FTMO vs Topstep
Two prop firms, one table. Everything below is taken from what each one publishes on its own site. No scores, no ranking.
One of the longest running proprietary trading firms.
Futures-focused funding with a well known evaluation.
| Detail | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Challenge Type | 2-Step | 1-Step |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | Up to 100% |
| Max Daily Loss | 5% | — |
| Max Overall Loss | 10% | — |
| Payout Time | 1-2 days | — |
| Scaling Plan | Up to $2M | — |
| Payment Methods | Card, Bank transfer, Crypto | Card |
| Founded | 2015 | 2012 |
| Countries | 180+ | 120+ |
What the figures say
- Challenge Type: FTMO lists 2-Step; Topstep lists 1-Step.
- Profit Split: FTMO lists Up to 90%; Topstep lists Up to 100%.
- FTMO publishes its max daily loss (5%); Topstep does not state one on the pages we read.
- FTMO publishes its max overall loss (10%); Topstep does not state one on the pages we read.
- FTMO publishes its payout time (1-2 days); Topstep does not state one on the pages we read.
- FTMO publishes its scaling plan (Up to $2M); Topstep does not state one on the pages we read.
- Payment Methods: FTMO lists Card, Bank transfer, Crypto; Topstep lists Card.
- FTMO also lists Forex, Crypto.
- Topstep also lists Futures.
A figure marked “—” is one that prop firm does not publish on the pages we could read; it is not a zero. Terms differ by country and change often, so confirm on each site before opening an account.
FTMO: why traders choose it
- Running since 2015, one of the longest records in the industry
- Free trial account before you pay for a challenge
- Detailed performance analytics built into the client area
- Payouts on a fixed schedule with a long public history
- Swing accounts available for holding through news and weekends
Topstep: why traders choose it
- Futures specialist rather than a forex firm branching out
- Trading since 2012, among the oldest in the sector
- Single-step evaluation with clearly published targets
- Well documented rules with worked examples
- Established payout process with a long record
FTMO pros
- Long, verifiable payout history
- Strong trading platform and analytics
- Clear documentation of every rule
- Free trial before committing
FTMO cons
- Two-step evaluation takes longer than instant funding
- News trading restricted on standard accounts
- Priced in euros, so the cost moves with the exchange rate
- Stricter consistency expectations than newer firms
Topstep pros
- Deep specialism in futures
- Long operating history
- One-step evaluation is simple to follow
- Excellent educational material
Topstep cons
- Futures only, no spot forex
- Monthly subscription rather than a one-time fee
- Daily loss limits are strict
- Less useful if you trade currencies
About FTMO
FTMO is the firm most traders have heard of first. It runs a two-step evaluation, pays on a fixed fortnightly schedule, and has been doing so since 2015 — which is the main reason people choose it over cheaper alternatives.
About Topstep
Topstep is a futures firm. If you trade currencies it is the wrong door; if you trade index or commodity futures it is one of the most established options available.
More comparisons
How this page is put together. Both columns use the same fields as the individual reviews, read from each prop firm's own site. Some links are affiliate links, which may earn Cubie FX a commission at no extra cost to you. Placement is not for sale and nothing here is ranked.