Comparison

FTMO vs Topstep

FTMO built its reputation in forex, then expanded to CME futures. Topstep was born in futures. Here's how they actually compare for traders running Pine Script strategies on TradingView — and which drawdown structure is simpler to code around.

Rule-by-rule comparison — 50k accounts

What the key rule differences mean for Pine Scripts

Static vs. EOD trailing drawdown — the most important difference

FTMO uses a static drawdown: the max loss floor is set at the start and never moves. On a 50k account, the floor is fixed at $45,000 (10% max loss). Your Pine Script only needs to track one number. If the account crosses that level, the eval is over — but the floor never gets more restrictive as you profit.

Topstep uses an end-of-day (EOD) trailing drawdown: the floor follows your highest end-of-day equity upward. If you make $1,500 in profit and close the day there, your max drawdown floor moves up by $1,500. For a Pine Script, this means the effective drawdown cushion you have available is dynamic — it can shrink as you profit, requiring the strategy to constantly reassess available room rather than coding to a fixed number.

From a pure algorithmic standpoint, FTMO's static structure is simpler. You define the loss floor once and the strategy respects it for the entire evaluation. No moving target.

FTMO's two-phase structure means running the strategy twice

FTMO splits the evaluation into Phase 1 (10% profit target, 4-day minimum) and Phase 2 (5% profit target, 4-day minimum). This means your Pine Script needs to run conservatively across two separate accounts in sequence. Many traders lower position sizing in Phase 2 since the target is smaller and the risk of ruin matters more. The upside: passing Phase 2 confirms the strategy is consistent, not just lucky.

Topstep runs a single-phase Combine with one profit target and no second evaluation. Once you hit the target and meet the minimum days, you move directly to a funded account. Simpler pipeline, faster funding potential.

Daily loss limits: both have them, but they differ

FTMO enforces a 5% daily loss limit (approximately $2,500 on a 50k account). Topstep enforces a $1,000 daily loss limit on their 50k account. For automation purposes, both require a daily circuit breaker coded into the strategy or enforced at the broker level — but Topstep's $1,000 cap is tighter. A strategy that averages $150/trade risk can absorb fewer consecutive losers before hitting Topstep's daily floor.

Neither firm's daily loss limit is algo-friendly compared to Apex, which has no daily loss limit during the evaluation. If that matters to you, see our Apex vs Topstep comparison or the best firms for automation guide.

FTMO restricts news trading — Topstep does not

FTMO explicitly restricts trading around major news events (NFP, FOMC, CPI). If your Pine Script places entries or holds positions through these windows, you may violate FTMO's news trading rule even if the trade is profitable. Topstep has no such restriction. For strategies that trade macro events or hold positions into releases, Topstep is the safer choice.

Instrument coverage: Topstep is futures-native

Topstep was built for CME futures from day one. MES, MNQ, ES, NQ, CL, GC — all supported natively with standard tick sizing and margin rules that futures traders already know. FTMO expanded into futures after establishing itself in forex and CFDs. CME products work on FTMO, but the platform experience and broker integrations are more tightly tuned for futures on Topstep.

Cost breakdown: one-time fee vs. monthly subscription

FTMO charges a one-time fee per challenge attempt: approximately $155 for a 10k account up to around $540 for a 100k account. For a standard 50k evaluation, expect to pay around $345. If you pass on the first attempt, that's your total cost. If you fail and reset, you pay again.

Topstep uses a monthly subscription model: $49/month for the 50k Combine, $165/month for the 150k Combine. This means the cost compounds the longer you take. A trader who passes in 30 days pays $49. A trader who grinds for 3 months has spent $147. For fast passers, Topstep can be cheaper. For methodical strategies that take time to reach the target, FTMO's one-time fee may be more predictable.

Which firm should you choose?

Pine Script strategy considerations

Whichever firm you choose, the Pine Script logic changes slightly based on which rules apply. For FTMO:

• Code the static loss floor as a fixed dollar value and halt entries if the account approaches it
• Add a news event filter or time-based exclusion around major economic releases
• Size conservatively in Phase 2 since the profit target is lower but the drawdown exposure is the same
• Track daily P&L against the 5% daily limit and include a session circuit breaker

For Topstep:

• The $1,000 daily loss limit requires a tighter daily circuit breaker — at $150/trade risk, that's roughly 6 losses before the session floor hits
• EOD trailing drawdown means the strategy's effective cushion changes each day — a winning streak raises the floor and reduces your buffer for the next session
• The 10-trading-day minimum means the strategy needs to produce consistent signals across at least two calendar weeks

Our Pine Script strategies include drawdown and daily loss parameters built in, so the logic adapts to either firm's rule set. See the Topstep strategy page or FTMO strategy page for firm-specific sizing guidance.

What about Apex?

If you're optimizing purely for automation, neither FTMO nor Topstep is the top choice — Apex Trader Funding is. Apex has no daily loss limit during the evaluation, which means a Pine Script can trade freely all session without a circuit breaker. The trailing drawdown locks in after a $100 gain, and frequent promotions make eval attempts as low as $7. See the Apex vs Topstep comparison for a full breakdown.

FAQ

Is FTMO or Topstep better for Pine Script automation?

Topstep is futures-native so your instruments (MES, MNQ, ES) are all supported natively. FTMO added futures but its roots are forex/CFD. For Pine Script automation on CME futures, Topstep's rules are more familiar to futures traders, but FTMO's static drawdown is simpler to code around.

Does Topstep allow automated trading?

Yes, Topstep allows automated trading during evaluations and on funded accounts through their approved broker integrations. TradingView + TradersPost is a common automation stack for Topstep traders.

Which is more expensive — FTMO or Topstep?

FTMO charges a one-time fee per challenge attempt ($155–$540 for typical accounts). Topstep charges a monthly subscription ($49–$165/month). If you pass quickly, FTMO can be cheaper. If you take multiple months or retakes, costs are similar.