Head-to-Head Comparison

TopStep vs Funded Trading Plus

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

Funded Trading Plus

4.5

UK-based prop firm offering evaluation and instant funding programs with profit splits up to 100%. Known for fast payouts and scaling up to $2.5M.

Visit Funded Trading Plus

Side-by-Side Comparison: TopStep vs Funded Trading Plus

Metric

TopStep

Funded Trading Plus

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

10%

Profit Split

90/10

80/20 → 100%

Challenge Cost

$49 - $149/mo

$119 - $999

Trading Period

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Full contract leverage

1:30

Instruments

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities

Account Sizes

$50K, $100K, $150K

$5K, $12.5K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K

Scaling

Path from Express Funded to Live Funded account with real capital

Scale up to $2.5M (or $5.25M on Premium track) at each 10% milestone

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

Allowed

EA / Bots

Not Allowed

Allowed

Rating

4.5/5

The Verdict: TopStep vs Funded Trading Plus

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

Best for Beginners

Funded Trading Plus

Funded Trading Plus offers more forgiving drawdown rules, making it easier for newer traders to get started.

Best for Aggressive Traders

Funded Trading Plus

Funded Trading Plus provides 6% max drawdown allowance, giving aggressive trading styles more breathing room.

Best for Long-term Scaling

Funded Trading Plus

Funded Trading Plus offers better scaling potential: Scale up to $2.5M (or $5.25M on Premium track) at each 10% milestone.

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

Funded Trading Plus Pros & Cons

Profit split scales to 100%

Instant funding option available

No minimum trading days

Scaling up to $5.25M

Payouts from Day 0 or Day 1

Trailing drawdown shrinks after withdrawals

Weekend auto-close on some programs

US traders restricted

Lower leverage (1:30)

Hedging and grid trading prohibited

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, TopStep or Funded Trading Plus?

It depends on your trading style. TopStep offers 4% max drawdown and a 90/10 profit split, while Funded Trading Plus offers 6% max drawdown and a 80/20 → 100% split. Funded Trading Plus has a higher overall rating at 4.5/5.

What is the cheapest option between TopStep and Funded Trading Plus?

TopStep challenges start at $49 - $149/mo, while Funded Trading Plus starts at $119 - $999. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.

Can I use EAs or trading bots with TopStep and Funded Trading Plus?

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

What are the drawdown rules for TopStep vs Funded Trading Plus?

TopStep has a 4% max drawdown and 2% daily drawdown. Funded Trading Plus 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 Funded Trading Plus challenge?

TopStep gives you Unlimited. Funded Trading Plus gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 5 and 0 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, TopStep or Funded Trading Plus?

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