Alpha Futures vs Apex Trader - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
Alpha Futures and Apex Trader are both single-step CME futures firms, but they sit at very different points in their journeys. Apex Trader, founded in Austin in 2021, is one of the most established names in futures funding, with more than 19,000 Trustpilot reviews and over $378M paid out to traders. Alpha Futures is the newer arrival, launched in 2024 as the futures arm of Alpha Capital Group, and it has quickly gathered 2,600+ reviews by targeting traders, often outside the US, who want flexible evaluation rules. On the core terms they overlap and diverge in interesting ways. Both run a one-step evaluation, but Apex pushes account sizes up to $300K and pays a headline split of up to 100% (you keep 100% of the first $25,000, then 90/10), while Alpha caps accounts at $150K and pays a flat 90% across all three of its account types. Drawdown is where Alpha stands out: its Zero account replaces the usual trailing drawdown with a single static maximum loss, whereas Apex uses a trailing threshold with no daily loss limit that locks once you reach your starting balance. Platforms differ too, with Apex on Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader and WealthCharts and Alpha built around the CQG ecosystem. Apex is intraday only, closing positions by 4:59 PM ET and requiring at least seven trading days, while Alpha imposes no minimum days or time limit. A trader who wants the largest accounts, a proven payout record and up-to-100% splits will lean toward Apex Trader; one who values a static-drawdown option and looser timing rules will prefer Alpha Futures.
Quick Comparison |
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| Feature | Alpha Futures | Apex Trader |
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|  |  |
| Founded | 2024 (Alpha Capital Group) | 2021 (Austin, TX) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 2,600+ reviews (strong futures rating) | 4.3/5 (19,525 reviews) |
| Trading Focus | CME futures | CME futures |
| Profit Split | 90% (flat across accounts) | Up to 100% (100% of first $25K, then 90/10) |
| Evaluation | 1-Step (Standard, Zero, Advanced) | 1-Step |
| Account Sizes | $25K – $150K | $25K – $300K |
| Payout Speed | Per-account withdrawal caps | Bi-weekly, within 24 hours |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Key Differences Between Alpha Futures and Apex Trader
- Track record: Apex has run since 2021 with 19,000+ reviews and $378M+ paid out; Alpha Futures launched in 2024 with 2,600+ reviews.
- Profit split: Apex pays up to 100% (100% of the first $25K, then 90/10); Alpha Futures pays a flat 90% across all accounts.
- Account sizes: Apex funds up to $300K; Alpha Futures tops out at $150K.
- Drawdown structure: Alpha’s Zero account uses a static maximum loss; Apex uses a trailing drawdown with no daily limit that locks at your starting balance.
- Holding periods: Apex is intraday only (positions closed by 4:59 PM ET); Alpha imposes no time limit and calculates drawdown on an end-of-day basis.
- Minimum trading days: Apex requires 7; Alpha requires none.
- Platforms: Apex runs Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader and WealthCharts; Alpha is built around the CQG ecosystem.
- Account variants: Alpha offers Standard, Zero and Advanced; Apex runs a single one-step track across multiple sizes.
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? |
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| Program | Alpha Futures | Apex Trader |
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| Evaluation Format | Single-step (Standard, Zero, Advanced) | Single-step (one phase) |
| Instant / Skip-Evaluation | Not offered; evaluation required | Not offered; evaluation required |
| Account Variants | Standard, Zero, Advanced | One evaluation track, multiple sizes |
| Static-Drawdown Option | Zero account uses a static maximum loss | Not offered; trailing drawdown |
| Scaling | Account sizes to $150K | Multiple accounts; sizes to $300K |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? |
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| Criteria | Alpha Futures | Apex Trader |
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| Profit Target | 6% (Standard/Zero), 8% (Advanced) | 6% |
| Daily Loss Limit | 4% EOD (Standard), none (Zero), 3.5% EOD (Advanced) | None (trailing drawdown only) |
| Maximum Drawdown | 4% trailing EOD (Standard), static (Zero), 3.5% trailing (Advanced) | Trailing; locks at starting balance |
| Minimum Trading Days | None | 7 trading days |
| Time Limit | None | None |
| News Trading | 2-min buffer (Standard/Zero); unrestricted (Advanced) | Permitted |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? |
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| Option | Alpha Futures | Apex Trader |
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| Pricing Model | Monthly evaluation fee plus activation | Monthly subscription (often discounted) |
| Activation Fee | $149 (Standard/Advanced); $0 (Zero) | Activation fee on funded account |
| Profit Split | 90% | Up to 100% (100% of first $25K, then 90/10) |
| Payout Schedule | Per-account caps ($1,000-$2,500 per withdrawal) | Bi-weekly, within 24 hours |
| Payout Record | Growing futures firm | $378M+ paid out |
| Coupons | See discounts | See discounts |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? |
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| Platform | Alpha Futures | Apex Trader |
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| Trading Platforms | CQG ecosystem | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts |
| Data Feeds | CQG | Rithmic and Tradovate |
| Mobile Trading | Via CQG platforms | Tradovate and NinjaTrader apps |
| Automated Trading | Permitted within rules | Permitted within rules |
| Charting Tools | CQG charting suite | Multiple third-party platforms |
Available Markets/Products |
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| Market | Alpha Futures | Apex Trader |
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| Index Futures | ES, NQ, YM, RTY plus micros | ES, NQ, YM, RTY and CME index futures |
| Energy Futures | CL, NG and CME energy | CL, NG and CME energy |
| Metals Futures | GC, SI and CME metals | GC, SI and CME metals |
| Micro Futures | CME micro contracts | CME micro contracts |
| Forex / Crypto | Not offered (futures only) | Not offered (futures only) |
| Weekend Holding | Per CME session; end-of-day based | Not permitted; intraday only |
Technical Capabilities/Performance |
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| Feature | Alpha Futures | Apex Trader |
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| Execution | CQG institutional-grade execution | Third-party platform execution (Tradovate/Rithmic) |
| Platform Breadth | CQG-focused | Established futures platforms |
| Payout Speed | Per-account caps | Bi-weekly within 24 hours |
| Payout Record | Growing futures firm | $378M+ paid out |
| Automated Trading | Permitted within rules | Permitted within rules |
Support and Community |
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| Support Feature | Alpha Futures | Apex Trader |
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| Customer Support | Email and futures-focused support | Email and live chat support |
| Trading Community | Growing non-US trader base | Large Apex community and Discord |
| Educational Resources | Guides and CQG onboarding | Guides and onboarding resources |
| Track Record | 2,600+ Trustpilot reviews | 19,525 reviews; $378M+ paid |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation |
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| Key Element | Alpha Futures | Apex Trader |
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| Strengths | 90% split, Zero static-drawdown account, no time limit, no minimum days, CQG ecosystem, non-US friendly | Account sizes to $300K, up to 100% split, no daily loss limit, huge track record, $378M+ paid, frequent discounts |
| Weaknesses | Newer firm (2024), CQG-only platforms, per-account payout caps, $149 activation on Standard/Advanced | Intraday only (no overnight/weekend), 7-day minimum, trailing drawdown can be tight, activation fee |
| Best For | Traders who want a static-drawdown option and flexible timing | Active intraday futures traders who want large accounts and up-to-100% splits |
Final Grade
How we rank firms ↗ | 8.5 | 8.8 |
| Discount Codes | See discounts | See discounts |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
Are Alpha Futures and Apex Trader both futures-only firms?
Yes. Both fund traders exclusively on CME futures (index, energy and metals contracts), with no forex or crypto. The decision between them comes down to account size, profit split, drawdown style and platform rather than the markets.
Which firm offers the higher profit split, Alpha Futures or Apex Trader?
Apex Trader’s headline split is higher. It pays 100% of your first $25,000 in profits and 90/10 thereafter, reaching up to 100%, while Alpha Futures pays a flat 90% across its Standard, Zero and Advanced accounts. Alpha counters with a static-drawdown Zero account and no minimum trading days.
Can I hold positions overnight with either firm?
Apex Trader is intraday only, requiring all positions to be closed by 4:59 PM ET with no overnight or weekend holding. Alpha Futures imposes no time limit and calculates its drawdown on an end-of-day basis, giving more flexibility within CME session rules.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
This comparison was compiled using the published review data on JoinProp for each firm, along with each firm’s stated evaluation rules, account structures, platforms and payout terms as of 2026. Where a detail is not publicly disclosed, the cell notes this. Verify current terms directly with Alpha Futures and Apex Trader before purchasing a challenge.
