AquaFutures vs Topstep: Which Firm Is Better in 2026?
AquaFutures offers End-of-Day Trailing Drawdown with evaluations from $85/mo (50K). Topstep offers EOD (End of Day) with evaluations from $49/mo (50K). Here's how they compare across pricing, drawdown rules, payout speed, and trading restrictions.
Can't decide? Learn what happens if you fail — the stakes may be lower than you think.
Read full reviews: AquaFutures Review | Topstep Review
Topstep is not listed on FuturesFury. Data sourced from Topstep’s published rules. See all alternatives for a broader comparison.
Key Differences Between AquaFutures and Topstep
AquaFutures uses End-of-Day Trailing Drawdown while Topstep uses EOD (End of Day). On cost, AquaFutures starts at $85/mo vs Topstep at $49/mo for a 50K evaluation. AquaFutures offers a 80% / 70% profit split compared to Topstep's 90% → 100%. For payouts, AquaFutures pays Weekly while Topstep pays 8+ business days.
Quick Verdict
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Quick Comparison Table
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| Feature | AquaFutures | Topstep |
|---|---|---|
| Fury Score | 8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Eval Fee (50K) | $85/mo | $49/mo |
| Drawdown Type | End-of-Day Trailing Drawdown | EOD (End of Day) |
| Profit Split | 80% / 70% | 90% → 100% |
| Min Eval Days | 0 days | 2 days |
| Payout Speed | Weekly | 8+ business days |
| First Payout | 7-14 days | ~15-20 days |
| Activation Fee | None | $149 |
| Reset Fee | $80/$150/$210 | N/A (new subscription) |
| News Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Algos/EAs | Yes | Yes |
| Consistency Rule | 40% | 50% |
Pricing & Total Cost
Topstep is the cheaper evaluation, but don't stop at the sticker price. Activation fees, reset costs, and monthly subscriptions can shift the total. Compare all firms by price on the cheapest futures prop firms page.
Drawdown Model Comparison
The drawdown model is the single biggest factor in how much room you get during losing streaks. A trailing drawdown tightens as you profit; an EOD or static drawdown resets daily or stays fixed. Understand the difference in the drawdown types guide or model your own scenario with the drawdown calculator.
Payout Speed & Profit Split
Payout frequency and profit split directly affect how fast you earn. A firm that pays weekly at 90% lets you compound faster than one paying biweekly at 80%. If payout speed is your priority, see the fastest payout prop firms ranking.
Trading Rules & Restrictions
News restrictions and consistency rules are where most traders get tripped up. Check the table above for each firm's exact policy — pay special attention to consistency requirements, which can delay your first payout even if you're profitable.
Who Should Choose AquaFutures?
Ideal if you're a trader who needs no activation fee. Especially strong for those who want news trading allowed.
Who Should Choose Topstep?
Ideal if you're a trader who needs 10+ year track record and brand recognition. Especially strong for those who want 100% profit split long-term.
Final Verdict
The catch with AquaFutures: 40% consistency rule. The catch with Topstep: monthly subscription ($49-$149/mo).
If neither firm fits perfectly, browse the full best futures prop firms ranking. Or read the full reviews: AquaFutures | Topstep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AquaFutures better than Topstep?
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It depends on your priorities. AquaFutures offers End-of-Day Trailing Drawdown drawdown at $85/mo (50K). Topstep offers EOD (End of Day) drawdown at $49/mo (50K). Compare payout speed, drawdown options, and total cost to decide.
Which firm is cheaper — AquaFutures or Topstep?
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AquaFutures's 50K evaluation costs $85/mo. Topstep's 50K evaluation costs $49/mo. Factor in activation fees, reset fees, and subscription vs one-time pricing for the full picture.
Which firm has faster payouts?
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AquaFutures pays out Weekly. Topstep pays out 8+ business days. First payout timelines differ — AquaFutures: 7-14 days, Topstep: ~15-20 days.
Can I trade news with AquaFutures or Topstep?
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AquaFutures: Yes. Topstep: Yes. Always verify current rules on each firm's website before trading news events.
Which firm has better drawdown rules?
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AquaFutures uses End-of-Day Trailing Drawdown drawdown. Topstep uses EOD (End of Day) drawdown.
Which prop firm has easier evaluation rules — AquaFutures or Topstep?
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AquaFutures requires 0 minimum eval days with 40% consistency. Topstep requires 2 minimum eval days with 50% consistency. Fewer restrictions generally means an easier path to funding.
Which prop firm has a better profit split?
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AquaFutures offers 80% / 70% profit split. Topstep offers 90% → 100% profit split. Some firms scale profit splits over time, so check each firm's current terms.
Which is better for beginners — AquaFutures or Topstep?
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Beginners should prioritize EOD drawdown, low minimum trading days, and no consistency rules. AquaFutures uses End-of-Day Trailing Drawdown drawdown with 0 minimum days. Topstep uses EOD (End of Day) drawdown with 2 minimum days. Choose the firm with simpler rules and a smaller account size to start.
Useful Guides & Tools
Understand the rules before you commit to either firm
What is trailing drawdown?
How the rule that kills most eval accounts actually works.
Consistency rules explained
Why one big win day can delay your first payout.
Drawdown calculator
Model EOD vs trailing scenarios before you buy.
How to pass evaluations
Discipline framework that actually survives the cut.
Get funded in 7–14 days
Which firms let you pass and cash out the fastest.
Pass your challenge fast
Compressed-timeline playbook for experienced traders.
Hidden rules that fail traders
The fine-print gotchas that aren't on the pricing page.
Do firms send 1099?
US tax paperwork expectations for funded traders.
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Data sourced from publicly available firm websites and updated regularly. FuturesFury may earn commissions through affiliate links. Rankings and comparisons remain independent. Always verify rules directly with each firm.