Scalping vs Day Trading: Which Strategy to Choose in 2026?
Complete Guide - Definition, Strategies, Advantages and Differences between Scalping and Intraday Trading
Definitions • Scalping • Day Trading • Comparative • Strategies • Best Brokers • What profile? • FAQ • Conclusion
Scalping Or day trading, which strategy to choose? scalping is an ultra-fast trading technique that involves taking dozens of trades for just a few pips. It's the preferred method for traders who love action. In this comprehensive guide on the scalping, Discover the definition and the best strategies for scalping, the advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose between scalping and day trading according to your profile.
Scalping vs. Day Trading: Key Differences
Scalping
Ultra-fast trades
10-100+ trades/day
Duration: 1-15 minutes
Day Trading
Trades during the day
1-10 trades/day
Duration: 15 min - 8 hours
Scalping and Day Trading: Complete Definitions
Scalping: Definition
Le scalping is an ultra-short-term trading strategy that involves taking numerous positions (10 to 100+ per day) to capture small price movements (5-20 pips). scalper use the scalping to maintain its positions for a few seconds to a few minutes maximum.
Day Trading Definition
Le day trading (Or Intraday trading) consists of opening and closing all positions within the same day. day trader typically takes 1 to 10 trades per day, with targets of 20-100+ pips and a duration of 15 minutes to several hours.
Scalping: Strategy, Operation and Techniques
Le scalping Trading is one of the most intensive strategies. scalping It requires extreme concentration because the scalper seeks to profit from micro-movements in the market with a very large number of trades.
| Characteristic | Scalping |
|---|---|
| Number of trades | 10 to 100+ per day |
| Duration of positions | Seconds to 15 minutes |
| Target per trade | 5-20 pips |
| Timeframe | M1, M5 (1-5 minutes) |
| Recommended Capital | €1000+ minimum |
| Screen time | 4-8 intensive hours |
| Stress level | Very high |
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Advantages of Scalping
- + Quick results - Gains visible immediately
- + No risk overnight
- + Numerous opportunities each day
- + Small stop-losses = risk controlled by trade
- + Exciting for those who love action
Disadvantages of Scalping
- - Very stressful - Extreme concentration required
- - High costs - Spreads × number of trades
- - Significant screen time
- - Difficult to control
- - Specific broker required (low spreads)
Day Trading: Strategy and Operation
Le day trading (Or daily trading) is a more deliberate approach than scalping. day trader analyzes the market, waits for the best opportunities and takes positions with broader objectives.
| Characteristic | Day Trading |
|---|---|
| Number of trades | 1 to 10 per day |
| Duration of positions | 15 minutes to 8 hours |
| Target per trade | 20-100+ pips |
| Timeframe | M15, M30, H1, H4 |
| Recommended Capital | €500+ minimum |
| Screen time | 2-4 hours per day |
| Stress level | Moderate |
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Advantages of Day Trading
- + Less stressful that scalping
- + Reduced fees - Fewer trades
- + More time to analyze
- + Best risk/reward ratio
- + Compatible with social life
- + Beginner-friendly
Disadvantages of Day Trading
- - Fewer opportunities that scalping
- - Patience required - Waiting for setups
- - Slower results
- - More complex analysis
- - Risk of over-analysis
Which broker should I choose for scalping or day trading?
Comparison of the best CFD brokers - Tight spreads, fast execution
See the Brokers Comparison 2026Scalping vs Day Trading: Complete Comparison
| Criteria | Scalping | Day Trading |
|---|---|---|
| Trade duration | Seconds - 15 min | 15 min - 8 hours |
| Trades per day | 10-100+ | 1-10 |
| Timeframe | M1, M5 | M15, M30, H1, H4 |
| Target/trade | 5-20 pips | 20-100+ pips |
| Stress level | Very high | Moderate |
| Fresh (spreads) | High (volume) | Moderates |
| Screen time | 4-8 hours intensive | 2-4 hours per day |
| Difficulty | Very difficult | Difficult |
| For beginners? | Not recommended | Yes, with training |
| Minimum capital | 1000€+ | 500€+ |
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Best Scalping and Day Trading Strategies
Scalping Strategies
- Scalping on news - Trading economic announcements
- Scalping in range - Buying/selling terminals
- Scalping momentum - Follow the impulses
- Scalping order flow - Reading the order book
Day Trading Strategies
- Breakout trading - Break in key levels
- Pullback trading - Return to support/resistance
- Support/Resistance - Trading of zones
- Trend following - Follow the trend
Popular M1 Scalping Strategy
La M1 scalping strategy Use the 1-minute graph with:
- - EMA 9 and EMA 21 for the direction
- - RSI 14 for overbought/oversold zones
- - Stop-loss: 5-10 pips
- - Take-profit: 5-15 pips
- - Sessions: London and New York only
Best Broker for Scalping 2026
The choice of broker for scalping is crucial. To do scalping, you need to very low spreads and a ultra-fast execution. Here are the best brokers for the scalping :
| Broker | EUR/USD spread | Execution | Scalping | Day Trading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VT Markets | 0.0 pip | Ultra-fast | Excellent | Excellent |
| Vantage Markets | 0.0 pip | Fast | Very good | Excellent |
| TMGM | 0.0 pip | 363ms | Excellent | Excellent |
| Axi Trader | 0.0 pip | Fast | Very good | Excellent |
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Warning: Scalping is prohibited at some brokers.
Some brokers prohibit scalping or impose restrictions (minimum trade duration, etc.). Always check the terms and conditions before signing up. ECN/STP brokers are generally the best for scalping.
Scalping or Day Trading: Which Style Suits Your Profile?
| Profile | Recommended Strategy | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Day Trading | More time to learn and analyze |
| Adrenaline enthusiast | Scalping | Consistent action, fast results |
| Worker (limited time) | Day Trading | Compatible with schedules |
| Experienced trader | Scalping or both | Can handle stress and make quick decisions |
| Calm personality | Day Trading | A more thoughtful approach |
| Quick reflexes | Scalping | Instant execution required |
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is scalping in trading?
Le scalping This is a trading strategy that involves taking many quick trades (10-100+ per day) to capture small price movements (5-20 pips). Positions last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
What is day trading?
Le day trading Intraday trading involves opening and closing all positions within the same day. A day trader typically takes 1-10 trades per day with profit targets of 20-100+ pips.
Is scalping profitable?
Scalping can be very profitable for experienced traders, but it's also the most challenging strategy. Spread costs and stress are major obstacles. Only 5-101 TP3T scalpers are profitable in the long run.
What capital is needed for scalping?
A minimum of 1000€ is recommended for scalping. With less, the spread fees eat up too much of your profits. For day trading, €500 may be enough to get started.
Which is the best broker for scalping?
The best scalping brokers These are the ones with spreads from 0.0 pip and fast execution: VT Markets, TMGM, Vantage Markets. Check that scalping is allowed.
Scalping or day trading for beginners?
Le Day trading is recommended for beginners. It allows more time for analysis and learning. Scalping requires solid experience and excellent stress management.
Scalping or Day Trading: Our Final Verdict
Choose scalping if...
You like intense action
You have quick reflexes
You are experienced
You handle stress well
Choose Day Trading if...
You are a beginner in trading
You prefer to analyze
You have a side job
You want less stress
Our recommendation: Start with the day trading to learn the basics. Once profitable and experienced, you can test the scalping If this approach suits your personality. scalping It's not for everyone!
Warning : Trading involves a high level of risk. 74-89% retail accounts lose money. Scalping is particularly risky and not suitable for everyone. Only invest what you can afford to lose.