Alpha Futures vs Topstep
Published futures evaluation rules side by side, from the sources listed on each firm page. No verdict: which rules suit you depends on how you trade.
Alpha Futures rules as of Topstep rules as of How we source this
| Rule | Alpha Futures | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | 4: Zero; Standard; Advanced; Direct (no evaluation) | 2: Trading Combine — Standard; Trading Combine — No Activation Fee |
| Account sizes | $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K | $50K, $100K, $150K |
| Drawdown types | End-of-day trailing | End-of-day trailing |
| Drawdown | $1,000–$5,250 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Daily loss limit | $500–$3,000; none on Standard / Advanced | $1,000–$3,000 (optional) |
| Evaluation profit target | $1,500–$12,000; no-evaluation accounts: first payout goal $1,500–$9,000 | $3,000–$9,000 |
| Max contracts | 1–15 | 5–15 |
| Fees | monthly evaluations $89–$489/mo; accounts with no evaluation $349–$859 one-time | monthly evaluations $49–$229/mo |
| Activation fee | None | None to $149 |
| Payout split | 90/10 | 90/10 |
| Rules checked | 27 Oct 2026 | 27 Oct 2026 |
Ranges cover every plan each firm offers. Fees are list prices in US dollars before promotions; "—" or "not published" means the firm doesn't publish the value in a form we could read. Accounts with no evaluation are bought straight into the funded stage; their target is the first payout goal.
What's different
- Alpha Futures has plans with no daily loss limit (Standard and Advanced).
- Topstep's daily loss limit is optional, chosen at purchase.
- Alpha Futures sells accounts with no evaluation; Topstep does not.
- Alpha Futures offers $25K accounts; Topstep does not.
What's the same
- Both use an end-of-day trailing drawdown on at least one plan.
- Both sell monthly evaluations.
- Both offer $50K, $100K and $150K accounts.
At a $50K account
| Firm and plan | Max contracts | Daily loss limit | Drawdown | Drawdown type | Profit target | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha FuturesZero | 3 | $1,000 | $2,000 | End-of-day trailing | $3,000 | $139/mo |
| Alpha FuturesStandard | 5 | None | $2,000 | End-of-day trailing | $3,000 | $129/mo |
| Alpha FuturesAdvanced | 5 | None | $1,750 | End-of-day trailing | $4,000 | $209/mo |
| Alpha FuturesDirect (no evaluation) | 4 | $1,000 | $2,000 | End-of-day trailing | $3,000first payout goal | $519 once |
| TopstepTrading Combine — Standard | 5 | $1,000 (optional) | $2,000 | End-of-day trailing | $3,000 | $49/mo |
| TopstepTrading Combine — No Activation Fee | 5 | $1,000 (optional) | $2,000 | End-of-day trailing | $3,000 | $95/mo |
Questions
- What is the difference between the drawdown at Alpha Futures and Topstep?
- Alpha Futures: Zero: end-of-day trailing, $1,000–$3,000; Standard: end-of-day trailing, $2,000–$4,500; Advanced: end-of-day trailing, $1,750–$5,250; Direct (no evaluation): end-of-day trailing, $1,000–$4,500. Topstep: Trading Combine — Standard: end-of-day trailing, $2,000–$4,500; Trading Combine — No Activation Fee: end-of-day trailing, $2,000–$4,500. Rules checked 27 Oct 2026 (Alpha Futures) and 27 Oct 2026 (Topstep); the sources are listed on each firm page.
- Do Alpha Futures and Topstep have a daily loss limit?
- Alpha Futures: Zero: $500–$2,000; Standard: none; Advanced: none; Direct (no evaluation): $500–$3,000. Topstep: Trading Combine — Standard: $1,000–$3,000 (optional, chosen at purchase); Trading Combine — No Activation Fee: $1,000–$3,000 (optional, chosen at purchase). Rules checked 27 Oct 2026 (Alpha Futures) and 27 Oct 2026 (Topstep); the sources are listed on each firm page.
- How much do Alpha Futures and Topstep charge?
- Alpha Futures: monthly evaluations $89–$489/mo; accounts with no evaluation $349–$859 one-time. Topstep: monthly evaluations $49–$229/mo. Promotions change fees. Rules checked 27 Oct 2026 (Alpha Futures) and 27 Oct 2026 (Topstep); the sources are listed on each firm page.
- What payout split do Alpha Futures and Topstep offer?
- Alpha Futures: 90/10. Topstep: 90/10. Rules checked 27 Oct 2026 (Alpha Futures) and 27 Oct 2026 (Topstep); the sources are listed on each firm page.
- How many contracts can you trade on a $50K account at Alpha Futures and Topstep?
- Alpha Futures: Zero 3; Standard 5; Advanced 5; Direct (no evaluation) 4. Topstep: Trading Combine — Standard 5; Trading Combine — No Activation Fee 5. Rules checked 27 Oct 2026 (Alpha Futures) and 27 Oct 2026 (Topstep); the sources are listed on each firm page.
Other comparisons
Alpha Futures vs
Topstep vs
Rules as of 27 Oct 2026. All firms by account size: side by side. Firms change their rules; check the firm's current terms before buying an evaluation.