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Updated 2026-03-08
Topstep vs Sway Funded: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between Topstep and Sway Funded face a choice between a well-established industry veteran and a newer firm with more flexible rules. The most significant differences lie in trading requirements and payout structures — Sway Funded eliminates minimum trading day requirements entirely, while Topstep offers daily payouts versus Sway Funded's unclear payout timeline. This comparison examines their challenge rules, payout policies, and overall value proposition to help you determine which firm aligns better with your trading style and experience level.
T
Topstep
Est. 2012 · Chicago, USA
4.4
14,000 reviews
VS
1 wins
4 ties
1 wins
SF
Sway Funded
Est. 2024 · N/A
4
200 reviews
Feature
Topstep
Sway Funded
Min Trading Days
5 days
None✓ No minimum
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
50% (up to 90%)
N/A
Payout Frequency
daily✓ Faster payouts
N/A
Platforms
N/A
N/A
Max Account (Scaling)
N/A
N/A
Topstep
Pros
+Performance-based capital release structure with 20% initial access scaling to full balance
+Daily payout eligibility after 30 benchmark trading days with up to 90% profit split
+Performance bonus program offering over $250,000 in cash bonuses for consistent traders
+Dynamic risk expansion that adjusts daily loss limits as account balance grows
+Live Funded Account structure designed to help transition from simulated to live trading
Cons
−Must maintain account balance above $0 at all times or forfeit account
−Initial payout split limited to 50% until reaching 30 benchmark trading days
−Account automatically closed if inactive for 90 days
−All positions must be closed by 3:10 PM CT daily
−Protective stops required on every open position
Sway Funded
Pros
+Growing firm with aggressive expansion through acquisitions of established prop firms
+Significant trader base of over 70,000 traders achieved within first year
+Track record of large payouts including $165,000 single reward to trader
+Experience-focused approach differentiating from traditional prop trading firms
Cons
−Very new firm founded in 2024 with limited operational track record
−Lack of detailed trading rules and account information publicly available
−Rapid growth through acquisitions may create integration challenges
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
Topstep is the better choice for traders who prioritize reliable, frequent access to their profits and want the security of an established firm. With daily payouts and over a decade in business, Topstep offers the kind of operational reliability that matters when your income depends on consistent withdrawals. The firm's 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating from 14,000 reviews demonstrates proven track record at scale.
Sway Funded suits traders who struggle with meeting minimum trading day requirements and prefer maximum flexibility in their trading schedule. The elimination of minimum trading days makes it ideal for part-time traders or those with inconsistent schedules. However, the lack of clear payout information and limited review history (200 reviews versus 14,000) make it a higher-risk choice for traders who need predictable income streams.
For most traders, Topstep's combination of daily payouts, established operations, and extensive user feedback outweighs Sway Funded's single advantage of no minimum trading days. Choose Sway Funded only if the 5-day minimum at Topstep is genuinely problematic for your schedule.
Choose Topstep if:
→Performance-based capital release structure with 20% initial access scaling to full balance
→Daily payout eligibility after 30 benchmark trading days with up to 90% profit split
→Performance bonus program offering over $250,000 in cash bonuses for consistent traders
→Dynamic risk expansion that adjusts daily loss limits as account balance grows
Choose Sway Funded if:
→Growing firm with aggressive expansion through acquisitions of established prop firms
→Significant trader base of over 70,000 traders achieved within first year
→Track record of large payouts including $165,000 single reward to trader
→Experience-focused approach differentiating from traditional prop trading firms
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.