Head-to-Head Comparison

TopStep vs City Traders Imperium

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

City Traders Imperium

4.3

Dubai-based prop firm established in 2018 offering evaluation and instant funding with static drawdown. Features a monthly salary option and scaling to $4M.

Visit City Traders Imperium

Side-by-Side Comparison: TopStep vs City Traders Imperium

Metric

TopStep

City Traders Imperium

Max Drawdown

10%

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

10%

Profit Split

90/10

80/20 → 100%

Challenge Cost

$49 - $149/mo

$39 - $549

Trading Period

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Full contract leverage

1:30

Instruments

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Metals

Account Sizes

$50K, $100K, $150K

$2.5K, $5K, $10K, $20K, $50K, $100K

Scaling

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

Scale up to $4M with 10% profit milestones

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

Allowed

EA / Bots

Not Allowed

Allowed

Rating

4.5/5

4.3/5

The Verdict: TopStep vs City Traders Imperium

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

Best for Beginners

City Traders Imperium

City Traders Imperium offers more forgiving drawdown rules, making it easier for newer traders to get started.

Best for Aggressive Traders

City Traders Imperium

City Traders Imperium provides 10% max drawdown allowance, giving aggressive trading styles more breathing room.

Best for Long-term Scaling

City Traders Imperium

City Traders Imperium offers better scaling potential: Scale up to $4M with 10% profit milestones.

Best for Overall Value

TopStep

TopStep earns 4.5/5 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

City Traders Imperium Pros & Cons

Static drawdown (does not trail)

Monthly salary up to $500 per account

Profit split scales to 100%

Low entry from just $2.5K accounts

Weekend and overnight holding allowed

Lower leverage (1:30)

Smaller starting accounts compared to rivals

Must prove EA ownership on some plans

KYC process can be slow

Limited to traders from 60+ countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, TopStep or City Traders Imperium?

It depends on your trading style. TopStep offers 4% max drawdown and a 90/10 profit split, while City Traders Imperium offers 10% max drawdown and a 80/20 → 100% split. TopStep has a higher overall rating at 4.5/5.

What is the cheapest option between TopStep and City Traders Imperium?

TopStep challenges start at $49 - $149/mo, while City Traders Imperium starts at $39 - $549. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.

Can I use EAs or trading bots with TopStep and City Traders Imperium?

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

What are the drawdown rules for TopStep vs City Traders Imperium?

TopStep has a 4% max drawdown and 2% daily drawdown. City Traders Imperium has a 10% max drawdown and 5% 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 City Traders Imperium challenge?

TopStep gives you Unlimited. City Traders Imperium gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 5 and 0 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, TopStep or City Traders Imperium?

TopStep offers a 90/10 profit split, while City Traders Imperium offers 80/20 → 100%. Higher profit splits mean more of your trading profits go to you.