Apex vs Topstep (2026)
The two biggest names in futures funding, built very differently. Apex makes passing easy and payouts harder. Topstep charges you monthly but gives you more time and a gentler loss limit.
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Short answer: pick Apex if you can pass fast and want a one-time fee. Choose its end-of-day drawdown, never intraday. Pick Topstep if you're newer, want no deadline, and would rather pay monthly than race a 30-day clock.
Side by side
| Apex Trader Funding | Topstep | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | One-time fee, 30 days of access | Monthly subscription until you pass (from ~$49/mo on 50K, standard path) |
| Drawdown | You choose: end-of-day or intraday trailing | End-of-day trailing only |
| Target / max loss | From $1,500 / $1,000 (25K) to $9,000 / $4,000 (150K) | $3,000 / $2,000 (50K) to $9,000 / $4,500 (150K) |
| Consistency to pass | None | Best day ≤ ~55% of total profit |
| Time limit | 30 days of access per fee | None |
| Payout rules | 5 qualifying days per payout, plus a 50% consistency check | Standard path: 5 winning days of $150+; Consistency path: 3 days |
| Profit split | Reported differently across sources. Check Apex's Help Center | 90/10 for traders who joined from Jan 12, 2026 |
| Trustpilot (Q2 2026) | 4.5 | 4.6 |
Where Apex wins
- Passing is easier. No consistency rule and no minimum days, so one strong session can finish the evaluation.
- One-time fee. No monthly bill that grows the longer it takes.
- You choose your drawdown. The end-of-day option is the right one, but you have to remember to pick it.
Where Topstep wins
- No deadline. Apex gives you 30 days per fee; Topstep lets you take your time.
- No intraday trap. Topstep only offers end-of-day trailing, so you can't pick the option that cost me Apex accounts.
- Track record. Topstep has been around since 2012, longer than almost any futures firm.
The rule that decides it for most traders
Both firms have a consistency rule; it just bites at different times. Topstep's ~55% best-day rule applies while you're trying to pass, so one big day raises your target. Apex's 50% rule applies before each payout, so one big day locks the payout button until your other days catch up. If you make your money in a few big days, both will slow you down; Apex just lets you get funded first.
Choose Apex if…
- You can hit a target inside 30 days
- You want a one-time fee
- You'll pick end-of-day drawdown
- You trade steady, similar-sized days
Choose Topstep if…
- You're newer and want no deadline
- You don't trust yourself to avoid intraday drawdown
- You value a long track record
- You're fine paying monthly
Full reviews: Apex · Topstep · all 10 futures firms