Head-to-head comparison · 2026
FTMO vs Topstep
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Market
Forex / CFD
Futures
Founded
2014
2012
Total cost to funded
$345
Best$198
Eval cost
$345
$49
Activation fee
-
$149
Pricing model
One-time
Monthly sub
Challenge type
2-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
Static
EOD
Max profit split
90%
90%
First profit
80% to 90% via scaling
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
On demand / bi-weekly
Weekly
Max account
Best$2.0M
$150K
Consistency rule
None
40% rule
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
MT4DXtradecTraderMT5
NinjaTraderTradovateTradingViewTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
FTMO
Strengths
- OANDA-backed, 12-yr track record
- No consistency rule
- 99.8% on-time payouts
Watch-outs
- No futures support
- 80% base split undercut by newer firms
- Pricier challenges
Topstep
Strengths
- NFA-registered, owns its brokerage
- EOD drawdown is forgiving
- Established since 2012
Watch-outs
- No swing trading
- 40% consistency rule
- Payout caps per cycle
🐨 PropKoala verdict
Topstep is cheaper to get funded at $198 total. FTMO offers a higher max split at 90%. Both use EOD or static drawdown, a plus for both.
This verdict is generated from our verified data. Always check each firm's current terms before purchasing.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account, last updated Sep 2026. Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.