Alpha Futures vs Topstep (2026)
Alpha Futures and Topstep are two of the most searched futures prop firms of 2026. Alpha Futures has the lower entry price (from $99 vs $165), while Topstep offers the stronger profit split at 100%. On payout track record, Topstep leads with $280M paid to 72,000 traders, against $14M for Alpha Futures. Topstep is the more established operation, running since 2009.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.5 (1,240) | ★ 4.5 (5,210) |
| Founded | 2023 (US) | 2009 (US) |
| Starting price | $99 | $165 |
| Max allocation | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Profit target | 8% | 6% |
| Max drawdown | $2,000 (trailing) | $2,000 (trailing) |
| Profit split | 90% | 100% |
| Min trading days | 1 | 2 |
| News trading | Yes | Yes |
| Instant funding | No | No |
| Scaling plan | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Rithmic | TopstepX |
| Total paid out | $14M | $280M |
| Traders paid | 6,400 | 72,000 |
| Average payout | $1,700 | $2,100 |
Alpha Futures in brief
Alpha Futures is a community-driven prop firm with transparent rules.
Topstep in brief
Topstep helps you build the skills to earn funding, with instant payouts, fast 24/7 support, and a community that has your back. We offer a path to trade with our capital, allow you to keep up to 90% of your profits, and provide live market trading opportunities up to $150,000 with additional performance bonuses.
Verdict
- ▸Choose Alpha Futures if entry cost matters most — its evaluations start at $99 with trailing drawdown.
- ▸Choose Topstep if you're optimizing for keep-rate — traders keep 100% of profits and the average payout is $2,100.
- ▸On reputation, Topstep's $280M in verified payouts is the strongest trust signal between the two.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Alpha Futures or Topstep?
Alpha Futures is cheaper to start: evaluations from $99 versus $165.
Which has the higher profit split, Alpha Futures or Topstep?
Topstep has the higher profit split at 100%, versus 90%.
Which firm has paid out more, Alpha Futures or Topstep?
Topstep has the larger verified payout record: $280M versus $14M.