If you’re serious about turning your trading skills into profits, you’ve likely come across FTMO. While it’s a popular prop trading firm, its higher costs, rigid challenges, and strict rules can limit your growth. ThinkCapital—powered by ThinkMarkets—is the best FTMO alternative for traders who demand more flexibility, faster payouts, and direct TradingView execution.
But “cheaper” doesn’t mean “inferior.” ThinkCapital’s lower challenge fees reflect its streamlined operations, global broker partnership, and flexible challenge structures—allowing you to keep more in your account.
Ready to see how we stack up? Let’s dive into the ultimate comparison.
FTMO vs. ThinkCapital: The Ultimate Prop Firm Comparison
| Feature | ThinkCapital (Powered by ThinkMarkets) | FTMO |
|---|---|---|
| Broker-Backed | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Trading Platforms | ThinkTrader / TradingView, Platform 5 | Platform 4, 5, cTrader, DxTrade |
| Leverage | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:100 |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | Up to 90% |
| Challenge Types | ✅ 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step | ❌ 2-Step Only |
| Minimum Trading Days | ✅ 3 Days (All Challenges) | ❌ 4 Days Required |
| Direct TradingView Execution | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Challenge Pricing | Starts at $39 | Starts at €155 |
| Payout Frequency | Up to Weekly (Add-On) | Every 14 Days |
| Refund Policy | ✅ Fee Refunded on Passing | ✅ Fee Refunded on Passing |
| Backtesting Tool | ✅ Free (Traders Gym) | ❌ No |
| Free Trial | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Available to US Traders | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Ready to get funded? Start your ThinkCapital challenge today from as low as $39!
Why ThinkCapital Is the Best FTMO Alternative
Below are the core advantages that make ThinkCapital the best alternative to FTMO—and the best prop firm for serious traders.
1. Trade Directly on TradingView (Not Supported by FTMO)
TradingView is the gold standard for advanced charting and technical analysis. While FTMO doesn’t allow direct execution via TradingView, ThinkTrader’s seamless integration lets you analyze and execute trades all in one place with ThinkCapital—no juggling multiple platforms.
2. Available to US Traders
If you’re based in the US, FTMO is off-limits. Meanwhile, ThinkCapital proudly accepts US traders, making us the clear choice for accessing prop funding stateside.
3. Free Backtesting Tool: Traders Gym
Before you risk capital, you can refine your strategies using Traders Gym on ThinkTrader—an exclusive, free backtesting tool only offered by ThinkCapital. FTMO does not provide any integrated backtesting platform.
4. Multiple Challenge Options: Tailor Your Path to Profit
FTMO only offers a 2-Step Challenge, limiting how you qualify. ThinkCapital provides 1-Step, 2-Step, and 3-Step challenges, letting you select the process that aligns with your trading style and risk tolerance. Whether you want to get funded faster with fewer steps or prefer a more measured approach, you’re in control.
Choose the track that aligns best with your goals—because we believe in empowering traders with options.
5. Broker-Backed Security & Execution
ThinkCapital is powered by ThinkMarkets, a globally licensed and well-regarded broker. Unlike FTMO, which operates without broker backing, ThinkCapital gives you:
- Faster Execution: Take advantage of professional-grade liquidity.
- Transparent Pricing & Rules: Trade in a secure environment without hidden markups.
- Peace of mind knowing you’re trading under a reputable broker
6. Fast Funding: Just 3 Minimum Trading Days
Why wait four trading days like FTMO requires? ThinkCapital’s evaluation phases can be completed in as few as three trading days, so you can pass faster and access funded capital more quickly.
7. Proprietary Trading Platform: ThinkTrader Built for Traders
ThinkCapital offers exclusive access to ThinkTrader, an in-house, proprietary trading platform. Get lightning-fast order execution, advanced charting, and integrated risk management tools—all in one streamlined interface.
8. Value-Focused Pricing: Challenges Start at Just $39
FTMO’s cheapest challenge comes in at €155, but ThinkCapital opens the door at $39. This lower barrier to entry is possible because we continually streamline our processes, offer multiple challenge pathways, and leverage ThinkMarkets’ technology. It’s a chance for more traders to refine their strategies and pursue funded trading without a hefty initial fee.
Common Concerns About Lower-Fee Prop Firms
- Is a $39 Challenge Fee too good to be true?
- We keep costs down by leveraging ThinkMarkets’ global infrastructure and offering flexible challenge formats, ensuring you pay less while still getting top-tier execution and security.
- Does faster funding mean lower quality?
- Absolutely not. Our 3-day minimum trading requirement simply respects traders’ time. We believe in efficiency, not cutting corners.
- Do weekly payouts really work?
- Yes. With our add-on, you can schedule payouts on a weekly basis, giving you immediate access to profits.
- Yes. With our add-on, you can schedule payouts on a weekly basis, giving you immediate access to profits.
What Traders Are Saying
I was skeptical about the lower challenge fee, but ThinkCapital really delivered on execution speed and payout flexibility. The ability to trade directly on TradingView is a game-changer!
ThinkCapital has completely transformed my trading experience. The low challenge fees and fast payouts are unmatched, and the support team is incredibly helpful. I highly recommend it to any serious trader!
The Bottom Line: A Premium Prop Firm—Minus the Premium Fee
If you’re ready to break free from FTMO’s constraints, ThinkCapital provides the best prop firm experience without draining your wallet. Get:
- Cheaper Challenges – Start at $39 (vs. €155 at FTMO)
- Flexible Evaluation – 1-Step, 2-Step, or 3-Step
- Broker-Backed – Powered by a globally regulated brokerage
- Faster Funding – Only 3 minimum trading days
- TradingView Integration – Direct execution, not just analysis
- Weekly Payouts – Get your profits sooner
- Free Backtesting Tool – Traders Gym on ThinkTrader
- US Traders Welcome – No restrictions for US residents
Join thousands of traders who’ve already discovered the ThinkCapital advantage. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from FTMO or searching for your first prop firm, ThinkCapital provides the most cost-effective, flexible, and fast route to funded trading.
Start Your ThinkCapital Challenge Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is ThinkCapital available in the US?
A: Yes! Unlike FTMO, ThinkCapital accepts US traders, giving American traders a fully compliant path to prop trading.
Q: How does ThinkCapital’s payout process work?
A: We offer weekly payouts with an add-on or bi-weekly payouts by default, which is faster and more flexible than FTMO’s mandatory 14-day cycle.
Q: Can I trade on TradingView with ThinkCapital?
A: Absolutely! Execute your trades directly on TradingView for seamless integration and top-tier analysis—something FTMO simply doesn’t offer.
Q: What’s the difference between 1-Step, 2-Step, and 3-Step challenges?
- 1-Step Challenge: A single-phase evaluation for the quickest path to funding.
- 2-Step Challenge: Two phases, similar to FTMO but with added flexibility.
- 3-Step Challenge: A phased approach ideal for traders wanting extra structure.
Q: What is Traders Gym?
A: Traders Gym is a free backtesting tool on ThinkTrader. It lets you refine and test your strategies risk-free before trading live, something FTMO doesn’t offer.
Start Your ThinkCapital Challenge—From As Low As $39!
Why stick with FTMO’s high fees and slow payouts? ThinkCapital offers a streamlined, broker-backed solution that respects both your wallet and your trading goals.
Ready to rewrite your trading story? Start Your ThinkCapital Challenge Now
