Topstep vs Apex: evaluation rules compared (2026)

By the TraderMemo team · Updated October 12, 2026 · 6 min read

Topstep and Apex are two of the best-known futures prop firms, and on a 50K account their headline numbers look identical: a $3,000 profit target and $2,000 of drawdown. The differences are in how that drawdown moves, the consistency rules and what happens after you pass.

Side-by-side: the evaluation

Topstep calls its evaluation the Trading Combine. Apex calls it the Evaluation Account. Here's how the 50K versions compare.

Difference 1: how the drawdown trails

At Topstep, the Maximum Loss Limit (MLL) rises with your end-of-day balance and never moves down. It's updated at the end of each day but monitored in real time, so an open loss that touches it still closes the account. Once the MLL reaches your starting balance, it locks there permanently.

At Apex, you choose. The intraday version follows your peak balance in real time, including open profit, so giving back an open winner costs you room. The EOD version only updates at the close. See our guide to how trailing drawdown works for worked examples.

Difference 2: the consistency target

Topstep's Combine has a 55% consistency target: your single best day should stay under 55% of your profit target. If it doesn't, you don't fail. Your profit target goes up instead. Topstep's help center gives the formula: new target = best day ÷ 0.55. On a 50K with a $3,000 target, a $1,800 best day raises the target to about $3,273. Losing days don't shrink your best day.

Apex has no consistency rule in its evaluation, so one big day can pass you. Consistency and scaling rules apply later, in the Apex Performance Account.

Difference 3: after you pass

Topstep: Express Funded Account

Passing the Combine earns an Express Funded Account, with no monthly subscription. Topstep offers two payout paths:

• Standard: five winning days of $150 or more, then request up to 50% of your balance, up to $5,000.
• Consistency: at least three trading days and a 40% consistency target, then request up to 50% of your balance, up to $6,000.

Both use a 90/10 profit split, according to Topstep's Express Funded Account rules.

Apex: Performance Account

Passing gives you a Performance Account (PA) of the same size, which you must activate within 7 calendar days. Apex lists a 100% payout split once you meet its payout eligibility requirements. The PA adds tier-based contract scaling and a daily loss limit, and the trailing threshold stops at your starting balance plus $100. Check Apex's PA rules for the full payout requirements.

Which one fits you?

This isn't a recommendation. It depends entirely on how you trade. A few questions to ask yourself, using your own trade history:

• Do your best days make up a big share of your profit? Topstep's 55% target will raise your target more often. Apex's evaluation won't care.
• Do you often give back open profit? Apex's intraday drawdown will be tight for you. An end-of-day drawdown (Topstep, or Apex EOD) is more forgiving of that.
• Do you want a hard daily stop? Look at each firm's daily loss limit rules.

A trading journal answers these in minutes. Look at your best day versus your total, and how often your winners give back open profit.

Frequently asked questions

TraderMemo is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any prop firm or broker mentioned here. Firm names are used only to describe their published rules. This article is for education only and is not financial advice. Trading futures involves substantial risk of loss and isn't suitable for everyone.

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