Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
Verdict: Who Wins?
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Head-to-Head Comparison
| Apex Trader Funding | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5/10 ★ | PFM Score | 7.3/10 |
| 4.4/5 (19,792) ★ | TrustPilot | 3.5/5 (14,272) |
| B+ ★ | Safety Grade | B |
| 56 C ★ | Trust Score | 53.5 C |
| 100% ★ | Profit Split | 90% |
| Trailing drawdown only; no fixed daily loss limit. Two account types: Intraday Trail (drawdown trails the intraday high of each day) or EOD Trail (adjusts at end of day). 25K max drawdown $1,000; 50K $1,500; 100K $2,500; 150K $3,000. | Daily Drawdown | $2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K) |
| Every 5 trading days | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $ | Starting Price | $49 |
| Proprietary | Technology | Proprietary |
| Tradovate, Rithmic, WealthCharts | Platforms | Topstep X |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| United States | Country | United States |
| - | Established | - |
| 4 options | Challenge Options | 3 options |
Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
Apex Trader Funding and Topstep are both Futures firms.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, Apex Trader Funding offers account sizes from $25 to $150 across 4 funding tiers, while Topstep offers account sizes from $50 to $150 across 3 funding tiers. Picking the right tier matters because both the entry cost and the maximum capital you can scale to are tied to the account size you start with.
Trading Platforms
For trading platforms, Apex Trader Funding supports Tradovate, Rithmic and WealthCharts, while Topstep runs on Topstep X. If you already trade on a specific platform, this can be the deciding factor between the two.
Profit Split & Payouts
Apex Trader Funding offers 100% profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. Apex Trader Funding pays out Every 5 trading days, and Topstep pays out On-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: Apex Trader Funding lists its daily drawdown as "Trailing drawdown only; no fixed daily loss limit. Two account types: Intraday Trail (drawdown trails the intraday high of each day) or EOD Trail (adjusts at end of day). 25K max drawdown $1,000; 50K $1,500; 100K $2,500; 150K $3,000.", while Topstep lists "$2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K)". Always confirm the drawdown type before buying, since a trailing rule behaves very differently from a static end-of-day one.
Payout Methods
Topstep supports withdrawals via Wise, ACH and International Wire / SWIFT.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, Apex Trader Funding has a 4.4/5 TrustPilot rating with 19,792 reviews, while Topstep has 3.5/5 with 14,272 reviews. Safety grades: Apex Trader Funding B+, Topstep B.
Who Should Choose Which
Across the use cases we scored, Apex Trader Funding is the stronger choice for maximum profit potential and trust & reputation.
Overall, Apex Trader Funding edges ahead winning 6 out of 6 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apex Trader Funding or Topstep?
Apex Trader Funding scores higher overall, winning 6 out of 6 comparison categories including Overall Rating, TrustPilot, Profit Split. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which has better reviews, Apex Trader Funding or Topstep?
Apex Trader Funding has a higher TrustPilot rating of 4.4/5. Apex Trader Funding has 19,792 reviews while Topstep has 14,272.
Which offers a higher profit split, Apex Trader Funding or Topstep?
Apex Trader Funding offers a higher maximum profit split. Apex Trader Funding offers 100% while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do Apex Trader Funding and Topstep pay out?
Apex Trader Funding has Every 5 trading days payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are Apex Trader Funding and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. Apex Trader Funding holds a B+ safety grade and a 4.4/5 TrustPilot rating. Topstep holds a B safety grade and a 3.5/5 TrustPilot rating. Safety grades are based on payout history, community trust signals, and regulatory transparency.
Which is better for beginners, Apex Trader Funding or Topstep?
When starting out, consider challenge cost, drawdown rules, and profit split. Use the comparison table above to find which firm fits your experience level and risk tolerance.
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