Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep vs Earn2Trade vs FTMO
Apex Trader Funding wins for most futures traders — the cheapest entry ($16.70 with code DEALPROPFIRM), no daily loss limit and a 90/10 split. Pick Topstep for regulated, structured learning, Earn2Trade for built-in education, and FTMO only if you trade forex/CFDs, not futures.
Apex vs Topstep vs Earn2Trade vs FTMO: Side-by-Side
One column per firm across the metrics that decide the choice — entry price, discount code, profit split, daily loss limit, payout speed, activation fee, market and minimum days to pass.
| Metric | Apex | Topstep | E2T | FTMO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry price | ✓$16.70 (25K) | $49/mo | $68 | $89 (10K) |
| Discount & code | 90% OFF · DEALPROPFIRM | No code | 20% OFF · BDNQTRADER | No code |
| Profit split | 90/10 | 90/10 | 80/20 | 80/20 (up to 90/10) |
| Daily loss limit | ✓None | Yes (varies) | Yes | 5% |
| Payout frequency | 2x per month | Weekly | Monthly | On demand |
| Activation fee | $149 when funded (waivable) | $149 | None (subscription) | None (one-time fee) |
| Market | Futures | Futures | Futures + education | Forex / CFDs (no futures) |
| Min days to pass | ✓1 day minimum | 2+ days minimum | 5+ days | 4+ days minimum |
| Standout | Cheapest, no daily loss limit | NFA-registered, since 2012 | Built-in trading education | Multi-asset, on-demand payouts |
* Prices shown are for the cheapest account with current promotions. Topstep and FTMO are non-promo firms (subscription / one-time challenge fee). Verify the latest terms on each firm's official site.
The Verdict on Each Firm
Apex Trader Funding
Best valueThe overall value winner. Cheapest one-time entry ($16.70 with code DEALPROPFIRM), no daily loss limit, a 90/10 split from day one, and the biggest payout history ($600M+).
Best for: Self-directed futures traders and multi-account scalpers who want the lowest cost.
Claim Apex DealTopstep
The trust pick. NFA-registered and running since 2012, with weekly payouts and the deepest built-in education. You pay a monthly subscription and face daily loss limits.
Best for: Beginners who want structure, coaching and regulatory oversight.
Visit TopstepEarn2Trade
The education pick. Its Trader Career Path bundles structured courses with the evaluation and it has run since 2016. The trade-off is an 80/20 split and monthly payouts.
Best for: Complete beginners who value learning over the lowest price.
Visit E2TFTMO
The forex/CFD pick — not a futures firm. Multi-asset (forex, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto), static drawdown and on-demand payouts since 2015.
Best for: Non-US traders who trade currencies and CFDs rather than futures.
Visit FTMOWhich Should You Choose?
Choose Apex if you trade futures, want the cheapest one-time entry, no daily loss limit and a 90/10 split from day one.
Choose Topstep if you are a beginner who wants NFA-registered oversight, weekly payouts and the deepest built-in education.
Choose E2T if you are new to trading and want structured courses bundled with your evaluation (Trader Career Path).
Choose FTMO if you trade forex or CFDs (not futures), want static drawdown and on-demand payouts, and are based outside the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest — Apex, Topstep, Earn2Trade or FTMO?
Which is best for beginners?
Which allows the most contracts and accounts?
Which one is for forex instead of futures?
Which has the best profit split?
Prefer a 1-on-1 duel? Compare any two
Read Our Full Reviews
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