Prop Firms/Topstep vs FTMO

Topstep vs FTMO: Which Prop Firm Is Better in 2026?

Side-by-side comparison of rules, drawdown limits, payout ratios, and evaluation structure. Both firms tracked automatically with FundedOps — no more manual rule-checking.

Max DrawdownTrailing MLL — $2k (50k) / $3k (100k) / $4.5k (150k); trails up on end-of-day balance, breach monitored in real time (incl. unrealized P&L), locks at starting balance
Profit Target6%
Payout90/10 split from first dollar (100% of first $10k only for pre-Jan-12-2026 members)
Categoryfutures
Adding a Daily Loss Limit at checkout doubles XFA payout caps (limited-time offer)
Max Drawdown2-Step: 5% daily / 10% static · 1-Step: 3% daily / 10% EOD trailing (locks reset after each payout)
Profit Target2-Step: 10% (P1), 5% (P2) · 1-Step: 10%
PayoutUp to 90%
Categoryforex
Industry benchmark — 2-Step (refundable) or 1-Step (cheaper, stricter daily loss)
RuleTopstepFTMO
Max DrawdownTrailing MLL — $2k (50k) / $3k (100k) / $4.5k (150k); trails up on end-of-day balance, breach monitored in real time (incl. unrealized P&L), locks at starting balance2-Step: 5% daily / 10% static · 1-Step: 3% daily / 10% EOD trailing (locks reset after each payout)
Drawdown TypeTrailingEOD
Profit Target6%2-Step: 10% (P1), 5% (P2) · 1-Step: 10%
Payout Ratio90/10 split from first dollar (100% of first $10k only for pre-Jan-12-2026 members)Up to 90%
Min Trading DaysMin 2 days to pass Combine (one-day pass not allowed); funded payout via 5 winning days ($150+) or 3-day Consistency path2-Step: 4 days per phase · 1-Step: none
News Trading Allowed
Weekend Holding
Consistency RuleCombine: best day must stay below 50% of the profit target; funded (XFA) Consistency path: 40%None on 2-Step; Best Day Rule (50%) on 1-Step

Topstep — Overview

Topstep is one of the longest-running and most trusted US futures prop firms. They pioneered many of the evaluation models used industry-wide. The Combine has one rule (don't touch the trailing Maximum Loss Limit, which ratchets up on end-of-day balance) and a consistency target — your best day must stay below 50% of the profit target, so you can't one-shot the pass. An optional Daily Loss Limit can be added at checkout; hitting it pauses the day rather than failing the account.

One of the most established and trusted firms in the industry
Clean 90/10 split from the first dollar with a well-documented payout policy
Low monthly fees ($49–$149) for the Combine
Consistency rules: best day <50% of profit target in the Combine; 40% on the funded Consistency payout path
MLL breach is checked in real time against unrealized P&L — an open trade can liquidate the account

FTMO — Overview

FTMO is the most recognized forex prop firm globally. The standard 2-Step evaluation (Challenge + Verification, 4 min trading days each, unlimited time, 100% refundable fee) remains the flagship. A newer 1-Step route gets you to the FTMO Rewards Account in a single phase with a cheaper, non-refundable fee — but a tighter 3% max daily loss and a 50% Best Day Rule.

Most recognized prop firm globally — widely trusted
100% refundable challenge fee on the 2-Step route
Unlimited trading period on all evaluations
Two-phase evaluation on the standard route — more time to get funded
1-Step fee is non-refundable and carries a tighter 3% daily loss limit

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