Alpha Futures vs Topstep - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
Alpha Futures and Topstep are both CME futures firms built around a single-step evaluation, but they could hardly be more different in pedigree. Topstep, founded in Chicago in 2012, is the original creator of the Trading Combine evaluation that most of the industry later copied, and it has grown into one of the largest futures communities anywhere, with 150,000+ traders and a deep educational ecosystem. Alpha Futures arrived in 2024 as the futures arm of Alpha Capital Group, a much newer entrant that competes on flexible account structures rather than heritage. Both fund traders on CME index, energy and metals contracts with no hard time limit, and both pay up to a 90% profit split, but the routes differ. Topstep runs its Trading Combine on $50K to $150K accounts with a trailing drawdown and a strong focus on consistency and education. Alpha Futures funds $25K to $150K accounts across three types, Standard, Zero and Advanced, with the Zero account swapping the usual trailing drawdown for a single static maximum loss. Platforms separate them too: Topstep offers its own TopstepX alongside NinjaTrader and other tools, while Alpha is built around the CQG ecosystem. For pricing, both use monthly evaluation fees. A trader who wants the most established name in futures funding, a proven Combine model and serious educational support will choose Topstep; one who wants a lower entry point, a static-drawdown option and a flat 90% split will prefer Alpha Futures.
Quick Comparison |
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| Feature | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
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|  |  |
| Founded | 2024 (Alpha Capital Group) | 2012 (Chicago) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 2,600+ reviews (strong futures rating) | 3.5/5 (14,203 reviews) |
| Trading Focus | CME futures | CME futures |
| Profit Split | 90% (flat across accounts) | Up to 90% (90/10) |
| Evaluation | 1-Step (Standard, Zero, Advanced) | Trading Combine (1-step) |
| Account Sizes | $25K – $150K | $50K – $150K |
| Trader Base | Non-US focus, CQG ecosystem | 150,000+ traders, Combine inventor |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Key Differences Between Alpha Futures and Topstep
- Heritage: Topstep created the Trading Combine in 2012 and has 150,000+ traders; Alpha Futures launched in 2024 with 2,600+ reviews.
- Account sizes: Alpha starts lower at $25K; Topstep starts at $50K.
- Drawdown: Alpha’s Zero account uses a static maximum loss; Topstep uses a trailing drawdown in its Combine.
- Education: Topstep offers a deep educational ecosystem; Alpha provides guides and CQG onboarding.
- Platforms: Topstep offers TopstepX plus NinjaTrader and others; Alpha is built around CQG.
- Profit split: Both reach up to 90%; Alpha pays a flat 90%, Topstep uses a 90/10 split.
- Track record: Topstep is one of the most established futures firms; Alpha is a newer entrant.
- Account variants: Alpha offers Standard, Zero and Advanced; Topstep runs the Trading Combine across sizes.
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? |
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| Program | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
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| Evaluation Format | Single-step (Standard, Zero, Advanced) | Trading Combine (single-step) |
| Instant / Skip-Evaluation | Not offered | Not offered |
| Static-Drawdown Option | Zero account uses a static maximum loss | Not offered; trailing drawdown |
| Account Variants | Standard, Zero, Advanced | Trading Combine across sizes |
| Education Focus | Guides and CQG onboarding | Deep educational ecosystem |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? |
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| Criteria | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
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| Profit Target | 6% (Standard/Zero), 8% (Advanced) | Combine target (see firm site) |
| Daily Loss Limit | 4% EOD (Standard), none (Zero), 3.5% EOD (Advanced) | Daily loss limit applies |
| Maximum Drawdown | 4% trailing EOD (Standard), static (Zero), 3.5% trailing (Advanced) | Trailing drawdown (Combine) |
| Minimum Trading Days | None | Combine minimum (see firm site) |
| Time Limit | None | None (Combine) |
| News Trading | 2-min buffer (Standard/Zero); unrestricted (Advanced) | Permitted within rules |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? |
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| Option | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
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| Pricing Model | Monthly evaluation fee plus activation | Monthly Combine subscription |
| Activation Fee | $149 (Standard/Advanced); $0 (Zero) | Included in subscription |
| Profit Split | 90% | Up to 90% (90/10) |
| Payout | Per-account caps ($1,000-$2,500 per withdrawal) | Standard payout schedule |
| Payout Record | Growing futures firm | Long-established, 150,000+ traders |
| Coupons | See discounts | See discounts |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? |
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| Platform | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
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| Trading Platforms | CQG ecosystem | TopstepX, NinjaTrader and supported platforms |
| Data Feeds | CQG | Multiple data feeds |
| Mobile Trading | Via CQG platforms | TopstepX and platform apps |
| Automated Trading | Permitted within rules | Permitted within rules |
| Education Tools | CQG onboarding | Extensive education and coaching |
Available Markets/Products |
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| Market | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
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| Index Futures | ES, NQ, YM, RTY plus micros | ES, NQ, YM, RTY and CME index futures |
| Energy / Metals | CL, NG, GC, SI (CME) | CL, NG, GC, SI (CME) |
| Forex | CME FX futures | CME FX futures |
| Crypto | Not offered | Not offered |
| Micro Futures | CME micro contracts | CME micro contracts |
| Weekend Holding | Per CME session rules | Per CME session rules |
Technical Capabilities/Performance |
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| Feature | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
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| Execution | CQG institutional-grade execution | Established platform execution |
| Platform Breadth | CQG-focused | TopstepX plus third-party platforms |
| Payout Speed | Per-account caps | Standard payout schedule |
| Payout Record | Growing futures firm | 150,000+ traders since 2012 |
| Automated Trading | Permitted within rules | Permitted within rules |
Support and Community |
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| Support Feature | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
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| Customer Support | Email and futures-focused support | Email and extensive support |
| Trading Community | Growing non-US trader base | 150,000+ trader community |
| Educational Resources | Guides and CQG onboarding | Deep educational ecosystem and coaching |
| Track Record | 2,600+ Trustpilot reviews | Since 2012; Trading Combine inventor |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation |
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| Key Element | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
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| Strengths | 90% split, Zero static-drawdown account, lower $25K entry, no time limit, CQG ecosystem | Trading Combine pioneer, 150,000+ traders, deep education, up to 90% split, gold-standard reputation |
| Weaknesses | Newer firm (2024), CQG-only platforms, per-account payout caps | $50K minimum entry, lower Trustpilot rating, trailing drawdown |
| Best For | Traders who want a lower entry, a static-drawdown option and a flat 90% split | Traders who want the most established Combine model and serious education |
Final Grade
How we rank firms ↗ | 8.5 | 9 |
| Discount Codes | See discounts | See discounts |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
Which firm is more established, Alpha Futures or Topstep?
Topstep, by a wide margin. It was founded in Chicago in 2012 and created the Trading Combine evaluation that much of the industry later adopted, with a community of 150,000+ traders. Alpha Futures launched in 2024 as the futures arm of Alpha Capital Group and is the newer of the two.
What is the cheapest way to start with each firm?
Alpha Futures offers a lower entry point, with accounts starting at $25K, while Topstep’s Trading Combine starts at $50K. Both charge monthly evaluation fees, so Alpha is the more accessible starting point for smaller accounts.
How do the drawdown rules compare?
Topstep uses a trailing drawdown within its Trading Combine. Alpha Futures uses end-of-day trailing drawdowns on its Standard and Advanced accounts but adds a Zero account with a single static maximum loss, which can suit swing and volatile strategies better than a trailing model.
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 Topstep before purchasing a challenge.
