Apex vs Topstep: which 50K futures evaluation is better for you?
Apex Trader Funding EOD 50K vs Topstep Trading Combine Standard 50K. Each firm's standard 50K evaluation with an end-of-day trailing drawdown. Prices are what each firm's site currently charges (sale price where one is running). Every value links to its source.
Quick verdict
- Cost: Apex EOD 50K is $188 to start incl. activation; Topstep Trading Combine Standard 50K is $198 for the first month incl. activation. Apex is cheaper to start, but compare billing: Apex is a one-time fee, Topstep is monthly until you pass.
- Drawdown: Apex $2,000 EOD trailing vs Topstep $2,000 EOD trailing in the evaluation.
- Daily loss limit: Apex has a $1,000 daily loss limit; Topstep has an optional daily loss limit (chosen at purchase).
- Payouts: fastest stated cadence is 5 days at Apex vs 3 days at Topstep, so Topstep can pay out sooner.
Generated from the sourced values in the table below. Not an opinion or rating.
Apex Trader Funding
EOD 50K
$59 Sale i
Upfront: $188
Topstep
Trading Combine Standard 50K
$49/mo i
Upfront: $198 first month
Apex vs Topstep side by side
| Rule | Apex Trader FundingEOD 50K | TopstepTrading Combine Standard 50K |
|---|---|---|
| Price today | $59 Sale i | $49/mo i |
| Billing | One-time i | Monthly i |
| Upfront cost (price + activation) | $188 | $198 first month |
| Activation fee | $129 i | $149 i |
| Reset fee | No resets i | $49 i |
| Profit target | $3,000 i | $3,000 i |
| Max drawdown | $2,000 i | $2,000 i |
| Drawdown type (evaluation) | EOD trailing i | EOD trailing i |
| Drawdown type (funded) | EOD trailing i | EOD trailing i |
| Daily loss limit | $1,000 i | Optional i |
| Consistency (evaluation) | None i | 55% consistency target i |
| Consistency (funded) | 50% i | Optional: Consistency XFA path uses 40% i |
| Min trading days to pass | 1 day i | 2 days i |
| Max contracts | 6 minis / 60 micros i | 5 minis / 50 micros i |
| Profit split | 100% of approved payouts i | 90/10 i |
| Payout frequency | Every 5 trading days i | Standard XFA: after 5 winning days of $150+. Consistency XFA: after 3 trading days within 40% consistency i |
| Fastest payout cadence | 5 days i | 3 days i |
| Payout cap | Check site ? | Standard XFA: $2,000 ($4,000 with DLL add-on); Consistency XFA: $3,000 ($6,000 with DLL add-on) i |
| Overnight holds | Check site ? | Not allowed i |
| News trading | Check site ? | Check site ? |
“Sale” = the discounted price the firm's site showed when checked. Monthly plans bill again each month until you pass. Check site = we could not confirm it on an official page, so we don't show a number.
Which one should you pick?
Pick Apex if…
- You want the lower cost to start ($188 vs $198).
- You prefer a one-time fee over a monthly charge that keeps billing until you pass.
- You don't want a consistency rule while you are being evaluated (Topstep: 55% consistency target).
- You want a higher trader profit split (100% vs 90%).
- You want fewer minimum trading days to pass (1 day vs 2 days).
Pick Topstep if…
- You want to choose whether a daily loss limit applies.
- You want faster payouts (3 days vs 5 days).
- You want the option to reset a failed account ($49) instead of buying a new one.
Other 50K evaluations from Apex and Topstep
| Plan | Price today | Upfront | Drawdown | Daily loss limit | Payout cadence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Trader FundingEOD No Activation Fee 50K | $119 Sale i | $119 | EOD trailing i | $1,000 i | 5 days i |
| Apex Trader FundingIntraday 50K | $24.90 Sale i | $123.90 | Intraday trailing i | Check site ? | 5 days i |
| TopstepTrading Combine No Activation Fee 50K | $95/mo i | $95 first month | EOD trailing i | Optional i | 3 days i |
Apex vs Topstep FAQ
Is Apex or Topstep cheaper for a 50K account?
Apex Trader Funding EOD 50K is $59 (current sale price) with a $129 activation fee. Topstep Trading Combine Standard 50K is $49/mo with a $149 activation fee. Upfront, Apex is cheaper ($188 vs $198). Sale prices change often, so confirm at checkout.
Do Apex and Topstep have a daily loss limit?
Apex Trader Funding EOD 50K has a $1,000 daily loss limit. Topstep Trading Combine Standard 50K has an optional daily loss limit (chosen at purchase).
What drawdown do Apex and Topstep use?
Apex Trader Funding EOD 50K: $2,000 EOD trailing in the evaluation, EOD trailing once funded. Topstep Trading Combine Standard 50K: $2,000 EOD trailing in the evaluation, EOD trailing once funded.
Do Apex or Topstep have a consistency rule?
Apex Trader Funding: evaluation None; funded 50%. Topstep: evaluation 55% consistency target; funded Optional: Consistency XFA path uses 40%.
Which pays out faster, Apex or Topstep?
Apex Trader Funding: Every 5 trading days (profit split 100% of approved payouts). Topstep: Standard XFA: after 5 winning days of $150+. Consistency XFA: after 3 trading days within 40% consistency (profit split 90/10).
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