FTMO vs TopStep

FTMO charges a one-time refundable fee to start the Challenge phase immediately. Successful traders get the entire initial fee back from FTMO. This unique structure makes the FTMO evaluation ultimately free upon success. TopStep uses a recurring monthly subscription, ranging from $49 to $149 for the Combine. Once passed, TopStep also levies a mandatory $149 activation fee for the funded account. FTMO strongly incentivizes success by returning the trader's initial investment. TopStep relies on continuous access fees during the evaluation period. If you view the cost as a deposit returned only upon success, FTMO is the clear financial winner.

TopStep famously allows its traders to earn funding approval in as little as two calendar days. The Trading Combine is built for rapid, high-discipline evaluation. FTMO requires a minimum of eight trading days across its two-step Challenge and Verification process. FTMO prioritizes the consistent development of trading habits. TopStep provides the fastest route to funded trading for highly aggressive, skilled traders. FTMO's longer requirement ensures serious, established consistency is validated. If reaching the funded stage quickly is your main priority, TopStep has a distinct advantage over FTMO.

FTMO offers access to an FTMO Account with fictitious funds peaking at $200,000. This is the top tier available after successful evaluation. TopStep offers evaluation options up to $150,000 maximum buying power. This is still substantial, serving most serious futures traders. FTMO supports access to slightly higher capital levels for successful, high-volume traders. TopStep maintains a strong focus up to $150,000. Traders aiming for the highest capital allocation should primarily focus their efforts on FTMO.

FTMO explicitly offers an unlimited trading period for both the Challenge and Verification steps. There is absolutely no time limit to achieve the profit target. TopStep does not impose a hard passing deadline, allowing flexibility during the evaluation process. However, TopStep charges a recurring monthly subscription fee. FTMO completely eliminates the stress of rushing to meet artificial deadlines. TopStep's recurring cost places a financial incentive to finish quickly. If you are a part-time trader or need months to let your strategy develop, FTMO is far less stressful.

FTMO is optimized for traders focused on the liquid Forex and CFD markets. It supports the traditional instruments favored by retail traders. TopStep is explicitly a specialist in the Futures market, requiring the use of futures contracts. It caters only to very specific traders. If you only trade futures, TopStep provides tailored assets and platforms for that market. If you trade standard Forex pairs, FTMO is your system. Your primary asset class will instantly determine whether you choose FTMO or TopStep.

TopStep processes funded trader payouts daily, allowing traders to pay themselves up to four times per month. This frequency is a major draw. FTMO's payments and fee refunds are consistently cited as fast and smooth by happy users. The maximum frequency, however, is not explicitly defined in the data. TopStep provides guaranteed, high-frequency access to earnings for reliable income streams. FTMO ensures security and smoothness during the transaction. If consistent, weekly income access is a priority, TopStep provides superior guaranteed frequency.

FTMO relies on industry-standard platforms like MT4 or MT5 but enhances them with the FTMO MetriX analysis tool. The focus is on external performance review. TopStep offers the exclusive TopstepX™ platform, built for prop firm traders. This platform uniquely includes features like The Tilt™ Indicator and commission-free trading. TopStep provides a unified, specialized trading experience within its proprietary environment. FTMO focuses on providing powerful analytical overlays for existing platforms. Traders who value specialized futures tools and zero commissions should look closer at TopStep's proprietary tech.

FTMO provides a very high earning potential, rewarding successful traders with up to 90% of simulated profits. This maximizes large trading gains. TopStep offers a highly competitive standard rate for funded traders, typically around 80%. This is the rate available once you successfully pass the combine. FTMO's 90% share provides a significantly better long-term earning structure. TopStep's rate is solid but falls slightly behind FTMO’s ceiling. The extra 10% profit share achieved with FTMO creates substantial added value for high-volume traders.