Breakout vs Topstep
On the numbers: Breakout has the cheaper entry point; Breakout rates higher on Trustpilot. The right choice depends on which of those you weigh most - the rules, pricing and payout detail below is where they really separate.
At a glance
| Breakout | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| TradingBay Rating | 8.0 ★ | 7.9 |
| Category | Crypto | Futures |
| Founded | 2023 | 2012 |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | 90% |
| Payout Cycle | On demand | Weekly |
| Account Sizes | $5K–$200K | $50K–$150K |
| Cheapest Challenge | $20 ★ | $149 |
| Platforms | Breakout Terminal (web, iOS and Android), DXtrade | TopstepX |
| Trustpilot | 4.8 ★ | 3.7 |
Which is cheaper at $50K and $100K?
Prices shown in each firm's own currency or billing model, so not every size has a like-for-like winner.
| Breakout | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| $25K account | $95 | - |
| $50K account | $180 | $49/mo |
| $100K account | $330 | $99/mo |
| $200K account | $660 | - |
Rules head-to-head
Drawdown type is the rule that catches most traders out - read it before the profit split.
| Breakout | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| Rules grade | A - Minimal restrictions ★ | B - Simple core rule; payout caps and consistency gates add friction |
| Drawdown type | Static max drawdown anchored to starting balance: Classic 6%, Pro 5%, Turbo 3% | Trailing Maximum Loss Limit - the 'One Rule' ($2,000/$3,000/$4,500 for 50K/100K/150K); set at end of day from the balance high, locks once it reaches the starting balance ($0 after first funded payout) |
| Daily loss limit | 3% on every plan, recalculated from balance at 00:30 UTC, equity-based breach | Optional add-on at checkout ($1,000/$2,000/$3,000); hitting it blocks trading until next session but is not a rule break. Adding it (Responsible Trading Advantage) doubles XFA payout caps and discounts the subscription $10-$30/month |
| Profit target | Classic 10%, Pro 12%, Turbo 9% (one phase) | Combine: $3,000 (50K), $6,000 (100K), $9,000 (150K) |
| Consistency rule | None | Combine: best day cannot exceed 50% of total profits. Express Funded Consistency payout path: largest day at or below 40% of total net profit |
| News trading | Allowed at every stage (no restrictions) | Permitted |
| EAs / automation | Breakout Terminal and DXtrade only, no MT5/cTrader EAs. Copy trading only between your own accounts | Automation allowed with conditions; trade copiers permitted; no support or remediation for bot malfunctions |
| Weekend holding | Allowed - trading is 24/7 | Not possible - positions must be flat by 3:10 PM CT daily; trading day runs 5:00 PM CT to 3:10 PM CT |
| Min trading days | None | None to pass the Combine (possible in as little as 2 days); funded payout eligibility needs 5 winning days of $150+ (Standard) or 3 trading days (Consistency) |
| Time limit | None | No time limit; monthly subscription rebills until you pass or cancel, with a free reset credit on each rebill |
Payouts head-to-head
| Breakout | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit split (full terms) | 80% default, 90% with the add-on bought at checkout | 90/10 from the first dollar (accounts opened from 12 Jan 2026); members who joined earlier keep 100% of their first $10,000 lifetime profit |
| Payout frequency | On-demand (24/7), typically processed within 12-24 hours | On demand during CME market hours once eligible; XFA cycles need 5 winning days of $150+ (Standard) or 3 days at <=40% consistency (Consistency); LFA unlocks daily payouts after 30 winning days |
| First payout | Same day you are funded, on demand 24/7 | Funded traders can request a first payout in as little as 3 days (Consistency path); Standard path needs 5 winning days of $150+; no profit-since-last-payout requirement on the first payout |
| Minimum payout | $50 | $125 |
| Scaling | Case-by-case review after roughly three consecutive profitable funded months; firm references scaling up to $2M for top performers (no published formula). Max standard allocation $200K. | Contract limits scale with account balance per the Scaling Plan; payouts that drop the balance to a lower tier reduce maximum contract size. Payout caps rise per request count is not used - instead LFA invitation removes caps entirely |
Who should choose which?
· You want the cheaper entry ($20 vs $149).
· You'd rather not trade under a consistency rule.
· You swing trade and hold over the weekend.
· You want clearer, more stable rules (rules grade A vs B).
· Independent reputation matters to you (Trustpilot 4.8 vs 3.7).
· You run EAs or automated strategies.
Is Breakout better than Topstep?
It depends what you weigh: Breakout has the cheaper entry point; Breakout rates higher on Trustpilot.
Which is cheaper, Breakout or Topstep?
Breakout has the lower-priced entry challenge ($20 vs $149).
Does Breakout or Topstep allow EAs?
Breakout: Breakout Terminal and DXtrade only, no MT5/cTrader EAs. Copy trading only between your own accounts. Topstep: Automation allowed with conditions; trade copiers permitted; no support or remediation for bot malfunctions.
Can US traders join Breakout or Topstep?
Breakout: yes, the US is not on its restricted list. Topstep: yes, the US is not on its restricted list.
Which pays out faster, Breakout or Topstep?
Breakout: On-demand (24/7), typically processed within 12-24 hours. Topstep: On demand during CME market hours once eligible; XFA cycles need 5 winning days of $150+ (Standard) or 3 days at <=40% consistency (Consistency); LFA unlocks daily payouts after 30 winning days.
Terms last verified against each firm's own site: 2026-10-21 / 2026-06-12. How we rate.