FTMO vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
FTMO
8.3 A+
CFD
Topstep
8.0 A
Futures
Verdict: Who Wins?
FTMO
6 wins
Decisive Win
Topstep
1 wins
Best For:
Topstep
FTMO
FTMO
Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| FTMO | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 8.3/10 ★ | PFM Score | 8.0/10 |
| 4.8/5 (42,594) ★ | TrustPilot | 3.5/5 (14,272) |
| A+ ★ | Safety Grade | A |
| 84 A ★ | Trust Score | 74.5 B+ |
| Up to 90% | Profit Split | 90% |
| Maximum Daily Loss Amount, which is 5% of the Initial Simulated Capital (2-Step) or 3% (1-Step) | Daily Drawdown | No daily loss limit on Standard plan. Max Loss Limit: $2,000 (50K) / $3,000 (100K) / $4,500 (150K) trailing EOD from highest balance. Optional DLL add-on: $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000. |
| Bi-weekly (every 14 days) | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $79 | Starting Price | $49 ★ |
| Proprietary | Technology | Proprietary |
| cTrader, MT5, MT4 | Platforms | Topstep X |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| Czech Republic | Country | United States |
| Jan 2015 | Established | Jan 2010 |
| 10 options | Challenge Options | 3 options |
Price Comparison by Account Size
Cheapest challenge price at each account size (where both firms offer the same size)
| Account Size | FTMO | Topstep | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $319 | $49 ★ | Save $270 |
| $100K | $439 | $99 ★ | Save $340 |
FTMO vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
FTMO and Topstep are both CFD firms. Topstep has been in business longer, established in 2010, while FTMO was founded in 2015.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Topstep is more affordable with challenges starting at $49, which is $30 less than FTMO's starting price of $79. FTMO offers 10 challenge options, while Topstep offers 3.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, FTMO offers account sizes from $10 to $200 across 5 funding tiers, while Topstep offers account sizes from $50 to $150 across 3 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, FTMO supports cTrader, MT5 and MT4, while Topstep runs on Topstep X. If you already trade on a specific platform, this can be the deciding factor between the two.
Profit Split & Payouts
FTMO offers Up to 90% profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. FTMO pays out Bi-weekly (every 14 days), and Topstep pays out On-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: FTMO lists its daily drawdown as "Maximum Daily Loss Amount, which is 5% of the Initial Simulated Capital (2-Step) or 3% (1-Step)", while Topstep lists "No daily loss limit on Standard plan. Max Loss Limit: $2,000 (50K) / $3,000 (100K) / $4,500 (150K) trailing EOD from highest balance. Optional DLL add-on: $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000.". Always confirm the drawdown type before buying, since a trailing rule behaves very differently from a static end-of-day one.
Payout Methods
Topstep supports withdrawals via Wise, ACH and International Wire / SWIFT.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, FTMO has a 4.8/5 TrustPilot rating with 42,594 reviews, while Topstep has 3.5/5 with 14,272 reviews. Safety grades: FTMO A+, Topstep A.
Who Should Choose Which
So who should pick which? FTMO is the stronger choice for trust & reputation and fast payouts, while Topstep is the better fit for budget-conscious traders.
Overall, FTMO edges ahead winning 6 out of 7 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
FTMO
Pros
Cons
Topstep
Pros
Cons
Active Deals & Promo Codes
FTMO
No active deals
Topstep
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, FTMO or Topstep?
FTMO scores higher overall, winning 6 out of 7 comparison categories including Overall Rating, TrustPilot, Safety Grade. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, FTMO or Topstep?
Topstep has the lower starting price at $49. FTMO offers 10 challenge options starting from $79, while Topstep offers 3 options starting from $49.
Which has better reviews, FTMO or Topstep?
FTMO has a higher TrustPilot rating of 4.8/5. FTMO has 42,594 reviews while Topstep has 14,272.
Which offers a higher profit split, FTMO or Topstep?
FTMO offers a higher maximum profit split. FTMO offers Up to 90% while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do FTMO and Topstep pay out?
FTMO has Bi-weekly (every 14 days) payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are FTMO and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. FTMO holds a A+ safety grade and a 4.8/5 TrustPilot rating. Topstep holds a A safety grade and a 3.5/5 TrustPilot rating. Safety grades are based on payout history, community trust signals, and regulatory transparency.
Which is better for beginners, FTMO or Topstep?
Topstep 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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