Topstep Pricing Explained: All Plans, Costs & Fees (2026)

Topstep Pricing Overview

Topstep is one of the oldest and most established proprietary trading firms in the industry, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago. The company specializes exclusively in futures trading, offering a structured evaluation program called the Trading Combine followed by funded account access. Topstep's pricing starts at $165 per month for the $50K Trading Combine, making it an accessible entry point for traders serious about pursuing prop firm funding.

Unlike many competitors that offer free trials or paper trading demos, Topstep requires a financial commitment from day one. This approach reflects their philosophy: you're "buying in" to a professional evaluation process, not testing the waters casually. For traders committed to futures trading and willing to invest in structured development, this pricing model signals seriousness and may appeal to disciplined traders ready to prove themselves.

All Topstep Plans Compared

Topstep offers three distinct Trading Combine tiers, each representing different account sizes and evaluation commitments:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Account Size	Best For
$50K Trading Combine	$165/month	$50,000 simulated account	Beginners, traders on budget
$100K Trading Combine	$325/month	$100,000 simulated account	Intermediate traders seeking larger positions
$150K Trading Combine	$375/month	$150,000 simulated account	Experienced traders targeting maximum capital

All three tiers provide access to Topstep's core features, including paper trading, mobile app access, a broker integration, journaling tools, performance analytics, risk management coaching, and educational resources. The difference is purely the simulated account size during the evaluation period and the monthly fee structure.

Once you pass the Trading Combine evaluation and transition to a funded account, the monthly fee structure changes. Topstep offers a unique profit-sharing model: you earn a 100% profit split on your first $5,000 in gains, then the split adjusts based on your tier. This incentivizes traders to start small and scale systematically rather than taking outsized risks immediately.

Free Plan / Free Trial

Topstep does not offer a free tier or free trial. There is no way to test their platform, evaluate their interface, or attempt their Trading Combine without paying the monthly fee upfront.

This is a significant departure from competitors like Funded Trading Plus or other prop firms that offer limited free paper trading or evaluation periods. Some traders view this as a drawback—you're paying to prove yourself with no opportunity to sample the product first. Others see it as a feature: Topstep is screening for traders serious enough to invest their own money before seeking firm capital, filtering out casual speculators.

Before committing, you can watch demo videos, read reviews, and join the Topstep community to understand the evaluation requirements. However, you cannot experience the actual platform or trading environment without payment.

Hidden Costs and Fees

The monthly Trading Combine fee covers platform access, coaching, and evaluation. However, traders should budget for several additional costs:

• Exchange Fees: Futures trading involves exchange fees and commissions. Topstep charges commissions on trades placed through their broker integration, and exchange fees vary by contract type. These are separate from the monthly fee.
• Data Feeds: Real-time market data for futures may incur additional fees depending on your broker and data subscriptions. Topstep integrates with major brokers, but premium data tiers cost extra.
• Monthly Fees During Evaluation: A critical point: you pay the monthly Trading Combine fee for the entire evaluation period—potentially several months. If it takes you 4 months to pass, you'll spend $660–$1,500 just on the evaluation, before any trading commissions. This accumulates quickly and is a real cost consideration.
• Account Size Mismatch: If you want a $100K account but can only afford the $50K plan, you must upgrade, and the fee difference compounds over time.

Topstep's pros emphasize their "consistent and reliable payout history" and strong risk management, which can help minimize overtrading and ruinous losses. However, the path to profitability still requires discipline—monthly fees are non-refundable if you don't pass evaluation.

Topstep Pricing vs Competitors

How does Topstep's pricing stack up against other major prop firms in the futures space?

Firm	Entry-Level Price	Account Size Range	Free Trial?
Topstep	$165/month	$50K–$150K	No
Funded Trading Plus	~$99/month	$25K–$200K	Yes
Apex Trader Funding	~$99/month	$25K–$500K	Yes (limited)

Topstep's pricing is slightly higher than some competitors on entry-level accounts. At $165/month for a $50K account, you're paying a higher percentage of capital compared to firms charging $99/month. However, Topstep justifies this with their reputation (established since 2012), risk management emphasis, educational support, and track record of reliable payouts.

Importantly, Topstep's maximum account size ($150K) is smaller than some competitors offering $200K or more. If you want to scale larger quickly, you may eventually need to switch firms or explore their full review for upgrade pathways.

Is Topstep Worth the Price?

For disciplined futures traders: Yes, Topstep's pricing is fair. The monthly fee is an investment in structured evaluation, professional coaching, and access to capital. The 100% profit split on the first $5,000 is exceptional—few firms match this generosity on initial profits. If you can pass the evaluation within 2–3 months and begin trading a funded account, the break-even point comes quickly.

For beginners: The lack of a free trial and monthly fee commitment ($165+) create a barrier. If you're new to futures trading, consider whether you're truly ready for Topstep's structured environment. The evaluation rules are "restrictive" (per the con list), including consistency requirements and a prohibition on automated trading. This favors manual discretionary traders with proven discipline.

For swing traders or part-time traders: Topstep's monthly fee applies whether you trade actively or not. If you can only devote a few hours per week, the fee-to-profit ratio may be unfavorable. Futures require capital efficiency, and $165–$375/month in fixed costs eats into smaller account gains.

For automated trading enthusiasts: Topstep explicitly prohibits automated trading. If you rely on bots or algorithmic strategies, this firm is not for you. Look elsewhere if automation is core to your approach.

The honest take: Topstep is worth the price if you can prove yourself quickly and transition to funded trading. The firm's "4.2/5 rating" (see full review) and "consistent payout history" suggest they deliver on promises. However, the path requires discipline, capital efficiency, and comfort with futures-only markets (no forex or equities).

How to Save on Topstep

Annual Billing: No annual discount is mentioned in Topstep's standard pricing structure. Monthly billing appears to be the only option. If annual discounts become available, check the Topstep review page for updates.

Profit Split Optimization: The smartest way to "save" on Topstep is to profit quickly. Once you pass evaluation and trade a funded account, the 100% profit split on the first $5,000 means every dollar earned on funded capital reduces your effective entry cost. A trader who earns $5,000 in the first month has effectively offset the entire month's fee.

Minimize Evaluation Time: Each month of unsuccessful evaluation costs another $165–$375. Study Topstep's evaluation rules thoroughly before paying. The detailed review breaks down the specific consistency and drawdown requirements. Preparation reduces wasted months.

Start with the $50K Plan: Unless you have substantial experience, begin with the $50K Combine at $165/month rather than jumping to $100K or $150K. Prove your methodology on the smallest capital first, then upgrade if you pass. This minimizes upfront cost and evaluation risk.

Check for Referral Programs: Topstep occasionally runs referral or community promotions. Contact their support team or ask in their active trading community for any current incentives.

Leverage the Community: Topstep's "active community with live trading rooms" is included in all plans. Participate in live sessions, ask questions, and accelerate your learning to pass evaluation faster. This maximizes the value of the monthly fee.

Final Verdict

Topstep's pricing—$165–$375/month—reflects a premium prop firm with a stellar 13-year track record. The firm is not the cheapest entry point, and the lack of a free trial is a barrier. However, for futures traders serious about professional development and willing to prove themselves under structured evaluation, the cost is justified by the reputation, profit-sharing terms, and reliable capital access.

Start with the $50K Combine at $165/month, pass evaluation within 2–3 months, and transition to funded trading with a 100% profit split. At that point, the early monthly fees become a minor expense compared to the capital gains available. For casual traders or those exploring prop firms for the first time, compare Topstep to other options to ensure the fit is right.