For any trader, the platform is their arena, where every click and chart matters. While the broader trading community often debates what platform do professional traders use, the question becomes far more specific and urgent for those aiming for a funded account. For them, the critical inquiry is: what platform does Topstep use?
Today, H2T Funding will break down what this move to TopstepX means for your path to a funded account, ensuring you have the clarity needed to trade with confidence.
Key takeaways
- To answer the central question, What platform does Topstep use to trade, the firm now exclusively utilizes its proprietary TopstepX platform for all new traders starting an evaluation.
- This strategic move means that previously supported platforms, including popular choices like Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Quantower, and others, are being systematically phased out for new users.
- The transition to TopstepX is a data-driven decision, as internal analytics show traders on this platform achieve higher success rates for getting funded and maintaining their accounts long-term.
- While new traders must use TopstepX, existing traders on legacy platforms can continue to use them, but must adhere to a strict transition timeline regarding account resets and rule violations.
1. What is Topstep?
Established in 2012 by CEO Michael Patak, Topstep is a proprietary trading firm offering traders a path to a funded account without personal risk. Through its signature evaluation program, the Trading Combine®, traders prove their skills in a simulated environment. The goal is to earn the opportunity to trade futures contracts using the firm’s capital.
The journey at Topstep includes 3 steps:
- Trading Combine® (Step 1): a simulated challenge where traders must meet profit targets while respecting strict risk rules.
- Express Funded Account (Step 2): In this crucial stage, traders operate in a simulated environment but can request real payouts based on their performance. This is where Topstep’s attractive profit split kicks in: traders keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profits, followed by a 90/10 split.
- Live Funded Account (Step 3): the final stage to trade the firm’s actual capital. This structured progression has made Topstep a popular choice for aspiring futures traders worldwide.
2. What platform does Topstep use?
Topstep has made a decisive move to consolidate its offerings, making TopstepX the single supported platform for all new traders. This strategic decision is backed by compelling data gathered over a year: traders using TopstepX are getting funded more often, maintaining their accounts longer, and securing more consistent payouts than traders on any other platform.
Important transition timeline:
- Starting July 7th, 2025: All new Trading Combines must be purchased on TopstepX. Traders with active accounts on other platforms can continue trading and resetting those accounts.
- Starting August 1st, 2025: The ability to reset an account will only be available on TopstepX. This policy update often leads traders to compare rules across firms, asking questions like, Can you reset a funded Apex account. To be clear on Topstep’s policy: after this date, if you hit your Maximum Loss Limit on another platform, that account cannot be reset. You will then need to start a new Trading Combine on TopstepX.
- Existing Funded Accounts: If you have a Live Funded Account on a platform other than TopstepX, you can continue your trading activity and request payouts as usual. However, a rule violation will result in permanent account closure, which differs from a voluntary closure initiated by the trader.
| Platform | Availability for New Traders | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| TopstepX | The only option for new accounts. | Commission-free trading, Integrated TradingView™ charts, The Tilt™ sentiment indicator, and built-in Trade Copier. |
| Tradovate | No longer available for new accounts. | Web-based with a mobile app, enabled the TradingView add-on for existing users. |
| NinjaTrader | No longer available for new accounts. | Advanced charting, strategy backtesting, large ecosystem of third-party add-ons. |
| Quantower | No longer available for new accounts. | Professional-grade features, extensive customization. |
| And 10+ others | No longer available for new accounts. | A wide range of specialized platforms was previously supported. |
In summary, here is the current breakdown of Topstep trading platforms:
- TopstepX: This serves as the exclusive and sole platform for all new traders joining Topstep.
- Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Quantower, and other legacy platforms: only for traders with existing Live Funded Accounts. For all new evaluations, the answer to what trading platform does Topstep use is exclusively TopstepX, as the previous Topstep-compatible platforms list no longer applies.
3. Why is the platform important when trading with Topstep?
It’s simple: for a trader, the platform isn’t just a piece of software, it’s an extension of their strategy and workflow.
- Familiarity breeds efficiency: Every trader develops a unique workflow and muscle memory. Using a platform you know inside and out eliminates the friction of learning a new system, allowing you to focus entirely on market analysis and execution.
- Impact on performance: A clunky, slow, or confusing interface can lead to costly errors, such as missed entries or fumbled exits. These mistakes often occur when a trader deviates from their core rules. This is why it’s crucial to understand what is a trading plan is; it is your personal rulebook for every decision you make in the market.
- Feature set alignment: Different platforms offer different tools. A scalper might prioritize a sophisticated Depth of Market (DOM) ladder, while a swing trader may need advanced charting and analytical overlays. Choosing a platform that aligns with your strategy is crucial for success.
4. Why did Topstep move to the TopstepX trading platform?
The move to TopstepX wasn’t just about streamlining options; it was a strategic decision driven by trader success. By focusing all its resources on a single, purpose-built platform, Topstep can accelerate improvements, offer more focused trader support, and deliver better outcomes for its community.
TopstepX is more than just an order-entry system; it’s an ecosystem designed for trader development.
Key features of TopstepX:
- Integrated TradingView™ charts: Access the industry-leading charting tools you know and love directly within the platform.
- The Tilt™: A unique, real-time sentiment indicator showing the collective long/short bias of thousands of Topstep traders.
- Built-in risk management tools: Features like a manual lock-out can help you secure profits or prevent emotional over-trading.
- Integrated live content: Stream TopstepTV™ directly in the platform to trade alongside coaches and get real-time market insights.
- Commission-free: Trading on TopstepX is commission-free, which is a significant cost-saving advantage.
5. How to choose the right platform for you?
If you have an existing account on a platform other than TopstepX, you can continue to use it according to the transition timeline. If you passed your evaluation on a legacy platform, you can request to open your new funded account on TopstepX. However, this request must be made before you place any trades.
Consider these factors when using your platform:
- Device compatibility: Do you trade on a Windows PC, a Mac, or a mobile device? TopstepX is web-based, making it accessible across devices. Platforms like Tradovate also offer strong Mac and mobile support, while others are Windows-only.
- User interface: Is the layout intuitive to you? Do you prefer a clean, simple interface or one packed with dozens of customizable windows?
- Specialized features: Do you rely on custom indicators or automated strategies? This factor is often critical for traders searching for the easiest prop firms to pass, as success is heavily dependent on using familiar and effective tools. If you use custom indicators on TradingView, you must currently do so via a Tradovate account.
6. FAQs
A funded account is an account provided by Topstep to traders who successfully pass the Trading Combine® evaluation. It allows you to trade the firm’s capital and keep a significant portion of the profits you generate.
Previously, Tradovate was a very popular option. However, as of July 7th, 2025, new Trading Combines can no longer be started on Tradovate. Existing users can continue on the platform according to the phase-out schedule.
You cannot connect a new TopstepX account directly to the TradingView platform for trade execution. However, TopstepX integrates TradingView’s powerful charting tools within its own platform. For legacy users, connecting to TradingView is possible via a Tradovate account by activating a free add-on.
Once you pass the Trading Combine, you’ll advance to an Express Funded Account (XFA). Although this is a simulated environment, you can request real payouts. In the Topstep payout policy, traders can request a withdrawal of their profits once their account balance reflects the eligible amount. While the platform doesn’t offer automatic daily payouts, the policy allows for frequent requests.
Like Tradovate, NinjaTrader was a supported platform but is being phased out for new users in favor of TopstepX.
No. While there is no longer a minimum day requirement, the “Consistency Target” rule prevents it. This rule requires that out of all your winning trading days, your single best trading day cannot account for more than 50% of your total Net PNL. This ensures you demonstrate consistent profitability over time.
For new traders, TopstepX is the designated and recommended platform, making it the best platform for Topstep traders starting out. It was specifically designed with features to help new traders develop good trading habits and manage risk effectively.
Topstep itself does not charge additional Topstep platform fees during the Trading Combine or Express Funded Account stages. However, when you reach the Live Funded Account, you are responsible for professional CME data fees, though Topstep covers the fee for one exchange.
Yes, Topstep provides the necessary real-time data for trading during the evaluation and Express Funded Account stages.
As of July 7th, 2025, you can no longer switch your active Trading Combine platform. The only option is to move your newly funded account to TopstepX after passing on a legacy platform. This must be requested before any trades are placed on the new account.
No. TopstepX uses its own dedicated data feed and cannot be connected to other trading platforms for execution.
7. Conclusion
So, what’s the bottom line? Topstep’s decision to standardize on the TopstepX platform is a clear, data-driven move aimed at creating more successful funded traders. For new traders, the question of what platform does Topstep use now has a single, clear answer: TopstepX. This decision is backed by data showing that it provides a superior environment for trader development and consistent payouts.
There is no single “perfect” platform, but by focusing on one, Topstep aims to deliver the best possible tools. However, the right tool is only as good as the strategy behind it. For more guidance and practical strategies, check out H2T Funding under our Prop Firm & Trading Strategies category to help you manage drawdowns and maximize your chances of trading success.
