Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep
A plain side-by-side of what you pay and the rules you trade under. Every figure comes from each firm's official site. If we haven't verified something, it says "check official site".
Apex Trader Funding: verified 2026-09-26 (source) · Topstep: verified 2026-09-26 (source)
The short answer
- If you pass on the first try, Topstep costs less: $198 vs $680 (50K, list price, evaluation + activation).
- If you need 2 retries, Topstep is cheaper: $296 vs $1,860.
- Apex Trader Funding charges a one-time evaluation fee (no subscription).
- Apex Trader Funding has no resets on this product: a failed attempt means buying a new evaluation.
- Topstep bills monthly, so every extra month before you pass adds $49.
- Apex Trader Funding advertises a higher top profit split (100% vs 90%). Check caps and conditions in the payout rules.
Side by side (50K account)
| What | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 50K evaluation price | $590 one-time | $49 per month |
| Activation fee (after you pass) | $90 | $149 |
| Resets | No (buy a new evaluation) | Yes, $49 |
| 50K profit target | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| 50K max drawdown | $2,000 (EOD) | $2,000 (EOD trailing) |
| Drawdown type | EOD trailing (EOD product; intraday-trailing product also sold) | EOD trailing (Maximum Loss Limit) |
| Top profit split | up to 100% | up to 90% |
| Payout rules | 100% split; min 5 trading days of $250+ (50K); 50% consistency; min $500; safety net = DD+$100; max 6 payouts per PA (50K caps $1,500-$3,000) | XFA: 90/10; standard path 5 winning days of $150+, up to 50% of balance max $5,000 per payout (Consistency XFA: max $6,000) |
| Coupon code | Coming soon | Coming soon |
True cost at a glance
True cost = evaluation + activation fee + (retries × reset or re-buy price). 50K, list prices before discounts; monthly plans shown for the first month.
| Retries | Apex Trader Funding | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Pass first try | $680 | $198 |
| 1 retry | $1,270 | $247 |
| 2 retries | $1,860 | $296 |
Each retry: Apex Trader Funding no resets: buy again at $590; Topstep $49 reset.
Frequently asked
Which is cheaper, Apex Trader Funding or Topstep?
If you pass on the first try, Topstep costs less: $198 vs $680 (50K, list price, evaluation + activation).
Does Apex Trader Funding have resets?
No (buy a new evaluation)
Does Topstep have resets?
Yes, $49
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