Apex Trader vs Topstep - Prop Firm Comparison
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 Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | Topstep |
 |  | |
| Founded | 2021 (Austin, Texas, USA) | 2012 (Chicago, Illinois, USA) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.3/5 (19,525 reviews, June 2026) | 3.5/5 (14,203 reviews, June 2026) |
| Minimum Evaluation Cost | One-time fee, no recurring billing (from ~$19.90 for 25K with coupon) | $49/month (subscription) |
| Profit Split | Up to 100% | Flat 90/10 (new accounts; 100% first $10K is legacy, pre-Jan 2026) |
| Evaluation Phases | 1-Step | 1-Step (Trading Combine®) |
| Refundable Fee | No | No |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Apex Trader | Topstep |
| Main Evaluation Format | 1-Step | 1-Step (Trading Combine®) |
| Account Sizes | $25K, $50K, $75K, $100K, $150K, $250K | $50K, $100K, $150K |
| Time Limits | Pass in as little as 1 day; payouts every 5 trading days | Min 5 trading days |
| Scaling Plan | Yes | No |
| One-Step Option | Yes | Yes |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Apex Trader | Topstep |
| Profit Target | 6% (1-Step) | 6% (1-Step (Trading Combine®)) |
| Maximum Daily Loss | None (Intraday Trail or EOD Trail drawdown) | None (EOD trailing MLL only) |
| Maximum Overall Loss | Trailing drawdown – locks at starting balance | EOD trailing: $2K/$3K/$4.5K |
| Minimum Trading Days | 1 to pass; 5 trading days between payouts | 5 |
| Holding Positions | Intraday only | Overnight & weekends |
| News Trading | Permitted | Allowed |
| Trading Hours | 24/5 (standard markets) | 24/5 (standard markets) |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Option | Apex Trader | Topstep |
| $10K Account | Not offered | Not offered |
| $25K Account | Available – one-time fee (no rebill) | Not offered |
| $50K Account | Available – one-time fee (no rebill) | Available – from $49/month (subscription) (entry) |
| $100K Account | Available – one-time fee (no rebill) | Available – from $49/month (subscription) (entry) |
| $200K Account | Not offered | Not offered |
| Reset Fee | N/A (new products – no resets) | N/A (new products – no resets) |
| Coupons | Coupon / Discount | Coupon / Discount |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | Topstep |
| Trading Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts | TopstepX |
| Dashboard Interface | Yes – trader dashboard | Yes – trader dashboard |
| Performance Analytics | Included | Included |
| Mobile Access | Yes | Yes |
| Demo Accounts | Available on request | Available on request |
Available Markets – What can you trade? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market | Apex Trader | Topstep |
| Forex | Not offered | Not offered |
| Indices | Major global indices | Major global indices |
| Commodities | Gold, silver, oil, natural gas | Gold, silver, oil, natural gas |
| Crypto | Not offered | Not offered |
| Stocks/Equities | Not offered | Not offered |
Trader Benefits – What perks will you receive? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Benefit | Apex Trader | Topstep |
| Profit Split | Up to 100% | Flat 90/10 (new accounts; 100% first $10K is legacy, pre-Jan 2026) |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Bi-weekly (daily after 30 winning days) |
| Payout Speed | Within 24 hours | 1-3 days |
| Scaling Opportunities | Yes – account scaling plan | No scaling plan |
| Educational Resources | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Email and live chat | Email and live chat |
Technical Capabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | Topstep |
| Max Leverage | N/A (futures margin) | Futures leverage (CME margin) |
| EA / Algo Trading | Permitted (Rithmic/NinjaTrader) | Not supported on available platforms |
| Copy Trading | Own accounts only | Own accounts only |
| News Trading | Permitted | Allowed |
| Overnight Holding | No | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | Yes |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Key Element | Apex Trader | Topstep |
| Strengths | 100% profit split on first $25K earned / $378M+ paid out to traders / No daily drawdown limit – trailing only | 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) / $1B+ paid to traders |
| Weaknesses | Futures only – no forex or crypto spot trading / Monthly fee model rather than one-time payment / Positions must close by 4:59 PM ET daily | Monthly subscription – costs compound if slow to pass / Futures only – no forex or crypto / TopstepX only (no NinjaTrader for new accounts) |
| Best For | Futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit | Futures traders who want the most established firm |
| Final Grade | 4.05/5 | 4.25/5 |
| Discount Codes | Get Discount | Get Discount |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
What makes Apex Trader stand out among prop firms?
Apex Trader, based in Austin, Texas, USA, was founded in 2021 and is best known for 100% profit split on first $25k earned, $378m+ paid out to traders. With a minimum evaluation cost of one-time fee and a up to 100% profit split, it offers a developing value proposition for futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit.
How does Topstep differ from other prop firms?
Topstep, based in Chicago, Illinois, USA and founded in 2012, differentiates itself through 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). With a Flat 90/10 (new accounts; 100% first $10K is legacy, pre-Jan 2026) profit split and 1-Step (Trading Combine®) evaluation, it is particularly suited to futures traders who want the most established firm.
Which firm offers better payouts – Apex Trader or Topstep?
Apex Trader offers a up to 100% profit split with Bi-weekly payouts processed in Within 24 hours. Topstep offers a Flat 90/10 (new accounts; 100% first $10K is legacy, pre-Jan 2026) profit split with Bi-weekly (daily after 30 winning days) payouts in 1-3 days. The better choice depends on whether you prioritise split percentage or payout frequency.
Are these prop firms suitable for beginners?
Both firms can accommodate beginners, but with different considerations. Apex Trader is best suited to Futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit, while Topstep is better aligned with futures traders who want the most established firm. New traders should start with the smallest available account size and thoroughly review all rules before committing.
What happens if I fail the evaluation at either firm?
Most prop firms allow traders to purchase a reset to restart their evaluation phase, typically at 40-50% of the original fee. Neither firm penalises future attempts based on previous failures. Check each firm’s official site for current reset pricing and terms.
How was this Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our research team gathered data directly from the official websites, terms of service documents, and public communications of both Apex Trader and Topstep. We supplemented this with verified user reviews on Trustpilot and trading community forums, and consulted active traders with first-hand experience at each firm.
2. We Examine
Our team of professional traders verified all information, cross-checking accuracy against each firm’s current platform, evaluation parameters, and pricing pages. Special attention was paid to profit split structures, drawdown rules, and payout conditions to ensure our assessment reflects the real trader experience.
3. We Score
We apply a scoring methodology across seven key categories: evaluation structure, trading conditions, costs and fees, platform quality, profit potential, customer support, and educational resources. Each category is weighted by importance to traders at different experience levels.
4. You Choose
This comparison is designed to help you identify which firm better aligns with your trading style, experience level, and goals. Consider your priorities – evaluation flexibility, profit split, platform preference, and firm track record – then visit each firm’s full review on JoinProp for the complete picture. Read the Apex Trader review or read the Topstep review to go deeper.
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