All Prop Firm Comparisons
Head-to-Head Comparison

FTMO vs Topstep

Full side-by-side breakdown of profit splits, drawdown rules, challenge costs, payout speed, and PFR Score™. Updated for 2026.

🏆 PFR Winner
FTMO logo

FTMO

4.9/5

PFR Score™

The undisputed gold standard of prop trading, offering unmatched reliability, excellent scaling, and a pristine payout reputation for professional traders.

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Topstep logo

Topstep

4.8/5

PFR Score™

The original pioneer of funded futures trading, providing unmatched regulatory transparency and a direct path to the CME markets for serious professionals.

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Full Comparison Table

CriteriaFTMOTopstep
PFR Score™4.9 / 54.8 / 5
Max Funding$2M$150K
Max Profit Split90%90%
Challenge Price (Entry)$155$49
Daily Drawdown Limit5%4%
Max Total Drawdown10%5%
Min Trading Days4 days0 days
Payout Speed1-2 business days1-2 business days
News Trading❌ Restricted✅ Allowed
Weekend Holding❌ Not Allowed❌ Not Allowed
EA / Algorithmic Trading✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
Trustpilot Score4.9 / 5.04.3 / 5.0
Trading PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtradeNinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower
Tradeable AssetsForex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoFutures
DifficultyHardMedium

FTMO — Pros & Cons

Unmatched industry reputation with a 9+ year track record and $200M+ paid out.
No time limits on evaluation phases, reducing trader stress and promoting patience.
Aggressive scaling plan that can increase account balance by 25% every 4 months.
News trading and weekend holding are restricted on the Standard account type.
Higher entry fees compared to newer, more budget-focused prop firms.
Read Full FTMO Review

Topstep — Pros & Cons

Pioneer in futures prop trading
Very affordable entry at $49
90% profit split
Futures only — no forex/crypto
Lower max funding than competitors
Read Full Topstep Review

Verdict: Which Firm Should You Choose?

Based on our PFR Score™ methodology, FTMO edges ahead in this comparison. The undisputed gold standard of prop trading, offering unmatched reliability, excellent scaling, and a pristine payout reputation for professional traders. However, the best firm for you ultimately depends on your trading style, preferred platform, and risk tolerance.

FTMO vs Topstep — FAQ

Is FTMO or Topstep better for funded trading?+
Based on our PFR Score™ methodology, FTMO scores higher overall. However, the ideal choice depends on your trading style, preferred instruments, and whether you prioritize profit split or drawdown flexibility.
What is the profit split difference between FTMO and Topstep?+
FTMO offers up to 90% profit split, while Topstep offers up to 90% profit split to funded traders.
Which firm has stricter drawdown rules — FTMO or Topstep?+
FTMO enforces a 5% daily drawdown limit and a 10% max total drawdown. Topstep enforces a 4% daily drawdown and a 5% total drawdown. Topstep is stricter on daily limits.
Can I use automated trading (EAs) with FTMO and Topstep?+
FTMO allows automated Expert Advisors (EAs). Topstep allows automated EAs.