Comparison: TopStep vs TakeProfit Trader vs Apex Trader Funding

Been researching prop firms for futures trading and wanted to share what I've found. Here's my breakdown of three popular options:

TopStep

• Evaluation: Two-phase process (Combine then Funded Prep)
• Combines start at $165/month for 50K account
• Profit targets: 6% (Phase 1), 3% (Phase 2)
• Max drawdown: $2,500 trailing on 50K
• Profit split: 80/20 (can scale to 90/10)
• Withdrawal: Weekly after first payout
• Notable: Oldest and most established, stricter rules, focuses on consistency over quick wins

Take Profit Trader

• Evaluation: One or two-step options available
• One-step starts around $160 for 50K
• Profit target: 10% (one-step), 6%+5% (two-step)
• Max drawdown: $2,000 (one-step), $2,500 (two-step) on 50K
• Profit split: 80/20 (can increase to 90/10)
• Withdrawal: Bi-weekly
• Notable: More flexible rules, allows news trading and holding through news, faster path to funding

Apex Trader Funding

• Evaluation: Single evaluation phase (Rithmic version)
• Starts at $167 for 50K account
• Profit target: $3,000 (6%)
• Max drawdown: $2,000 on 50K
• Profit split: 90/10 from start
• Withdrawal: Bi-weekly, payouts on-demand
• Notable: Highest profit split out the gate, allows scaling up to $300K, more lenient on consistency rules

My Take:

• TopStep if you want the most credible name and don't mind stricter rules
• TPT if you want flexibility and faster qualification
• Apex if you want better profit splits immediately and plan to scale

All three are legit and actually pay out. Your choice really depends on your trading style, scalper vs swing trader, how much consistency you can show, and whether you prefer strict accountability or more freedom.

Anyone here funded with these? Would love to hear real experiences.