Head-to-Head Comparison

Apex Trader Funding vs Aqua Funded

An honest, data-driven comparison to help you pick the right prop firm. We compare drawdown rules, challenge costs, profit splits, trading conditions, and more — no bias, just facts.

Apex Trader Funding

4.4

Leading futures prop trading firm with simple rules and frequent promotions. Best choice for futures traders looking for straightforward evaluations.

Visit Apex Trader Funding

Aqua Funded

4.3

Emerging prop firm offering up to 100% profit splits and refundable challenge fees. Supports 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step evaluations with accounts up to $400K.

Visit Aqua Funded

Side-by-Side Comparison: Apex Trader Funding vs Aqua Funded

Metric

Apex Trader Funding

Aqua Funded

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

None

Profit Target

Profit Split

100% (first $25K), then 90/10

90/10 → 100%

Challenge Cost

$18 - $397

$45 - $1,899

Trading Period

30 days

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Full contract leverage

1:100

Instruments

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Account Sizes

$25K, $50K, $100K, $150K

$5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K, $400K

Scaling

Trade up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously

Account scaling based on consistent profitability milestones

News Trading

Not Allowed

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

Allowed

EA / Bots

Allowed

Rating

4.4/5

4.3/5

The Verdict: Apex Trader Funding vs Aqua Funded

The best choice depends on your trading style, risk tolerance, and goals. Here's our breakdown by trader profile:

Best for Beginners

Aqua Funded

Aqua Funded offers more forgiving drawdown rules, making it easier for newer traders to get started.

Best for Aggressive Traders

Aqua Funded

Aqua Funded provides 8% max drawdown allowance, giving aggressive trading styles more breathing room.

Best for Long-term Scaling

Aqua Funded

Aqua Funded offers better scaling potential: Account scaling based on consistent profitability milestones.

Best for Overall Value

Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding earns 4.4/5 in our analysis, with a strong balance of rules, cost, and trader experience.

Apex Trader Funding Pros & Cons

No daily drawdown limit

100% of first $25K profit

Simple one-step evaluation

Frequent discount promotions

Multiple funded accounts allowed

Futures only (no forex)

Trailing drawdown can be tricky

Monthly subscription after eval

No weekend holding

Higher min trading days

Aqua Funded Pros & Cons

Up to 100% profit split achievable

Refundable challenge fees

Multiple evaluation formats

Accounts up to $400K

Unlimited trading period

Relatively new firm

Building track record for payouts

Community still growing

Some plans have tighter daily drawdowns

Consistency rules on some challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Apex Trader Funding or Aqua Funded?

It depends on your trading style. Apex Trader Funding offers 6% max drawdown and a 100% (first $25K), then 90/10 profit split, while Aqua Funded offers 8% max drawdown and a 90/10 → 100% split. Apex Trader Funding has a higher overall rating at 4.4/5.

What is the cheapest option between Apex Trader Funding and Aqua Funded?

Apex Trader Funding challenges start at $18 - $397, while Aqua Funded starts at $45 - $1,899. Compare account sizes and what's included before choosing based on price alone.

Can I use EAs or trading bots with Apex Trader Funding and Aqua Funded?

Apex Trader Funding allows EAs/bots. Aqua Funded allows them. Always verify the latest rules on each firm's website.

What are the drawdown rules for Apex Trader Funding vs Aqua Funded?

Apex Trader Funding has a 6% max drawdown and no daily drawdown limit. Aqua Funded has a 8% max drawdown and 5% daily drawdown. Use our free Drawdown Calculator to find your safe lot size for either firm.

How long do I have to pass the Apex Trader Funding vs Aqua Funded challenge?

Apex Trader Funding gives you 30 days. Aqua Funded gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 0 and 3 trading days respectively.

Which firm has a better profit split, Apex Trader Funding or Aqua Funded?

Apex Trader Funding offers a 100% (first $25K), then 90/10 profit split, while Aqua Funded offers 90/10 → 100%. Higher profit splits mean more of your trading profits go to you.