Comparison
Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep
Two of the largest futures prop firms, different rule sets. Here's a straight side-by-side on what matters for traders running Pine Script strategies on TradingView.
Rule-by-rule comparison — 50k accounts
| Rule | Apex 50k | Topstep 50k |
|---|---|---|
| Profit target | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Max trailing drawdown | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| Daily loss limit | None | $1,000 |
| Min trading days | 1 | 5 |
| Consistency rule (eval) | 30% of best day | None |
| Overnight holds | Permitted | Permitted (some plans) |
| Max contracts | 10 micros / 1 mini | 10 micros / 1 mini |
| Automation allowed | Yes (eval) | Yes (eval) |
| Eval fee (50k) | $167/mo (often discounted) | $165/mo |
| Payout split | Up to 100% (first $25k), then 90% | 90% |
| Drawdown type | Trailing (from peak) | Trailing (from peak) |
| Best for | Fast passers, bots, high-variance strategies | Disciplined traders, consistent daily gains |
What each rule difference means for Pine Scripts
Daily loss limit: Apex's biggest advantage
Apex's lack of a daily loss limit is the most script-friendly rule in the industry. A Pine Script doesn't need to implement a hard daily circuit breaker — the strategy can take its full complement of signals for the session without worrying that three bad trades in a row will end the trading day. Topstep's $1,000 daily limit requires the strategy (or the broker's risk controls) to stop entries once daily P&L hits that floor.
Trailing drawdown: Topstep is tighter
Topstep's $2,000 trailing drawdown on a 50k account gives slightly less room than Apex's $2,500. For a strategy sized at $200/trade risk, that's 10 losers vs 12 losers before breach. Both are workable — but Topstep requires a touch more conservative sizing to maintain the same safety margin. If you're leaning toward the Combine, see exactly how our Pine Script strategies are sized for the Topstep evaluation.
Minimum days: Apex lets you sprint
Apex only requires 1 trading day on the eval (as of 2026). A strategy that runs on a volatile session can clear the $3,000 target in a single day. Topstep requires 5 days minimum, forcing a slower pace — which is actually better for strategies that naturally grind rather than spike.
Which firm should you choose?
You want automation freedom
- No daily loss limit — bot runs freely all session
- Can pass in as little as 1 day (no min-day grinding)
- Frequent discounts make re-attempts cheap
- Higher-volatility strategies that spike to target
- You trade MNQ or NQ and want room to run
You want structure and consistency
- No consistency rule on the eval — big days are fine
- Better brand recognition and longer track record
- Prefer a firm that keeps traders accountable daily
- Your strategy naturally wins small most days
- You want a funded account that scales quickly
FAQ
Is Apex or Topstep better for automated trading?
Apex is generally more automation-friendly during the eval — no daily loss limit means a script doesn't need to hit a circuit breaker each session. Topstep's daily loss limit requires the strategy to have a built-in daily floor check, which adds complexity but also protects the account more conservatively.
Which firm has a better payout split?
Both offer up to 90% payouts. Apex's payout process is generally faster (next-day for most traders). Topstep's payouts require a funded account period before the first withdrawal is available.
Which is cheaper to start — Apex or Topstep?
Apex frequently runs promotions that bring a 50k eval to as low as $7. Topstep typically charges $49–$165/month depending on account size. For a single eval attempt, Apex is almost always cheaper on a per-attempt basis.
Scripts sized for both firms — pick yours at checkout.
Our Pine Scripts include drawdown parameters pre-set for both Apex and Topstep rule sets.
View Plans Drawdown Calculator