Topstep4 criteria won8.7/10- From
- $49/mo
- Profit split
- 90%
- Payout frequency
- After 5 winning days
- Max capital
- $750K
- Age
- 14 years
- Platforms
- TopstepX
Track record versus speed
Topstep vs Lucid Trading
Which one should you choose in 2026? A criterion-by-criterion comparison.
Our pick
Topstep
8.7/10
The original futures prop firm, since 2012
2 / 5 criteria won out of 5Read reviewVS
Head-to-head verdict · Topstep
Topstep keeps the higher overall score thanks to its reputation, the strongest of any futures-only firm in our rankings, and its support. Yet Lucid Trading wins 3 criteria out of 5: it is cheaper, has looser rules and pays in about 15 minutes on average, but it is much younger.
Full comparison
Topstep4 criteria won8.7/10
Lucid Trading5 criteria won8.6/10- From
- $105.20
- Profit split
- 90%
- Payout frequency
- 3-day cycles
- Max capital
- $750K
- Age
- 1 year
- Platforms
- Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower, Sierra Chart, ATAS
Choose Topstep if you…
- Want the longest-standing futures firm
- Are aiming for a real live account
- Are new to futures (education)
Choose Lucid Trading if you…
- Are an experienced futures trader (NQ, ES, GC)
- Want an end-of-day drawdown
- Want to be paid very quickly
Price at the same account size
Each firm's cheapest challenge for the same account size (public prices without promotions).
| Size | Topstep | Lucid Trading | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | $49 / monthTrading Combine | $105.20LucidFlex | Not comparable |
| 100K | $99 / monthTrading Combine | $170.30LucidDaily Intraday | Not comparable |
| 150K | $199 / monthTrading Combine | $235.60LucidDaily Intraday | Not comparable |
Rules side by side
What each firm allows, from our checks.
| Topstep | Lucid Trading | |
|---|---|---|
| News trading | Full-size entries into major news banned | Allowed (except LucidDaily) |
| EAs and bots | Allowed (no HFT) | Not specified |
| Weekend and overnight | No (flat by 3:10 pm CT) | No (flat by 4:45 pm EST) |
| Minimum days | 5 winning days of $150, or 3 days | 1 day |
| Consistency rule | Not specified | 40% (Pro funded) · 50% (Flex evaluation) |
Criterion by criterion
- Payouts: Topstep 8.8 versus Lucid Trading 9.0, edge to Lucid Trading.
- Rules: Topstep 8.4 versus Lucid Trading 8.8, edge to Lucid Trading.
- Price: Topstep 8.6 versus Lucid Trading 9.0, edge to Lucid Trading.
- Support: Topstep 8.8 versus Lucid Trading 8.0, edge to Topstep.
- Reputation: Topstep 9.6 versus Lucid Trading 7.4, edge to Topstep.
FAQ
Topstep or Lucid Trading: which one is cheaper?
Their offers are not directly comparable (different sizes or billing). The same-size price table covers each size.
Topstep or Lucid Trading: which one pays better?
On our payouts criterion, Lucid Trading scores 9.0/10 versus 8.8/10. Stated speed: on request at Topstep, ≈ 15 min on average at Lucid Trading.
Which is more reliable, Topstep or Lucid Trading?
On reputation, Topstep scores 9.6/10 versus 7.4/10 for Lucid Trading. Topstep has been around since 2012, Lucid Trading since 2025.
Should I choose Topstep or Lucid Trading?
Topstep wins this head-to-head with 8.7/10 in the YourFunding rankings. Topstep keeps the higher overall score thanks to its reputation, the strongest of any futures-only firm in our rankings, and its support. Yet Lucid Trading wins 3 criteria out of 5: it is cheaper, has looser rules and pays in about 15 minutes on average, but it is much younger.
