FTMO vs Topstep
FTMO vs Topstep: Key Differences
There is a modest pricing gap between these firms. FTMO comes in at $83.30 for the $50K evaluation while the other charges $109 — a $25.70 difference. That is roughly the cost of a reset at most firms, so it is worth factoring in if you budget for multiple attempts. Check available FTMO discount codes for additional savings.
With matching 90% profit splits, neither firm has a financial edge on earnings. Your take-home pay will be identical for the same trading results, so the real comparison shifts to drawdown policies, trading flexibility, and how quickly you can access your funds.
Topstep requires fewer minimum trading days (2 vs 3).
Overall, FTMO and Topstep are remarkably similar on paper for the $50K challenge. The deciding factor will likely come down to personal preference — platform feel, community support, and how smoothly each firm handles payouts.
View the full details on each firm's page: FTMO rules & pricing and Topstep rules & pricing.
We have conducted full, first-person reviews of FTMO and Topstep.
FTMO vs Topstep: Prices & Rules
| FTMO | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Growth $50,000 | No Activation Fee $50,000 |
| Price | $83.30 ($119 before 30% off) | $109 |
| Activation fee | None listed | None listed |
| Profit target | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Max drawdown | $2,000 (end-of-day trailing) | $2,000 (end-of-day trailing) |
| Daily loss limit | None listed | None listed |
| Min trading days | 3 | 2 |
| Funded profit split | 90% | 90% |
| Funded max drawdown | $2,000 (end-of-day trailing) | $2,000 (end-of-day trailing) |
Trading Rules: Side-by-Side
| Rule | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| News Trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| Weekend Holding | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Overnight Holding | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Hedging | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Copy Trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Allowed | Allowed |
Rules shown reflect the $50K challenge account. Some rules may differ by account size or type.
Which Firm Is Right for You?
The best prop firm depends on your experience level, trading style, and priorities. Here is how FTMO and Topstep stack up for different types of traders.
Budget-Conscious Beginners
New to prop firms and want to minimize risk while learning the ropes.
FTMO
- +Lower entry cost at $83.30 vs $109
Experienced Traders
Consistent track record, focused on maximizing earnings and scaling capital.
Topstep
- +Higher scaling potential up to $750,000
Conservative Swing Traders
Prefer wider stops, lower risk, and the flexibility to hold positions longer.
FTMO
- +Both firms have comparable risk management features
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a $50K challenge cost at FTMO vs Topstep?
FTMO charges $83.30 for their $50K challenge, compared to $109 at Topstep. That is a $25.70 savings upfront. This already includes FTMO's 30% discount.
How do FTMO and Topstep profit splits compare?
Both firms pay a 90% profit split. On a $2,000 profit you keep $1800 at either firm — no difference in take-home pay.
Which firm has easier drawdown rules for the $50K account?
Both firms set the max drawdown at $2,000.
Can I trade during news events at FTMO or Topstep?
Both FTMO and Topstep allow news trading. This is particularly valuable for traders who capitalize on volatility around FOMC announcements, NFP releases, and CPI data drops.
How quickly can I get paid at FTMO vs Topstep?
FTMO offers a faster path to your first payout, with a minimum of 4 trading days required versus 5 at Topstep. After that, FTMO processes payouts via Wise, Bank Transfer, Revolut.
Which firm is better for beginner futures traders?
For beginners, FTMO has an edge thanks to lower challenge fee. These features reduce the pressure while you are still developing consistency. That said, both firms are viable — the best choice depends on your specific trading approach and budget.
Related Comparisons
Related Resources
- FTMO Discount Codes — Current promotions and verified coupon codes
- Topstep Discount Codes — Current promotions and verified coupon codes
- FTMO Growth Plans — Rules and sizes for Growth accounts
- FTMO Pro Plans — Rules and sizes for Pro accounts
- Topstep No Activation Fee Plans — Rules and sizes for No Activation Fee accounts
- Topstep Standard Plans — Rules and sizes for Standard accounts
- Compare More Firms — Build your own side-by-side comparison
- How to Pass a Prop Firm Challenge — A step-by-step plan for the evaluation
- Cheapest Futures Prop Firms — Ranked by total cost to get funded
- Trailing Drawdown Explained — How EOD and intraday trailing drawdowns differ
- No Consistency Rule Prop Firms — Firms that don't cap your best day
- Best Instant Funding Prop Firms — Skip the evaluation entirely
- Trading Guides — Learn strategies for passing prop firm evaluations
Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the latest changes. Always verify current pricing and rules on each firm's official website before making a decision.
