Expert Comparison
FTMO vs 
Topstep: Full Comparison
FTMO and Topstep sit on opposite sides of the prop trading market: FTMO runs forex/CFD challenges with a one-time fee, while Topstep runs a CME futures Combine on a monthly subscription. If you already know which market you trade, that alone may settle it. If not, here is how the two firms actually compare on rules, cost, and payouts.
Side-by-Side
| Category | FTMO | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Market | Forex, metals, indices, crypto CFDs | CME futures |
| Fee model | One-time (€79–999) | Monthly subscription ($49–199) |
| Free trial | Yes, unlimited attempts | No |
| Profit split | 80–90% (up to ~95%+ via Premium) | 90%, flat from $1 |
| Account sizes | $10,000–$200,000 | $50,000–$150,000 (Combine sizes) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | TopstepX, Quantower |
| Payout cycle | On request after review | Bi-weekly |
Key Differences
- Market fit: this is the real decision driver. FTMO covers forex, metals, indices, and crypto CFDs; Topstep is CME futures only. If your strategy is built around one of these, the other firm is not an option regardless of price or rules.
- Risk-free testing: FTMO's Free Trial lets you run the Challenge rules on a simulated account with no entry fee, as many times as you want, before paying. Topstep has no equivalent; every Combine attempt is a paid subscription month.
- Long-term loyalty structure: FTMO's Premium Programme (Prime → Supreme → Quantlane) rewards consistent traders with better terms over time, and Supreme removes the Maximum Daily Loss restriction entirely. Topstep's model is flatter: 90% split from day one on the funded account.
- Cost predictability: FTMO is a one-time fee per Challenge attempt. Topstep is a recurring monthly subscription until you pass, which can cost more over a slow evaluation but is cheaper if you pass fast.
The Nest Verdict
This comparison is less “which firm is better” and more “which market do you trade.” If you trade forex/CFDs and want a free way to test the rules first, FTMO is the clear pick. If you trade CME futures, Topstep is effectively your only option between these two.