Head-to-head comparison · 2026
Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Quick verdict
- Topstep is $140 cheaper to get funded on a 50K account ($198 vs $338, activation fees included).
- Topstep bills monthly, so its cost goes up for every extra month it takes you to pass. Apex Trader Funding is a one-time fee.
- Topstep uses end-of-day drawdown, which is more forgiving than Apex Trader Funding's intraday trailing drawdown. Open profit that you give back doesn't count against you.
Market
Futures
Futures
Founded
2021
2012
Total cost to funded
$338
Best$198
Eval cost
$249
$49
Activation fee
$89
$149
Pricing model
One-time
Monthly sub
Challenge type
1-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
Trailing
EOD
Max profit split
90%
90%
First profit
First $25K is 100%
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
Every 5 trading days
Weekly
Max account
Best$300K
$150K
Consistency rule
50% on funded (PA)
55% consistency target
News trading
Restricted
Restricted
Platforms
RithmicNinjaTraderTradingViewTradovate
NinjaTraderTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
Apex Trader Funding
Strengths
- Almost always on a big discount, often 80 to 90% off
- One-time fee, can pass in 1 day
- Up to 20 funded accounts at once
Watch-outs
- Intraday trailing drawdown on evaluation and funded
- No resets: a failed eval means buying a new one
- 50% consistency rule and a daily loss limit once funded
Topstep
Strengths
- Longest-running futures prop firm, founded 2012
- Low $49 monthly fee and $49 resets, reset credit each rebill
- Double payout caps included
Watch-outs
- $149 activation fee once you pass
- 55% consistency target and $1,000 daily loss limit
- Monthly fee keeps billing until you pass
🐨 Which should you choose?
Choose Apex Trader Funding if you want more room to scale up.
Choose Topstep if you want the lower cost to get funded and a more forgiving drawdown.
Written from our verified data for a 50K account, or the closest size a firm offers. Always check each firm's current terms before buying.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account (or the closest size a firm offers). Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.