Head-to-Head Comparison

Elite 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.

Elite Trader Funding

4.3

Established futures prop firm with a flexible evaluation system and over $7M paid to traders. Offers straightforward rules and competitive profit splits.

Visit Elite 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: Elite Trader Funding vs Aqua Funded

Metric

Elite Trader Funding

Aqua Funded

Max Drawdown

4.5%

Daily Drawdown

None

Profit Target

Profit Split

80/20 → 90/10

90/10 → 100%

Challenge Cost

$45 - $350

$45 - $1,899

Trading Period

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

Full contract leverage

1:100

Instruments

Futures (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX)

Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Account Sizes

$10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, $250K

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

Scaling

Multiple funded accounts allowed simultaneously

Account scaling based on consistent profitability milestones

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Not Allowed

Allowed

EA / Bots

Allowed

Rating

4.3/5

The Verdict: Elite 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

Elite Trader Funding

Elite Trader Funding earns 4.3/5 in our analysis, with a strong balance of rules, cost, and trader experience.

Elite Trader Funding Pros & Cons

Over $7M paid to traders

No daily drawdown limit

Low evaluation fees

One-step evaluation process

Multiple funded accounts allowed

Futures only (no forex)

Trailing drawdown can be complex

Monthly subscription after passing

No weekend holding

Payout caps on initial withdrawals

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, Elite Trader Funding or Aqua Funded?

It depends on your trading style. Elite Trader Funding offers 4.5% max drawdown and a 80/20 → 90/10 profit split, while Aqua Funded offers 8% max drawdown and a 90/10 → 100% split. Aqua Funded has a higher overall rating at 4.3/5.

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

Elite Trader Funding challenges start at $45 - $350, 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 Elite Trader Funding and Aqua Funded?

Elite 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 Elite Trader Funding vs Aqua Funded?

Elite Trader Funding has a 4.5% 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 Elite Trader Funding vs Aqua Funded challenge?

Elite Trader Funding gives you Unlimited. Aqua Funded gives you Unlimited. Both require a minimum of 5 and 3 trading days respectively.

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

Elite Trader Funding offers a 80/20 → 90/10 profit split, while Aqua Funded offers 90/10 → 100%. Higher profit splits mean more of your trading profits go to you.