AlpacaRating 2026: Our Score & Breakdown
Last tested 2026-03-15 · Last updated 2026-03-26

Alpaca
8.0
Overall Score
Based on hands-on testing across 5 categories. Scale: 1–10.
SCORE BREAKDOWN
Accuracy8.0
Ease of Use7.5
Features8.5
Value8.5
Support7.5
How we score: Accuracy (25%) and Features (25%) carry the most weight, followed by Ease of Use (20%) and Value for Money (20%). Customer Support accounts for 10%. All scores reflect our latest hands-on testing.
HOW ALPACA COMPARES
| Category | Alpaca | Category Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.0 | 7.2 | +0.8 |
| Accuracy | 8.0 | 7.0 | +1.0 |
| Ease of Use | 7.5 | 7.5 | +0.0 |
| Features | 8.5 | 7.4 | +1.1 |
| Value | 8.5 | 7.1 | +1.4 |
| Support | 7.5 | 6.5 | +1.0 |
FAQ
Is Alpaca free to use?›
Yes, Alpaca offers commission-free trading. You can access the API, paper trading, and basic market data at no cost. Premium data feeds are available for a fee.
What programming languages does Alpaca support?›
Alpaca offers official SDKs for Python, Go, Node.js, and C#. Community-maintained libraries exist for additional languages. The REST and WebSocket APIs can be used from any language.
Is Alpaca safe and regulated?›
Yes, Alpaca Securities LLC is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and a member of SIPC, which protects securities customers up to $500,000 including $250,000 for cash claims.