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FTMO vs TopStep

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Source review:

Source checked Mar 21, 2026 | Primary source: FTMO and TopStep official rules

FTMO uses static (floor never moves) drawdown with 80-90% profit split. TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) drawdown with 90-90% profit split. FTMO starts at €155, TopStep starts at $49.

KEY FACTS

FTMO: Static (floor never moves), 80-90% split, from EUR155
TopStep: Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day), 90-90% split, from $49
Daily loss: 5% vs 2%
Max split: 90% vs 90%
Markets: forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto vs futures

FTMO vs TopStep: Which Firm Is Better?

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%.

How to Choose Between FTMO and TopStep

1. Start with drawdown type. If one firm uses static and the other does not, that is usually the biggest structural edge for the static-drawdown firm.

2. Check whether your actual market and holding style fit. A cheaper firm is irrelevant if it blocks the products or holding windows your strategy needs.

3. Use profit split and payout frequency as secondary filters after survivability and rule-fit are clear.

Choose FTMO if...

  • You want the more forgiving drawdown model, and FTMO is the only one here using static drawdown.
  • You need access to forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto, which TopStep does not offer in this comparison.

Choose TopStep if...

  • You need access to futures, which FTMO does not offer in this comparison.
  • You want the cheaper starting path at $49.

Evidence Driving This Comparison

  • FTMO uses static (floor never moves) while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day).
  • FTMO starts at €155, while TopStep starts at $49.
  • FTMO pays 80-90% and TopStep pays 90-90%.
  • FTMO allows news trading; TopStep allows it.
  • FTMO allows weekend holding; TopStep does not allow weekend holding.

Highlighted differences in the table below are the fields where these two firms diverge most materially for traders.

FTMO

Evaluation Type
2-step
Drawdown Type
Static (floor never moves)
Daily Loss Limit
5%
Max Drawdown
10%
Profit Target
10%
Min Trading Days
4
Profit Split
80-90%
Payout Frequency
Every 14 days
News Trading
allowed
Overnight Holding
Yes
Weekend Holding
Yes
EA / Bots
Allowed
Markets
forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader
Cheapest Account
€155 ($10,000)

TopStep

Evaluation Type
1-step
Drawdown Type
Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day)
Daily Loss Limit
2%
Max Drawdown
3%
Profit Target
6%
Min Trading Days
None
Profit Split
90-90%
Payout Frequency
Weekly
News Trading
allowed
Overnight Holding
No
Weekend Holding
No
EA / Bots
Allowed
Markets
futures
Platforms
NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView
Cheapest Account
$49 ($50,000)
Source: (verified )Source: (verified )Source: Source:

Drawdown Type Comparison: FTMO vs TopStep

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).

Who Should Choose FTMO?

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.

Community reputation: 4.8/5 on Trustpilot (7,200 reviews)

Who Should Choose TopStep?

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.

Community reputation: 4.5/5 on Trustpilot (4,800 reviews)

Audit Your Trades Against FTMO or TopStep Rules

Comparing rules on paper is step one. Step two: check whether your actual trades follow them. Pick either firm below and paste a trade to see which rules you break.

FTMO

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FTMO
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TopStep

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TopStep
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Bottom Line: FTMO vs TopStep

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.

Platform Comparison: FTMO vs TopStep

FTMO supports 3 platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader. TopStep supports 3 platforms: NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView. There is no platform overlap, so switching between these firms requires adapting to a different trading platform.

Markets: FTMO vs TopStep

FTMO offers forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto while TopStep offers futures. Only FTMO provides forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto. Only TopStep provides futures. This is often the deciding factor -- choose the firm that covers the instruments you actually trade.

Trading Rules and Restrictions Comparison

Consistency rule: FTMO has no consistency rule. TopStep enforces "No single day > 50% of total profit". Consistency rules penalize traders who earn most profits in a single day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FTMO and 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 has a 5% daily loss limit vs TopStep's 2%. Profit splits are 80-90% vs 90-90%.

Is FTMO or TopStep cheaper?

TopStep is cheaper to start. FTMO's smallest account costs €155 ($10,000), while TopStep starts at $49 ($50,000).

Which is better for beginners, FTMO or TopStep?

For beginners, FTMO may be more forgiving. FTMO's static drawdown means profits add extra buffer, which is safer for new traders. Also consider that FTMO is a 2-step evaluation while TopStep is 1-step.

Does FTMO or TopStep have a higher profit split?

Both firms offer the same maximum profit split of 90%. FTMO ranges from 80% to 90%, while TopStep ranges from 90% to 90%.

Can I trade news on FTMO and TopStep?

FTMO allows news trading, while TopStep allows it. Both firms have the same news trading policy.

Which has better drawdown rules, FTMO or TopStep?

FTMO uses static (floor never moves) (10%), while TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) (3%). FTMO's static drawdown is more forgiving since profits create extra buffer.

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