Head-to-head · Independent comparison
FTMO vs Topstep
How FTMO and Topstep stack up on profit split, pricing, payouts and the rules that bind a funded account — advertised claims separated from what we could verify.
The established benchmark: long track record, transparent objectives, documented scaling plan; $200K per-account ceiling before scaling.
Mature, well-documented program with strong payout terms; minor friction from consistency rules and monthly subscription cost.
On our five-dimension scorecard, Topstep rates marginally higher overall — but the dimension-by-dimension breakdown below matters more than the average.
Advertised maximums
The numbers, head-to-head
Headline figures from the structured plan data for each firm. “Up to” splits and max funding are ceilings reached via tiers or scaling — not the figure every trader gets.
Profit split — headline maximum (%)
Higher is betterEntry price — lowest advertised ($)
Lower is betterMax funding — headline ($)
Higher is betterOur editorial scorecard (0–5)
Who wins each dimension
| Dimension | FTMO | Topstep | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing & value | 3.0 | 4.0 | Topstep |
| Profit split | 4.0 | 4.0 | Tie |
| Payout speed | 4.0 | 4.0 | Tie |
| Rules flexibility | 4.0 | 4.0 | Tie |
| Transparency | 5.0 | 5.0 | Tie |
Scores are The Prop Examiner’s editorial assessment, not user reviews. See our methodology.
Advertised vs verified
At a glance
FTMO
Topstep
What actually binds you
Key trading rules compared
FTMO
| Phase / model | Rule | Published value |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Step | Profit target | 10% |
| 2-Step | Profit target | 10% (phase 1) + 5% (phase 2) |
| 1-Step | Daily loss limit | 3% |
| 2-Step | Daily loss limit | 5% |
| All | Max loss | 10% (1-Step uses end-of-day trailing) |
| 2-Step | Minimum trading days | 4 days |
Topstep
| Phase / model | Rule | Published value |
|---|---|---|
| Combine | Profit target | Set per account size (exact dollar figures not surfaced)verify |
| Combine | Max loss | Maximum Loss Limit (MLL) — trailing drawdown; optional Daily Loss Limit |
| Combine | Contract limits | $50K = 5 (50 micros); $100K = 10 (100); $150K = 15 (150) |
| Funded | Winning-days requirement | Express Funded needs 5 winning days of $150+; Consistency Path 3 days |
| Combine | Consistency | Best single day < 50% of Profit Target (40% on payout path) |
| All | Prohibited styles | Prohibited-practice rules published; specifics not detailed on pages reviewedverify |
Rules vary by product. For a plan-by-plan comparison, use the account comparison tool.
Balanced view
Pros & cons
FTMO
Strengths
- Long operating history and one of the most widely reviewed prop firms.
- Clear, published trading objectives and a documented scaling plan.
- 2-Step fee is refunded with the first reward.
- Both 1-Step (90% split) and 2-Step models available.
Cons & open risks
- Account sizes top out at $200K per account (scaling needed beyond that).
- 1-Step fee is not refunded after passing.
- Live checkout pricing and promos were not exposed without the purchase flow.
- As with all prop challenges, most buyers do not reach a payout.
Topstep
Strengths
- Long-established firm (since ~2012) with a detailed, publicly documented ruleset and help center.
- 90% split with a relatively low $125 minimum payout and multiple withdrawal methods.
- Clear, published contract limits and consistency targets reduce ambiguity about what passes.
- 'No Activation Fee' path lets traders avoid a separate activation cost after passing.
Cons & open risks
- Exact profit-target and trailing-drawdown dollar amounts per size were not surfaced on the parameters page.
- Consistency rules (50% in the Combine, 40% on payout) can slow withdrawals after one large day.
- It is a monthly subscription during the Combine, so costs accrue until you pass.
- Payouts process only during CME market hours; some methods carry $30 fees or multi-day delays.
Our take
Which should you choose?
Topstep rates marginally higher on our scorecard, but "better" depends on what you trade and the rules you can live within. Read each verdict, then verify the figures for your exact product before buying.
FTMO is the established benchmark in this space: a long track record, transparent objectives, and a documented scaling plan. The main limitations are a $200K per-account ceiling before scaling and a 1-Step fee that is not refunded. We could not confirm live pricing without entering checkout, so price-shop on the day you buy.
Topstep is one of the most established futures evaluation firms, with a transparent help center and a 90% split backed by a low minimum payout. The trailing Maximum Loss Limit and consistency targets demand disciplined trading, and a few exact figures should be confirmed at checkout. The Prop Examiner has no affiliate relationship with Topstep at this time.
Affiliate disclosure: The Prop Examiner is an independent project and may earn a commission if you sign up through some of our links. We are not affiliated with any firm reviewed. Trading challenges are simulated/educational products; no profits or payouts are guaranteed.
Common questions
FTMO vs Topstep FAQ
- Is FTMO or Topstep better?
- Our independent ratings: FTMO 4.4/5, Topstep 4.3/5. Topstep edges it on our scorecard, but the right pick depends on your market, budget and the rules you can trade within.
- Which is cheaper to start, FTMO or Topstep?
- Lowest advertised entry price: FTMO from $155, Topstep from $49. Topstep has the lower starting price, but compare like-for-like account sizes — cheapest is not always best value.
- Which has the higher profit split, FTMO or Topstep?
- Headline ("up to") maximums: FTMO 90%, Topstep 100%. Topstep advertises the higher ceiling — but top splits are usually gated behind tiers or scaling, not what every trader gets.
- Does FTMO or Topstep pay out faster?
- FTMO: 2-Step rewards processed bi-weekly; ~8h avg processing stated. Topstep: Processed during CME hours; same-day via Prop Payout/Aeropay; $125 minimum per request. Payout speed and eligibility depend on the product and on meeting each firm's rules; no payout is guaranteed.
Cited & dated
Sources
Figures trace to each firm’s own pages, accessed on the dates shown. Re-verify before relying on any number — pricing and promos change.
- 1.FTMO — how it works· accessed 2026-06-17
- 2.FTMO — trading objectives· accessed 2026-06-17
- 3.FTMO — reward, growth & scaling plan· accessed 2026-06-17
- 4.FTMO — why is there a fee (refund terms)· accessed 2026-06-17
- 5.Topstep — Trading Combine parameters (Help Center)· accessed 2026-06-17
- 6.Topstep — payout policy (Help Center)· accessed 2026-06-17
- 7.Topstep — pricing and payment questions (Help Center)· accessed 2026-06-17
- 8.Topstep — Our Program· accessed 2026-06-17
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