Lucid Trading vs Topstep (2026)
Lucid Trading and Topstep are two of the most searched futures prop firms of 2026. Lucid Trading has the lower entry price (from $95 vs $165), while Topstep offers the stronger profit split at 100%. On payout track record, Topstep leads with $280M paid to 72,000 traders, against $12M for Lucid Trading. Topstep is the more established operation, running since 2009.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Lucid Trading | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.5 (320) | ★ 4.5 (5,210) |
| Founded | 2024 (US) | 2009 (US) |
| Starting price | $95 | $165 |
| Max allocation | $750,000 | $150,000 |
| Profit target | 6% | 6% |
| Max drawdown | $2,500 (static) | $2,000 (trailing) |
| Profit split | 90% | 100% |
| Min trading days | 1 | 2 |
| News trading | Yes | Yes |
| Instant funding | Yes | No |
| Scaling plan | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Tradesea, Rithmic, MotiveWave, QuantTower | TopstepX |
| Total paid out | $12M | $280M |
| Traders paid | 5,200 | 72,000 |
| Average payout | $2,100 | $2,100 |
Lucid Trading in brief
Lucid Trading gives traders the ability to participate in the futures markets without needing to risk thousands of dollars of their own capital. Instead of depositing your own trading funds, you select one of our trading plans and begin trading in a simulated environment, where your performance determines how far you progress. As you demonstrate consistency, discipline, and profitability in your simulated account, we transition you to a live brokerage account funded with our capital. From that point forward, you keep a share of the profits you generate. LucidTrading is designed to provide a low-cost, low-risk pathway into futures trading, backed by clearly defined rules and transparent expectations.
Topstep in brief
Topstep helps you build the skills to earn funding, with instant payouts, fast 24/7 support, and a community that has your back. We offer a path to trade with our capital, allow you to keep up to 90% of your profits, and provide live market trading opportunities up to $150,000 with additional performance bonuses.
Verdict
- ▸Choose Lucid Trading if entry cost matters most — its evaluations start at $95 with static drawdown.
- ▸Choose Topstep if you're optimizing for keep-rate — traders keep 100% of profits and the average payout is $2,100.
- ▸Lucid Trading also offers instant funding, letting you skip the evaluation phase entirely.
- ▸On reputation, Topstep's $280M in verified payouts is the strongest trust signal between the two.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Lucid Trading or Topstep?
Lucid Trading is cheaper to start: evaluations from $95 versus $165.
Which has the higher profit split, Lucid Trading or Topstep?
Topstep has the higher profit split at 100%, versus 90%.
Which firm has paid out more, Lucid Trading or Topstep?
Topstep has the larger verified payout record: $280M versus $12M.