FTMO vs TopStep
The main difference between FTMO and TopStep is drawdown type: FTMO uses static (floor never moves) while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day). FTMO charges from €155, TopStep from $49. Profit splits: 80-90% vs 90-90%. Updated March 2026.
FTMO uses static (floor never moves) with a 5% daily loss limit and 80-90% profit split. TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) with a 2% daily loss limit and 90-90% profit split. FTMO starts from €155; TopStep from $49.
If you want more forgiving drawdown rules, FTMO is the better choice. Static drawdown means your profits create genuine breathing room, while TopStep's trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) raises the floor as you profit. Both offer the same maximum profit split of 90%.
| FTMO | TopStep | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Type | 2-step | 1-step |
| Drawdown Type | Static (floor never moves) | Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day) |
| Daily Loss Limit | 5% | 2% |
| Max Drawdown | 10% | 3% |
| Profit Target | 10% | 6% |
| Min Trading Days | 4 | None |
| Profit Split | 80-90% | 90-90% |
| Payout Frequency | Every 14 days | Weekly |
| News Trading | allowed | allowed |
| Overnight Holding | Yes | No |
| Weekend Holding | Yes | No |
| EA / Bots | Allowed | Allowed |
| Markets | forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto | futures |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView |
| Cheapest Account | €155 ($10,000) | $49 ($50,000) |
Scalping / Day Trading
FTMO allows overnight holding, giving more flexibility. FTMO's static drawdown is more forgiving for scalpers.
Swing Trading
FTMO is better — allows weekend holding. TopStep requires you to flatten before close.
Budget-Conscious
TopStep is cheaper to start ($49 vs €155).
FTMO is the better fit if you focus on forex and CFDs. The static drawdown means every dollar of profit adds to your safety cushion, making it ideal for traders who build equity gradually and want protection from losing streaks.
- +Static drawdown — floor never moves up
- +No time limit to pass challenge
- +Allows overnight and weekend holding
- +Most trusted brand in the industry
FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader and processes payouts every 14 days. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Both overnight and weekend holding are permitted, giving swing traders full flexibility. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
TopStep is the better fit if you trade futures exclusively. The EOD trailing drawdown gives you flexibility during the session since the floor only updates at the close, which suits active day traders who have intraday swings.
- +Monthly subscription — cancel anytime ($49-149/mo)
- +100% of first $10K profit, then 90%
- +No minimum trading days
- +Weekly payouts
TopStep supports NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView and processes payouts weekly. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
Choosing between FTMO and TopStep comes down to three things: the markets you trade, how much drawdown flexibility you need, and your budget. If you trade forex or indices or commodities or stocks or crypto, FTMO is your only option here. If you trade futures, go with TopStep. TopStep is cheaper to get started at $49 vs €155.
The biggest structural difference is drawdown type: FTMO uses static (floor never moves) while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day). Static drawdown is objectively more forgiving because profits create a permanent cushion. Trailing drawdown follows your equity peaks, meaning you can lose an account even while net profitable. If you are still undecided, take the firm finder quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your trading style, risk tolerance, and budget.