Alpha Capital vs FTMO: Elite Prop Firms Comparison

Published: April 21, 2025 · Last updated: August 13, 2026

Table of Contents

Introduction

Alpha Capital and FTMO are two leading proprietary trading firms that provide funded trading accounts to qualified traders. Alpha Capital stands out for its more flexible trading parameters and lower entry barriers, making it appealing to developing traders. FTMO, established longer in the industry, offers higher account sizes and has built a strong reputation for reliability and transparency. On Trustpilot, Alpha Capital holds a solid 4.7/5 rating from over 19,000 reviews, while FTMO boasts an impressive 4.8/5 from over 29,000+ reviews, reflecting its established position in the prop firm market.

🕑 Last updated: Aug 13, 2026⚖ How we rank firms ↗

Alpha Capital

Grade 8.9/10 · 80 split

Visit Alpha Capital →🎟 Alpha Capital discount code

FTMO ▲ Higher rated

Grade 9.1/10 · 80-90% (2-Step); 90% flat (1-Step) split

Visit FTMO →🎟 FTMO discount code

TL;DR: Alpha Capital (grade 8.9) offers a 80 profit split; FTMO (grade 9.1) offers 80-90% (2-Step); 90% flat (1-Step). Full side-by-side below. Best for: Alpha Capital - Swing and position traders seeking static drawdowns and permissive evaluation rules. FTMO - 2-Step recommended for most; 1-Step only if 90% split outweighs other concerns. Our higher-rated pick: FTMO (9.1 vs 8.9).

Quick Facts

Feature	Alpha Capital	FTMO

Founded	2021	2015
Profit Split	80	80-90% (2-Step); 90% flat (1-Step)
Maximum Account Size	$200,000	$2,000,000
Evaluation Phases	Alpha One: 1; Alpha Pro: 2; Alpha Swing: 2; Alpha Three: 3	2
Trustpilot Rating	4.7	4.8/5 (43,791 reviews)
Expert Grade	8.9	9.1

Program Types

Program	Alpha Capital	FTMO
Entry Level Program	Alpha One	Yes
Advanced Program	Alpha Prime	FTMO Challenge + Verification
Scaling Options	Yes	Yes
Demo Account	Yes	No

Rules & Assessment

Criteria	Alpha Capital	FTMO
Profit Target	Alpha One: 10%; Alpha Pro 6%: 6% / 6%; Alpha Pro 8%: 8% / 5%; Alpha Pro 10%: 10% / 5%; Alpha Swing: 10% / 5%; Alpha Three: 8% / 4% / 4%	10% then 5% (2-Step); 10% (1-Step)
Maximum Drawdown	Alpha One: 6%; Alpha Pro 6%: 6%; Alpha Pro 8%: 8%; Alpha Pro 10%: 10%; Alpha Swing: 10%; Alpha Three: 6%	10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step)
Minimum Trading Days	—	4 per phase (2-Step); none (1-Step)
News Trading	Yes	Restricted on Standard; unrestricted on Swing

Real trader stories

Read a trading story of a Alpha Capital trader →Read a trading story of a FTMO trader →

Fees & Pricing

Option	Alpha Capital	FTMO
$10K Account	USD 97 / Listed challenge / One-time	EUR 89 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time
$25K Account	USD 197 / Listed challenge / One-time	EUR 250 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time
$50K Account	USD 257 / Listed challenge / One-time	EUR 345 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time
$100K Account	USD 457 / Listed challenge / One-time	EUR 540 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time
$200K Account	USD 897 / Listed challenge / One-time	EUR 1080 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time
Coupons / Discount	Alpha Capital discount	FTMO discount

Platforms & Markets

Feature	Alpha Capital	FTMO
Trading Platforms	MetaTrader 5, cTrader, DX Trade, TradeLocker	MT4, MT5, cTrader
Forex	Yes	Yes
Stocks	—	Yes
Indices	Yes	Yes
Commodities	—	Yes
Cryptocurrencies	—	Yes
Bonds	—	Available
EA/Algo Trading	Risk-management EAs only; MT5; pre-approved	Yes

Payout

Feature	Alpha Capital	FTMO
Payout Terms	minimum: $100 gross; bi_weekly: every 14 days (Pro and Three only); on_demand: 2% profit required; 40% best-day rule applies; processing_time: 2 business days	Bi-weekly via bank transfer, e-wallets, wire transfer, cryptocurrencies
See all prop firm payouts →

Verdict

Key Element	Alpha Capital	FTMO
Strengths	Static drawdown on most plans, Hedging and stacking permitted, Overnight and weekend holds allowed in evaluation, Four platforms available, No time limit or account expiry, On-demand payouts from 2% profit	Full fee refund on 2-Step; static drawdown; no consistency rules; zero withdrawal commission; scaling to $2M
Weaknesses	Non-refundable fee, Flat 80% split; no 90% tier, 2-minute average trade duration rule, Risk Management Group discretionary restrictions, Weekend holding restricted on funded Alpha Pro, Account deactivates after 30 days inactivity	No reset product; 1-Step fee never refunded; 50% Best Day Rule blocks payouts; 1-Step payout resets buffer
Best For	Swing and position traders seeking static drawdowns and permissive evaluation rules	2-Step recommended for most; 1-Step only if 90% split outweighs other concerns

Visit Alpha Capital →Read full Alpha Capital review

Visit FTMO →Read full FTMO review

Real funded traders – in their own words

Named traders JoinProp interviewed who passed and traded with these firms. Read their full stories:

Traders who chose Alpha Capital

Traders who chose FTMO

FAQ

What makes Alpha Capital popular among users?

Alpha Capital has gained popularity primarily due to its lower entry costs and more flexible trading parameters. Their 1-Step path is particularly attractive to traders looking for faster funding, and their less stringent profit targets (8% compared to FTMO’s 10%) make the evaluation more accessible. Many users also appreciate their more affordable scaling options for newer traders who aren’t ready for larger account sizes.

How does FTMO differ from other similar organizations?

FTMO stands out through its established reputation and comprehensive trader support ecosystem. Unlike many competitors, FTMO offers advanced trading analytics with psychological profiling, an extensive educational platform, and higher maximum account sizes via scaling (up to $2,000,000 from a $200,000 initial account). Their partnership with major liquidity providers ensures institutional-grade execution, and their scaling program is among the most generous in the industry, allowing traders to scale by 25% per step up to $2,000,000 in capital.

Can I trade the same strategy with both Alpha Capital and FTMO?

Yes, you can use the same trading strategy with both firms, but you’ll need to adapt to their different evaluation parameters. FTMO has stricter requirements regarding minimum trading days (4 minimum per phase) and stricter rules around news trading on the Standard FTMO Account and higher profit targets for the first phase. If your strategy involves holding positions for very short periods or focuses on specific market conditions, verify it meets both firms’ minimum trading day requirements and works within their respective maximum daily loss limits.

Which firm is better for beginner traders?

Alpha Capital is generally more suitable for beginner traders due to its lower entry costs, less stringent evaluation criteria, and more forgiving trading parameters. Their 8% profit target (versus FTMO’s 10%) and fewer required trading days make the challenge more accessible. Additionally, Alpha Capital’s Express Challenge provides a faster route to funding for those who can demonstrate proficiency quickly. However, FTMO offers superior educational resources that can be valuable for beginners willing to invest in the learning process.

Are the profits from these prop firms considered real income?

Yes, the profits you receive from both Alpha Capital and FTMO constitute real income that you can withdraw and use however you wish. Both firms operate legitimate profit-sharing models where traders receive their agreed percentage of trading profits (70-90% depending on the program and experience level). However, it’s important to note that you are not trading your own capital, and these earnings should be reported as income according to your local tax regulations. Neither firm offers employment status-you operate as an independent contractor.

How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?

1. We Collect

Our team gathered comprehensive data directly from Alpha Capital and FTMO’s official websites, terms of service documents, and public announcements. We supplemented this with hundreds of verified user reviews from Trustpilot, trading forums, and social media communities. Additionally, we consulted with professional traders who have experience with both platforms to understand nuances that aren’t apparent from marketing materials alone.

2. We Examine

Our team of experienced financial analysts and professional traders tested both platforms’ demo environments and evaluated real account performance data. We verified all claims about execution speeds, available markets, and platform features through hands-on testing. We cross-referenced trader experiences with company policies to identify any discrepancies and ensure accuracy in our reporting of both firms’ offerings.

3. We Score

Our proprietary scoring system evaluates each prop firm across 15 weighted categories, including reliability (25%), value (20%), trader support (15%), execution quality (15%), platform capabilities (10%), and additional features (15%). We assign numerical ratings based on objective performance metrics where possible and calibrated subjective assessments where necessary. Final scores reflect the relative strengths of each provider within the current prop trading marketplace.

4. You Choose

Use this comparison as a starting point for your research. Consider your trading style, experience level, and financial goals when making your decision. Alpha Capital offers more accessible entry and flexibility for developing traders, while FTMO provides a more robust infrastructure for serious professionals. We recommend testing both platforms’ demo environments before committing to either program. Remember that success in prop trading requires discipline and a proven strategy regardless of which firm you choose.