Head-to-Head Comparison 2025

Apex Trader FundingvsTopstep

Apex or Topstep? $19.60 one-time vs $49/month. Compare rules, payouts & success rates. Find your perfect fit →

Apex Trader Funding

Winner
Price
$19.6
90% OFF
Trustpilot
4.5/5
15,938 reviews
Profit Split
90/10
Time to Pass
1 day minimum
Claim Deal Now (Code: ZECHNXCE)

Topstep

Price
$49
Trustpilot
4.5/5
5,432 reviews
Profit Split
90/10
Time to Pass
2+ days minimum
Visit Topstep

* Prices shown are for the cheapest account with current promotions

WINNER: APEX TRADER FUNDING

$19.690% OFF
4.5/5(15,938 reviews)
Code:ZECHNXCE

* Price shown for the cheapest account with current promotion

Overview: Apex vs Topstep

The two titans of futures prop trading go head-to-head. Apex disrupted the industry with aggressive $19.60 one-time pricing and no daily limits. Topstep pioneered the evaluation model back in 2012 with a monthly subscription model ($49-89/month). One is the scrappy challenger. The other is the established veteran. But which actually gives you better odds of success?

Key Differences

CategoryApexTopstepWinner
Price Model$19.60 one-time$49/month subscription Apex
Daily Loss LimitNoneYes (varies by account) Apex
Min Days to Pass1 day2 days Apex
Profit Split90/1090/10 Tie
Payout FrequencyBi-weeklyWeekly Topstep
Total Paid$600M+$100M+ Apex
Founded20212012 Topstep
EducationBasicComprehensive Topstep

* Prices shown are for the cheapest account with current promotions

Our Verdict

Apex wins with one-time payment ($19.60) vs Topstep's monthly subscription ($49/month). Apex has no daily loss limit, Topstep has 12-year history and weekly payouts.

Choose Apex if...

Choose Apex for one-time payment, no daily loss limit, and fastest path to funding.

Claim Apex Deal

Choose Topstep if...

Choose Topstep for weekly payouts, 12-year reputation, and educational resources.

Get started with Topstep

Who Should Choose Each Firm?

Apex Trader Funding is best for:

  • You prefer one-time payment ($19.60) over monthly subscription
  • You hate daily loss limits (Apex has none)
  • You can be profitable in 1-2 days
  • You want 90/10 split from day 1
  • You plan to stack multiple accounts
  • Price matters more than brand recognition

Topstep is best for:

  • You want weekly payouts (not bi-weekly)
  • You value 12-year company history
  • You want built-in educational resources
  • You prefer the traditional approach
  • You like their trading community
  • Brand trust matters more than pricing model

Pros & Cons

Apex Trader Funding

Pros

  • INSANE 90% OFF = $19.60 ALL ACCOUNTS (Dec 16)
  • No daily loss limit
  • Pass evaluation in just 1 day
  • 90/10 profit split from day 1
  • $600M+ paid to traders

Cons

  • Futures only (no forex/stocks)
  • Trailing drawdown can be tricky
  • $85/month PA fee after funded

Topstep

Pros

  • One of the oldest prop firms (since 2012)
  • Weekly payouts available
  • 90/10 profit split
  • Strong educational resources

Cons

  • Daily loss limit applies
  • Monthly subscription model
  • Fewer account size options

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Topstep have a daily loss limit?
Yes. Topstep has daily loss limits that vary by account size. Apex has NO daily loss limit - only the trailing max drawdown matters.
Which has better payout history?
Apex: $600M+ paid since 2021. Topstep: $100M+ paid since 2012. Apex pays out 6x more per year on average.
Can I pass Topstep in 1 day?
No. Topstep requires minimum 2 trading days. Apex allows passing in just 1 day if you hit the profit target.
Which has better trading platforms?
Nearly identical. Both offer Tradovate and NinjaTrader with similar data feeds and execution.
What's the difference in pricing model?
Apex charges $19.60 one-time. Topstep charges $49-89/month (subscription). If you pass quickly, Topstep can be cheaper. If it takes months, Apex is much cheaper.

The Bottom Line

Apex is better value with one-time payment for most traders. Topstep's subscription model works if you're confident you'll pass in 1-2 months, plus you get weekly payouts and 12 years of trust.

Ready to Get Started?

Choose the prop firm that best fits your trading style and start your funded trading journey today.

* Prices shown are for the cheapest account with current promotions

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