Apex Trader vs Alpha Capital - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
When comparing prop trading firms, Apex Trader and Alpha Capital each offer distinct paths to funded trading. Apex Trader is Austin, Texas, USA-based, founded in 2021, and is known for 100% profit split on first $25K earned, $378M+ paid out to traders. It holds a 4.4/5 (17,800+ reviews) Trustpilot rating. Alpha Capital, based in London, UK, was founded in 2021 and stands out for 19,000+ Trustpilot reviews at 4.7/5, 3 evaluation paths (1/2/3-Step), holding a 4.7/5 (19,000+ reviews) Trustpilot rating. Both firms provide paths to funded accounts, but their evaluation structures, pricing, and trader benefits differ in key ways that may suit different trader profiles.
Quick Comparison |
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|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | Alpha Capital |
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| Founded | 2021 (Austin, Texas, USA) | 2021 (London, UK) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.4/5 (17,800+ reviews) | 4.7/5 (19,000+ reviews) |
| Minimum Evaluation Cost | $85/mo | $50 |
| Profit Split | up to 100% | 80% |
| Evaluation Phases | 1-Step | 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step |
| Refundable Fee | No | Yes |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? |
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|---|---|---|
| Program | Apex Trader | Alpha Capital |
| Main Evaluation Format | 1-Step | 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step |
| Account Sizes | $25K, $50K, $75K, $100K, $150K, $250K | $5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K |
| Time Limits | Min 7 trading days | Min Varies by program trading days |
| Scaling Plan | Yes | Yes |
| One-Step Option | Yes | Yes |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? |
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|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Apex Trader | Alpha Capital |
| Profit Target | 6% (1-Step) | Phase 1: Varies by program / Phase 2: Varies by program |
| Maximum Daily Loss | None (trailing drawdown only) | 5% |
| Maximum Overall Loss | Trailing drawdown – locks at starting balance | 10% |
| Minimum Trading Days | 7 | Varies by program |
| Holding Positions | Intraday only | Overnight & weekends |
| News Trading | Permitted | Allowed |
| Trading Hours | 24/5 (standard markets) | 24/5 (standard markets) |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? |
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|---|---|---|
| Option | Apex Trader | Alpha Capital |
| $10K Account | Not offered | Available – from $50 (entry) |
| $25K Account | Available – from $85/mo (entry) | Available – from $50 (entry) |
| $50K Account | Available – from $85/mo (entry) | Available – from $50 (entry) |
| $100K Account | Available – from $85/mo (entry) | Available – from $50 (entry) |
| $200K Account | Not offered | Available – from $50 (entry) |
| Reset Fee | ~50% of initial fee (check firm site) | ~50% of initial fee (check firm site) |
| Coupons | Coupon / Discount | Coupon / Discount |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? |
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|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | Alpha Capital |
| Trading Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts | MT5, cTrader, DXtrade, TradeLocker |
| Dashboard Interface | Yes – trader dashboard | Yes – trader dashboard |
| Performance Analytics | Included | Included |
| Mobile Access | Yes | Platform-dependent |
| Demo Accounts | Available on request | Available on request |
Available Markets – What can you trade? |
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|---|---|---|
| Market | Apex Trader | Alpha Capital |
| Forex | Not offered | Available (major, minor, exotic pairs) |
| Indices | Major global indices | Major global indices |
| Commodities | Gold, silver, oil, natural gas | Gold, silver, oil, natural gas |
| Crypto | Not offered | BTC, ETH and major crypto |
| Stocks/Equities | Not offered | Not offered |
Trader Benefits – What perks will you receive? |
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|---|---|---|
| Benefit | Apex Trader | Alpha Capital |
| Profit Split | up to 100% | 80% |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Bi-weekly or on-demand |
| Payout Speed | Within 24 hours | 1-5 days |
| Scaling Opportunities | Yes – account scaling plan | Yes – account scaling plan |
| Educational Resources | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Email and live chat | Email and live chat |
Technical Capabilities |
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|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | Alpha Capital |
| Max Leverage | N/A (futures margin) | 1:100 |
| EA / Algo Trading | Permitted (Rithmic/NinjaTrader) | Expert Advisors (MT4/MT5), cBots (cTrader) |
| Copy Trading | Own accounts only | Own accounts only |
| News Trading | Permitted | Allowed |
| Overnight Holding | No | Yes |
| Weekend Holding | No | Yes |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation |
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|---|---|---|
| Key Element | Apex Trader | Alpha Capital |
| Strengths | 100% profit split on first $25K earned / $378M+ paid out to traders / No daily drawdown limit – trailing only | 19,000+ Trustpilot reviews at 4.7/5 / 3 evaluation paths (1/2/3-Step) / Scales to $2M |
| Weaknesses | Futures only – no forex or crypto spot trading / Monthly fee model rather than one-time payment / Positions must close by 4:59 PM ET daily | No MT4 or TradingView / Business-hours support only / Initial cap at $200K |
| Best For | Futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit | Traders who value Trustpilot reputation and flexibility |
| Final Grade | 4.05/5 | 4.45/5 |
| Discount Codes | Get Discount | Get Discount |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
What makes Apex Trader stand out among prop firms?
Apex Trader, based in Austin, Texas, USA, was founded in 2021 and is best known for 100% profit split on first $25k earned, $378m+ paid out to traders. With a minimum evaluation cost of $85/mo and a up to 100% profit split, it offers a developing value proposition for futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit.
How does Alpha Capital differ from other prop firms?
Alpha Capital, based in London, UK and founded in 2021, differentiates itself through 19,000+ Trustpilot reviews at 4.7/5, 3 evaluation paths (1/2/3-Step). With a 80% profit split and 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step evaluation, it is particularly suited to traders who value trustpilot reputation and flexibility.
Which firm offers better payouts – Apex Trader or Alpha Capital?
Apex Trader offers a up to 100% profit split with Bi-weekly payouts processed in Within 24 hours. Alpha Capital offers a 80% profit split with Bi-weekly or on-demand payouts in 1-5 days. The better choice depends on whether you prioritise split percentage or payout frequency.
Are these prop firms suitable for beginners?
Both firms can accommodate beginners, but with different considerations. Apex Trader is best suited to Futures traders seeking high profit splits and no daily loss limit, while Alpha Capital is better aligned with traders who value trustpilot reputation and flexibility. New traders should start with the smallest available account size and thoroughly review all rules before committing.
What happens if I fail the evaluation at either firm?
Most prop firms allow traders to purchase a reset to restart their evaluation phase, typically at 40-50% of the original fee. Neither firm penalises future attempts based on previous failures. Check each firm’s official site for current reset pricing and terms.
How was this Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our research team gathered data directly from the official websites, terms of service documents, and public communications of both Apex Trader and Alpha Capital. We supplemented this with verified user reviews on Trustpilot and trading community forums, and consulted active traders with first-hand experience at each firm.
2. We Examine
Our team of professional traders verified all information, cross-checking accuracy against each firm’s current platform, evaluation parameters, and pricing pages. Special attention was paid to profit split structures, drawdown rules, and payout conditions to ensure our assessment reflects the real trader experience.
3. We Score
We apply a scoring methodology across seven key categories: evaluation structure, trading conditions, costs and fees, platform quality, profit potential, customer support, and educational resources. Each category is weighted by importance to traders at different experience levels.
4. You Choose
This comparison is designed to help you identify which firm better aligns with your trading style, experience level, and goals. Consider your priorities – evaluation flexibility, profit split, platform preference, and firm track record – then visit each firm’s full review on JoinProp for the complete picture. Read the Apex Trader review or read the Alpha Capital review to go deeper.
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