Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep: Which Prop Firm Is Better for Futures Traders?

If you're looking to trade futures with a prop firm, you've probably narrowed it down to Apex Trader Funding and TopStep. They're the two biggest names in the funded futures space, and for good reason — both have solid reputations and have paid out thousands of traders.

But they're not the same. Here's the honest breakdown.

Quick Summary

| | Apex Trader Funding | TopStep | |---|---|---| | Evaluation type | Single-phase | Single-phase | | Starting cost | From $147/mo | From $165/mo | | Profit target | $3,000 (on $50K) | $3,000 (on $50K) | | Daily loss limit | $1,100 | $1,000 | | Consistency rule | No | Yes (30% rule) | | Payout split | 90% | 90% |

The Key Difference: TopStep's Consistency Rule

TopStep has a consistency rule: no single day can make up more than 30% of your total profits during the evaluation. If you make $3,000 in profits but $1,500 came on one day, you don't pass.

Apex has no such rule. If you nail a great trade and hit your target in two days, you can move straight to funding.

For traders who are consistent by nature, this doesn't matter much. But if you're the type to catch one high-conviction setup and ride it hard, Apex gives you more flexibility.

Pricing

Apex runs frequent sales — sometimes up to 90% off — making their $50K account accessible for under $50 for a month. TopStep doesn't discount as aggressively.

If cost is a factor, Apex almost always wins on a per-evaluation basis.

Payout Speed

Both offer 90/10 splits. TopStep has had a longer track record of payouts. Apex has been growing rapidly and has paid out millions, but TopStep's history goes back further.

Which One Do I Use?

I use Apex Trader Funding. The no-consistency-rule structure fits the way I trade — I don't take many setups, but when I see one I trust, I size up. The frequent sales also make it easy to run multiple evaluations affordably.

That said, if you're a more methodical, high-frequency trader who spreads profits evenly across sessions, TopStep's structure might suit you better.

→ Get started with Apex Trader Funding (this is my referral link — I get a small commission at no cost to you)