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AquaFunded vs FTMO: which prop firm is preferable? (2026)
AquaFunded and FTMO are assessed on identical data: published pricing, published rules and Trustpilot ratings. The full comparison and our conclusion follow.
Detailed comparison
| AquaFunded | FTMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 7.3/10 | 7.0/10 |
| Trustpilot | 3.1 | 4.8 |
| Profit split | 90% | 90% |
| Max leverage | up to 1:100 | up to 1:100 |
| 100K challenge from | $279.20 (Two Step Pro) | €499 (1-Step Standard) |
| Programs | 8 | 3 |
| Platforms | Match-Trader, TradeLocker, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
| Payouts via | Rise, Crypto, Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer, Crypto |
| News trading | Restricted | Restricted |
| Weekend holding | Allowed | Restricted |
| Expert advisors (EAs) | Allowed | Allowed |
| Hedging | Allowed | Allowed |
| Scalping | Allowed | Allowed |
| Copy trading | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Martingale | Allowed | Restricted |
Conclusion
On our assessment, AquaFunded (7.3) ranks above FTMO (7.0).
AquaFunded offers the more affordable 100K challenge ($279.20); the most affordable at FTMO is €499.
Customers rate FTMO more highly: 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, compared with 3.1.
AquaFunded permits a broader range of strategies, including news trading, EAs and weekend holding.
- AquaFunded is the better choice if you prioritise a more affordable challenge, a wider selection of programmes, the Match-Trader, TradeLocker platform.
- FTMO is the better choice if you prioritise stronger customer feedback, the MT4, TradingView platform.
Overview of both firms
AquaFunded
AquaFunded provides an unusually broad selection: 1-, 2- and 3-Step challenges, instant accounts and pay-after-pass, from $2,500 to $400,000. Trading is available on MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader or TradeLocker.
FTMO
Headquartered in Prague, FTMO ranks among Europe's most established prop firms. Traders may select a 2-Step or 1-Step challenge on accounts between $10,000 and $200,000; on the 2-Step, the fee is refunded with the first payout. FTMO is widely regarded as the industry reference point.
Questions and answers
Which is preferable, AquaFunded or FTMO?
On our assessment, AquaFunded (7.3) ranks above FTMO (7.0).
Which is more affordable, AquaFunded or FTMO?
AquaFunded offers the more affordable 100K challenge ($279.20); the most affordable at FTMO is €499.
May I hold accounts with AquaFunded and FTMO simultaneously?
Yes. Purchasing challenges from several firms is permitted. What virtually every firm prohibits is copying trades between different individuals' accounts or hedging positions across firms.