FTMO vs TopStep – Elite Prop Firms Comparison

# FTMO vs TopStep: Comprehensive Comparison

## Introduction

FTMO (Funding Talent Management Program) and TopStep are two leading proprietary trading evaluation platforms designed to help aspiring futures traders gain access to funded trading accounts. FTMO offers flexible evaluation programs with various account sizes and competitive pricing structures, focusing on providing traders with clear pathways to funding. TopStep, founded in 2012, is one of the most established names in the trader funding industry, offering a comprehensive Trading Combine® evaluation system with educational resources and coaching support. On Trustpilot, TopStep maintains a rating of approximately 4.4/5 from over 2,000 reviews, while FTMO is a newer platform still building its review portfolio. Both platforms cater to futures traders seeking to prove their skills and trade with substantial capital without risking their own money.

Table of Contents Toggle Quick Comparison
Feature	FTMO	TopStep
Founded	2022	2012
Trustpilot Rating	New Platform (Limited reviews)	4.4/5 (2,000+ reviews)
Account Sizes	$25K – $250K	$50K – $150K
Profit Split	Up to 90%	Up to 100% (first $5K), then 90%
Evaluation Style	One or Two-Step Challenge	Trading Combine®
Review	Read full review	Read full review

## FAQ

## How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?

### 1. We Collect
Our research team gathered comprehensive data from multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and completeness. We examined official information directly from FTMO and TopStep websites, including their terms of service, pricing structures, evaluation rules, and program details. We analyzed thousands of user reviews from Trustpilot, Reddit trading communities, and industry forums to understand real trader experiences. We also consulted independent trading education sites, YouTube reviews from established trading channels, and interviewed traders who have used both platforms. This multi-source approach ensures our comparison reflects both official policies and real-world user experiences.

### 2. We Examine
All collected information underwent rigorous verification by our team of trading industry experts and professional futures traders. We cross-referenced claims made by each platform against actual user experiences and tested available demo accounts when possible. Our analysts compared the stated evaluation criteria, pricing, and platform features against industry standards and competitor offerings. We verified Trustpilot ratings, examined complaint patterns, and investigated how each company responds to customer issues. Any conflicting information was researched further through direct platform inquiries and community verification. This examination process ensures that our comparison presents factual, current, and contextually relevant information.

### 3. We Score
Our scoring methodology evaluates both platforms across eight weighted categories: pricing value (15%), evaluation criteria fairness (20%), platform and tools quality (15%), educational resources (10%), customer support (10%), community strength (10%), track record and reputation (15%), and payout reliability (5%). Each category receives a score from 1-5 based on objective criteria and comparative analysis. For example, pricing scores consider both upfront costs and long-term value, while evaluation criteria scoring assesses achievability, flexibility, and industry competitiveness. The final grades represent an aggregation of these category scores, adjusted for the significance of each factor to trader success and satisfaction.

### 4. You Choose
Armed with this comprehensive comparison, you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, experience level, and trading goals. Consider your budget and whether one-time fees or monthly subscriptions fit better with your financial situation. Evaluate your need for educational support and community engagement versus independent trading. Assess your confidence level in passing evaluations quickly versus needing extended time and multiple attempts. Review the specific evaluation criteria to determine which ruleset aligns better with your trading style. Remember that the “best” platform is subjective—what works for one trader may not suit another. Use our comparison as a foundation, then consider taking advantage of demo accounts or free trials to experience each platform firsthand before making your final commitment.