Vigil/Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep/-- Cheapest Option
Tier 1Tier 1Cheapest Option

Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep -- Cheapest Option

TopStep offers better value per dollar of trading capital. At $49 for a $50,000 account, you pay less per $10K of buying power than Apex Trader Funding's $147 for $25,000. Over 3 attempts, that saves you 294 in fees. Updated March 2026.

Verdict -- Cheapest Option

Recommendation: TopStep is the better choice -- cheapest option.

TopStep offers better value per dollar of trading capital. At $49 for a $50,000 account, you pay less per $10K of buying power than Apex Trader Funding's $147 for $25,000. Over 3 attempts, that saves you 294 in fees.

Apex Trader FundingTopStep
Cheapest Account Fee$147$49
Cheapest Account Size$25,000$50,000
Fee per $10K Capital$59$10
Cost of 3 Attempts$441$147
Profit Split (start)100%90%
Profit Split (max)90%90%
Payout FrequencyMonthly (after first month)Weekly
Cost Analysis

The sticker price is not the real cost of a prop firm challenge. Most traders need 3-5 attempts to pass, so multiply the fee accordingly. Apex Trader Funding's cheapest account ($25,000) costs $147 per attempt. TopStep's cheapest ($50,000) costs $49.

Cost per dollar of capital is a better metric than raw fee. Apex Trader Funding charges 59 per $10K of capital. TopStep charges 10 per $10K. The firm with the lower ratio gives you more buying power for your money.

Profit splits determine your long-term earnings. Apex Trader Funding starts at 100% (up to 90%), while TopStep starts at 90% (up to 90%). A 10% difference in profit split matters far more than a $50 difference in challenge fees over a year of funded trading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Apex Trader Funding or TopStep?

TopStep starts at $49, making it the cheaper option. However, compare the cost per dollar of trading capital: Apex Trader Funding gives you $25,000 for that fee, while TopStep gives you $50,000 for $49.

How much do multiple attempts cost for Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep?

If it takes 3 attempts (industry average), Apex Trader Funding costs $441 total, while TopStep costs $147. At 5 attempts, Apex Trader Funding costs $735 vs $245 for TopStep.

Which firm has the better profit split, Apex Trader Funding or TopStep?

Apex Trader Funding offers 100-90% profit split. TopStep offers 90-90%. Both firms offer the same maximum split. The profit split matters more than fees over time, since you will earn from it every month once funded.

Other Comparisons: Apex Trader Funding vs TopStep