Head-to-Head Comparison 2026

FTMOvsTopstep

The ultimate battle: FTMO (Forex leader) vs Topstep (Futures pioneer). Compare prices, profit splits, payouts, and evaluation process. Which deserves your money?

Exclusive Codes

FTMO

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Topstep

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FTMO

Price
$89
Trustpilot
4.5/5
8,247 reviews
Profit Split
80/20 (up to 90/10)
Time to Pass
4+ days minimum
Visit FTMO

Topstep

Price
$49
Trustpilot
4.5/5
5,432 reviews
Profit Split
90/10
Time to Pass
2+ days minimum
Visit Topstep

* Prices shown are for the cheapest account with current promotions

Overview: FTMO vs Topstep

The clash of prop trading titans: FTMO pioneered the forex prop firm model in 2015 and has paid $200M+ to traders. Topstep invented futures prop trading in 2012 and paid $100M+ to traders. One dominates forex. The other dominates futures. They don't compete directly - they serve completely different trader types. But which is right for YOU?

Key Differences

CategoryFTMOTopstepWinner
Asset ClassForex, Crypto, Indices, StocksFutures Only (CME) Tie
Price (50K)~$170 (€155)✓$49 (Promo) - $165 Topstep
Profit Split80% (up to 90%)✓90% (after first $10K) Topstep
Evaluation Steps2-step (Challenge + Verification)✓1-step (Trading Combine) Topstep
Time LimitUnlimitedUnlimited Tie
Payout SpeedBi-weekly (14 days)✓Daily (after 5 winning days) Topstep
Founded2015 (10 years)✓2012 (12+ years) Topstep
Total Paid✓$200M+$100M+ FTMO
Overnight HoldingYes (swing trading)Yes Tie

* Prices shown are for the cheapest account with current promotions

💰 Withdrawal & Payout Rules

Critical Info
⚠️ RuleFTMOTopstep
💵Max Withdrawal (Simulated)
UnlimitedUnlimited
🏦Max Withdrawal (Live)
UnlimitedUnlimited
🔄Payout Cycle
Bi-weekly (14 days, 7 for VIP)Daily (after 5 winning days)
⚠️Buffer Rule (The "Gotcha")
No buffer rule - Static Max Drawdown (Safer)No buffer rule - Static max loss

💡Understanding withdrawal rules is crucial before choosing a prop firm. These limits can significantly impact your trading strategy.

Last Updated: January 2026.
Prop firm rules (especially dynamic scaling and payout caps) change frequently. Please verify the latest T&Cs on the official website before signing up.

Our Verdict

Draw - they serve different markets. FTMO is the forex/CFD king with 10 years of trust. Topstep pioneered futures prop trading with faster payouts. Choose based on WHAT you trade, not which is 'better'.

Choose FTMO if...

Choose FTMO if you trade forex, crypto, indices, or stocks. You want on-demand payouts, swing trading flexibility, and 10 years of proven trust.

Get started with FTMO

Choose Topstep if...

Choose Topstep if you trade futures (ES, NQ, CL). You want daily payouts, cheaper entry ($49), and the original futures prop firm.

Get started with Topstep

Who Should Choose Each Firm?

FTMO is best for:

  • You trade forex, crypto, indices, or stocks
  • You want on-demand payouts (anytime)
  • 10 years of proven trust matters to you
  • You want to hold trades overnight/weekends
  • You prefer MetaTrader platforms
  • $200M+ paid gives you confidence

Topstep is best for:

  • You trade futures (ES, NQ, CL, GC)
  • You want daily payouts (after 5 winning days)
  • You want cheaper entry ($49 vs ~$170)
  • You prefer Tradovate or NinjaTrader
  • 1-step evaluation appeals to you
  • 12+ years as the OG futures firm matters

Pros & Cons

FTMO

Pros

  • ✅Trade forex, stocks, crypto, indices
  • ✅Established since 2015
  • ✅On-demand payouts anytime
  • ✅Static drawdown (easier to manage)
  • ✅Scale up to $2M account

Cons

  • ❌2-step evaluation process
  • ❌5% daily loss limit (strict)
  • ❌More expensive than competitors

Topstep

Pros

  • ✅One of the oldest prop firms (since 2012)
  • ✅Weekly payouts available
  • ✅90/10 profit split
  • ✅Strong educational resources

Cons

  • ❌Daily loss limit applies
  • ❌Monthly subscription model
  • ❌Fewer account size options

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is easier to pass: FTMO or Topstep?
Topstep is generally easier: 1-step evaluation vs FTMO's 2-step. Topstep has no Phase 2 verification. Just hit the profit target and you're funded. FTMO requires passing both Challenge (10% profit) AND Verification (5% profit).
Can I trade Forex on Topstep?
No. Topstep is exclusively futures (ES, NQ, CL, GC, etc.). For forex trading, choose FTMO or another forex prop firm. These firms serve completely different markets.
Which has faster payouts?
Topstep wins decisively: daily payouts after 5 winning days. FTMO pays bi-weekly (every 14 days, 7 for VIP). If payout speed matters, Topstep is the clear winner.
Which is cheaper to start?
Topstep at $49 (promo) vs FTMO at ~$170 (€155). Topstep is 70% cheaper. Even at regular price ($165), Topstep matches FTMO.
Which has better profit split?
Topstep: 90% from the start (after first $10K at 50%). FTMO: 80% base, scaling to 90% over time. Topstep gives you more profit faster.

The Bottom Line

Choose based on WHAT you trade. Forex/crypto trader? FTMO is the 10-year industry leader with $200M+ paid. Futures trader? Topstep is the 12-year pioneer with daily payouts and cheaper entry. They don't compete - they complement each other.

Ready to Get Started?

Choose the prop firm that best fits your trading style and start your funded trading journey today.

* Prices shown are for the cheapest account with current promotions

Read Our Full Reviews

Read our full FTMO review

In-depth analysis, pricing, rules & verdict

Read our full Topstep review

In-depth analysis, pricing, rules & verdict

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