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Alpha Capital Group
8.9/10
★★★★½
VS
AquaFunded
7.8/10
★★★½☆

Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded — Which is Better? (2026)

Our editorial team compared every key metric — fees, rules, profit split, payouts — so you can pick the right firm.

Get Funded Now — Alpha Capital Group Get Funded Now — AquaFunded

Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded — Side-by-Side

Feature Alpha Capital Group AquaFunded
Payout
Profit Split 80% 100%
Payout Frequency Bi-weekly or on-demand Bi-weekly (challenge) / On-demand (instant)
Max Account Size $200,000 $400,000
Our Verdict — Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded

Winner: Alpha Capital Group

Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded — Executive Summary (2026)

In this independent head-to-head comparison of Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded, we break down challenge rules, pricing, profit splits, and payout conditions to help you decide which prop firm is the better fit for your trading style.

Alpha Capital Group: Four Evaluation Paths. One Million Traders. $100M Paid.

AquaFunded: 100% Profit Split. Refundable Fees. On-Demand Instant Funding.

Based on our independent scoring methodology, Alpha Capital Group scores 8.9/10 overall — but the best choice depends on your specific needs. Read the full comparison below.

Quick Stats: Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded

BestProp Score: Alpha Capital Group scores 8.9/10 vs AquaFunded at 7.8/10.

Minimum Fee: Alpha Capital Group starts from $50; AquaFunded starts from Refundable.

Profit Split: Alpha Capital Group offers 80%; AquaFunded offers 100%. AquaFunded has the higher split.

Platforms: Alpha Capital Group supports MT5, cTrader, DXtrade; AquaFunded is on MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, MatchTrader.

Tradeable Markets: Alpha Capital Group covers Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities; AquaFunded offers Forex, Metals, Indices, Crypto, Commodities.

Pricing Comparison: Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded

Challenge fees are typically the biggest factor when choosing a prop firm. Here is how Alpha Capital Group and AquaFunded compare on pricing.

Alpha Capital Group challenge fees start from $50. The firm has operated since 2021. They have funded over 1,200,000+ traders. Total payouts to date: $100M+.

AquaFunded challenge fees start from Refundable. The firm has operated since 2023. They have funded over 240,000+ traders. Total payouts to date: $7,000,000+.

Challenge Rules: Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded

Drawdown Rules

Trading Conditions

Payout Comparison: Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded

Alpha Capital Group profit split: 80%. AquaFunded profit split: 100%. AquaFunded delivers the higher cut to traders.

Payout frequency: Alpha Capital Group pays Bi-weekly or on-demand; AquaFunded pays Bi-weekly (challenge) / On-demand (instant). Faster payouts are better for cash flow management.

Alpha Capital Group — Full Review

Here is our full independent review of Alpha Capital Group:

Introduction to Alpha Capital Group

Alpha Capital Group is a UK-based prop firm founded in November 2021 by George Kohler and Andrew Blaylock. With 1.2 million+ traders across 140+ countries and $100M+ in performance fees paid out, it is one of the largest prop firms by trader count outside of FTMO. The firm offers four evaluation paths — Alpha One, Alpha Pro, Alpha Swing, and Alpha Three — each with distinct drawdown structures and profit target sequences, giving traders more genuine program diversity than most competitors.

The firm’s broker arm, ACG Markets, is licensed in Seychelles, providing the regulated infrastructure behind the simulated trading environment. Note: Alpha Capital Group does not accept US residents or citizens.

Who Is Alpha Capital Group For?

Alpha Capital Group suits non-US forex and multi-asset traders who want to choose between trailing and static drawdown structures based on their strategy. The Alpha One trailing drawdown — which locks permanently at the starting balance once you are 6% in profit — is one of the most trader-friendly trailing drawdown structures in the industry: the trailing period ends once you clear the threshold, removing the risk of giving back gains indefinitely.

The three Alpha Pro variants (6%, 8%, 10% targets) also give traders genuine control over the difficulty/cost trade-off, rather than a single fixed evaluation path.

Challenge Programs

Alpha Capital Group offers four evaluation paths:

  • Alpha One (1-Step): 10% profit target. Trailing drawdown at 6% — once your account reaches +6% profit, the trailing floor locks permanently at your starting balance. 4% daily drawdown. Minimum 1 trading day. Fees from $50 ($5K account), $297 for $50K.
  • Alpha Pro (2-Step, 3 variants):
    • Pro 6%: Phase 1: 6%, Phase 2: 6%. Static 6% max drawdown. 3% daily drawdown.
    • Pro 8%: Phase 1: 8%, Phase 2: 5%. Static 8% max drawdown. 4% daily drawdown.
    • Pro 10%: Phase 1: 10%, Phase 2: 5%. Static 10% max drawdown. 5% daily drawdown.
    • All Pro variants: minimum 3 trading days per phase. $197 for $25K account.
  • Alpha Swing (2-Step): Phase 1: 10%, Phase 2: 5%. Static 10% max drawdown. 5% daily drawdown. Minimum 3 days per phase. $577 for $100K account. Designed for swing traders holding positions longer-term.
  • Alpha Three (3-Step): Phase 1: 8%, Phase 2: 4%, Phase 3: 4%. Static 6% max drawdown. 4% daily drawdown. Minimum 3 days per phase. Three-phase progression for the most conservative evaluation path.

Trading Rules

  • Best Day Rule: No single trading day can exceed 40% of total cumulative profit — applies to on-demand payout requests
  • On-demand payouts: Require minimum 2% gross profit on the account and must pass the 40% Best Day Rule
  • Bi-weekly payouts: $100 minimum, 5 trading days required before first request
  • No time limits on any evaluation phase
  • US residents/citizens: Not eligible for any program
  • Max allocation: $400,000 across all accounts combined

Platforms and Instruments

Three platforms supported: MT5, cTrader, and DXtrade — covering the full range of preferences from legacy MetaTrader users to modern platform traders. Instruments include forex pairs, metals, indices, and commodities. Spreads from 0 pips with zero commission.

Payouts

  • Profit split: 80% on all programs
  • Frequency: On-demand or bi-weekly
  • Methods: Bank wire (Rise), crypto
  • Payment accepted: Crypto, credit/debit card, PayPal
  • Total paid out: $100M+ in performance fees

Our Verdict

Alpha Capital Group earns an 8.0 BestProp score. The 1.2M+ trader base and $100M+ in payouts establish it as one of the most proven mid-tier prop firms available. The program diversity — four evaluation paths with three Pro variants — is genuinely useful rather than marketing noise, and the Alpha One trailing drawdown lock is one of the most intelligent trailing structures we have seen.

The 80% maximum split (no path to 90%+) and the Best Day Rule on on-demand withdrawals are the main limitations. For non-US traders who want program flexibility and a proven track record at competitive fees, Alpha Capital Group is a strong choice.

AquaFunded — Full Review

Here is our full independent review of AquaFunded:

Introduction to AquaFunded

AquaFunded was founded in December 2023 and is headquartered in the UAE under CEO Jason Blax, who also runs AquaFutures, the futures-focused sibling brand. The two platforms share a brand identity but serve different markets: AquaFutures covers CME futures, while AquaFunded handles forex, metals, indices, crypto and commodities via CFD. With 240,000+ registered traders and $7M+ in distributed rewards, AquaFunded is the larger of the two brands by trader volume.

Who Is AquaFunded For?

AquaFunded offers four programme types covering the full spectrum from beginner-accessible to instant-funded. The 100% profit split across all challenge accounts is a headline feature, as are the 100% refundable challenge fees. The Aqua Trader instant funding path skips evaluation entirely and provides on-demand payouts from day one, suited to experienced traders who want capital without a challenge phase.

The No Denials payout policy is stated as a core commitment. However, the external customer rating of 3.5/5 diverges significantly from the internal 9.4/10 rating, suggesting some traders have experienced friction. Weight independent ratings carefully when assessing payout reliability for this firm.

Challenge Programs

  • One Step Challenge ($2.5K-$400K): Single-phase evaluation. Profit targets 6-9% depending on account size. Daily drawdown 3-5%. Max drawdown 6-8%. 100% profit split. Bi-weekly payouts. One-time fee, 100% refundable on first payout. Leverage up to 1:100.
  • Two Step Challenge ($2.5K-$400K): Phase 1 target 8-10%. Phase 2 target 5%. Daily drawdown 5%. Max drawdown 8-10%. 100% split. Fee refundable on first payout.
  • Three Step Challenge ($2.5K-$400K): Three phases, 6% target per phase. Daily drawdown 4%. Max drawdown 8%. 100% split. Lowest per-phase target of all programmes, suited to traders who prefer incremental milestones.
  • Aqua Trader – Instant Funding ($2.5K-$250K): No evaluation, no profit target. Daily drawdown: none to 3% depending on account size. Max drawdown: $2,000-$3,000 (dollar-based). 100% profit split. On-demand payouts. Leverage 1:50-1:100.
  • Whale Challenge ($100K): Limited availability. Specific terms apply – check the live site for current conditions.

Trading Rules and Platforms

Four platforms: MatchTrader, TradeLocker, MetaTrader 5, cTrader. Instruments: forex, metals, indices, crypto, commodities. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Bitcoin, Ethereum. Restricted countries, news trading policy, EA permissions and weekend holding rules were not published on the sources reviewed – verify on the live site before purchasing.

Payouts

  • Challenge accounts: Bi-weekly, fee 100% refundable on first payout
  • Aqua Trader instant: On-demand from day one
  • Split: 100% across all programmes
  • Methods: Crypto, Rise
  • Total paid: $7M+ | Average: $2,450 | Highest single payout: $119,175

Our Verdict

AquaFunded earns a 6.5 BestProp score. The 100% profit split, 100% refundable challenge fees, on-demand instant funding and four-programme variety are genuine positives. The sibling relationship with AquaFutures under CEO Jason Blax gives the brand an established operational structure from launch. The external customer rating of 3.5/5 is the second-lowest in our database – a meaningful gap from the internal platform score that traders should factor into their decision.

Alpha Capital Group — Key Strengths

  • BestProp score: 8.9/10
  • Competitive 80% profit split
  • Challenge fees from $50
  • 1,200,000+ funded traders
  • $100M+ total paid out
  • Available on MT5, cTrader, DXtrade
  • Operating since 2021

AquaFunded — Key Strengths

  • BestProp score: 7.8/10
  • Competitive 100% profit split
  • Challenge fees from Refundable
  • 240,000+ funded traders
  • $7,000,000+ total paid out
  • Available on MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, MatchTrader
  • Operating since 2023

Final Verdict: Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded (2026)

Overall, our independent scoring gives Alpha Capital Group the edge in this 2026 comparison. However, both firms have their merits. If AquaFunded better matches your specific trading style, instruments, or preferred platform, it may still be the right choice for you.

Use our comparison table above and review the challenge fees at both firms before making your final decision. Both offer risk-free evaluation programs — the challenge fee is the only money at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions: Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded

Which is better, Alpha Capital Group or AquaFunded?

Based on our independent scoring, Alpha Capital Group scores higher overall (8.9/10). The best choice depends on your trading style, preferred instruments, and account size.

Is Alpha Capital Group cheaper than AquaFunded?

Both firms have similar entry-level pricing. Compare the full fee schedule for your target account size.

Which has a better profit split, Alpha Capital Group or AquaFunded?

AquaFunded offers the higher profit split. Alpha Capital Group: 80%. AquaFunded: 100%.

Can I use an EA or trading bot?

EA policies: Alpha Capital Group — check the review. AquaFunded — check the review. Always verify the latest policy directly with the firm.

Which is better for news trading?

News trading: Alpha Capital Group — check the review. AquaFunded — check the review.

Read the full Alpha Capital Group review →  ·  Read the full AquaFunded review →

Who should choose Alpha Capital Group?
  • Traders wanting 80% profit split
  • Users of MT5, cTrader, DXtrade
  • Anyone looking for a top-rated funded challenge
Who should choose AquaFunded?
  • Traders wanting 100% profit split
  • Users of MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker, MatchTrader
  • Anyone looking for a solid funded challenge

Frequently Asked Questions — Alpha Capital Group vs AquaFunded

Based on our scoring methodology, Alpha Capital Group edges ahead in this comparison. However, the best choice depends on your trading style, preferred platform and account size. Read the full breakdown above for a detailed verdict.

Alpha Capital Group offers 80% profit split, while AquaFunded offers 100% profit split. Check each firm's current terms as these can change.

Check our offers page for the latest verified deals on both firms.

Both firms aim for fast payouts. Check each firm's website for the current payout schedule, as processing times may vary.

Neither Alpha Capital Group nor AquaFunded are regulated in the traditional financial sense — prop firms operate as private companies providing traders access to simulated or real capital. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before participating in any prop challenge.

Alpha Capital Group
8.9/10
Read Review →
AquaFunded
7.8/10
Read Review →