Topstep6 criteria won8.7/10- From
- $49/mo
- Profit split
- 90%
- Payout frequency
- After 5 winning days
- Max capital
- $750K
- Age
- 14 years
- Platforms
- TopstepX
Futures head-to-head
Topstep vs Blue Guardian
Which one should you choose in 2026? A criterion-by-criterion comparison.
Our pick
Topstep
8.7/10
The original futures prop firm, since 2012
3 / 5 criteria won out of 5Read reviewVS
Challenger
Blue Guardian
8.6/10
No time limit, payouts in about an hour
2 / 5 criteria won out of 5Read reviewHead-to-head verdict · Topstep
Topstep wins with 8.7/10 versus 8.6/10 and takes the edge on price, support and reputation. Blue Guardian does better on payouts and rules.
Full comparison
Topstep6 criteria won8.7/10Blue Guardian4 criteria won8.6/10- From
- $239
- Profit split
- 80 → 85%
- Payout frequency
- Every 2 weeks
- Max capital
- $400K
- Age
- 5 years
- Platforms
- MT5, TradeLocker, Match-Trader
Choose Topstep if you…
- Want the longest-standing futures firm
- Are aiming for a real live account
- Are new to futures (education)
Choose Blue Guardian if you…
- Hate time pressure
- Want to be paid very quickly
- Use EAs
Price at the same account size
Each firm's cheapest challenge for the same account size (public prices without promotions).
| Size | Topstep | Blue Guardian | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | $49 / monthTrading Combine | $100Futures Reserve | Not comparable |
| 100K | $99 / monthTrading Combine | $148Futures Reserve | Not comparable |
| 150K | $199 / monthTrading Combine | $296Futures Reserve | Not comparable |
Rules side by side
What each firm allows, from our checks.
| Topstep | Blue Guardian | |
|---|---|---|
| News trading | Full-size entries into major news banned | Restricted |
| EAs and bots | Allowed (no HFT) | Allowed |
| Weekend and overnight | No (flat by 3:10 pm CT) | Allowed |
| Time limit | Not specified | No limit |
| Minimum days | 5 winning days of $150, or 3 days | 5 profitable days per phase |
| Max leverage | Not specified | 1:30 |
Criterion by criterion
- Payouts: Topstep 8.8 versus Blue Guardian 9.2, edge to Blue Guardian.
- Rules: Topstep 8.4 versus Blue Guardian 8.8, edge to Blue Guardian.
- Price: Topstep 8.6 versus Blue Guardian 7.8, edge to Topstep.
- Support: Topstep 8.8 versus Blue Guardian 8.4, edge to Topstep.
- Reputation: Topstep 9.6 versus Blue Guardian 8.5, edge to Topstep.
FAQ
Topstep or Blue Guardian: which one is cheaper?
Their offers are not directly comparable (different sizes or billing). The same-size price table covers each size.
Topstep or Blue Guardian: which one pays better?
On our payouts criterion, Blue Guardian scores 9.2/10 versus 8.8/10. Stated speed: on request at Topstep, ≈ 1h on average at Blue Guardian.
Which is more reliable, Topstep or Blue Guardian?
On reputation, Topstep scores 9.6/10 versus 8.5/10 for Blue Guardian. Topstep has been around since 2012, Blue Guardian since 2021.
Should I choose Topstep or Blue Guardian?
Topstep wins this head-to-head with 8.7/10 in the YourFunding rankings. Topstep wins with 8.7/10 versus 8.6/10 and takes the edge on price, support and reputation. Blue Guardian does better on payouts and rules.
