Topstep Review 2026: The Original Futures Prop Firm

Topstep is the oldest futures prop firm still operating, launched in Chicago in 2012. Their evaluation is called the Trading Combine and comes in three sizes: $50k, $100k, and $150k. Fees start at $49/month for the $50k Combine on their subscription pricing.

The Combine is a one-step evaluation with a profit target of $3,000 on $50k (6%), a $2,000 daily loss limit, and a $2,000 trailing max loss on $50k that stops trailing once you're at your starting balance plus the profit target. You need 5 winning days with at least $200 profit each.

Once you're funded (Topstep calls it an Express Funded Account) the daily loss limit and trailing max loss carry over, but there are no scaling milestones — you get the same balance you evaluated on. Payouts start at 100% of the first $10,000 in profits, then 90/10 thereafter, with a 4-payout cycle before you can withdraw the full balance.

Where Topstep beats Apex: better education, a more polished platform, and a more forgiving payout policy in edge cases. Where Apex beats Topstep: lower average price (with promotions), no daily loss limit, and unlimited account stacking.

Verdict: the beginner-friendly futures firm. If you want a subscription model, real customer support, and don't need to stack 10 accounts, Topstep is worth the premium over Apex.