Prop Firm Comparison
Topstep vs Apex Trader Funding: trust score, market, 5-vector risk radar and verified rule logs side by side.
Popular Matches:
NEW RESEARCH TOOL•LIVE LIQUIDATION MODEL ANALYSIS
Drawdown & Liquidation Models Simulator
Test how unrealized profit retracement ratchets liquidation thresholds in real time across Apex and Topstep models.
Topstep
Futures81.9/ 100 Trust Score
Low riskTrend: +0.3
Apex Trader Funding
Futures68/ 100 Trust Score
Medium riskTrend: -0.5
5-Vector Risk and Trust Radar
Multi-dimensional assessment across payout reliability, transparency, desk terms and rule stability
| Metric / Criterion | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Trust Index & Risk Vectors | ||
| Overall Trust Score | 81.9 / 100 | 68 / 100 |
| Market Type | Futures | Futures |
| Risk Tier | Low risk | Medium risk |
| 7-Day Trend | +0.3 | -0.5 |
| Payout Reliability | 85 / 100 | 65 / 100 |
| Transparency & Disclosures | 77 / 100 | 70 / 100 |
| Legal Protection | 85 / 100 | 75 / 100 |
| Trading Desk Conditions | 80 / 100 | 70 / 100 |
| Marketing & Rule Stability | 80 / 100 | 60 / 100 |
| 2. Evaluation & Challenge Phases | ||
| Evaluation Model | 1-Phase (Trading Combine) | 1-Phase (Evaluation Model) |
| Phase 1 Profit Target | $3,000 (50k account) | $3,000 (50k futures) |
| Phase 2 Profit Target | Single Phase (No Phase 2) | Single Phase (No Phase 2) |
| Minimum Trading Days | 0 Days (Immediate funded pass) | Standard 7 days (1 day in promotions) |
| Time Limit | Unlimited (No calendar pressure) | Unlimited |
| 3. Drawdown & Loss Limits | ||
| Drawdown Calculation Method | EOD Trailing (End-of-Day Balance) | Intraday Trailing (Tracks peak unrealized gains — High Risk) |
| Daily Loss Limit | None (Daily loss limit removed) | None |
| Maximum Overall Drawdown | $2,000 Trailing (on 50k) | $2,500 Live Trailing (on 50k) |
| Drawdown Lock-in Level | Locks permanently at starting balance ($50,000) | Locks at starting balance + $100 ($50,100) |
| 4. Payouts & Profit Split | ||
| First Payout Requirement | After 5 profitable trading days ($200+ each) | After 8-10 trading days on PA account (1st-5th or 15th-20th) |
| Profit Split Rate | 100% on first $10,000, 90% thereafter | 100% on first $25,000, 90% thereafter |
| Payout Frequency | Daily / Weekly on request | Twice monthly (1st-5th & 15th-20th windows) |
| Payout Cap & Safety Buffer | 50% of profits above minimum safety buffer | Max $2,000 per payout for first 3 months; uncapped in month 4 |
| Challenge Fee Refund | None (Monthly subscription model) | None |
| 5. Rule Traps & Restrictions | ||
| Consistency Rule | 55% Rule (Single day profit capped at 55% total) | 30% Rule (Single day profit must not exceed 30% of total) |
| News Trading | Allowed (Positions may be held through CME news) | Allowed |
| Overnight & Weekend Holding | Mandatory flat at CME close (15:10 CT) | All positions must be closed by 16:59 EST (Flat) |
| EA & Algorithmic Trading | ProjectX API bots prohibited; manual/discretionary allowed | Commercial bots prohibited; personal algos/Rithmic allowed |
| 6. Platforms & Costs | ||
| Supported Platforms | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView | NinjaTrader, Rithmic, Tradovate, TradingView |
| Funded Account Activation Fee | $0 (No activation fee) | One-time $85-$300 (or $85/month) |
| 7. Verification & Dossier Records | ||
| Verified Rule Records | 56 records | 7 records |
| Investigation Dossier | Open Dossier → | Open Dossier → |
Scores are fed directly from the PropSikayet Trust Index; unranked watchlist firms have not undergone full forensic calibration yet. Not financial advice.