Topstep vs Apex Trader Funding (2026): Two Top Futures Prop Firms - Who Wins?
Topstep
Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding wins on safety grade (A+ vs B+), TrustPilot rating (4.4 vs 3.4), profit split (100% vs 90%), platform choice (13 vs 1), and cost with the APEX90 code ($19.90 for a $25K account vs Topstep's $95/month subscription). Topstep is the longer-established brand (founded 2010) with a straightforward Combine structure and three payout methods. For most futures traders in 2026, Apex Trader Funding is the stronger overall pick - but Topstep suits traders who prefer a subscription model over per-attempt fees.
Head-to-Head: Key Stats
Topstep
Apex Trader Funding
TrustPilot Ratings Compared
| Metric |
Topstep
|
Apex Trader Funding
|
Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrustPilot Score | 3.4 / 5 stars | 4.4 / 5 stars | Apex |
| Review Count | 13,955 reviews | 18,690 reviews | Apex |
| Safety Grade (PropFirmMap) | B+ | A+ | Apex |
| Founded | 2010 (oldest futures firm) | ~2019 | Topstep |
| CEO | Michael Patak | Darrel Martin | Tie |
Apex Trader Funding leads Topstep by a full rating point (4.4 vs 3.4). Topstep's 3.4 average from nearly 14,000 reviews places it in the "Average" category - notably lower than most top-rated futures firms in 2026. Apex's A+ safety grade also gives it a decisive edge on our composite trust scoring.
Pricing Comparison
| Account Size | Topstep (Monthly) | Apex Full Price | Apex with APEX90 | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25K | Not available | $199 | $19.90 | Apex: 100% / Topstep: N/A |
| $50K | $95/month | Contact Apex | ~90% off | Topstep: 90% / Apex: 100% |
| $100K | $149/month | Contact Apex | ~90% off | Topstep: 90% / Apex: 100% |
| $150K | $229/month | Contact Apex | ~90% off | Topstep: 90% / Apex: 100% |
Use code APEX90 at checkout to get 90% off your Apex Trader Funding evaluation. A $25K account drops from $199 to just $19.90 - one of the lowest entry prices of any futures prop firm in 2026. No expiry on this code as of the date of this article.
Topstep charges a monthly subscription fee ($95/month for $50K). This means if your evaluation takes 2 months, you pay $190. Apex charges a one-time fee per evaluation attempt. For traders who pass quickly, Topstep's monthly cost is predictable; for traders who take longer, Apex's one-time fee (especially with APEX90) is far more economical.
Evaluation Structure Compared
| Rule | Topstep (Trading Combine) | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Steps | 1-Step (Combine) | 1-Step |
| Minimum Trading Days | Not specified | 1 day |
| Fee Model | Monthly subscription | One-time per attempt |
| Profit Split (Funded) | 90% | 100% |
| Payout Methods | Wise, ACH, Wire/SWIFT | See firm page |
| Max Account Sizes | Up to $150K | Up to $300K |
Platform Comparison
This is where Apex Trader Funding pulls well ahead. Topstep operates exclusively on its proprietary Topstep X platform - which is polished but limits your choice. Apex Trader Funding supports 13 platforms, giving you full flexibility:
5 Key Differences Between Topstep and Apex Trader Funding
Who Should Choose Topstep?
- Traders who prefer the Topstep X proprietary platform and its built-in tools
- Traders comfortable with a monthly subscription model rather than per-attempt fees
- Those who value Topstep's 16-year track record (founded 2010) and brand recognition
- Traders who want payouts via Wise, ACH, or International Wire
- Beginners who prefer a simplified, all-in-one platform with dedicated support resources
Who Should Choose Apex Trader Funding?
- Traders who want the best value: $19.90 entry (with APEX90) vs $95/month
- Those using NinjaTrader, TradingView, Tradovate, or any of the 13 supported platforms
- Traders who need 100% profit split and don't want to give up 10% to the firm
- Those who want the highest safety grade (A+) and best TrustPilot rating (4.4)
- Experienced traders scaling to larger accounts up to $300K
Run the Full Side-by-Side Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apex Trader Funding better than Topstep in 2026?
For most traders in 2026, yes. Apex Trader Funding holds an A+ safety grade vs Topstep's B+, a 4.4 TrustPilot rating vs 3.4, offers 100% profit split vs 90%, and starts at $19.90 with APEX90 vs $95/month. The only area Topstep clearly leads is brand longevity (founded 2010 vs ~2019). If you prioritize safety, value, and platform flexibility, Apex is the stronger choice.
What is the cheapest way to get funded with Apex Trader Funding?
Use the APEX90 promo code to get 90% off your evaluation fee. A $25K account is $199 full price and drops to just $19.90 with the code. This is one of the best-value entry points among all futures prop firms available in 2026.
Does Topstep have any promo codes in 2026?
As of the writing of this article, Topstep has no active promo codes in the PropFirmMap database. Apex Trader Funding offers APEX90 (90% off) with no listed expiry, making Apex significantly cheaper even at Topstep's base $95/month subscription price.
Can you trade on NinjaTrader with Topstep?
No. Topstep only supports its proprietary Topstep X platform. If you already use NinjaTrader, TradingView, Tradovate, or other platforms, Apex Trader Funding supports all of them (13 platforms total) and lets you trade with familiar tools from day one.
What is Topstep's TrustPilot rating in 2026?
Topstep holds a 3.4 / 5 TrustPilot rating from 13,955 reviews - placing it in the "Average" tier. This contrasts with Apex Trader Funding's 4.4 / 5 from 18,690 reviews (rated "Great"). The gap of a full rating point is one of the most significant differences between the two firms.
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