FTMOvsTopstep
FTMO (Forex) vs Topstep (Futures). Compare prices, splits, payouts, and evaluation. Which prop firm deserves your money?
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FTMO
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Topstep
* Prices shown are for the cheapest account with current promotions
Is FTMO or Topstep Better?
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?
What Are the Key Differences Between FTMO and Topstep?
Here is a side-by-side comparison of FTMO and Topstep across pricing, profit split, drawdown rules, platforms, and payout speed. The winner of each category is highlighted.
| Category | FTMO | Topstep | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asset Class | Forex, Crypto, Indices, Stocks | Futures Only (CME) | Tie |
| Price (50K) | ~$170 (€155) | ✓$49 (Promo) - $165 | Topstep |
| Profit Split | 80% (up to 90%) | ✓90% (after first $10K) | Topstep |
| Evaluation Steps | 2-step (Challenge + Verification) | ✓1-step (Trading Combine) | Topstep |
| Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Tie |
| Payout Speed | Bi-weekly (14 days) | ✓Daily (after 5 winning days) | Topstep |
| Founded | 2015 (10 years) | ✓2012 (12+ years) | Topstep |
| Total Paid | ✓$200M+ | $100M+ | FTMO |
| Overnight Holding | Yes (swing trading) | Yes | Tie |
* Prices shown are for the cheapest account with current promotions
How Do FTMO and Topstep Handle Payouts?
Critical InfoPayout rules are the most important factor when choosing a prop firm. Below is a detailed comparison of withdrawal limits, payout cycles, and buffer rules between FTMO and Topstep.
| ⚠️ Rule | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
💵Max Withdrawal (Simulated) | Unlimited | Unlimited |
🏦Max Withdrawal (Live) | Unlimited | Unlimited |
🔄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.
Prop firm rules (especially dynamic scaling and payout caps) change frequently. Please verify the latest T&Cs on the official website before signing up.
What Does Our Testing Reveal About FTMO vs Topstep?
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 FTMOChoose 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 TopstepWho 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
What Are the Pros and Cons of FTMO vs Topstep?
Every prop firm has strengths and weaknesses. Here is an honest breakdown of what FTMO and Topstep each do well and where they fall short.
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?
Can I trade Forex on Topstep?
Which has faster payouts?
Which is cheaper to start?
Which has better profit split?
What Is the Final Verdict on FTMO vs Topstep?
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
In-depth analysis, pricing, rules & verdict
In-depth analysis, pricing, rules & verdict