FTMO vs Alpha Capital: Which Prop Firm is better in 2026?

FTMO against Alpha Capital

If you’re evaluating prop trading firms to accelerate your trading career, you’re likely weighting FTMO vs Alpha Capital. Both firms offer funded trading accounts, but they differ significantly in their rules, profit splits, trading platforms, technology, and overall trader experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we break down every critical detail to help you decide which firm is the right fit.

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Challenges & Evaluation Process
3. Trading Rules
4. Account Types & Scaling
5. Trading Conditions
6. Technology & Platforms
7. Payout and profit split
8. Reputation & Community Trust
9. Brokers partners and execution
10. Customer support and trader resources
11. Which one is better?
12. Final verdict

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Overview of FTMO and Alpha Capital

FTMO overview

FTMO, established in 2015 and based in the Czech Republic, is one of the oldest and most reputable prop trading firms globally. With thousands of funded traders worldwide, FTMO is known for its strict rules but high trustworthiness and consistent payouts.

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Alpha Capital Group overview

Alpha Capital is a newer UK-based proprietary firm that’s gaining popularity fast. With a more relaxed rule set and modern infrastructure, Alpha Capital is positioning itself as a trader-friendly alternative to legacy firms like FTMO.

FTMO is the industry leader with a proven track record, while Alpha Capital is a newer firm gaining popularity for its relaxed rules and quicker payouts.

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Challenges & Evaluation Process

FTMO Challenge

FTMO’s model includes a two-phase evaluation:

• Phase 1: Reach a 10% profit target (5% for Swing accounts) in 30 days.
• Phase 2: Reach a 5% profit target in 60 days.
• Daily loss limit: 5% | Max loss limit: 10%

You must follow strict rules, and both phases must be passed consecutively without violating the limits.

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Alpha Capital Challenge

Alpha Capital also uses a two-phase challenge, but with slightly relaxed rules:

• Phase 1: 8% target in 30 days.
• Phase 2: 5% target in 60 days.
• Daily loss limit: 5% | Max loss: 10%

Some traders find Alpha Capital’s targets more achievable, especially with its less strict drawdown monitoring during trading hours.

Trading Rules and restrictions

FTMO enforces stricter trading behavior through its standard account, whereas Alpha Capital offers more freedom in terms of strategy, holding trades, and using EAs.

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Account Types & Scaling

FTMO account types

• Standard and Swing account options.
• Scaling plan increases account balance every 4 months by 25%, up to $2 million if consistent profits are achieved.

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Alpha Capital account types

• Offers scaling after 2 profitable payouts.
• Can scale up to $1 million over time.

If you’re looking for long-term growth, FTMO provides a more aggressive scaling path.

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Trading Conditions

FTMO invests heavily in liquidity partnerships and low-latency execution, giving it an edge for scalpers. Alpha Capital holds its own, especially for swing or intra-day traders.

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Trading Technology & Platforms

Both firms support MT4 and MT5, but FTMO also offers cTrader for traders who prefer modern UI and faster execution models.

FTMO technology

• MT4, MT5, cTrader
• Mobile and web trading supported
• FTMO WebApp for performance analytics​

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Alpha Capital technology

• Only MT5, cTrader and DXTrade
• No Instant account
• Basic dashboard for analytics

If you’re tech-focused and value data and analytics tools, FTMO is the winner.

Payouts and profit split

Reputation & Community Trust

FTMO Reputation

• Trusted by over 10,000+ traders globally.
• Featured in major financial publications.
• Strong Trustpilot rating (4.8+)

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Alpha Capital Reputation

• Rapidly growing community.
• Known for transparent communication and support.
• Good Trustpilot rating (4.7+), but fewer reviews due to being newer.

FTMO has the brand credibility and proven history, while Alpha Capital is quickly gaining favor among traders who prefer flexibility.

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Broker Partners and Execution

FTMO execution

• Uses its own Liquidity Provider
• Excellent spread and execution quality
• Offers broker selection for demo challenges

​Alpha Capital execution

• Primarily uses ACG liquidity provider
• Execution varies by region
• Decent but not ultra-premium spreads

Winner: FTMO – More stable and premium-grade execution.

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Customer Support and Trader Resources

Winner: FTMO – More robust and established support ecosystem.

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Which is Better: FTMO vs Alpha Capital?

Choose FTMO if you:

• Want a trusted, well-established firm with a solid payout history.
• Prefer tight spreads and low latency execution.
• Plan to grow into a large funded account over time.
• Want access to more trading platforms like cTrader.

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Choose Alpha Capital if you:

• Want more freedom with your trading style.
• Prefer a quicker first payout.
• Want slightly easier challenge rules.
• Like to hold trades over the weekend without needing a special account.

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Final Verdict: FTMO vs Alpha Capital – Who Should You Choose?

The FTMO vs Alpha Capital debate comes down to your priorities as a trader. FTMO wins on history, scaling, and infrastructure. Alpha Capital impresses with its flexibility, fast payouts, and simpler rules.

Both firms are legitimate, well-regarded prop trading firms that offer real opportunities to trade with significant capital. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your strategy, discipline, and trading goals.

Both firms are legitimate and offer solid funded accounts in 2026, but the best choice depends on your trading style and personal preferences.