Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep – Prop Firm Comparison
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Introduction
When comparing prop trading firms, Apex Trader and Topstep each offer distinct paths to funded trading. Apex Trader is Austin, Texas, USA-based, founded in 2021, and is known for 100% profit split on first $25K earned, $378M+ paid out to traders. It holds a 4.3/5 (19,525 reviews (June 2026)) Trustpilot rating. Topstep, based in Chicago, Illinois, USA, was founded in 2012 and stands out for Industry pioneer since 2012 – invented the evaluation model, flat 90/10 profit split for new accounts (100% of first $10K is legacy, pre-Jan 2026), holding a 3.4/5 (13,872 reviews) Trustpilot rating. Both firms provide paths to funded accounts, but their evaluation structures, pricing, and trader benefits differ in key ways that may suit different trader profiles.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 
| |
| Founded | 2021 | 2012 |
| Profit Split | 100% first $25,000, then 90/10 | 100% first $10,000, then 90/10 |
| Maximum Account Size | $300,000 | $150,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | 1 | 1 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.4 | 3.4 |
| Expert Grade | 8.8 | 9 |
Program Types
| Program | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Program | Yes | — |
| Scaling Options | Yes | No |
| Demo Account | — | No |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 5-6% | 6% |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing drawdown (locks at starting balance) | Trailing MLL: $2,000-$4,500 |
| Minimum Trading Days | — | 5 |
| News Trading | Yes | Yes |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| $25K Account | USD 167 / Intraday Trail / One-time | Not offered |
| $50K Account | USD 249 / Intraday Trail / One-time | USD 49 / Trading Combine / Monthly |
| $100K Account | USD 399 / Intraday Trail / One-time | USD 99 / Trading Combine / Monthly |
| $150K Account | USD 599 / Intraday Trail / One-time | USD 149 / Trading Combine / Monthly |
| Coupons / Discount | Apex Trader Funding discount | Topstep discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, WealthCharts | TopstepX |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | Yes | No |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | — | No |
| Bonds | Yes | Yes |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | Yes |
Payout
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | Bi-weekly (min 8 trading days between requests, 5 days with $50+ profit) | Bi-weekly via ACH, wire, or Rise; $50 minimum |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | $378M+ payouts verified, 17,800+ Trustpilot reviews, 20 simultaneous accounts, No daily loss limit, 100% profit on first $25K per account | Industry pioneer, generous first $10K profit split, no time limits, EAs permitted, no daily loss limit, $1B+ paid to traders |
| Weaknesses | 4:59 PM ET close requirement, 5:1 max risk-to-reward ratio, 30% consistency rule at payout, Learning curve for beginners | Monthly subscription fees compound, $149 activation fee, TopstepX platform exclusive, futures-only, trailing MLL can catch intraday profit-takers |
| Best For | Serious futures day traders seeking scalability and capital protection | Serious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluation |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
Choose Apex Trader Funding if you want a larger funded ceiling at $300K and coverage of stocks that the other does not offer. Choose Topstep if a cheaper entry, from USD 49 matters more to you. Neither firm is better in the abstract. The right choice depends on your strategy, your budget and the instruments you trade, so read both full reviews before you commit. Verify current rules and pricing on each firm’s own site before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about Apex Trader’s programs?
Apex separates EOD Performance Accounts from other and legacy account types. Its current EOD payout policy should not be applied indiscriminately to older accounts. Apex Trader official rules.
What should I know about Topstep’s programs?
Topstep distinguishes Express Funded Account Standard and Consistency paths, followed by a separate Live Funded Account stage. Topstep official rules.
How do payouts differ between Apex Trader and Topstep?
Current EOD approved requests have a 100% split and a $500 minimum. Eligibility requires five qualifying profitable days, account-size balance thresholds and the consistency condition. Apex Trader official rules.
The current payout policy lists a 90/10 split and a $125 minimum. Standard requires five winning days of $150 or more; Consistency requires three days and a 40% consistency target. Requests are subject to account-size caps. Topstep official rules.
Which account rules matter when comparing Apex Trader and Topstep?
No single winning day may represent 50% or more of cycle profit. Only profit above the safety net can be requested, per-request caps apply, and the Performance Account closes after six payouts. Apex Trader official rules.
Express payouts are generally limited to 50% of account balance up to the applicable cap. Legacy eligibility and optional daily-loss-limit arrangements can change the caps or split treatment. Topstep official rules.
Is Apex Trader or Topstep automatically the better choice?
No. Each firm wins on a different axis. Apex Trader Funding has the larger funded ceiling at $300K and market access the other lacks, namely stocks. Topstep has the cheaper entry at USD 49. Which of those matters more depends on how you actually trade, so compare how each firm measures drawdown, the total fee once add-ons and resets are included and platform availability, rather than the headline numbers. If you fail an evaluation, do not assume either firm offers a fixed reset discount: check the reset terms for the specific account you bought.
How We Compared Apex Trader and Topstep
Both firms on this page carry a JoinProp Rating out of 10. We produce that rating with the same 9-factor methodology we apply to every firm we review: payout reliability (20%), fee structure (15%), drawdown rules (15%), profit split (15%), evaluation terms (10%), trading rules (10%), support access and responsiveness (5%), scaling plan (5%), and track record and transparency (5%).
The inputs come from our firm reviews, not from this page. For each firm we work from the current terms and conditions rather than marketing pages, track rule and pricing changes over time, and read payout and support reports across Trustpilot, Reddit and Discord, looking for recurring patterns rather than isolated complaints. Every firm is re-checked at least every 90 days, or sooner after a material change. Affiliate relationships have no effect on any rating, and ratings are never sold.
The tables above show the evidence behind those factors. A few rows, including trading platforms, available instruments, maximum account size and demo availability, are there to help you judge fit and do not affect either rating.
For the detail behind each rating, read the full Apex Trader review and the Topstep review.
Read our full ranking methodology
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