DNA Funded vs Topstep (2026) — Which Is Better?
Compare DNA Funded and Topstep — features, pricing, pros and cons.
This comparison uses first-party sources linked inline. Time-sensitive details (fees, promotions, plan limits) can shift — verify with each provider before signing up. Methodology →
At-a-Glance
Higher Rated
Topstep (4.2)
More Affordable
DNA Funded ($49/mo)
DNA Funded
Australian broker-backed prop firm offering 1-Phase, 2-Phase, Rapid, and Instant Funding challenges with 80% profit splits and 800+ CFD instruments via TradeLocker.
Topstep
Veteran futures prop firm with a structured Trading Combine evaluation, risk management coaching, and funded accounts up to $150K.
Rules, Payout & Fee Breakdown
| Feature | DNA Funded | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 3.9 | ★ 4.2 |
| Starting Price | $49/mo | $165/mo |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Markets | forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto | futures |
| AI Analysis | ✗ | ✗ |
| Backtesting | ✗ | ✗ |
| Paper Trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Price Alerts | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ |
| API Access | ✗ | ✗ |
| Social Features | ✗ | ✓ |
| Broker Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Indicators | ✗ | ✗ |
| Automated Trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Trade Journaling | ✗ | ✓ |
| Performance Analytics | ✓ | ✓ |
| Risk Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| News Feed | ✗ | ✗ |
| Education Content | ✗ | ✓ |
Prop-Firm Head-to-Head
DNA Funded and Topstep target fundamentally different trader profiles. DNA Funded offers flexibility with multiple challenge phases (1-Phase, 2-Phase, Rapid, Instant), 800+ CFD instruments, and a lower $49/month entry point. Topstep takes a structured, education-first approach with a single Trading Combine evaluation and capped funding up to $150K, priced at $165/month. DNA Funded prioritizes instrument breadth; Topstep emphasizes risk management coaching and trader development.
DNA Funded's standout advantage is ASIC-regulated broker backing through DNA Markets—a rarity that adds institutional credibility in a market skeptical of prop firms. Combined with zero time limits on challenges and raw 0.0 pip spreads, it appeals to cost-conscious forex and CFD traders seeking no-strings-attached funding. Topstep counters with two decades of industry credibility and a reputation for serious trader development, plus an aggressive 100% profit split on the first $5,000 earned.
Choose DNA Funded if you trade forex or CFDs, value pricing efficiency, and want minimal restrictions on challenge completion. Opt for Topstep if you're a futures-only trader, benefit from structured evaluation and coaching, and can justify higher costs for institutional-grade risk management and trader development support.
DNA Funded: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Backed by ASIC-regulated DNA Markets broker — rare and credible among prop firms
- + No time limits on 1-Phase and 2-Phase challenges
- + Raw spreads from 0.0 pips with 800+ CFD instruments
- + Four challenge types including Instant Funding for traders who want to skip evaluation
- + Challenge fee refunded upon first payout
Cons
- - Founded in 2024 with limited track record and community history
- - Futures and options trading not yet available
- - Crypto trading excluded from the Rapid challenge
- - Affiliate commission rates not publicly disclosed
Topstep: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + One of the most established and trusted prop firms
- + Strong emphasis on risk management and trader development
- + 100% profit split on first $5,000
- + Active community with live trading rooms
- + Consistent and reliable payout history
Cons
- - Futures only — no forex or equities
- - Evaluation rules can be restrictive (consistency requirement)
- - Monthly fees accumulate during evaluation period
- - Automated trading not permitted
- - Smaller maximum account size than some competitors