RISK

Trading carries substantial risk of loss. Prop evaluation fees are typically non-refundable and the majority of traders do not pass first attempts. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Read full risk warning

HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON · 2026

Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep

Side-by-side comparison of trust scores, profit splits, payout speed, and real trader reviews. Independent data — no sponsored rankings.

APEX

Apex Trader Funding

✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2021

TOPS

Topstep

✓ VERIFIEDEST. 2012

APEX TRADER FUNDING

METRIC

TOPSTEP

61/100—

TRUST SCORE

BETTER66/100

4/5TIE

RATING

TIE4/5

90%TIE

PROFIT SPLIT

TIE90%

$300,000BETTER

MAX FUNDING

—$150,000

$35BETTER

MIN COST

—$49

8d—

PAYOUT DAYS

BETTER7d

31%BETTER

PASS RATE

—28%

1TIE

REVIEW COUNT

TIE1

APEX TRADER FUNDING DETAILS

STEPS: 1-phase
DRAWDOWN: Trailing EOD
MARKETS: Futures
PLATFORMS: MT4, MT5
TYPES: futures, large-cap

TOPSTEP DETAILS

STEPS: 1-phase
DRAWDOWN: Trailing EOD
MARKETS: Futures
PLATFORMS: MT4, MT5
TYPES: futures, beginner

Apex Trader Funding PROS

+Min challenge cost of $35 is among the lowest and far below the industry average of $186.7
+Profit split of 90% is well above the industry average of 84.7%
+Fee refund is available, reducing the financial risk of the evaluation process
+Single-step funding is faster than the industry average of 1.6 steps

Apex Trader Funding CONS

−Futures firm uses a dollar-based drawdown structure; overall drawdown percentage is not directly comparable to the 7.9% CFD average
−Days to first payout of 8 is slightly above the industry average of 6.5 days
−Trailing EOD drawdown type is more restrictive than a fixed drawdown structure

Topstep PROS

+Profit split of 90% is well above the industry average of 84.7%, offering traders a superior earnings share.
+Min challenge cost of $49 is well below the industry average of $186.7, making entry highly accessible.
+Single-step funding is better than the industry average of 1.6 steps, streamlining the path to funded status.
+Founded in 2012, Topstep is one of the most established prop firms, providing strong credibility and track record.

Topstep CONS

−Max funding of $150,000 is far below the industry average of $839,272.7, significantly limiting earning potential.
−Overall drawdown of 10% with trailing EOD type means drawdown limits tighten as profits grow, increasing risk.
−Days to first payout at 7 is slightly above the industry average of 6.5, a minor but notable delay.

PROPDNA VERDICT

Apex Trader Funding

Lower trust score (61/100). Slower payouts at 8d. 90% profit split.

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