City Traders Imperium vs Pipster: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
Verdict: Who Wins?
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Visual Comparison
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Head-to-Head Comparison
| City Traders Imperium | Metric | Pipster |
|---|---|---|
| 8.2/10 ★ | PFM Score | 5.4/10 |
| 4.2/5 (1,621) ★ | TrustPilot | 4.1/5 (22) |
| A ★ | Safety Grade | B |
| 84 A ★ | Trust Score | 51.9 C |
| 80% - 100% ★ | Profit Split | 80% |
| None disclosed (1-Step); 5% of account size (2-Step); 6% (Instant Funding and Instant Funding Pro) | Daily Drawdown | 4% on the 1-Phase (evaluation and funded), 5% on both 2-Phase stages and when funded, 3% on Instant Funded. Pipster Entry has NO daily loss limit during evaluation and 3% once activated. Every daily limit is static for the day, set from the equity recorded at the 22:00 UTC New York session rollover. |
| On-demand (Bronze VIP tier: weekly; Silver VIP tier and above: any time) | Payout Frequency | Weekly |
| $29 | Starting Price | $1.99 ★ |
| White-Label | Technology | White-Label |
| Match Trader, MT5 | Platforms | Match Trader |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | No |
| Comoros | Country | United Kingdom |
| Jan 2018 | Established | Jun 2025 |
| 23 options | Challenge Options | 22 options |
Price Comparison by Account Size
Cheapest challenge price at each account size (where both firms offer the same size)
| Account Size | City Traders Imperium | Pipster | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5K | $49 | $2 ★ | Save $47 |
| $10K | $79 | $2 ★ | Save $77 |
| $25K | $159 | $2 ★ | Save $157 |
| $50K | $299 | $2 ★ | Save $297 |
| $100K | $449 | $2 ★ | Save $447 |
City Traders Imperium vs Pipster: Detailed Analysis
City Traders Imperium and Pipster are both CFD firms. City Traders Imperium has been in business longer, established in 2018, while Pipster was founded in 2025.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Pipster is more affordable with challenges starting at $2, which is $27 less than City Traders Imperium's starting price of $29. City Traders Imperium offers 23 challenge options, while Pipster offers 22.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, City Traders Imperium offers account sizes from $5 to $100 across 8 funding tiers, while Pipster offers account sizes from $1 to $100 across 6 funding tiers. Picking the right tier matters because both the entry cost and the maximum capital you can scale to are tied to the account size you start with.
Trading Platforms
For trading platforms, City Traders Imperium supports Match Trader and MT5, while Pipster runs on Match Trader. If you already trade on a specific platform, this can be the deciding factor between the two.
Profit Split & Payouts
City Traders Imperium offers 80% - 100% profit split, while Pipster offers 80%. City Traders Imperium pays out On-demand (Bronze VIP tier: weekly; Silver VIP tier and above: any time), and Pipster pays out Weekly.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: City Traders Imperium lists its daily drawdown as "None disclosed (1-Step); 5% of account size (2-Step); 6% (Instant Funding and Instant Funding Pro)", while Pipster lists "4% on the 1-Phase (evaluation and funded), 5% on both 2-Phase stages and when funded, 3% on Instant Funded. Pipster Entry has NO daily loss limit during evaluation and 3% once activated. Every daily limit is static for the day, set from the equity recorded at the 22:00 UTC New York session rollover.". Always confirm the drawdown type before buying, since a trailing rule behaves very differently from a static end-of-day one.
Payout Methods
Pipster supports withdrawals via Rise, Crypto and Wire Transfer.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, City Traders Imperium has a 4.2/5 TrustPilot rating with 1,621 reviews, while Pipster has 4.1/5 with 22 reviews. Safety grades: City Traders Imperium A, Pipster B.
Who Should Choose Which
So who should pick which? City Traders Imperium is the stronger choice for maximum profit potential and trust & reputation, while Pipster is the better fit for budget-conscious traders.
Overall, City Traders Imperium edges ahead winning 5 out of 6 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, City Traders Imperium or Pipster?
City Traders Imperium scores higher overall, winning 5 out of 6 comparison categories including Overall Rating, TrustPilot, Profit Split. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, City Traders Imperium or Pipster?
Pipster has the lower starting price at $2. City Traders Imperium offers 23 challenge options starting from $29, while Pipster offers 22 options starting from $2.
Which has better reviews, City Traders Imperium or Pipster?
City Traders Imperium has a higher TrustPilot rating of 4.2/5. City Traders Imperium has 1,621 reviews while Pipster has 22.
Which offers a higher profit split, City Traders Imperium or Pipster?
City Traders Imperium offers a higher maximum profit split. City Traders Imperium offers 80% - 100% while Pipster offers 80%.
How fast do City Traders Imperium and Pipster pay out?
City Traders Imperium has On-demand (Bronze VIP tier: weekly; Silver VIP tier and above: any time) payouts while Pipster offers Weekly payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are City Traders Imperium and Pipster legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. City Traders Imperium holds a A safety grade and a 4.2/5 TrustPilot rating. Pipster holds a B safety grade and a 4.1/5 TrustPilot rating. Safety grades are based on payout history, community trust signals, and regulatory transparency.
Which is better for beginners, City Traders Imperium or Pipster?
Pipster may be more accessible for beginners due to its lower entry price. When starting out, consider challenge cost, drawdown rules, and profit split. Use the comparison table above to find which firm fits your experience level and risk tolerance.
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