Topstep vs Apex Trader Funding: Compared Rule by Rule for 2026
Topstep and Apex are the two most-searched futures prop firms in 2026. The comparison usually splits on cost model and whether a live-market pathway matters. Topstep charges monthly; Apex charges once per activation.
At 100K: Topstep from $99/month, Apex Trader Funding from $59.
Side-by-side comparison
| Rule | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Futures (CME) | Futures (CME) |
| Watchlist | on watchlist | on watchlist |
| Evaluation | 1-Step (Combine) | 1-Step |
| Account sizes | $50K, $100K, $150K | $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K |
| Fee (100K) | $99/month | $59 |
| Profit split | 90% | 100% |
| Max drawdown (100K) | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Drawdown type | End-of-day trailing | Intraday trailing |
| Daily loss (100K) | n/a | n/a |
| Consistency rule | 55% | n/a |
| Min trading days | n/a | 1 |
| First payout | 3 days | 5 days |
| News trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| EAs / bots | Allowed (limited) | Allowed |
| Weekend holding | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| US traders | Yes | Yes |
| Trustpilot | Trustpilot profile | Trustpilot profile |
Verdict
Pick Topstep if the live-funded pathway and fourteen-year track record justify the subscription. Pick Apex if a one-time fee, larger accounts and multi-account scaling fit your plan better.
Heads up: Topstep and Apex Trader Funding have announced model changes in the past 90 days. We re-audit watchlisted firms every 7 days; double-check the live rules page before purchasing.
Topstep strengths
14 year track record, live funded account pathway, breakeven drawdown lock
Topstep weaknesses
Monthly subscription model, tightest drawdown in industry, slower monthly payouts
Apex Trader Funding strengths
Flat profit split, one-time eval fee, large funded account base, simplified rule set
Apex Trader Funding weaknesses
Trailing drawdown, capped payouts per PA, monthly PA fee, ongoing Riot v. Apex litigation