Choosing the right proprietary trading firm is a critical decision. This comparison breaks down two prominent players—Alpha Capital Group (ACG), known for its variety and flexibility, and FTMO, the established industry leader—to help you decide which aligns best with your trading style and goals.
Executive Summary: At a Glance
| Feature | Alpha Capital Group (ACG) | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Traders who want options: speed, swing, or a traditional path. | Traders seeking the industry’s gold standard, prestige, and a proven track record. |
| Key Strength | Program Variety & Flexibility. Four unique challenges to suit different styles. | Reputation & Comprehensive Ecosystem. Unmatched trust, educational resources, and a premium program. |
| Funding Speed | Fastest via Alpha One-step (Single phase, no min. days). | Standard two-step process with a 4-day minimum trading requirement per phase. |
| Profit Split | 80% across all programs. | 80%, scaling up to 90% after the first scaling increase. |
| Trust & Reputation | Very Good (4.6/5 on Trustpilot, established in 2021). | Excellent (4.8/5 on Trustpilot, established in 2015, the market leader). |
| Commission Fees | Zero Commission on all instruments. | $3 per lot on Forex; commissions on other instruments. |
Detailed Comparison Breakdown
1. Funding Program Options & Flexibility
This is where ACG has a significant edge in catering to diverse trading styles.
- Alpha Capital Group (ACG):
- Alpha Pro Challenge: The “standard” two-step challenge (8% / 5% targets). Ideal for most day traders.
- Alpha Swing Challenge: Two-step challenge with higher Phase 1 target (10%) but lower leverage (1:30). Designed for traders who hold positions longer.
- Alpha One-step Challenge: The fastest path to funding. No minimum trading days. Perfect for skilled traders who can hit a 10% target quickly.
- Alpha Three-step Challenge: A more gradual, lower-pressure path with three phases (8%/4%/4% targets).
- FTMO:
- Evaluation Program: A single, well-regarded two-step challenge (10% / 5% targets). It’s a proven model but offers no alternative paths.
Winner: Alpha Capital Group. Its four distinct programs provide unmatched flexibility, allowing you to choose a challenge that perfectly fits your strategy, especially if you want a faster or more gradual path.
2. Trading Objectives & Rules
| Trading Rule | Alpha Capital Group | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target (Phase 1) | Varies: 8% (Pro), 10% (Swing, One-step), 8% (Three-step) | 10% |
| Profit Target (Phase 2) | Varies: 5% (Pro, Swing), 4% (Three-step) | 5% |
| Max Daily Loss | 5% (Pro, Swing), 4% (One-step, Three-step) | 5% |
| Max Overall Loss | 10% (Pro, Swing), 6% (One-step, Three-step) | 10% |
| Min. Trading Days | 3 Days (Most), 0 Days (One-step) | 4 Days (Both Phases) |
| News Trading | Restricted on funded accounts (Pro & One-step) | Prohibited |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed (Except on Pro Challenge) | Prohibited |
| Avg. Trade Duration | 2-minute minimum on all programs. | No official rule mentioned. |
Analysis: ACG offers more lenient rules in several areas, particularly with its One-step Challenge (lower drawdown, no min. days) and Swing Challenge (allows weekend holding). FTMO’s rules are consistent and well-respected but are generally stricter regarding news trading, weekend holding, and minimum trading days.
Winner: Alpha Capital Group for more flexible and often more lenient rules.
3. Payouts & Profit Splits
- Profit Split: Both firms offer an excellent starting 80% profit share for the trader. However, FTMO pulls ahead in the long run, as it increases the split to 90% after your first successful scaling event.
- Payout Schedule:
- ACG: First payout after 14 calendar days, then bi-weekly for most programs. The One-step Challenge offers on-demand payouts, which is a major advantage.
- FTMO: First payout after 14 calendar days, then bi-weekly.
Winner: Tie, with a slight edge to each in a different area.
- FTMO for the potential 90% profit split.
- ACG for the on-demand payouts on its One-step Challenge.
4. Costs & Fees
- Challenge Fees: Both firms charge a one-time fee for their evaluation challenges, which scales with the account size. These are generally comparable, though ACG’s fees appear slightly lower for similar account sizes.
- Trading Commissions: This is a major differentiator.
- ACG: Charges Zero Commission on all trades, meaning your profit targets are purely based on price movement.
- FTMO: Charges Commissions (e.g., $3 per lot on Forex). This adds to your trading costs and must be factored into your strategy.
Winner: Alpha Capital Group for its zero-commission structure, which can significantly impact scalpers and high-frequency traders.
5. Trust, Support & Education
- Trust & Reputation: FTMO is the clear winner here. With a longer operational history (since 2015), a higher Trustpilot score (4.8 vs. 4.6), and a massive, proven track record of payouts, FTMO is the most trusted name in the industry.
- Education & Resources: FTMO offers an incredibly comprehensive suite of resources, including the FTMO Academy, Trading Psychologists, Performance Coaches, and a detailed blog. ACG provides a good selection of market analysis and educational tools, but it does not match the depth of FTMO’s ecosystem.
- Customer Support: Both offer strong support via live chat, email, and Discord. FTMO supports more languages and has a dedicated phone line.
Winner: FTMO. Its unparalleled reputation, extensive educational resources, and mature ecosystem provide a level of security and support that is hard to beat.
Conclusion: Which Firm Should You Choose?
Your choice depends entirely on your priorities as a trader.
Choose Alpha Capital Group if:
- You want options and flexibility. The ability to choose between a one-step, two-step, or three-step challenge is a huge advantage.
- Speed to funding is critical. The Alpha One-step Challenge is arguably one of the fastest paths to a funded account in the industry.
- You are a scalper or high-volume trader who would benefit from a zero-commission structure.
- Your strategy requires holding trades over the weekend (on the Swing Challenge).
- You prefer more lenient drawdown rules (as found in their One-step and Three-step challenges).
Choose FTMO if:
- Trust and reputation are your top priorities. You want to trade with the most established and proven firm in the prop trading space.
- You value a long-term partnership and are attracted by the potential to earn a 90% profit split.
- You will benefit from an extensive educational ecosystem, including psychology coaching and a vast library of learning materials.
- You don’t mind paying commissions and following a strict, standardized two-step evaluation process.
- You are aiming for their exclusive Premium Programme as a long-term goal.
Final Verdict:
- For Innovation, Speed, and Lower Costs: Alpha Capital Group is the more dynamic and flexible choice. It aggressively competes by offering trader-friendly conditions and multiple pathways to success.
- For Proven Track Record, Prestige, and Depth: FTMO remains the industry benchmark. It offers a premium experience and the highest level of confidence that your payouts will be honored, backed by years of evidence.
Disclaimer: This comparison is based on the information provided as of the specified dates. Trading conditions, fees, and rules are subject to change. Always review the latest terms and conditions on the official websites of Alpha Capital Group and FTMO before making a decision.
