Head-to-Head Comparison
FTMO vs Topstep: Which Is Better in 2026?
Compare FTMO and Topstep side by side. Profit splits, prices, challenges, payout speed, trading rules, and more. Based on verified data.
Last updated: March 20, 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner
FTMO
Scores 80/100 overall based on trust, conditions, payouts, strategies, and platform access.
80
/ 100
Rating
4.8
vs4.6
FTMOTopstep
Profit Split
90%
vs100%
FTMOTopstep
Starting Price
$79
vs$49
FTMOTopstep
Max Allocation
$2M
vs$150K
FTMOTopstep
First Payout
14 days
vs5 days
FTMOTopstep
Strategy Freedom
5/8
vs2/8
FTMOTopstep
Score Breakdown
FTMO
CZ
80
Trust & Reputation
98
Trading Conditions
81
Payout Quality
82
Strategy Freedom
63
Platform & Access
62
Topstep
US
75
Trust & Reputation
97
Trading Conditions
100
Payout Quality
57
Strategy Freedom
25
Platform & Access
68
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
FTMO
Topstep
Overview
Rating
4.8
4.6
Reviews
40,179
13,700
Years Active
11 years
14 years
Verified
Country
CZ
US
Market
forex
futures
Pricing & Value
Starting Price
$79
$49
Max Allocation
$2M
$150K
Profit Split
90%
100%
Fee Refundable
Best Discount
0% off
No offer
Risk Management
Daily Loss Limit
5%
$1,000
Max Loss
10%
$2,000
Drawdown Type
balance
trailing
Leverage
1:100
N/A
Execution
STP
ECN
Payouts
First Payout
14 days
5 days
Payout Frequency
bi-weekly
bi-weekly
Scaling
Allowed Strategies
EA/Bots
Scalping
News Trading
Weekend Hold
Copy Trading
Hedging
Martingale
HFT
Platforms & Access
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXTrade
TopstepX (sole platform from July 2025)
Assets
FX, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Stocks
ES, NQ, YM, RTY, CL, GC, SI, ZB, ZN, 6E, 6J, MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K, MCL, MGC
US Accepted
Challenge Price Comparison
Comparing prices for matching account sizes available at both FTMO and Topstep.
Account Size
FTMO
Topstep
Savings
$50K(1-step)
$319
$49
$100K(1-step)
$499
$99
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Higher rating (4.8/5 vs 4.6/5)
- Higher max allocation ($2M)
- Refundable challenge fee
- Scaling program available
- More trading strategies allowed (5/8)
Cons
- Lower profit split (90% vs 100%)
- Higher starting price ($79)
- Slower first payout (14 days)
- US traders not accepted
Pros
- Better profit split (100% vs 90%)
- Lower starting price ($49)
- Faster first payout (5 days)
- Accepts US traders
Cons
- Lower rating than FTMO
- Challenge fee not refundable
- No scaling program
- Fewer allowed strategies
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose FTMO if you...
- Need high capital allocation (up to $2M)
- Plan to scale your account over time
- Need maximum trading flexibility (EAs, scalping, news trading)
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
- Want your challenge fee refunded after passing
Choose Topstep if you...
- Want the highest possible profit split
- Are looking for a budget-friendly option
- Want fast payouts
- Are a US-based trader
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FTMO better than Topstep?
Based on our data-driven analysis, FTMO scores 80/100 overall. FTMO excels in trust & reputation, while Topstep stands out for platform access. The best choice depends on your priorities as a trader.
Which is cheaper, FTMO or Topstep?
FTMO starts at $79 while Topstep starts at $49. Topstep offers the lower entry price. However, consider the profit split and payout rules for the true value comparison.
Which has better profit splits, FTMO or Topstep?
FTMO offers up to 90% profit split, while Topstep offers up to 100% profit split. Topstep has the higher profit share. Some firms increase splits through scaling programs.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with FTMO and Topstep?
FTMO allows Expert Advisors, and Topstep does not allow them. Only FTMO supports automated trading.
Which firm pays out faster, FTMO or Topstep?
FTMO's first payout is available after 14 days with bi-weekly frequency. Topstep offers first payout after 5 days with bi-weekly payouts. Topstep gets you paid sooner.
Are FTMO and Topstep legit?
FTMO has been operating for 11 years with 40,179 reviews and a 4.8/5 ratingverified. Topstep has 14 years of operation with 13,700 reviews and a 4.6/5 ratingverified. Both are established prop trading firms.