FTMO vs TopStep 2026 - Which Is Better?

Key Takeaways

• Topstep is strictly for Futures traders, offering a faster 1-step evaluation and ultra-cheap resets ($49).
• FTMO is the king of Forex/CFDs, offering a traditional 2-step challenge but with the industry’s best static 10% drawdown.
• Topstep allows traders to keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profits, making it incredibly lucrative for new funded traders.

If you are researching prop trading firms, you have inevitably come across the two titans of the industry: FTMO and Topstep.

Both firms have been operating for years, boast flawless payout histories, and command massive followings. However, they cater to entirely different types of traders. FTMO is the undisputed king of Forex and CFD trading, while Topstep dominates the futures market.

In 2026, which firm is the better choice for you? Let’s break down their evaluations, rules, pricing, and scaling plans to find out.

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1. Tradable Assets: Futures vs. Forex

The biggest difference between these two firms immediately dictates which one you should choose.

Topstep: Strictly Futures

Topstep is exclusively a futures prop firm. You will trade on platforms like NinjaTrader, Tradovate, or Quantower, trading CME products like the E-Mini S&P 500 (ES), Nasdaq (NQ), Gold (GC), and Crude Oil (CL).

FTMO: Forex, Crypto, & CFDs

FTMO offers a much wider variety of instruments through MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) and cTrader. You can trade Forex pairs, Commodities, Indices, Crypto, and individual stocks.

Winner: It’s a tie based on your preference. If you trade futures, Topstep. If you trade Forex, FTMO.

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2. The Evaluation Process

Topstep - The Combine

Topstep’s evaluation (The Combine) is a 1-Step process (as of their recent 2025 updates to most account types).

• Target: 6% Profit Target (e.g., $3,000 on a $50K account).
• Drawdown: End-of-Day (EOD) Drawdown.
• Time Limit: None.

FTMO - The FTMO Challenge

FTMO requires a standard 2-Step Evaluation.

• Step 1 (Challenge): 10% Profit Target.
• Step 2 (Verification): 5% Profit Target.
• Drawdown: Strictly based on maximum daily loss (5%) and maximum overall loss (10%).
• Time Limit: None.

Winner: Topstep. Passing a 1-step, 6% target is mathematically and psychologically easier than passing a 2-step evaluation requiring a combined 15% return.

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3. Pricing and Reset Costs

Cost is a major factor for retail traders. How much does it cost to get started, and how much does it cost if you fail?

Topstep Pricing

Topstep operates on a monthly subscription model until you pass.

• $50K Account: ~$49/month
• $100K Account: ~$99/month
• $150K Account: ~$149/month (Topstep rarely runs massive sales because their base price is already extremely low).

FTMO Pricing

FTMO charges a one-time fee format, which is refunded with your first payout if you pass.

• $50K Account: ~€349
• $100K Account: ~€540
• $200K Account: ~€1,080

Winner: Topstep. At just $49 to start, Topstep is much more accessible for beginners who might need a few tries to pass an evaluation.

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4. Drawdown Rules

FTMO Drawdown Rules

FTMO uses a static Max Daily Loss (5%) and Max Initial Loss (10%). This means on a $100K account, you cannot lose more than $5,000 in a single day, or let the account drop below $90,000 at any point. This is the best drawdown structure in the industry.

Topstep Drawdown Rules

Topstep uses an End-of-Day (EOD) drawdown. If you have a $50K account with a $2,000 drawdown, your account cannot drop below $48,000 based on your end of day balance. Once your balance reaches $52,000, the drawdown locks in at $50,000 and no longer trails.

Winner: FTMO. A static 10% total drawdown is vastly superior to any EOD or trailing drawdown.

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5. Payouts and Profit Splits

Both companies have incredible payout records, but their payout policies differ.

FTMO Payouts

• Split: Base 80% to the trader, scaling up to 90% if you hit continuous targets.
• Speed: Bi-weekly payouts, processed exceptionally fast via crypto, bank wire, or Skrill.

Topstep Payouts

• Split: You keep 100% of your first $10,000 in profits. After that, the split is 90/10 in your favor.
• Speed: Topstep offers incredibly fast payouts, often processing them the exact same day you request them (if requested before roughly 10 AM CST).

Winner: Topstep. Keeping 100% of your first $10,000 is an incredibly generous perk that helps traders build a real cash cushion quickly.

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Final Verdict

Both FTMO and Topstep are A+ tier prop firms. You cannot go wrong with either.

If you trade Forex or simply want the absolute best drawdown rules in the industry (static 10%), FTMO is the undisputed champion.

However, if you trade Futures and want the cheapest barrier to entry, a 1-step evaluation, and the ability to keep 100% of your first $10,000 in profits, Topstep is the better overall value in 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I trade Forex on Topstep?

No, Topstep is exclusively a futures proprietary trading firm. You can only trade CME products such as equity indices (ES, NQ), energies, and metals.

Is FTMO's evaluation harder than Topstep's?

Mathematically, yes. FTMO requires passing a 2-step evaluation with a combined 15% profit target (10% + 5%). Topstep requires a 1-step evaluation with a 6% profit target, making Topstep’s Combine faster to pass.

Which firm pays out faster?

Topstep is known for providing same-day payouts if requested early in the morning. FTMO processes payouts quickly as well (usually within 1-2 business days), but Topstep generally holds the edge for sheer speed.