Apex vs Topstep 2026
Pros, Cons & Real Differences Every Trader Must Know
Introduction
Many traders wonder: “Apex vs Topstep – which prop firm is better for me?”
Both Apex Trader Funding and Topstep are leading futures prop firms, but they cater to slightly different audiences. This article provides an updated 2026 comparison covering account sizes, evaluation rules, payouts, drawdown limits, platforms, and more.
For detailed reviews, check out our Apex Trader Funding review and Topstep review.
| Feature | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Account Sizes | $25K – $300K (up to $1.5M possible) | $50K – $150K |
| Evaluation Duration | 30–60 days | 20–40 trading days |
| Profit Target | 8–10% depending on account | 10–12% depending on account |
| Drawdown Rules | Trailing drawdown + consistency rules | Fixed daily & overall loss limits |
| Consistency Rule | Yes – must trade steadily | Partial resets in some plans |
| Profit Split | 100% first $25K, then 90% | 100% first $10K, then 90% |
| Payout Frequency | Twice/month or after meeting conditions | Daily/weekly after hitting winning days |
| Platforms Supported | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Rithmic, WealthCharts | TopstepX, NinjaTrader, TradingView |
| Scalping & News Trading | Allowed with rules | Allowed with rules |
| Best For | Experienced traders, larger accounts | Beginners, structured evaluation |
Evaluation Process Comparison
Apex Trader Funding
- Single evaluation challenge with a flexible timeline (30–60 days)
- Profit targets vary by account size
- Trailing drawdown + consistency rules apply
- Multiple PA accounts available after funding
Topstep
- Trading Combine with structured rules
- 20–40 trading days for evaluation
- Daily and overall loss limits enforced
- Winning day requirement for payouts
- Partial resets possible in certain plans
Profit Split & Payouts
Apex Trader Funding
- Keep 100% of first $25K profits, then 90%
- Payouts occur after meeting trading conditions
Topstep
- Keep 100% of first $10K profits, then 90%
- Payouts can be requested daily or weekly after winning days
Platforms & Trading Instruments
Apex Trader Funding
- Tradovate
- NinjaTrader
- Rithmic
- WealthCharts
Topstep
- TopstepX (proprietary platform)
- TradingView
- NinjaTrader
Supported Markets: Futures — indices, commodities, and interest rate contracts
Trading Styles: Scalping & news trading allowed on both firms (rules apply)
Pros & Cons - Apex vs Topstep
Apex Trader Funding
- Higher account sizes ($25K–$300K)
- Flexible evaluation duration
- High profit split (up to 90%)
- PA accounts cannot be reset
- Stricter trailing drawdown rules
Topstep
- Beginner-friendly evaluation
- Partial resets available
- Daily or weekly payouts possible
- Smaller maximum account size ($150K)
- Monthly subscription fees may add up
Who Should Choose Which Firm?
Choose Topstep If
- You are a beginner or small-account trader
- You want structured evaluation rules
- You want faster daily or weekly payout options
Choose Apex If
- You want higher funded capital
- You are an experienced futures trader
- You prefer Tradovate, NinjaTrader, or Rithmic
Compare Apex With Other Futures Prop Firms
FAQs – Apex vs Topstep
Apex is better for experienced traders seeking higher funded accounts, while Topstep is more beginner-friendly with structured evaluation rules.
Apex pays twice per month or after meeting trading conditions. Topstep allows daily or weekly payouts after achieving winning days.
Apex does not allow PA account resets. Topstep offers partial resets depending on the plan.
Yes, both Apex and Topstep allow news trading and scalping as long as traders follow their respective rules.
Apex supports Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Rithmic, and WealthCharts. Topstep supports TopstepX, NinjaTrader, and TradingView.
Topstep is more beginner-friendly due to its fixed daily loss limits and structured evaluation process.