluation
You prefer a subscription model with free monthly resets
You value a large established community with live coaching
You are comfortable trading exclusively on TopstepX
You want 100% of the first $10K in profits
You want one-time pricing with no recurring fees
You need multiple drawdown options (trailing, static, EOD)
You want higher contract limits (10 vs 5 on 50K)
You prefer platform flexibility on Rithmic
You want 100% profit on Pro and S2F accounts
You need more than 5 funded accounts (up to 20 total)
You want live funded trading through S2L
Comparisons are based on publicly available information at the time of writing and are provided for educational purposes only. Program rules, pricing, and conditions may change. Traders should verify details directly with each futures prop firm before participating.
