Head-to-head comparison · 2026
AquaFunded Futures vs Topstep
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Quick verdict
- AquaFunded Futures is $85 cheaper to get funded on a 50K account ($113 vs $198, activation fees included).
- Topstep bills monthly, so its cost goes up for every extra month it takes you to pass. AquaFunded Futures is a one-time fee.
- Both use end-of-day drawdown.
- AquaFunded Futures pays out faster (daily, $500 minimum vs weekly).
- AquaFunded Futures allows trading during news. Topstep restricts it.
Market
Futures
Futures
Founded
-
2012
Total cost to funded
Best$113
$198
Eval cost
$113
$49
Activation fee
-
$149
Pricing model
One-time
Monthly sub
Challenge type
1-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
EOD
EOD
Max profit split
90%
90%
First profit
90% split, max $1,100 per daily payout
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
Daily, $500 minimum
Weekly
Max account
$150K
$150K
Consistency rule
40% eval only, none funded
55% consistency target
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
NinjaTraderTradovateVolumetricaTradingView
NinjaTraderTopstepX
Strengths & watch-outs
AquaFunded Futures
Strengths
- Daily payouts, no consistency rule once funded
- One-time fee, 100% refundable, no time limit
- EOD drawdown, news trading and weekend holding allowed
Watch-outs
- Payouts only start once the account reaches $52,100
- Max $1,100 per daily payout, $500 minimum, $550 net profit rule
- 40% consistency on the evaluation, $1,000 daily loss limit
Topstep
Strengths
- Longest-running futures prop firm, founded 2012
- Low $49 monthly fee and $49 resets, reset credit each rebill
- Double payout caps included
Watch-outs
- $149 activation fee once you pass
- 55% consistency target and $1,000 daily loss limit
- Monthly fee keeps billing until you pass
🐨 Which should you choose?
Choose AquaFunded Futures if you want the lower cost to get funded, faster payouts and news trading.
Written from our verified data for a 50K account, or the closest size a firm offers. Always check each firm's current terms before buying.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account (or the closest size a firm offers). Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.