Head-to-Head Comparison

Blue Guardian vs TopStep

An honest, data-driven comparison to help you pick the right prop firm. We compare drawdown rules, challenge costs, profit splits, trading conditions, and more — no bias, just facts.

Blue Guardian

4.6

Innovative prop firm featuring the Guardian Shield risk management system. Offers 24-hour payout guarantee and scaling up to $4M with multiple funding models.

Visit Blue Guardian

TopStep

4.5

One of the original futures prop firms with a proven track record. Offers a structured Trading Combine evaluation and path to live funded trading with real capital.

Visit TopStep

Side-by-Side Comparison: Blue Guardian vs TopStep

Metric

Blue Guardian

TopStep

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

10%

Profit Split

85/15 → 90/10

90/10

Challenge Cost

$87 - $897

$49 - $149/mo

Trading Period

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

1:100

Full contract leverage

Instruments

Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Account Sizes

$10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K

$50K, $100K, $150K

Scaling

25% account increase every 3 months at 12% profit, up to $4M

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

News Trading

Not Allowed

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Allowed

Not Allowed

EA / Bots

Allowed

Not Allowed

Rating

4.6/5

4.5/5

The Verdict: Blue Guardian vs TopStep

The best choice depends on your trading style, risk tolerance, and goals. Here's our breakdown by trader profile:

Best for Beginners

Blue Guardian

Blue Guardian offers more forgiving drawdown rules, making it easier for newer traders to get started.

Best for Aggressive Traders

Blue Guardian

Blue Guardian provides 6% max drawdown allowance, giving aggressive trading styles more breathing room.

Best for Long-term Scaling

Blue Guardian

Blue Guardian offers better scaling potential: 25% account increase every 3 months at 12% profit, up to $4M.

Best for Overall Value

Blue Guardian

Blue Guardian earns 4.6/5 in our analysis, with a strong balance of rules, cost, and trader experience.

Blue Guardian Pros & Cons

24-hour payout guarantee or 100% profit split

Guardian Shield risk management system

Scaling up to $4M

85% base profit split (higher than most)

Overnight and weekend holding allowed

No news trading on funded accounts

Guardian Shield can close trades at 1-2% loss

Second Shield breach terminates account

US traders restricted from some features

Fee refund only after 4th payout

TopStep Pros & Cons

Established since 2012 with proven track record

Path to real live funded account

Low monthly subscription cost

EOD trailing drawdown (not intraday)

Weekly payouts available

Futures only (no forex)

50% consistency target required

Daily loss limit on some platforms

Intraday trailing drawdown on PRO accounts

No automated trading bots

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Blue Guardian or TopStep?

It depends on your trading style. Blue Guardian offers 6% max drawdown and a 85/15 → 90/10 profit split, while TopStep offers 4% max drawdown and a 90/10 split. Blue Guardian has a higher overall rating at 4.6/5.

What is the cheapest option between Blue Guardian and TopStep?

Blue Guardian challenges start at $87 - $897, while TopStep starts at $49 - $149/mo. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.

Can I use EAs or trading bots with Blue Guardian and TopStep?

Blue Guardian allows EAs/bots. TopStep does not allow them. Always verify the latest rules on each firm's website.

What are the drawdown rules for Blue Guardian vs TopStep?

Blue Guardian has a 6% max drawdown and 4% daily drawdown. TopStep has a 4% max drawdown and 2% daily drawdown. Use our free Drawdown Calculator to find your safe lot size for either firm.

How long do I have to pass the Blue Guardian vs TopStep challenge?

Blue Guardian gives you Unlimited. TopStep gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 5 and 5 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, Blue Guardian or TopStep?

Blue Guardian offers a 85/15 → 90/10 profit split, while TopStep offers 90/10. Higher profit splits mean more of your trading profits go to you.