Head-to-head comparison · 2026
AquaFunded vs Topstep
Side-by-side on the metrics that actually matter: true cost to funded, drawdown type, profit split and payout speed.
Market
Forex / CFD
Futures
Founded
-
2012
Total cost to funded
Best$143
$198
Eval cost
$143
$49
Activation fee
-
$149
Pricing model
One-time
Monthly sub
Challenge type
2-Step
1-Step
Drawdown type
Static
EOD
Max profit split
90%
90%
First profit
90% split, fee 100% refundable
90/10 from day one
Payout speed
Bi-weekly
Weekly
Max account
-
Best$150K
Consistency rule
50% funded
55% consistency target
News trading
Allowed
Restricted
Platforms
NinjaTraderTradovateMT5Match-TraderTradeLockerVolumetrica
NinjaTraderTradovateTradingViewTopstepX
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
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 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.