TopstepvsTake Profit Trader
Topstep is the industry pioneer with 12+ years of history. Take Profit Trader is the disruptor offering Day 1 Payouts and Zero Activation Fees. Is newer better?
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With Topstep:
- Evaluation Cost: $49
- + Activation Fee: $149
- Total to get Funded: $198
With Take Profit Trader:
- Evaluation Cost: $90
- + Activation Fee: $0
- Total to get Funded: $90
Verdict: Even if TPT's upfront price seems higher, it is actually 55% cheaper than Topstep when you factor in the funding fees.
Overview: Topstep vs TPT
The industry pioneer vs the speed disruptor. Topstep has been funding traders since 2012 - they invented the prop firm evaluation model. But Take Profit Trader is rewriting the rules with Day 1 payouts and zero activation fees. When you do the math, TPT's 'higher' eval price is actually 50% cheaper than Topstep when you factor in the $149 activation fee. Speed AND savings? That's a hard combo to beat.
Detailed Breakdown
| Feature | Topstep | TPT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activation Fee | $149 per account | ✓$0 (FREE) | TPT |
| First Payout | 10-15 days (5 winning days) | ✓Day 1 (PRO+) | TPT |
| Total Cost (50k) | $198 (eval + activation) | ✓$90 (eval only) | TPT |
| Daily Loss Limit | Yes (varies) | ✓None | TPT |
| Drawdown Type | Trailing | ✓EOD Trailing | TPT |
| Platforms | ✓Tradovate, TS, NinjaTrader | Tradovate, NinjaTrader | Topstep |
| Founded | ✓2012 (12+ years) | 2022 (3 years) | Topstep |
| Profit Split | 90/10 | 90/10 | Tie |
Withdrawal & Payout Rules
Critical Info| Rule | Topstep | TPT |
|---|---|---|
| Max Withdrawal (Simulated) | 50% of balance | No daily cap (PRO+) |
| Max Withdrawal (Live) | 50% of balance | Unlimited |
| Payout Cycle | Weekly (after 5 winning days) | Day 1 (PRO+) |
| Buffer Rule | Must maintain buffer above threshold | EOD - more breathing room |
Our Verdict
Take Profit Trader wins on total cost ($90 vs $198 with activation fees) and payout speed (Day 1 vs 10-15 days). Topstep wins on reputation (12 years) and platform options.
Choose Topstep if:
You are a beginner who wants the safest, most recognized brand. You want to use TradingView integration (via Tradovate) and you don't mind paying the $149 activation fee for stability.
Choose TPT if:
You want money NOW. The Day 1 Payout and $0 Activation Fee make it the most profitable choice mathematically. If you're confident you can pass, TPT puts cash in your pocket faster than anyone else.
Who Should Choose Each Firm?
Topstep is best for:
- You want the most recognized brand (12+ years)
- You value educational resources and community
- You want TradingView integration (via Tradovate)
- You're a beginner who wants the 'safest' choice
- You don't mind the $149 activation fee
- Weekly payouts are acceptable to you
Take Profit Trader is best for:
- You want your money on Day 1 (no waiting)
- You hate activation fees ($0 vs $149)
- You want to be profitable faster (math wins)
- You prefer EOD drawdown (safer for swing trading)
- No daily loss limit appeals to you
- You want 90% profit split from the start
Pros & Cons
Topstep
Pros
- +One of the oldest prop firms (since 2012)
- +Weekly payouts available
- +90/10 profit split
- +Strong educational resources
Cons
- -Daily loss limit applies
- -Monthly subscription model
- -Fewer account size options
Take Profit Trader
Pros
- +40% OFF + No Activation Fee
- +Day-one withdrawals (PRO+)
- +90% profit split
- +No consistency rule
- +No daily loss limit
Cons
- -Newer company (2022)
- -Smaller payout history
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Take Profit Trader cheaper even though the eval costs more?
What is Day 1 payout at Take Profit Trader?
Is Topstep more trustworthy because it's older?
Which has better payout rules?
Can I use TradingView with both?
The Bottom Line
Take Profit Trader wins on math and speed. $90 total vs $198 total. Day 1 payouts vs 10-15 day wait. Unless you specifically want Topstep's 12-year reputation, TPT is the smarter financial choice.
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In-depth analysis, pricing, rules & verdict
In-depth analysis, pricing, rules & verdict
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