Head-to-head · Last checked
Topstep vs Apex Trader Funding (2026)
Topstep and Apex are the two best-known futures prop firms, and they are built differently. Topstep sells a monthly Trading Combine on its own platform with a clear path to live capital; Apex sells one-time evaluations and lets you run many accounts. Figures below come from each firm's own help centre.
Trading Combine (Standard path)
Best structured path
- From
- $49/mo$50K account · up to $150K
- Rule edges
- 0 of 1
EOD Evaluation
Best for multiple accounts
- From
- Not confirmed
- Rule edges
- 1 of 1
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Our verdict
Choose Topstep if you want a structured path, transparent published prices ($49/month for $50K) and a route to live accounts up to $150K. Choose Apex if you want a one-time evaluation fee rather than a subscription and plan to trade several accounts (up to 20).
Best structured path
Topstep
$50K $49/mo, 90% split, TopstepX, Back2Funded, live accounts up to $150K.
Best for multiple accounts
Apex Trader Funding
One-time evaluation fee, up to 20 accounts, 100% of requested rewards in sim funded.
Rule by rule
An Edge marks the better figure on that one rule, and only where both firms publish a comparable number. It is not an overall score: weigh the rows that matter to how you trade.
TopstepApex Trader FundingCheapest account
Different account sizes, so no edge
$49/mo ($50K)
Not confirmed
Profit target
Not confirmed
$1,500 / $3,000 / $6,000 / $9,000
Profit split
Higher base split
90%
100% of requested rewards (sim funded)
EdgeMax drawdown
$2,000 / $3,000 / $4,500 max loss limit
$1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,000 EOD trailing ($25K–$150K)
Daily loss limit
Optional: $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000 (set at checkout; pauses trading for the session)
$500 / $1,000 / $1,500 / $2,000 (pauses trading for the session)
Min. trading days
Not confirmed
None
Time limit
Not confirmed
30 days
Payouts
Schedules differ in kind, so no edge
After 5 winning days of $150+
5 trading days between payouts
Platforms
TopstepX
Not confirmed
Full rules tableShow
| Rule | Topstep (Trading Combine) | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation price | $50K $49/mo · $100K $99/mo · $150K $199/mo | Not confirmed (shown at checkout) |
| Fee model | Monthly subscription | One-time fee; 30 calendar days of access; no resets |
| Activation fee | $149 per funded account (Standard path) | Paid within 7 days of passing, or choose a 'No Activation Fee' account type |
| Profit split | 90% | 100% of requested rewards (sim funded) |
| Drawdown | Max loss limit $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,500 | EOD evaluation: $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,000 trailing; intraday versions also sold |
| Daily loss limit | Optional $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000, set at checkout | EOD evaluation: $500 / $1,000 / $1,500 / $2,000 (pauses the session) |
| Payout rule | After 5 winning days of $150+ | 5 trading days between payouts |
| Consistency | Not confirmed | 50% rule on new products |
| Max accounts | Not confirmed | Up to 20 |
| Platform | TopstepX | Not confirmed |
| Live capital | Live Funded Account up to $150K starting balance | Not confirmed |
Apex prices load dynamically on its site and change with promotions; we could not confirm them from a static official page.
Subscription vs one-time
If you pass quickly, Topstep's monthly fee can cost less than a one-time evaluation; if you take several months, it adds up. Apex's fee is one-time but covers only 30 calendar days of access with no resets, so a failed or expired evaluation means buying again.
FAQ
Is Topstep or Apex cheaper?
Topstep publishes $49/month for $50K plus a $149 activation fee on the Standard path. Apex charges a one-time evaluation fee shown at checkout (not confirmed here) and either an activation fee after passing or a 'No Activation Fee' account type. Compare totals at checkout.
Is Apex a subscription?
No. Apex says its evaluation fee is one-time, not recurring, and includes 30 calendar days of access with no resets.
How do payouts compare?
Topstep requires 5 winning days of $150+ before a payout. Apex requires 5 trading days between payouts and pays 100% of requested rewards in sim funded accounts.
Is a prop firm challenge fee a safe way to start trading?
Treat the fee as money you can lose. Most traders do not pass evaluations, funded accounts are usually simulated, and firms can change their rules. Read the firm's own terms before paying and see our risk warning.
Sources (7)
Official pages only. Last checked
Topstep vs Apex
Visit Topstep