Apex Trader Funding vs. Topstep: Which is the Best Futures Prop Firm?
When you’re looking into futures prop trading firms, two of the biggest names you’ll come across are Apex Trader Funding and Topstep. Both offer funded account opportunities, but if you’re wondering “which is the best futures prop firm?”, then we need to dive into a direct comparison: Apex Trader Funding vs. Topstep. We’ll compare their evaluation rules, profit splits, drawdown limits, payout processes, costs, and overall trader feedback so you can pick the best futures prop firm for your style.
Quick Overview: Apex Trader Funding & Topstep
Apex Trader Funding was founded in 2021 in Austin, Texas and focuses exclusively on futures markets. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} According to reviews, it has paid hundreds of millions in payouts and has a large global reach. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Topstep, by contrast, is a more established player in the prop firm world, also focused on futures (among other offerings) and with a strong reputation in the industry. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Key Comparison Criteria
To decide which is the best futures prop firm between Apex Trader Funding vs. Topstep, let’s compare based on:
- Evaluation / Challenge rules (profit targets, drawdowns, minimum days)
- Cost & monthly fees
- Profit split & payout process
- Flexibility of trading (instruments, allowed strategies, time limits)
- Reputation, trader feedback & risk of hidden restrictions
1. Evaluation Rules
Apex Trader Funding
Apex offers a one-step evaluation for futures. Some notable features:
- Allow trading many futures contracts; no strict scaling from day one. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- No daily drawdown limit in some plans (which is unusual). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Profit target: details vary depending on account size, but the rules tend to focus on hitting the target before exceeding max drawdown. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Topstep
Topstep’s evaluation (formerly “Combine”) structure has its own set of rules:
- Profit target is relatively modest in some cases; example 3% target mentioned in one review. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- There are clearly defined max loss / drawdown limits. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Fees and monthly costs exist (for data, platform access) which add to cost of evaluation. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
2. Cost & Monthly Fees
Cost is an important part of “which is best” because if the evaluation costs are too high, your breakeven becomes harder.
For Apex Trader Funding, there are monthly or upfront fees for the evaluation account and possibly activation/data fees once funded. Some reviews mention “high monthly fees” as a downside. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
For Topstep, there is a monthly fee model for the combine/data, but their brand being older perhaps has a more consistent structure. For example, one review said “Fees from $49/month” for some plans. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
3. Profit Split & Payout Process
Apex Trader Funding
Apex claims strong profit splits and fast payouts. For example, they mention 100% of first $25,000 in profits in some contracts. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} The payout reviews are generally positive (Trustpilot 4.5/5). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Topstep
Topstep also offers good profit splits and a transparent payout process. One review noted 100% profit split on first $10,000, then 90%. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} However, some traders report delays or frustrations in payout processing. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
4. Trading Flexibility & Markets
In terms of flexibility, this often influences which prop firm is “better” for your strategy.
Apex: Since they focus on futures only, you trade in that market full time. They allow many instruments across CME/COMEX/NYMEX etc. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17} They also claim fewer restrictions in news/trading time. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Topstep: Also primarily futures (for certain plans). Offers good platform support (NinjaTrader, etc) and many traders like their community/resources. But the focus is still futures-only in many parts. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
5. Reputation & Trader Feedback
Apex has many reviews praising it, but also some concerning comments. For instance:
> “I got a few and then they just started denying my payouts … their random rule changes …” :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20} > “DO NOT USE APEX!!! … forced account cancellations” :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}Topstep has a large reputation and more history; although there are also complaints:
> “Spent more than $20,000 on Topstep … feels like they’ll find any excuse to shut you down once profitable.” :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}In independent reviews, Topstep scored ~83/100 in one 2025 review of futures prop firms. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23} Apex scored lower in one review (~37/100) due to some of the issues listed. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Which is the Best Futures Prop Firm?
So, when you weigh Apex Trader Funding vs. Topstep, here’s a summary of where each stands:
- Apex Trader Funding → Modern, aggressive, big promises (100% first profits, many markets, few restrictions) but also some red flags (higher fees, less long-term track record, complaints about transparency).
- Topstep → More established, good reputation, structured challenge, decent profit splits, perhaps more predictable but possibly slightly more restrictive and evaluation costs may add up.
**If you are looking for** a prop firm with fewer evaluation restrictions, more freedom in futures trading, and you’re comfortable accepting somewhat higher risk/fee and less historical data, then Apex Trader Funding might appeal.
**If you are looking for** a more tried-and-trusted name, structured environment, perhaps more support/community, and you don’t mind slightly more conservative conditions or costs, then Topstep may be the better choice.
Final Recommendation
My verdict: For most traders, especially beginners in the prop-futures space, I lean toward Topstep being the “safer” choice of the two for being the best futures prop firm overall. The reason: reputation and the more consistent track record.
However, if you’re experienced, have a solid strategy, are comfortable with higher evaluation cost and want more freedom, then Apex Trader Funding could offer higher upside and less restrictive rules—so it may be the “better” choice for you personally.
Remember: Regardless of which you pick, success in prop trading comes down to your strategy, risk management, discipline, and understanding of the rules of **that specific prop-firm challenge**. Read all terms, use demo or trial where available, and treat it like real trading.
Updated for 2026 – Written by Jendelatv.id