Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep: Prop Firm Comparison 2026

Compare Apex Trader Funding (futures) and Topstep (futures) side by side — profit splits, challenge fees, drawdown rules, platforms, and trading restrictions.

Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding

 Topstep

Topstep
Trustpilot rating 4.4★ (20,013 reviews) 3.5★ (14,360 reviews)
Max profit split 90–100% 90%
Evaluation types 1 Step 1 Step
Account sizes $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K $50K, $100K, $150K
Cheapest challenge fee $268
Pay-later option: $199 + $69 activation (or $690 no-activation)
 $49
Drawdown type EOD trailing / Intraday trailing (real-time, incl. unrealized) EOD trailing
Platforms NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, Quantower, WealthCharts, TradingView, Sierra Chart, ATAS TopstepX
Payout frequency Every 5 trading days (winning days of $100–$350+ by size) Every 5 winning days ($200+)

Verdict

Apex Trader Funding offers a higher advertised profit split (100% vs 90%). Topstep is cheaper to enter, with challenge fees from $49 compared to $268 at Apex Trader Funding. Apex Trader Funding supports more trading platforms (8 vs 1).

True Cost Calculator

See how much it truly costs to get funded at Apex Trader Funding, including multiple failed attempts.

Fee for $50K · 1 Step: $328 · Split: 100% to you
How many attempts?

Drag to model your worst-case scenario

2attempts
1Best
2
3
4
5Worst
Total Spent

$656

2 attempts × $328 fee

Net Cost

$656

No fee refund on this plan

Break-Even

1.31%

Profit needed on $50K after 100% split

💡 Fees shown in USD. Break-even is the minimum profit % you need on your funded account to cover all challenge costs.

Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep — FAQs

Both Apex Trader Funding and Topstep are legitimate prop trading firms, and the better choice depends on your priorities. Apex Trader Funding has a higher Trustpilot rating (4.4 vs 3.5). Apex Trader Funding offers a higher profit split (100% vs 90%).
Apex Trader Funding has the higher advertised profit split at up to 100%, compared to 90% at Topstep.
Topstep is cheaper to get funded, with challenge fees starting at $49 compared to $268 at Apex Trader Funding.
Both firms can be used by beginners, though the right choice depends on your experience level. Both offer 1-step evaluations suited to beginners. Apex Trader Funding account sizes: $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K. Topstep account sizes: $50K, $100K, $150K.