# Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep: Which Prop Firm Wins? > Compare Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep — cost, rules, profit splits, payouts, and which prop firm suits your trading style. - Canonical URL: https://www.fundedready.org/learn/apex-vs-topstep/ - Markdown mirror: https://www.fundedready.org/ai/markdown/learn/apex-vs-topstep.md - Content type: Trading guide - Last reviewed: 2026-04-25 ## Quick Answer Compare Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep — cost, rules, profit splits, payouts, and which prop firm suits your trading style. ## Key Takeaways - Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep: At a glance: Apex Trader Funding is a us futures prop firm running a single-step evaluation, with profit targets of 6% and a max drawdown of 4%. - Evaluation structure: Apex Trader Funding's evaluation is a single-step evaluation with a typical cost around $147. - Payouts and scaling: Once funded, Apex Trader Funding pays out on a on-demand after 8 winning days cadence with a 100% on first $25k, 90% after split. - Which should you pick?: Pick Apex Trader Funding if traders who want fast scaling, multiple accounts, no time pressure — its trade-offs (trailing drawdown is strict on funded accounts) matter less for that profile. ## Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep: At a glance Apex Trader Funding is a us futures prop firm running a single-step evaluation, with profit targets of 6% and a max drawdown of 4%. TopStep operates in the us futures market with a single-step combine, 6% profit target, and 4% drawdown. The two firms attract different types of traders — Apex suits traders who want fast scaling, multiple accounts, no time pressure, while TopStep is generally better for disciplined futures day traders who want a reputable name. The full side-by-side comparison is below. ## Evaluation structure Apex Trader Funding's evaluation is a single-step evaluation with a typical cost around $147. You need to hit 6% profit without breaching a 4% drawdown or the daily loss rule (None on eval; trailing EOD drawdown on funded). TopStep runs a single-step combine at roughly $165, with a 6% target, 4% drawdown, and $1,000 on $50k, $2,000 on $100k, $3,000 on $150k. Neither firm is strictly harder — the right one depends on your style. Short-time-frame scalpers usually prefer firms with no daily loss limit on the evaluation. Swing traders who hold overnight need a firm that allows overnight holds. ## Payouts and scaling Once funded, Apex Trader Funding pays out on a on-demand after 8 winning days cadence with a 100% on first $25k, 90% after split. TopStep pays weekly after 5 winning days at 100% on first $10k, then 90/10. Apex Trader Funding's scaling model: Up to 20 accounts, no scaling plan required. TopStep: Funded Account Plus adds size over time. If you want to compound quickly across many accounts, the firm with broader scaling rules is usually the better fit — but faster scaling also means more capital at risk if you overtrade. ## Which should you pick? Pick Apex Trader Funding if traders who want fast scaling, multiple accounts, no time pressure — its trade-offs (trailing drawdown is strict on funded accounts) matter less for that profile. Pick TopStep if disciplined futures day traders who want a reputable name — the trade-off there is that only 3 account sizes; strict daily loss. If you can't decide, the cheapest way to learn is to practice the shape of both rule sets in a simulator first, then pay for a real evaluation once you have a feel for the pace. ## FAQ ### Is Apex Trader Funding better than TopStep? Neither is strictly "better." Apex Trader Funding is designed for traders who want fast scaling, multiple accounts, no time pressure, while TopStep is better suited to disciplined futures day traders who want a reputable name. Match the firm to your style rather than chasing the "best" label. ### Which is cheaper, Apex Trader Funding or TopStep? At the default account size, Apex Trader Funding runs roughly $147 and TopStep runs about $165. Both firms run promos regularly — don't make the decision on sticker price alone. ### Can I run both at the same time? Yes. Many traders run an evaluation at both firms at once to hedge their "which rule set fits me" uncertainty. Just be honest with yourself about whether doubling your cognitive load is a good idea before you've cleared either. ## Sources and Review Notes - [FundedReady methodology](https://www.fundedready.org/methodology/): Review process, simulator scope, and educational disclaimers. - [Apex Trader Funding official site](https://apextraderfunding.com/): Verify current challenge prices, payout rules, and trading restrictions at the source. - [TopStep official site](https://www.topstep.com/): Verify current challenge prices, payout rules, and trading restrictions at the source. - [Tradeify official site](https://tradeify.co/): Verify current challenge prices, payout rules, and trading restrictions at the source. - [TakeProfitTrader official site](https://takeprofittrader.com/): Verify current challenge prices, payout rules, and trading restrictions at the source. - [FTMO official site](https://ftmo.com/): Verify current challenge prices, payout rules, and trading restrictions at the source. FundedReady content is educational. It is not financial advice, a signal service, or a promise that a trading strategy will be profitable.