TopStep vs Apex Trader Funding
The main difference between TopStep and Apex Trader Funding is drawdown type: TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while Apex Trader Funding uses trailing intraday (floor moves with every tick). TopStep charges from $49, Apex Trader Funding from $147. Profit splits: 90-90% vs 100-90%. Updated March 2026.
TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) with a 2% daily loss limit and 90-90% profit split. Apex Trader Funding uses trailing intraday (floor moves with every tick) with a no daily loss limit and 100-90% profit split. TopStep starts from $49; Apex Trader Funding from $147.
TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while Apex Trader Funding uses trailing intraday (floor moves with every tick). Your choice depends on how aggressively you trade and how much drawdown flexibility you need. Both offer the same maximum profit split of 90%.
| TopStep | Apex Trader Funding | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Type | 1-step | 1-step |
| Drawdown Type | Trailing EOD (floor moves up at end of day) | Trailing Intraday (floor moves with every tick) |
| Daily Loss Limit | 2% | None |
| Max Drawdown | 3% | Fixed $ |
| Profit Target | 6% | None |
| Min Trading Days | None | 7 |
| Profit Split | 90-90% | 100-90% |
| Payout Frequency | Weekly | Monthly (after first month) |
| News Trading | allowed | restricted |
| Overnight Holding | No | No |
| Weekend Holding | No | No |
| EA / Bots | Allowed | Allowed |
| Markets | futures | futures |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, TradingView |
| Cheapest Account | $49 ($50,000) | $147 ($25,000) |
Scalping / Day Trading
Both work for day trading.
Swing Trading
Neither allows weekend holding — consider FTMO or The5%ers for swing trading.
Budget-Conscious
TopStep is cheaper to start ($49 vs $147).
TopStep is the better fit if you trade futures exclusively. The EOD trailing drawdown gives you flexibility during the session since the floor only updates at the close, which suits active day traders who have intraday swings.
- +Monthly subscription — cancel anytime ($49-149/mo)
- +100% of first $10K profit, then 90%
- +No minimum trading days
- +Weekly payouts
TopStep supports NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView and processes payouts weekly. News trading is fully allowed, so you can trade NFP, FOMC, and CPI without restrictions. Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
Apex Trader Funding is the better fit if you trade futures exclusively. The intraday trailing drawdown demands tight risk management, but rewards disciplined scalpers who rarely give back large unrealized gains.
- +No daily loss limit in evaluation
- +100% of first $25K profit, then 90%
- +Frequent 80-90% off sales — cheapest entry point
- +Multiple platform options including TradingView
Apex Trader Funding supports NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Rithmic, TradingView and processes payouts monthly (after first month). Automated trading with EAs is permitted.
Choosing between TopStep and Apex Trader Funding comes down to three things: the markets you trade, how much drawdown flexibility you need, and your budget. TopStep is cheaper to get started at $49 vs $147.
The biggest structural difference is drawdown type: TopStep uses trailing eod (floor moves up at end of day) while Apex Trader Funding uses trailing intraday (floor moves with every tick). Both use trailing drawdown, so the deciding factors are daily loss limits, fees, and platform preference. If you are still undecided, take the firm finder quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your trading style, risk tolerance, and budget.