Head to head · Oct 2026
AquaFunded vs FTMO
FTMO grades higher overall, 7.6 to 4.7. Across 21 measurable rows, AquaFunded comes out ahead on 3 and FTMO on 12.
Cheap challenges wrapped in a dense, shifting rulebook and a damaged reputation
Still the benchmark for getting paid, but read the risk clauses before you size up
Key differences
In short
- A $100K evaluation is cheaper at AquaFunded ($279.20 vs $567 at FTMO).
- FTMO has the stronger payout record (8.4 vs 5.0).
- AquaFunded carries more hidden-rule risk (7.0 vs 4.8), led by: floating-loss caps close accounts instantly.
- FTMO allows more capital ($2,000,000 vs $400,000).
- Only AquaFunded sells instant programs.
- Match-Trader, TradeLocker are only available at AquaFunded.
- MT4 is only available at FTMO.
AquaFunded vs FTMO, side by side
The better value in each row is marked
| Criterion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grade | ||
| Overall score | D4.7 | A7.6 |
| Payouts | 5.0 | 8.4 |
| Rules & transparency | 3.5 | 6.0 |
| Reputation | 3.0 | 8.6 |
| Trading conditions | 6.0 | 6.8 |
| Support | 5.5 | 7.6 |
| Platforms & execution | 6.5 | 7.6 |
| Evidence | ||
| Trustpilot | Hidden (1.2K) | 4.8 (53K) |
| Pass rate | 8%Estimate | 10%Reported |
| Hidden risk | 7.0 Very highHidden risk 7.0 out of 10, Very high | 4.8 HighHidden risk 4.8 out of 10, High |
| Negative recent reviews | 80.5% | 1.5% |
| Offer | ||
| $100K challenge | $279.20 | $567 |
| Cheapest account | $20 | $90 |
| Max allocation | $400K | $2M |
| Max profit split | 100% | 90% |
| Payouts | Every 14 days by default… | Every 14 days per FTMO Account (immediate for Supreme… |
| Programs | instant, 1-step, 2-step | 1-step, 2-step |
| Current offer | 25% OFF· AUTUMN | 20% OFF |
| Company | ||
| Headquarters | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Years in business | 3 | 11 |
| Trading | ||
| Platforms | MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader, TradeLocker, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader, Tradovate |
| Assets | Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Energies, Crypto, Futures | Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Energies, Crypto, Stocks, Futures |
| EAs | Restricted | Restricted |
| News trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Weekend holding | Restricted | Restricted |
| Copy trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Hedging | Restricted | Restricted |
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Prague, Czech RepublicWhich should you choose?
By trading style
| You are… | Pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | FTMO | No time limit, a free trial and clear 2-Step rules help learners, but fees from about $90 to $1,226 and a 10% first target make repeat attempts costly. |
| Experienced traders | FTMO | A static 10% drawdown, scaling to $2M and an 11-year payout record suit disciplined traders who keep risk near 1% per idea. |
| 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 | FTMO | Scalping is allowed, but a simulated delay of up to 200 ms plus frequent complaints about slippage and gold spreads hurt short-term edges. |
| EA & algo traders | FTMO | EAs are allowed within 2,000 server requests a day, but third-party EAs risk the $400K per-strategy cap shared with other users. |
| News traders | FTMO | News trading is free in evaluations and on Swing and futures accounts, but funded Standard accounts block trades 2 minutes either side of major releases. |
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.
FTMO verdict
Still the benchmark for getting paid, but read the risk clauses before you size up
Best for: Disciplined day and swing traders who risk about 1% per trade idea and value an 11-year payout record over the cheapest fee.
Avoid if: You pass challenges with oversized positions, run copy or group setups across accounts, or need rules that cannot be tightened after you pass.
AquaFunded vs FTMO FAQ
Questions traders ask
Is AquaFunded better than FTMO?
On our grading FTMO scores higher overall (7.6 vs 4.7, grade A vs D). The better choice depends on your style: compare the rules rows above before buying.
Which is cheaper, AquaFunded or FTMO?
At list price a $100K evaluation costs $279.20 at AquaFunded and $567 at FTMO, so AquaFunded is cheaper. The smallest accounts start at $20 and $90. Discounts change often, so check the offers page.
Which pays out more reliably, AquaFunded or FTMO?
FTMO has the stronger payout score (AquaFunded 5.0 vs FTMO 8.4). 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; FTMO pays every 14 days per ftmo account (immediate for supreme premium traders); futures cycles need 4-5 qualifying days.
Which has fewer hidden rules, AquaFunded or FTMO?
FTMO has the lower Hidden Risk score (AquaFunded 7.0, very high; FTMO 4.8, high). Each review lists the specific rules behind the score.
Is it easier to pass AquaFunded or FTMO?
AquaFunded: 8% (estimate). FTMO: 10% (reported). Estimates are a guide to difficulty only; drawdown type and daily loss rules matter as much as the target.
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