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.
Side-by-side comparison
| Rule | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Futures (CME) | Futures (CME) |
| Audited variants | 3 on watchlist | 2 on watchlist |
| Evaluation | 1-Step (Combine) | 1-Step |
| Account sizes | $50K, "00K, "50K | $25K to "50K |
| Fee (100K) | "49/month | ~"67 one-time (promos to ~$30) |
| Profit split | 90% (100% first "0K legacy only) | 100% (flat — Apex 4.0) |
| Max drawdown | ~3% Trailing (locks at breakeven) | Trailing ($3K on 100K) |
| Drawdown type | Trailing | Trailing |
| Daily loss | 2% (optional on eval; enforced on Live) | None |
| Consistency rule | Soft (40% on XFA path) | 50% |
| Min trading days | 1 winning day ($200+) | 5 |
| Payout speed | 3 to 7 days | 3 to 5 days |
| Payout frequency | Weekly (50% / $5K cap, $6K on XFA) | Weekly (2x/month) |
| News trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| EAs / bots | Allowed (limited) | Allowed |
| Weekend holding | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Scaling cap | Multiple accounts + Live Funded | 6 payouts per PA |
| US traders | Yes | Yes |
| Trustpilot | 3.5 (10,000+) | 4.3 (17,860+) |
| Value score | 79 | 84 |
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 (2%/3%), slower monthly payouts
Apex Trader Funding strengths
Flat 100% profit split, one-time eval fee, large funded account base, simplified rule set
Apex Trader Funding weaknesses
Trailing drawdown, 6 payouts per PA cap, $85/month PA fee, ongoing Riot v. Apex litigation