Head-to-Head Comparison

Aqua Funded vs Apex Trader Funding

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.

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

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

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

Metric

Aqua Funded

Apex Trader Funding

Max Drawdown

Daily Drawdown

None

Profit Target

Profit Split

90/10 → 100%

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

Challenge Cost

$45 - $1,899

$18 - $397

Trading Period

Unlimited

30 days

Min Trading Days

Leverage

1:100

Full contract leverage

Instruments

Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Account Sizes

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

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

Scaling

Account scaling based on consistent profitability milestones

Trade up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously

News Trading

Allowed

Not Allowed

Weekend Holding

Allowed

Not Allowed

EA / Bots

Allowed

Rating

4.3/5

4.4/5

The Verdict: Aqua Funded vs Apex Trader Funding

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

Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding offers better scaling potential: Trade up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously.

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.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Aqua Funded or Apex Trader Funding?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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