Head to head
AquaFunded vs Atlas Funded
Atlas Funded grades higher overall, 5.4 to 3.4. Across 21 measurable rows, AquaFunded comes out ahead on 4 and Atlas Funded on 10.
Cheap challenges wrapped in a dense, shifting rulebook and a damaged reputation
Cheap to start, costly to misread: Atlas Funded's rules live in the fine print, not on the price card
Key differences
In short
- A $100K evaluation is cheaper at AquaFunded ($279.20 vs $443 at Atlas Funded).
- Atlas Funded has the stronger payout record (4.0 vs 0.0).
- AquaFunded carries more hidden-rule risk (6.9 vs 4.1), led by: floating-loss caps close accounts instantly.
- cTrader, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView are only available at AquaFunded.
- Volumetrica is only available at Atlas Funded.
AquaFunded vs Atlas Funded, side by side
The better value in each row is marked
| Criterion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grade | ||
| Overall score | E3.4 | D5.4 |
| Payouts | 0.0 | 4.0 |
| Transparency | 1.7 | 4.3 |
| Rules & trading conditions | 8.4 | 7.9 |
| Reputation | 2.2 | 4.8 |
| Platforms & execution | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| Support | 3.9 | 5.6 |
| Evidence | ||
| Trustpilot | ≈2.2(estimate; Trustpilot hides this firm's score) (1.2K) | 4.0 (1.9K) |
| Pass rate | 8%Estimate | 10%Estimate |
| Hidden risk | 6.9 Very highHidden risk 6.9 out of 10, Very high | 4.1 HighHidden risk 4.1 out of 10, High |
| Negative recent reviews | 80.5% | 18% |
| Offer | ||
| $100K challenge | $279.20 | $443 |
| Cheapest account | $20 | $43 |
| Max allocation | $400K | $400K |
| Max profit split | 100% | 100% |
| Payouts | Every 14 days by default… | Every 14 days after a first window of 14 days (1-Step… |
| Programs | instant, 1-step, 2-step | instant, 1-step, 2-step |
| Current offer | — | — |
| Company | ||
| Headquarters | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Years in business | 3 | 2 |
| Trading | ||
| Platforms | MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader, TradeLocker, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView | MT5, TradeLocker, Match-Trader, Volumetrica |
| Assets | Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Energies, Crypto, Futures | Forex, Indices, Metals, Energies, Futures |
| EAs | Restricted | Allowed |
| News trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Weekend holding | Restricted | Allowed |
| Copy trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Hedging | Restricted | Restricted |
Dubai, United Arab EmiratesWhich should you choose?
By trading style
| You are… | Pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Either | AquaFunded: Cheap entry is tempting, but account-ending floating-loss caps, Wave Stop, consistency and +0.5% qualifying-day rules are spread across dozens of FAQ articles. |
| Experienced traders | Either | AquaFunded: Low prices and no time limits suit disciplined traders who audit every rule for their model and accept manual payout reviews and a 3% payout fee. |
| Swing traders | Either | AquaFunded: Overnight and weekend holding is allowed on CFDs and 2-Step Standard or Elite have static drawdowns, but -1% to -2% floating-loss limits rule out wide stops on funded and instant accounts. |
| Scalpers | Either | AquaFunded: Trades under two minutes can be reclassified as tick scalping with profits removed, and $5 per lot commission plus spread complaints add cost. |
| EA & algo traders | Atlas Funded | EAs are allowed without approval, but they must avoid sub-3-minute exits and news windows, and VPS setups have triggered device-matching flags. |
| News traders | Either | AquaFunded: Funded profit from trades within 5 minutes of any red-folder event is capped at 0.5% of the starting balance per cycle. |
Verdicts
AquaFunded verdict
Cheap challenges wrapped in a dense, shifting rulebook and a damaged reputation
Best for: Disciplined traders with small, steady risk per trade who want cheap 2-step pricing, no time limits and a choice of four CFD platforms, and who will read every rule for their model.
Avoid if: You scalp, trade news, run EAs on a VPS, share a network with other traders, or need a firm with a clean, verifiable payout reputation.
Atlas Funded verdict
Cheap to start, costly to misread: Atlas Funded's rules live in the fine print, not on the price card
Best for: Disciplined, low-risk traders who want a cheap static-drawdown challenge and will follow the full Trading Rules page.
Avoid if: You scalp, trade news, stack several open positions or rely on the homepage's description of the rules.
AquaFunded vs Atlas Funded FAQ
Questions traders ask
Is AquaFunded better than Atlas Funded?
On our grading Atlas Funded scores higher overall (5.4 vs 3.4, grade D vs E). AquaFunded still comes out ahead on conditions. The better choice depends on your style: compare the rules rows above before buying.
Which is cheaper, AquaFunded or Atlas Funded?
At list price a $100K evaluation costs $279.20 at AquaFunded and $443 at Atlas Funded, so AquaFunded is cheaper. The smallest accounts start at $20 and $43. Discounts change often, so check the offers page.
Which pays out more reliably, AquaFunded or Atlas Funded?
Atlas Funded has the stronger payout score (AquaFunded 0.0 vs Atlas Funded 4.0). AquaFunded pays every 14 days by default; 7-day cycles (evaluations) or on-demand requests (instant) as paid add-ons; futures models pay on demand, daily or every 5-6 winning days; Atlas Funded pays every 14 days after a first window of 14 days (1-step, 2-step, pro) or 28 days (instant, instant zero, access); weekly, on-demand and daily cycles cost +20-25% as add-ons.
Which has fewer hidden rules, AquaFunded or Atlas Funded?
Atlas Funded has the lower Hidden Risk score (AquaFunded 6.9, very high; Atlas Funded 4.1, high). Each review lists the specific rules behind the score.
Is it easier to pass AquaFunded or Atlas Funded?
AquaFunded: 8% (estimate). Atlas Funded: 10% (estimate). Estimates are a guide to difficulty only; drawdown type and daily loss rules matter as much as the target.
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