Head-to-Head Comparison

TopStep vs Blue Guardian

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.

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

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

Side-by-Side Comparison: TopStep vs Blue Guardian

Metric

TopStep

Blue Guardian

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

10%

Profit Split

90/10

85/15 → 90/10

Challenge Cost

$49 - $149/mo

$87 - $897

Trading Period

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Full contract leverage

1:100

Instruments

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities

Account Sizes

$50K, $100K, $150K

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

Scaling

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

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

News Trading

Allowed

Not Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

Allowed

EA / Bots

Not Allowed

Allowed

Rating

4.5/5

4.6/5

The Verdict: TopStep vs Blue Guardian

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.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, TopStep or Blue Guardian?

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

What is the cheapest option between TopStep and Blue Guardian?

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

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

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

What are the drawdown rules for TopStep vs Blue Guardian?

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

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

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

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

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