Head-to-head comparison · 2026
Alpha Futures vs Topstep
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Quick verdict
- Alpha Futures is $69 cheaper to get funded on a 50K account ($129 vs $198, activation fees included).
- Both bill monthly, so both get more expensive the longer you take to pass.
- Both use end-of-day drawdown.
- Alpha Futures allows trading during news. Topstep restricts it.
Market
Futures
Futures
Founded
2024
2012
Total cost to funded
Best$129
$198
Eval cost
$129
$49
Activation fee
-
$149
Pricing model
Monthly sub
Monthly sub
Challenge type
1-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
EOD
EOD
Max profit split
90%
90%
First profit
Max $3,000 per payout (Standard)
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
After 5 trading days
Weekly
Max account
Best$450K
$150K
Consistency rule
50% eval, 40% funded
55% consistency target
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
TradingViewWealthChartsAlphaTraderQuantower
NinjaTraderTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
Alpha Futures
Strengths
- Highly rated on Trustpilot
- No daily loss limit on the evaluation
- Monthly fee stops once you are qualified
Watch-outs
- 50% consistency rule on the evaluation, 40% once qualified
- $1,000 daily loss guard on the qualified account
- 5 trading days minimum before a payout, max $3,000 per payout
Topstep
Strengths
- Longest-running futures prop firm, founded 2012
- Low $49 monthly fee and $49 resets, reset credit each rebill
- Double payout caps included
Watch-outs
- $149 activation fee once you pass
- 55% consistency target and $1,000 daily loss limit
- Monthly fee keeps billing until you pass
🐨 Which should you choose?
Choose Alpha Futures if you want the lower cost to get funded, news trading and more room to scale up.
Written from our verified data for a 50K account, or the closest size a firm offers. Always check each firm's current terms before buying.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account (or the closest size a firm offers). Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.