Head-to-head comparison · 2026
AquaFunded vs FTMO
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Market
Forex / CFD
Forex / CFD
Founded
-
2014
Total cost to funded
Best$143
$364
Eval cost
$143
$364
Activation fee
-
-
Pricing model
One-time
One-time
Challenge type
2-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
Static
Static
Max profit split
90%
90%
First profit
90% split, fee 100% refundable
90% reward share
Payout speed
Bi-weekly
On demand / bi-weekly
Max account
-
Best$2.0M
Consistency rule
50% funded
Best day max 50% of profit
News trading
Allowed
Allowed
Platforms
NinjaTraderTradovateMT5Match-TraderTradeLockerVolumetrica
MT4DXtradecTraderMT5
Strengths & watch-outs
AquaFunded
Strengths
- No minimum trading days on the challenge, can pass in 1 day
- News trading, weekend holding and EAs allowed
- One-time fee, 100% refundable, 90% split
Watch-outs
- Two phases with a high $5,000 then $2,500 profit target
- 50% consistency rule and 3 minimum trading days once funded
- Bi-weekly rewards, leverage drops from 1:100 to 1:50 once funded
FTMO
Strengths
- One of the longest-running, best-known prop firms
- Single-step evaluation with no time limit
- 90% reward share, no activation fee
Watch-outs
- Priced in euros: EUR 319 for 50K (about $364)
- Fee is non-refundable on the 1-Step
- 3% daily loss limit and a 50% best day rule
🐨 PropKoala verdict
AquaFunded is cheaper to get funded at $143 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.