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.
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
NinjaTraderTradovateVolumetrica
NinjaTraderTradovateTradingViewTopstepX
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
🐨 PropKoala verdict
AquaFunded Futures is cheaper to get funded at $113 total. Both use EOD or static drawdown, a plus for both.
This verdict is generated from our verified data. Always check each firm's current terms before purchasing.
Figures are list prices for the 50K account, last updated Sep 2026. Verify all details directly with each firm before purchasing. PropKoala may earn affiliate commissions. Trading involves substantial risk.