Head-to-Head Comparison

XLTrade 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.

XLTrade

3.8

Offers pro evaluation programs with competitive pricing and multiple challenge formats for forex and CFD traders.

Visit XLTrade

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: XLTrade vs Aqua Funded

Metric

XLTrade

Aqua Funded

Max Drawdown

10%

Daily Drawdown

Profit Target

Profit Split

80/20

90/10 → 100%

Challenge Cost

$79 - $449

$45 - $1,899

Trading Period

Unlimited

Min Trading Days

Leverage

1:100

Instruments

Forex, Indices, Commodities

Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto

Account Sizes

$10K, $25K, $50K, $100K

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

Scaling

Progressive scaling available

Account scaling based on consistent profitability milestones

News Trading

Allowed

Weekend Holding

Allowed

EA / Bots

Allowed

Rating

3.8/5

4.3/5

The Verdict: XLTrade 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

XLTrade

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

Best for Aggressive Traders

XLTrade

XLTrade provides 10% 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

Aqua Funded

Aqua Funded earns 4.3/5 in our analysis, with a strong balance of rules, cost, and trader experience.

XLTrade Pros & Cons

Aggressive promotional discounts

Multiple challenge formats

No time limits

Reasonable pricing

Full instrument coverage

Lower brand recognition

80% max profit split

Fewer account sizes

Support varies

Less transparent data

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, XLTrade or Aqua Funded?

It depends on your trading style. XLTrade offers 10% max drawdown and a 80/20 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 XLTrade and Aqua Funded?

XLTrade challenges start at $79 - $449, 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 XLTrade and Aqua Funded?

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

What are the drawdown rules for XLTrade vs Aqua Funded?

XLTrade has a 10% max drawdown and 5% daily drawdown. 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 XLTrade vs Aqua Funded challenge?

XLTrade 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, XLTrade or Aqua Funded?

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