FTMO vs TopStep: Which Prop Firm Wins?
Compare FTMO vs TopStep — cost, rules, profit splits, payouts, and which prop firm suits your trading style.
FTMO vs TopStep: At a glance
FTMO is a forex, indices, commodities (cfd) prop firm running a two-step: challenge + verification, with profit targets of 10% and a max drawdown of 10%. TopStep operates in the us futures market with a single-step combine, 6% profit target, and 4% drawdown. The two firms attract different types of traders — FTMO suits forex swing and intraday traders; overnight holds, while TopStep is generally better for disciplined futures day traders who want a reputable name. The full side-by-side comparison is below.
Evaluation structure
FTMO's evaluation is a two-step: challenge + verification with a typical cost around $180. You need to hit 10% profit without breaching a 10% drawdown or the daily loss rule (5% daily, 10% total). TopStep runs a single-step combine at roughly $165, with a 6% target, 4% drawdown, and $1,000 on $50k, $2,000 on $100k, $3,000 on $150k. Neither firm is strictly harder — the right one depends on your style. Short-time-frame scalpers usually prefer firms with no daily loss limit on the evaluation. Swing traders who hold overnight need a firm that allows overnight holds.
Payouts and scaling
Once funded, FTMO pays out on a monthly, on-demand after first payout cadence with a 80%, up to 90% with consistency split. TopStep pays weekly after 5 winning days at 100% on first $10k, then 90/10. FTMO's scaling model: Scaling plan: +25% every 4 months if profitable. TopStep: Funded Account Plus adds size over time. If you want to compound quickly across many accounts, the firm with broader scaling rules is usually the better fit — but faster scaling also means more capital at risk if you overtrade.
Which should you pick?
Pick FTMO if forex swing and intraday traders; overnight holds — its trade-offs (two-step process; stricter daily loss limit) matter less for that profile. Pick TopStep if disciplined futures day traders who want a reputable name — the trade-off there is that only 3 account sizes; strict daily loss. If you can't decide, the cheapest way to learn is to practice the shape of both rule sets in a simulator first, then pay for a real evaluation once you have a feel for the pace.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | FTMO | TopStep |
|---|---|---|
| Market | Forex, indices, commodities (CFD) | US futures |
| Evaluation | Two-step: Challenge + Verification | Single-step Combine |
| Min account | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Max account | $200,000 | $150,000 |
| Typical cost | ~$180 | ~$165 |
| Profit target | 10% | 6% |
| Max drawdown | 10% | 4% |
| Daily loss limit | 5% daily, 10% total | $1,000 on $50k, $2,000 on $100k, $3,000 on $150k |
| Profit split | 80%, up to 90% with consistency | 100% on first $10k, then 90/10 |
| Payout frequency | Monthly, on-demand after first payout | Weekly after 5 winning days |
| Time limit | Unlimited (2025 rule update) | None |
| News trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| Overnight holds | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader, DXTrade | TopStepX, Rithmic, NinjaTrader |
| Best for | Forex swing and intraday traders; overnight holds | Disciplined futures day traders who want a reputable name |