Vigil/FTMO vs TopStep/for Beginners
Tier 1Tier 1for Beginners

FTMO vs TopStep for Beginners

FTMO is more beginner-friendly. Static drawdown is more forgiving because profits create a permanent buffer above the floor. There is no consistency rule, so you will not be penalized for having one great trading day. The 2-step evaluation is standard but requires sustained performance across two phases. Updated March 2026.

Verdict for Beginners

Recommendation: FTMO is the better choice for beginners.

FTMO is more beginner-friendly. Static drawdown is more forgiving because profits create a permanent buffer above the floor. There is no consistency rule, so you will not be penalized for having one great trading day. The 2-step evaluation is standard but requires sustained performance across two phases.

FTMOTopStep
Evaluation Type2-step1-step
Drawdown TypeStatic (floor never moves)Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day)
Consistency RuleNoneNo single day > 50% of total profit
Min Trading Days4None
Daily Loss Limit5%2%
News Tradingallowedallowed
Cheapest Entry€155$49
Beginner Analysis

As a beginner, the most important factor is how forgiving the rules are. FTMO's static drawdown is the most beginner-friendly type. When you make money, the drawdown floor stays where it is, giving you breathing room for mistakes. TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day).

Rule complexity matters when you are learning. FTMO has no consistency rule, keeping things simple. TopStep has a consistency rule (No single day > 50% of total profit). FTMO requires 4 minimum trading days. Fewer rules means fewer ways to accidentally fail.

Start with the smallest, cheapest account to limit the cost of learning. FTMO's entry point is €155 for $10,000. TopStep starts at $49 for $50,000. Treat the first 1-2 attempts as tuition. Once you understand how the drawdown rules actually feel in practice, you can size up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is FTMO or TopStep easier for beginners?

For beginners, FTMO is more forgiving because static drawdown gives you a fixed floor. FTMO has no consistency rule, making it simpler.

Should beginners choose 1-step or 2-step evaluations?

A 1-step evaluation has fewer phases to pass, which means less time and fewer opportunities to fail. FTMO uses 2-step, while TopStep uses 1-step. For a first-time prop trader, fewer steps means a simpler path to funding.

What is the cheapest way to start as a beginner with FTMO or TopStep?

Start with the smallest account size to minimize risk. FTMO's cheapest option is $10,000 for €155. TopStep's cheapest is $50,000 for $49. A smaller account means smaller losses during the learning phase.

Other Comparisons: FTMO vs TopStep