Alpha Capital vs The Trading Pit: Comprehensive Comparison
Introduction
Alpha Capital and The Trading Pit represent two leading prop trading firms offering funded trader programs for aspiring financial professionals. Alpha Capital has built a reputation for its diverse account options and straightforward evaluation process, earning a solid 4.2/5 on Trustpilot from over 950 reviews. Meanwhile, The Trading Pit distinguishes itself with its unique one-phase evaluation model and competitive profit splits, reflected in its impressive 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating from more than 1,200 reviews. Both organizations provide pathways to trade with significant capital without personal financial risk, though they differ considerably in their program structures and terms.
Quick Comparison
|
| Feature |
Alpha Capital |
The Trading Pit |
|
 |
|
| Founded |
2020 |
2021 |
| Trustpilot Rating |
4.2/5 (950+ reviews) |
4.7/5 (1,200+ reviews) |
| Evaluation Model |
Two-phase challenge |
One-phase evaluation |
| Profit Split |
Up to 90% |
Up to 85% |
| Starting Capital |
$10,000 to $400,000 |
$10,000 to $200,000 |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals?
|
| Program |
Alpha Capital |
The Trading Pit |
| Evaluation Model |
Two-phase evaluation: Challenge and Verification |
Single-phase evaluation with consistent trading rules |
| Account Sizes |
$10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K, $400K options |
$10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K options |
| Account Types |
Normal (20-day) and Express (10-day) options |
Swing and Intraday specialized account types |
| Scaling Plan |
Account size doubles after each profit milestone (up to $1.6M) |
Progressive scaling with tailored profit targets and drawdown limits |
| Refund Policy |
80% evaluation fee refund upon funded account achievement |
100% evaluation fee refund after first profit withdrawal |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test?
|
| Criteria |
Alpha Capital |
The Trading Pit |
| Profit Target |
8% (Challenge), 5% (Verification) |
10% to reach funded status (single phase) |
| Maximum Daily Drawdown |
5% of initial account balance |
4% of initial account balance |
| Maximum Overall Drawdown |
10% of initial account balance |
8% of initial account balance |
| Minimum Trading Days |
10 days (Normal), 5 days (Express) |
5 trading days minimum |
| Time Limit |
Unlimited (no time constraints) |
60 calendar days to complete evaluation |
| Trading Hours |
24/5 trading allowed |
Specific trading hours based on account type (Swing or Intraday) |
| News Trading |
Allowed with caution advised |
Restricted during major economic announcements |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay?
|
| Option |
Alpha Capital |
The Trading Pit |
| $10K Account |
$99 one-time fee |
$85 one-time fee |
| $25K Account |
$179 one-time fee |
$159 one-time fee |
| $50K Account |
$259 one-time fee |
$249 one-time fee |
| $100K Account |
$399 one-time fee |
$349 one-time fee |
| $200K Account |
$749 one-time fee |
$599 one-time fee |
| $400K Account |
$1,399 one-time fee |
Not offered |
| Fee Refund |
80% after passing both phases |
100% after first profit withdrawal |
| Coupons |
Coupon Code |
Coupon Code |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use?
|
| Feature |
Alpha Capital |
The Trading Pit |
| Trading Platforms |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 |
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader |
| Dashboard |
Custom trader dashboard with performance metrics |
Advanced analytics dashboard with real-time statistics |
| Performance Analytics |
Basic trade analysis and profit/loss tracking |
Comprehensive trading performance metrics and visualization |
| Mobile Access |
Available through MT4/MT5 mobile apps |
Dedicated mobile access plus MT4/MT5/cTrader apps |
| Custom Indicators |
Allowed with limitations |
Fully supported across all platforms |
| EAs/Automation |
Allowed with restrictions and monitoring |
Allowed with specific performance requirements |
Available Markets – What can you trade?
|
| Market |
Alpha Capital |
The Trading Pit |
| Forex |
50+ currency pairs |
45+ currency pairs |
| Cryptocurrencies |
Limited selection (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) |
Comprehensive selection of major cryptocurrencies |
| Indices |
Major global indices available |
All major and several minor indices available |
| Commodities |
Gold, silver, oil, and other major commodities |
Extended range including agricultural commodities |
| Stocks/Equities |
Limited selection of major US stocks |
Extensive range of US and international stocks |
| Trading Hours |
24/5 for most instruments |
Varies by account type (Swing vs. Intraday) |
Profit and Payout Structure
|
| Feature |
Alpha Capital |
The Trading Pit |
| Initial Profit Split |
70% trader / 30% firm |
75% trader / 25% firm |
| Maximum Profit Split |
Up to 90% for consistent performance |
Up to 85% after specified milestone achievements |
| Payout Frequency |
Bi-weekly payouts available |
Monthly payouts with fast processing |
| Minimum Withdrawal |
$100 |
$50 |
| Payout Methods |
Bank transfer, PayPal, Crypto |
Bank transfer, PayPal, Skrill, Crypto |
| Scaling Opportunities |
Doubling account size at specified milestones |
Progressive scaling based on consistent performance |
Support and Educational Resources
|
| Feature |
Alpha Capital |
The Trading Pit |
| Customer Support |
Email, chat, limited phone support |
24/5 live chat, email, dedicated phone support |
| Educational Content |
Basic educational library and occasional webinars |
Comprehensive learning hub with regular webinars |
| Community |
Discord community with moderate activity |
Active Discord and dedicated trader forum |
| Trading Mentorship |
Available as a premium add-on |
Included for higher-tier accounts |
| Language Support |
English, Spanish, German |
English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese |
| Response Time |
Typically within 24 hours |
Under 12 hours for most inquiries |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
|
| Key Element |
Alpha Capital |
The Trading Pit |
| Strengths |
Higher maximum account sizes (up to $400K), generous scaling plan, 80% fee refund policy, higher maximum profit split (90%), no time limit for evaluation |
One-phase evaluation simplifies the process, 100% fee refund after first profit withdrawal, lower pricing overall, better educational resources, superior trading platforms |
| Weaknesses |
Two-phase evaluation creates additional hurdles, higher pricing for comparable account sizes, less robust educational offerings |
More stringent drawdown limits, 60-day time constraint for evaluation, lower maximum account size ($200K), lower maximum profit split |
| Best For |
Traders seeking very large account sizes, those who prefer unlimited evaluation time, traders who prioritize maximum profit split potential |
Beginner to intermediate traders, those who value simplicity and transparency, traders looking for comprehensive educational support |
| Final Grade |
4.3/5 |
4.6/5 |
| Discount Codes |
Coupon Code |
Coupon Code |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
FAQ
What makes Alpha Capital popular among users?
Alpha Capital’s popularity stems primarily from its generous scaling program that can take traders up to $1.6 million in capital, its unlimited time frame for completing evaluations, and its high potential profit split of up to 90%. Traders particularly appreciate the option for larger starting accounts (up to $400K) and the flexibility of choosing between normal and express evaluation paths based on their trading style and confidence level.
How does The Trading Pit differ from other similar organizations?
The Trading Pit stands out with its streamlined one-phase evaluation model, eliminating the multi-step process common among competitors. Their 100% fee refund after first profit withdrawal is unique in the industry, essentially making their program free for successful traders. Additionally, they offer specialized account types (Swing and Intraday) designed for different trading styles and provide more comprehensive educational resources and community support than most competitors.
Which organization offers better value for beginners?
The Trading Pit generally offers better value for beginners due to its simpler one-phase evaluation process, more affordable pricing across account sizes, comprehensive educational resources, and active community support. The 100% fee refund also reduces financial risk for newcomers. Alpha Capital, while offering solid programs, has a more complex two-phase system and fewer dedicated resources for beginner traders, though its unlimited timeframe may benefit those who need more time to develop consistency.
Can I use automated trading systems with these firms?
Both firms allow automated trading systems (EAs) with certain restrictions. Alpha Capital permits EAs but monitors their performance to ensure they meet risk management requirements and don’t execute excessive trades. The Trading Pit also allows automation across all their supported platforms (MT4, MT5, and cTrader) but requires automated strategies to meet the same performance criteria as manual trading, including drawdown limits and profit targets. Both firms reserve the right to review EA performance and may request modifications if risk parameters are exceeded.
What happens if I fail the evaluation with either company?
If you fail the evaluation with Alpha Capital, you would need to purchase a new evaluation account to try again, though they occasionally offer discounts for returning traders. The Trading Pit similarly requires a new purchase after failure, but they provide more detailed performance analytics to help identify improvement areas and offer a “Reset” option at a reduced price that allows traders to restart their evaluation without paying the full fee again. Neither company offers free retries, as this is standard across the prop trading industry.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our comparison begins with comprehensive data collection from official sources including Alpha Capital and The Trading Pit websites, terms of service documents, and program specifications. We supplement this with insights from verified user reviews on Trustpilot, TrustScore, and industry forums. Additionally, we conduct interviews with current and former traders from both organizations to gather real-world experiences that go beyond marketing claims. All pricing, program details, and evaluation criteria are verified against multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
2. We Examine
Our team of financial experts with prop trading experience examines all collected information, focusing on practical implications rather than promotional language. We test the user interfaces, evaluate support responsiveness, and analyze the fairness of trading conditions. This includes verification of execution quality, platform stability, and withdrawal processes. We cross-reference company claims against trader experiences to identify any discrepancies and ensure our assessment reflects the actual trader experience rather than marketing promises.
3. We Score
We employ a weighted scoring methodology across 15 key categories including pricing value, evaluation fairness, platform quality, support effectiveness, educational resources, scaling opportunities, profit split competitiveness, and withdrawal reliability. Each category is assigned a score from 1-5 with specific criteria defining each level. The final scores are calculated using a weighted average that prioritizes factors most important to trader success, with transparency in rules and consistent execution quality receiving the highest weights.
4. You Choose
Our comparison provides the comprehensive information you need to make an informed decision based on your specific trading style, experience level, and financial goals. Consider which evaluation model better matches your trading consistency – Alpha Capital’s two-phase approach with more relaxed parameters or The Trading Pit’s streamlined single-phase with stricter limits. Factor in your capital requirements, preferred trading platforms, and whether educational support is important to your development. Your individual circumstances should guide which program represents the best opportunity for your trading journey.
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