What's the cost difference between FTMO and AquaFunded for a $100K challenge?

AquaFunded charges $283 for a $100K challenge while FTMO charges $540, making AquaFunded $257 cheaper. This represents a 48% cost savings with AquaFunded.

Can I trade news events with both FTMO and AquaFunded?

AquaFunded allows unrestricted news trading while FTMO restricts trading during major news releases. This makes AquaFunded better suited for news traders and scalpers who capitalize on volatility.

Which firm is more trustworthy and established?

FTMO has an 8-year track record since 2015 with 4.8/5 stars from over 40,000 Trustpilot reviews. AquaFunded launched in 2023 with 4.3/5 stars from only 200 reviews, making FTMO significantly more established.

Should beginners choose FTMO or AquaFunded?

Beginners should likely choose FTMO despite higher costs due to its proven payment history and established support systems. AquaFunded's lack of time limits is appealing but the firm's short track record adds risk for inexperienced traders.

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Updated 2026-03-08

FTMO vs AquaFunded: Which Prop Firm Is Better?

Traders choosing between FTMO and AquaFunded face a decision between an established industry leader and a newcomer offering more aggressive terms. AquaFunded undercuts FTMO's $100K challenge price by nearly 50% ($283 vs $540) while removing time limits and minimum trading day requirements entirely. This comparison examines pricing, trading rules, profit splits, and reliability to determine which firm better serves different trading styles and experience levels.

FTMO

Est. 2015 · Prague, Czech Republic

4.8

40,000 reviews

0 wins

8 ties

6 wins

AquaFunded

Est. 2023 · N/A

4.3

200 reviews

Feature

FTMO

AquaFunded

Challenge Price ($100K)

$540

$283✓ Lower entry cost

Phase 1 Profit Target

10%

Phase 2 Profit Target

Max Daily Loss

Max Total Loss

10%

Min Trading Days

4 days

None✓ No minimum

Time Limit (Phase 1)

30 days

No limit✓ No time limit

Payout Split

80% (up to 90%)

90% (up to 100%)✓ Higher profit split

FTMO

Pros

+Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)

+Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached

+Multiple platform options (MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade)

+Strong payout track record — $500M+ total paid to traders

+Performance coaching and FTMO Academy included

Cons

−News trading restricted (2 min buffer around major events)

−Higher challenge prices than most competitors at same account sizes

−Scaling plan slower than rivals (25% increase every 4 months)

−Maximum initial allocation capped at $200K before scaling

AquaFunded

Pros

+Instant funding option available to skip evaluation challenges

+Up to 100% profit split with payout on demand

+No time limits on challenges — trade at your own pace

+Multiple account models (1-step, 2-step, 3-step, instant)

+Reward guarantee with 24-hour payout or $1000 compensation

Cons

−Relatively new firm (founded 2023) with limited track record

−Lower Trustpilot review count compared to established competitors

−Some account sizes show higher daily loss limits (5%) vs 3% standard

−Instant funding requires higher fees than challenge models

Our Verdict

Which Should You Choose?

AquaFunded clearly wins on paper with lower costs, no time pressure, and higher profit splits (90-100% vs 80-90%). News traders and scalpers will particularly benefit from AquaFunded's unrestricted trading approach and the ability to take unlimited time completing challenges. The $257 savings on a $100K challenge also makes it more accessible for traders with limited capital.

However, FTMO's track record matters significantly. With 8 years of operations and 40,000+ Trustpilot reviews versus AquaFunded's 200 reviews since 2023, FTMO offers proven stability and payment reliability. For new traders or those prioritizing long-term security over aggressive terms, FTMO's established reputation justifies the higher cost.

Choose AquaFunded if you're an experienced trader comfortable with newer firms and want maximum flexibility plus lower costs. Choose FTMO if you prioritize proven reliability and don't mind paying premium pricing for an established track record.

Choose FTMO if:

→Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)

→Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached

→Multiple platform options (MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade)

→Strong payout track record — $500M+ total paid to traders

Choose AquaFunded if:

→Instant funding option available to skip evaluation challenges

→Up to 100% profit split with payout on demand

→No time limits on challenges — trade at your own pace

→Multiple account models (1-step, 2-step, 3-step, instant)

Frequently Asked Questions

FTMO vs AquaFunded FAQ

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Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.