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.
Market
Futures
Futures
Founded
2021
2012
Total cost to funded
$328
Best$198
Eval cost
$249
$49
Activation fee
$79
$149
Pricing model
Monthly sub
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
Weekly
Weekly
Max account
Best$300K
$150K
Consistency rule
30% rule
40% rule
News trading
Restricted
Restricted
Platforms
RithmicNinjaTraderTradingViewTradovate
NinjaTraderTradovateTradingViewTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
Apex Trader Funding
Strengths
- Keep 100% of first $25K
- Run up to 20 accounts
- Huge review volume
Watch-outs
- Monthly sub + activation = double cost
- Intraday trailing drawdown
- Slower payouts
Topstep
Strengths
- NFA-registered, owns its brokerage
- EOD drawdown is forgiving
- Established since 2012
Watch-outs
- No swing trading
- 40% consistency rule
- Payout caps per cycle
🐨 PropKoala verdict
Topstep is cheaper to get funded at $198 total. Apex Trader Funding offers a higher max split at 90%. Topstep has the more forgiving EOD drawdown, giving you more room to trade.
This verdict is generated from our verified data. Always check each firm's current terms before purchasing.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account, last updated Sep 2026. Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.