Vigil/FTMO vs TopStep/-- Cheapest Option
Tier 1Tier 1Cheapest Option

FTMO vs TopStep -- Cheapest Option

TopStep offers better value per dollar of trading capital. At $49 for a $50,000 account, you pay less per $10K of buying power than FTMO's €155 for $10,000. Over 3 attempts, that saves you 318 in fees. Updated March 2026.

Verdict -- Cheapest Option

Recommendation: TopStep is the better choice -- cheapest option.

TopStep offers better value per dollar of trading capital. At $49 for a $50,000 account, you pay less per $10K of buying power than FTMO's €155 for $10,000. Over 3 attempts, that saves you 318 in fees.

FTMOTopStep
Cheapest Account Fee€155$49
Cheapest Account Size$10,000$50,000
Fee per $10K Capital€155$10
Cost of 3 Attempts€465$147
Profit Split (start)80%90%
Profit Split (max)90%90%
Payout FrequencyEvery 14 daysWeekly
Cost Analysis

The sticker price is not the real cost of a prop firm challenge. Most traders need 3-5 attempts to pass, so multiply the fee accordingly. FTMO's cheapest account ($10,000) costs €155 per attempt. TopStep's cheapest ($50,000) costs $49.

Cost per dollar of capital is a better metric than raw fee. FTMO charges 155 per $10K of capital. TopStep charges 10 per $10K. The firm with the lower ratio gives you more buying power for your money.

Profit splits determine your long-term earnings. FTMO starts at 80% (up to 90%), while TopStep starts at 90% (up to 90%). A 10% difference in profit split matters far more than a $50 difference in challenge fees over a year of funded trading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FTMO or TopStep?

TopStep starts at $49, making it the cheaper option. However, compare the cost per dollar of trading capital: FTMO gives you $10,000 for that fee, while TopStep gives you $50,000 for $49.

How much do multiple attempts cost for FTMO vs TopStep?

If it takes 3 attempts (industry average), FTMO costs €465 total, while TopStep costs $147. At 5 attempts, FTMO costs €775 vs $245 for TopStep.

Which firm has the better profit split, FTMO or TopStep?

FTMO offers 80-90% profit split. TopStep offers 90-90%. Both firms offer the same maximum split. The profit split matters more than fees over time, since you will earn from it every month once funded.

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