Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep
How Apex Trader Funding and Topstep compare on fees, safety, tools, mobile and regional availability — scored independently of any commercial relationship.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account or sign up through links on this page. This does not cost you extra. Our rankings are based on our published methodology, not on commission amount.
| Overall score | 3.7/5 | 4.1/5 Better |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | US futures traders, Discount-driven sign-ups | US futures prop traders, Traders wanting a proven firm |
| Regulation & trust | 74/100 | 86/100 Better |
| Fees & hidden costs | 80/100 Better | 72/100 |
| Ease of use | 80/100 | 82/100 Better |
| Tools & features | 74/100 | 78/100 Better |
| Mobile app quality | 58/100 | 74/100 Better |
| Assets | Futures, Micro Futures | Futures, Micro Futures |
| Minimum deposit | None / varies | None / varies |
| Paper trading | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | No | Yes Better |
| Availability | United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union | United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union |
| Fees summary | Monthly evaluation fee (frequently discounted); one-time funded-account activation fee of $79 (intraday) or $99 (EOD), paid only when you pass. | Monthly Trading Combine subscription until you pass; no separate profit-split reduction beyond the published split. |
| Protection | No SIPC/FSCS — contractual funded-account arrangement. | No SIPC/FSCS coverage — this is a contractual funded-account arrangement. |
| Affiliate offer | Official link only | Official link only |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
- Best for
- US futures traders, Discount-driven sign-ups
- Regulation & trust
- 74/100
- Fees & hidden costs
- 80/100Better
- Ease of use
- 80/100
- Tools & features
- 74/100
- Mobile app quality
- 58/100
- Assets
- Futures, Micro Futures
- Minimum deposit
- None / varies
- Paper trading
- Yes
- Mobile app
- No
- Availability
- United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union
- Fees summary
- Monthly evaluation fee (frequently discounted); one-time funded-account activation fee of $79 (intraday) or $99 (EOD), paid only when you pass.
- Protection
- No SIPC/FSCS — contractual funded-account arrangement.
- Affiliate offer
- Official link only
- Pros
- Frequent, deep discounts
- Up to 20 accounts allowed
- Simple one-step evaluation, no minimum days
- Cons
- Activation fee on funded accounts
- Payout/consistency rules have changed over time
- 6-payout cap ladder to manage
- Best for
- US futures prop traders, Traders wanting a proven firm
- Regulation & trust
- 86/100Better
- Fees & hidden costs
- 72/100
- Ease of use
- 82/100Better
- Tools & features
- 78/100Better
- Mobile app quality
- 74/100Better
- Assets
- Futures, Micro Futures
- Minimum deposit
- None / varies
- Paper trading
- Yes
- Mobile app
- Yes Better
- Availability
- United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union
- Fees summary
- Monthly Trading Combine subscription until you pass; no separate profit-split reduction beyond the published split.
- Protection
- No SIPC/FSCS coverage — this is a contractual funded-account arrangement.
- Affiliate offer
- Official link only
- Pros
- Long, stable track record
- Clear rules and strong education
- Well-suited to US futures traders
- Cons
- Monthly subscription during evaluation
- Futures only
- Consistency/scaling rules to learn
Our verdict
On our commission-independent scoring, Topstep edges ahead overall (4.1/5 vs 3.7/5). But the right choice depends on your priorities: consider Apex Trader Funding for us futures traders, and Topstep for us futures prop traders. Rankings are never affected by commissions.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Funded trading programs have rules, fees, drawdown limits, payout conditions and restrictions. Read the provider's terms before buying a challenge or plan.