All Prop Firm Comparisons
Head-to-Head Comparison

Topstep vs FTMO

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

Topstep logo

Topstep

4.8/5

PFR Score™

The undisputed gold standard of futures prop trading with Chicago CME exchange access, 90% profit splits, and fast 24-hour payouts.

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🏆 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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Full Comparison Table

CriteriaTopstepFTMO
PFR Score™4.8 / 5✓4.9 / 5
Max Funding$150K✓$2M
Max Profit Split90%90%
Challenge Price (Entry)✓$49$155
Daily Drawdown Limit3%✓5%
Max Total Drawdown6%✓10%
Min Trading Days✓0 days4 days
Payout Speed24-48 hours1-2 business days
News Trading✅ Allowed❌ Restricted
Weekend Holding❌ Not Allowed❌ Not Allowed
EA / Algorithmic Trading✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
Trustpilot Score4.6 / 5.0✓4.9 / 5.0
Trading PlatformsNinjaTrader, TradingView, RithmicMT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade
Tradeable AssetsFuturesForex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
DifficultyMediumHard

Topstep — Pros & Cons

The industry leader in futures prop trading
90% profit split for funded traders
Supports TradingView for execution
Futures markets only (no forex or crypto)
Strict adherence to their 'Winning Trade' and scaling rules
Read Full Topstep Review

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

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.

Topstep vs FTMO — FAQ

Is Topstep or FTMO 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 Topstep and FTMO?+
Topstep offers up to 90% profit split, while FTMO offers up to 90% profit split to funded traders.
Which firm has stricter drawdown rules — Topstep or FTMO?+
Topstep enforces a 3% daily drawdown limit and a 6% max total drawdown. FTMO enforces a 5% daily drawdown and a 10% total drawdown. Topstep is stricter on daily limits.
Can I use automated trading (EAs) with Topstep and FTMO?+
Topstep allows automated Expert Advisors (EAs). FTMO allows automated EAs.