AquaFutures vs Topstep: Head-to-Head Comparison (2026)
AquaFutures
5.9 C
Futures
Topstep
8.0 A
Futures
Verdict: Who Wins?
AquaFutures
2 wins
Topstep
5 wins
Decisive Win
Best For:
Topstep
AquaFutures
Topstep
AquaFutures
Visual Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| AquaFutures | Metric | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| 5.9/10 | PFM Score | 8.0/10 ★ |
| 3/5 (155) | TrustPilot | 3.5/5 (14,272) ★ |
| C | Safety Grade | A ★ |
| 43.4 D | Trust Score | 59.5 C ★ |
| 100% on first $15,000, then 90% ★ | Profit Split | 90% |
| Varies by plan: $625 (2.5%) on $25K Standard / $1,250 (2.5%) on $50K Standard / $2,500 (2.5%) on $100K Standard; NONE on Pro tier (trailing only) | Daily Drawdown | $2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K) |
| Weekly | Payout Frequency | On-demand |
| $50 | Starting Price | $49 ★ |
| White-Label | Technology | Proprietary |
| Tradovate, Volumetrica | Platforms | Topstep X |
| No | Direct Path to Funded | Yes |
| United Arab Emirates | Country | United States |
| Jan 2023 | Established | - |
| 14 options | Challenge Options | 3 options |
Price Comparison by Account Size
Cheapest challenge price at each account size (where both firms offer the same size)
| Account Size | AquaFutures | Topstep | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $65 | $49 ★ | Save $16 |
| $100K | $125 | $99 ★ | Save $26 |
| $150K | $185 ★ | $199 | Save $14 |
AquaFutures vs Topstep: Detailed Analysis
AquaFutures and Topstep are both Futures firms.
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Topstep is more affordable with challenges starting at $49, which is $1 less than AquaFutures's starting price of $50. AquaFutures offers 14 challenge options, while Topstep offers 3.
Account Sizes
On account sizing, AquaFutures offers account sizes from $25 to $150 across 4 funding tiers, while Topstep offers account sizes from $50 to $150 across 3 funding tiers. Picking the right tier matters because both the entry cost and the maximum capital you can scale to are tied to the account size you start with.
Trading Platforms
For trading platforms, AquaFutures supports Tradovate and Volumetrica, while Topstep runs on Topstep X. If you already trade on a specific platform, this can be the deciding factor between the two.
Profit Split & Payouts
AquaFutures offers 100% on first $15,000, then 90% profit split, while Topstep offers 90%. AquaFutures pays out Weekly, and Topstep pays out On-demand.
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Risk rules are a key difference for funded traders: AquaFutures lists its daily drawdown as "Varies by plan: $625 (2.5%) on $25K Standard / $1,250 (2.5%) on $50K Standard / $2,500 (2.5%) on $100K Standard; NONE on Pro tier (trailing only)", while Topstep lists "$2,000 max loss limit ($50K) / $3,000 ($100K) / $4,500 ($150K)". Always confirm the drawdown type before buying, since a trailing rule behaves very differently from a static end-of-day one.
Payout Methods
When it comes to getting paid, AquaFutures supports withdrawals via Crypto and Wire Transfer, while Topstep pays out through Wise, ACH and International Wire / SWIFT.
Trust & Safety
For trust and reputation, AquaFutures has a 3/5 TrustPilot rating with 155 reviews, while Topstep has 3.5/5 with 14,272 reviews. Safety grades: AquaFutures C, Topstep A.
Who Should Choose Which
So who should pick which? AquaFutures is the stronger choice for maximum profit potential and fast payouts, while Topstep is the better fit for budget-conscious traders and trust & reputation.
Overall, Topstep edges ahead winning 5 out of 7 categories we compared. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - both firms have their strengths.
Pros & Cons
AquaFutures
Pros
Cons
Topstep
Pros
Cons
Active Deals & Promo Codes
AquaFutures
No active deals
Topstep
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, AquaFutures or Topstep?
Topstep scores higher overall, winning 5 out of 7 comparison categories including Overall Rating, TrustPilot, Starting Price. However, the best choice depends on your trading goals and priorities.
Which is cheaper, AquaFutures or Topstep?
Topstep has the lower starting price at $49. AquaFutures offers 14 challenge options starting from $50, while Topstep offers 3 options starting from $49.
Which has better reviews, AquaFutures or Topstep?
Topstep has a higher TrustPilot rating of 3.5/5. AquaFutures has 155 reviews while Topstep has 14,272.
Which offers a higher profit split, AquaFutures or Topstep?
AquaFutures offers a higher maximum profit split. AquaFutures offers 100% on first $15,000, then 90% while Topstep offers 90%.
How fast do AquaFutures and Topstep pay out?
AquaFutures has Weekly payouts while Topstep offers On-demand payouts. Payout speed can be an important factor when choosing a prop firm.
Are AquaFutures and Topstep legit?
Both firms have been independently verified by PropFirmMap. AquaFutures holds a C safety grade and a 3/5 TrustPilot rating. Topstep holds a A safety grade and a 3.5/5 TrustPilot rating. Safety grades are based on payout history, community trust signals, and regulatory transparency.
Which is better for beginners, AquaFutures or Topstep?
Topstep may be more accessible for beginners due to its lower entry price. When starting out, consider challenge cost, drawdown rules, and profit split. Use the comparison table above to find which firm fits your experience level and risk tolerance.
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