Topstep vs Apex Trader Funding
Topstep and Apex Trader Funding both sit in Trading, Flow & Positioning, and are compared here on the same fields used across the index: Research Authority Score, published price, asset class, format and vintage. Both are classified independently, and neither pays for its position on this page.
Choose Topstep for
- —a higher Research Authority Score (74 against 72)
- —a longer track record (publishing since 2012)
Choose Apex Trader Funding for
- —the Futures funded-trader evaluations angle specifically, against Futures prop trading evaluation
Data verified 2026-10-04 · independent scoring, no paid rankings
| Field | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Research Authority | 74/100 | 72/100 |
| Type | Trading | Trading |
| Category | Trading, Flow & Positioning | Trading, Flow & Positioning |
| Asset classes | Multi-Asset | Multi-Asset |
| Niche | Futures prop trading evaluation | Futures funded-trader evaluations |
| Price | ~$165/mo | ~$147/mo |
| Access | Paid Subscription | Paid Subscription |
| Founded | 2012 | 2021 |
| Region | United States | United States |
| HQ | United States | United States |
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Frequently asked questions
Is Topstep better than Apex Trader Funding?
They lead on different things. Topstep scores 74/100 on Research Authority and covers Futures prop trading evaluation; Apex Trader Funding scores 72/100 and covers Futures funded-trader evaluations. Topstep is the stronger pick if you want a higher Research Authority Score (74 against 72), or a longer track record (publishing since 2012). Apex Trader Funding is the stronger pick for the Futures funded-trader evaluations angle specifically, against Futures prop trading evaluation.
Is Topstep cheaper than Apex Trader Funding?
Topstep lists ~$165/mo (Paid Subscription); Apex Trader Funding lists ~$147/mo (Paid Subscription). Price is only comparable at the tier level: an entry tier at one desk and an institutional tier at another are not the same product, so check which tier actually gives you the coverage you need.
What is the difference between Topstep and Apex Trader Funding?
Topstep is classified as Trading covering Multi-Asset, publishing since 2012 from United States. Apex Trader Funding is classified as Trading covering Multi-Asset, publishing since 2021 from United States. The practical difference is usually format: both publish in the same format, so the split is coverage and price.
Can I subscribe to both Topstep and Apex Trader Funding?
Yes, and for desks in the same category it is often rational: overlapping coverage confirms or contradicts a thesis, which is useful when you are sizing a position. The cost test is whether the second subscription changes a decision. If it only repeats the first, the money is better spent on a desk in a category you do not currently read.