Topstep vs Apex Trader Funding 2026: Drawdown and Payouts
Topstep vs Apex after Apex's March 2026 rule change: drawdown type, consistency, payout days, safety net, payout caps, pricing model and country eligibility.
Reviewed by Hà Ngọc Lộc· Senior SEO Editor
Topstep and Apex are both futures prop firms, but they handle risk and payouts very differently. Topstep uses an end-of-day trailing Maximum Loss Limit. It has a 55% consistency target in the Combine and needs 5 winning days of $150+ for an Express Funded payout, which pays a 90% split. Since 1 March 2026, Apex sells new EOD and Intraday products. Apex pays a 100% split, but it caps each Performance Account at 6 payouts, applies a 50% consistency rule and needs a safety net (drawdown + $100) before you can request a payout.
Side-by-Side (checked 2026-10-01)
| Topstep | Apex (new EOD accounts) | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation drawdown | EOD trailing MLL, enforced in real time | EOD threshold, set at close, enforced next session |
| Daily loss limit | Optional in Combine/XFA | Fixed DLL pauses trading for the session |
| Evaluation consistency | 55% target (best day ≤ 55% of profit) | None in evaluation |
| Time limit | No limit (monthly rebill) | 30 days to hit target |
| Funded split | 90% | 100% of approved payout |
| Payout days | 5 winning days of $150+ (or 3-day / 40% path) | 5 qualifying days with a minimum daily profit |
| Funded consistency | None on Standard path | 50% rule |
| Payout buffer | None on XFA | Safety net = drawdown + $100, for life of the PA |
| Payout caps | Up to 50% of balance per request, size caps | Max 6 payouts, then the PA closes |
| Platform | TopstepX | Rithmic / Tradovate (NinjaTrader, TradingView via Tradovate) |
Combine and Account Sizes
| Topstep Combine | Target | Max loss | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $3,000 | $2,000 | 5 minis |
| $100K | $6,000 | $3,000 | 10 minis |
| $150K | $9,000 | $4,500 | 15 minis |
Topstep Standard Path pricing reviewed on 2026-09-22 was $49 / $99 / $199 per month, plus a $149 activation fee after passing. The No Activation Fee path was $95 / $149 / $229. Apex runs frequent discounts, so check the checkout price.
Which Fits You?
- You have occasional big days: Topstep's funded account has no consistency cap. Apex's 50% rule can hold a payout back.
- You want 100% of payouts and accept a cap: Apex, as long as six payouts per account suits your plan.
- You need more than one platform: Apex (Rithmic or Tradovate). Topstep's new Combines are TopstepX-only.
- You live in Nigeria, Kenya or Pakistan: Topstep lists these as ineligible. Check Apex's country list before buying.
Partner Alternative
The5ers Futures uses an EOD drawdown and a one-time fee instead of a subscription.
Related: Topstep vs TradeDay · Topstep Drawdown Rules · Apex Trader Funding Drawdown Rules · The5ers Futures vs Apex · The5ers Futures vs Topstep · EOD drawdown explained · Best futures prop firms
Official sources: Topstep Help Center (help.topstep.com) · Apex Trader Funding (apextraderfunding.com).
Topstep vs Apex Trader Funding: Your Questions Answered
Is Apex better than Topstep?
Neither wins for everyone. Apex pays 100% but caps each account at six payouts and applies a 50% consistency rule. Topstep pays 90% with no funded consistency cap.
Does Apex still use intraday trailing drawdown?
Apex now sells both EOD and Intraday products. Accounts bought before 1 March 2026 are Legacy accounts and keep their old rules.
How many winning days does Topstep need for a payout?
Five winning days of $150 or more on the Standard path, or three trading days under the 40% consistency path.
Sources checked 2026-10-01: topstep.com/our-program and Topstep's own Topstep-vs-Apex article; Apex help centre pages "EOD Evaluations", "EOD Payouts" and "Status Updates"; Topstep pricing and eligibility cross-checked with a third-party review dated 2026-09-22.
Sources & verification
- Last checked
- Written by
- HNL Growth Team
- Reviewed by
- Hà Ngọc Lộc
- Length
- 3 min read · 596 words
Rules, prices and payout terms on this page were checked against the official websites, help-centre articles and published terms of the firms mentioned, on the date above. Prop firms and brokers change conditions often — confirm the current version on the official site before you buy or deposit. Read our editorial methodology and affiliate disclosure.
Official sources & documentation verified
- Topstep Help Center(help.topstep.com)
- Apex Trader Funding(apextraderfunding.com)
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