FTMO vs Topstep – Elite Prop Firms Comparison
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By JoinProp
FTMO product scope: FTMO runs two product lines. The rules and reward terms discussed on this page are its CFD 1-Step and 2-Step programs, while the pricing table also lists its Futures Growth and Pro plans, which are sold on a monthly subscription and carry their own risk limits and payout terms. Both lines are covered in full in our FTMO review.
Introduction
FTMO and TopStep are two leading proprietary trading evaluation platforms offering different markets: FTMO built its business on simulated CFD accounts and now also runs a futures line, while Topstep is futures only. 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 offers both 1-Step and 2-Step CFD evaluations. Choose the market and evaluation model that match your strategy; evaluation fees remain a cost to the trader.
Quick Facts
| Feature | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 
| |
| Founded | 2015 | 2012 |
| Profit Split | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: 80%, rising to 90% The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: 90% from day one | 90% trader share; first-$10,000 lifetime-profit exception for traders who joined the new dashboard before Jan 12, 2026 |
| Maximum Account Size | CFD: up to $2,000,000 through scaling. Futures: up to $450,000 across 3 Sim-Funded accounts | $150,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | CFD: 1 phase (1-Step), 2 phases (2-Step). Futures: Evaluation, then Sim-Funded, then invitation-only Live Funded | 1 |
| Trustpilot Rating | Public Track Record and Ratings: 4.8 / 5 (53,102 reviews) | 3.4 |
| Expert Grade | 9.1 | 9 |
Program Types
| Program | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes. CFD 2-Step from EUR 89 one-time; Futures Growth from $119 per month | Yes |
| Advanced Program | FTMO Challenge and Verification (CFD 2-Step); Futures Pro path with hard daily loss and 100% withdrawals | Not available |
| Scaling Options | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: Subject to eligibility The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: Subject to eligibility; see Scaling Plan | No |
| Demo Account | Free Trials for 1-Step and 2-Step; practice only, not qualification. No free trial on Futures | No |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: 10% then 5% The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: 10% Evaluation objectives - Growth $50K: $3,000 Evaluation objectives - Growth $100K: $6,000 Evaluation objectives - Growth $150K: $9,000 Evaluation objectives - Pro $50K: $3,000 Evaluation objectives - Pro $100K: $6,000 Evaluation objectives - Pro $150K: $9,000 | Trading Combine Parameters - 50,000: 3,000 Trading Combine Parameters - 100,000: 6,000 Trading Combine Parameters - 150,000: 9,000 |
| Maximum Drawdown | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: 10% The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: 10% Evaluation objectives - Growth $50K: $2,000 Evaluation objectives - Growth $100K: $3,500 Evaluation objectives - Growth $150K: $5,000 Evaluation objectives - Pro $50K: $3,000 Evaluation objectives - Pro $100K: $4,500 Evaluation objectives - Pro $150K: $6,000 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $50K: $2,000 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $100K: $3,500 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $150K: $5,000 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $50K: $3,000 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $100K: $4,500 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $150K: $6,000 | Trailing MLL: $2,000-$4,500 |
| Minimum Trading Days | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: 4 per phase The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: None | Trading Combine can pass in as few as 2 days, subject to 55% consistency; funded payout paths have separate day requirements |
| News Trading | Evaluation: allowed within trading rules. Standard FTMO Account: affected instruments restricted 2 minutes before/after selected releases; Swing exempt. Futures: news trading allowed | Yes |
| Daily Loss Limit | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: 5% The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: 3% Evaluation objectives - Growth $50K: None Evaluation objectives - Growth $100K: None Evaluation objectives - Growth $150K: None Evaluation objectives - Pro $50K: $1,000 hard Evaluation objectives - Pro $100K: $1,500 hard Evaluation objectives - Pro $150K: $2,000 hard Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $50K: $1,000 soft Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $100K: $2,000 soft Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $150K: $3,000 soft Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $50K: $1,000 hard Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $100K: $1,500 hard Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $150K: $2,000 hard | Trading Combine Parameters - 50,000: Optional (1,000) Trading Combine Parameters - 100,000: Optional (2,000) Trading Combine Parameters - 150,000: Optional (3,000) |
| Drawdown Type | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: STATIC - the floor never moves The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: END-OF-DAY TRAILING | Not available |
| Time Limit | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: Unlimited The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: Unlimited | Not available |
| Consistency / Best Day Rule | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: - The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: 50% Evaluation objectives - Growth $50K: 40% Evaluation objectives - Growth $100K: 40% Evaluation objectives - Growth $150K: 40% Evaluation objectives - Pro $50K: 50% Evaluation objectives - Pro $100K: 50% Evaluation objectives - Pro $150K: 50% | Not available |
| Maximum Contracts | Evaluation objectives - Growth $50K: 5 Evaluation objectives - Growth $100K: 10 Evaluation objectives - Growth $150K: 15 Evaluation objectives - Pro $50K: 5 Evaluation objectives - Pro $100K: 10 Evaluation objectives - Pro $150K: 15 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $50K: 2 to 5 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $100K: 4 to 10 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $150K: 6 to 15 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $50K: 2 to 5 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $100K: 4 to 10 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $150K: 6 to 15 | Trading Combine Parameters - 50,000: 5 (50 micros) Trading Combine Parameters - 100,000: 10 (100 micros) Trading Combine Parameters - 150,000: 15 (150 micros) |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| CFD $10K Account | FTMO 2-Step (regular fee) / EUR 89 / One-time Fee refundable 100% with first payout. Source Checked 2026-09-28 FTMO 1-Step (regular fee) / EUR 79 / One-time Fee not refunded. Source Checked 2026-09-28 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $25K Account | FTMO 2-Step (regular fee) / EUR 250 / One-time Fee refundable 100% with first payout. Source Checked 2026-09-28 FTMO 1-Step (regular fee) / EUR 199 / One-time Fee not refunded. Source Checked 2026-09-28 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $50K Account | FTMO 2-Step (regular fee) / EUR 345 / One-time Fee refundable 100% with first payout. Source Checked 2026-09-28 FTMO 1-Step (regular fee) / EUR 319 / One-time Fee not refunded. Source Checked 2026-09-28 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $100K Account | FTMO 2-Step (regular fee) / EUR 540 / One-time Fee refundable 100% with first payout. Regular fee shown. Offer observed September 26, 2026: EUR 439 only if you do not already have that Challenge active; confirm current eligibility. Source Checked 2026-09-28 FTMO 1-Step (regular fee) / EUR 499 / One-time Fee not refunded. Regular fee shown. Offer observed September 26, 2026: EUR 399 only if you do not already have that Challenge active; confirm current eligibility. Source Checked 2026-09-28 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $200K Account | FTMO 2-Step (regular fee) / EUR 1080 / One-time Fee refundable 100% with first payout. Source Checked 2026-09-28 FTMO 1-Step (regular fee) / EUR 999 / One-time Fee not refunded. Source Checked 2026-09-28 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| Futures $50K Account | FTMO Futures Growth / USD 119 / Monthly Soft daily loss, Sim-Funded only. Payout cap from $2,500. Payout eligibility 4 days. No activation fee. Source Checked 2026-09-28 FTMO Futures Pro / USD 139 / Monthly Hard daily loss. Payout caps $5,000 to $8,000. Payout eligibility 5 days. No activation fee. Source Checked 2026-09-28 | Trading Combine / USD 49 / Monthly Standard Trading Combine monthly price. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $100K Account | FTMO Futures Growth / USD 169 / Monthly Soft daily loss, Sim-Funded only. Payout cap from $2,500. Payout eligibility 4 days. No activation fee. Source Checked 2026-09-28 FTMO Futures Pro / USD 199 / Monthly Hard daily loss. Payout caps $5,000 to $8,000. Payout eligibility 5 days. No activation fee. Source Checked 2026-09-28 | Trading Combine / USD 99 / Monthly Standard Trading Combine monthly price; tier was marked temporarily on hold when verified. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $150K Account | FTMO Futures Growth / USD 229 / Monthly Soft daily loss, Sim-Funded only. Payout cap from $2,500. Payout eligibility 4 days. No activation fee. Source Checked 2026-09-28 FTMO Futures Pro / USD 269 / Monthly Hard daily loss. Payout caps $5,000 to $8,000. Payout eligibility 5 days. No activation fee. Source Checked 2026-09-28 | Trading Combine / USD 199 / Monthly Standard Trading Combine monthly price. Source Checked 2026-09-27 |
| Refund Policy | The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 2-Step: 100% The Two CFD Challenges Compared - 1-Step: None | Not available |
| Coupons / Discount | FTMO discount | Topstep discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | CFD: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView. Futures: NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView | TopstepX; Quantower connectivity for Trading Combine and Express Funded accounts |
| Forex | Yes | Currency futures, not spot Forex |
| Stocks | Yes | No |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | No |
| Bonds | Not verified for CFD accounts; check current Symbols | Yes |
| EA/Algo Trading | Allowed subject to trading rules, allocation and platform limits; third-party EAs can create allocation conflicts. | Yes |
Payout
| Feature | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | CFD: request from day 14 after the first trade on the specific account, subject to eligibility; close all positions and pending orders. Review usually 1-2 business days; payment usually 1-2 business days after invoice approval. Futures Sim-Funded: every 4 days on Growth (50% withdrawable, cap $2,500 to $4,000), every 5 days on Pro (100% withdrawable, cap $5,000 to $8,000). Live Funded: daily, no cap | $125 minimum; eligibility by funded-account path, not a bi-weekly schedule. XFA Standard: 5 winning days of $150+; XFA Consistency: 3 trading days and 40% consistency. Balance limits, account caps and method availability apply. |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
| Payout Frequency | Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $50K: Every 4 days Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $100K: Every 4 days Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $150K: Every 4 days Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $50K: Every 5 days Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $100K: Every 5 days Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $150K: Every 5 days | Not available |
| Payout Cap | Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $50K: $2,500 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $100K: $3,000 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $150K: $4,000 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $50K: $5,000 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $100K: $6,000 Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $150K: $8,000 | Not available |
| Payout Eligibility | Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $50K: 4 days at $150+ Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $100K: 4 days at $250+ Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $150K: 4 days at $300+ Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $50K: 5 days at $200+ Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $100K: 5 days at $300+ Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $150K: 5 days at $500+ | Not available |
| Withdrawable Amount | Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $50K: 50% Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $100K: 50% Sim-Funded account and payouts - Growth $150K: 50% Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $50K: 100% Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $100K: 100% Sim-Funded account and payouts - Pro $150K: 100% | Not available |
Verdict
| Key Element | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Full fee refund on 2-Step; static drawdown; no consistency rules on CFD; zero withdrawal commission; scaling to $2M; futures line with no minimum trading days and no activation fee | Trading Combine has no maximum completion deadline while the subscription remains active; automated strategies permitted subject to rules; 90% current trader share; Standard or Consistency Express payout paths. Daily-loss-limit arrangements vary. |
| Weaknesses | 1-Step fee non-refundable; 50% Best Day condition for passing/rewards; new 1-Step account after reward starts with a 90%-of-initial-capital loss floor; futures is a recurring monthly subscription, Growth pays out only 50% per request, and the Live Funded step is by invitation only | Recurring Combine subscription; $149 XFA activation on Standard pricing path; futures-only; end-of-day trailing MLL can be breached intraday on unrealised losses |
| Best For | CFD: 2-Step for most, 1-Step only if the 90% split outweighs other concerns. Futures: Pro if you want 100% withdrawals, Growth if you want the cheapest entry | Serious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluation |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
Consider FTMO if you want a choice of 1-Step or 2-Step evaluations and MT4, MT5, cTrader or TradingView. Its Free Trials let you practise before buying. Choose Topstep if a one-phase evaluation, a cheaper entry, from USD 49 and news trading allowed matter more to you. Neither firm is better in the abstract. The right choice depends on your strategy, your budget and the instruments you trade, so read both full reviews before you commit. Verify current rules and pricing on each firm’s own site before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about FTMO’s programs?
FTMO offers a one-phase 1-Step and a two-phase 2-Step evaluation. The 2-Step has targets of 10% then 5%, a 5% daily loss limit and four minimum trading days per phase. The 1-Step has a 10% target, a 3% daily loss limit, no minimum trading days and a 50% Best Day Rule. Both have unlimited completion time. FTMO program comparison.
FTMO offers Free Trials for both evaluation models; they are practice accounts, not a qualification route. Supported platforms are MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, selected in the Challenge configurator.
What should I know about Topstep’s programs?
Topstep distinguishes Express Funded Account Standard and Consistency paths, followed by a separate Live Funded Account stage. Topstep official rules.
How do payouts differ between FTMO and Topstep?
FTMO pays a 90% reward share on 1-Step and 80% on 2-Step, rising to 90% under applicable scaling or premium conditions. Requests can be made from day 14 after the first trade on the specific account, subject to eligibility, with all positions and pending orders closed. Review usually takes 1–2 business days; payment usually follows within 1–2 business days after invoice approval. FTMO reward terms.
The current payout policy lists a 90/10 split and a $125 minimum. Standard requires five winning days of $150 or more; Consistency requires three days and a 40% consistency target. Requests are subject to account-size caps. Topstep official rules.
Which account rules matter when comparing FTMO and Topstep?
Do not apply the 2-Step objectives to 1-Step: drawdown and consistency requirements differ. Both routes have no maximum evaluation completion period. FTMO official rules; FTMO official program information.
Express payouts are generally limited to 50% of account balance up to the applicable cap. Legacy eligibility and optional daily-loss-limit arrangements can change the caps or split treatment. Topstep official rules.
Is FTMO or Topstep automatically the better choice?
No, neither is the default pick. FTMO has the larger funded ceiling at $2M and market access the other lacks, namely stocks and cryptocurrencies, and Topstep has a one-phase evaluation and the cheaper entry at USD 49. Which of those matters more depends on how you actually trade, so compare how each firm measures drawdown, the total fee once add-ons and resets are included and the evaluation objectives for the exact program you buy, rather than the headline numbers. If you fail an evaluation, do not assume either firm offers a fixed reset discount: check the reset terms for the specific account you bought.
How We Compared FTMO and TopStep
Both firms carry a JoinProp Rating out of 10, scored on the same nine weighted factors, led by payout reliability at 20%, then fee structure, drawdown rules and profit split at 15% each. The scores come from our own firm reviews, built from each firm’s current terms rather than its marketing pages and re-checked at least every 90 days. Affiliate relationships have no effect on any rating, and ratings are never sold. The tables above are the evidence behind those scores. Read our full ranking methodology.
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