AquaFutures vs Topstep: Complete Comparison for Futures Traders

AquaFutures and Topstep are both legitimate futures prop firms with evaluation-based funding models. The main differences: AquaFutures has lower monthly costs ($114 vs $165), EOD drawdown tracking on Beginner accounts (easier), and tighter consistency rules (40% vs Topstep's no limit). Topstep has higher profit targets ($3K→$6K two-step vs AquaFutures' single $3K step) but looser intraday rules once you pass Step 1.

Quick heads-up: This article is based on my real experience with Aquafutures and the info available when I published/updated this. Things change in prop trading — rules, payouts, promos, all of it.

For the absolute latest, check Aquafutures´s website or their faq page.

Neither is objectively "better"—they're built for different trading styles. AquaFutures rewards consistency over multiple days. Topstep rewards hitting big targets even if profits are lumpy.

I'm breaking down costs, profit targets, drawdown structures, contract limits, payout terms, and which firm makes sense for different trader profiles.

Cost Comparison: Monthly Fees

AquaFutures is cheaper: $114/month vs Topstep's $165/month. If it takes you 3 months to pass, you save $153 with AquaFutures.

Topstep offers reset options ($99-$165 depending on plan) if you breach, letting you restart without paying full price. AquaFutures requires a new subscription ($114) if you breach—no discounted resets.

Over 6 months, AquaFutures costs $684 vs Topstep's $990—a $306 difference.

For detailed AquaFutures pricing, see the pricing guide.

Profit Targets: Single-Step vs Two-Step

AquaFutures:

• Single-step evaluation
• Beginner: 6% ($3,000 on $50K)
• Standard: 8% ($4,000 on $50K)
• Hit the target, meet win days + consistency rule → funded

Topstep:

• Two-step evaluation
• Step 1: $3,000 target (6% of $50K)
• Step 2: $6,000 total cumulative target (12% of $50K, includes Step 1 profits)
• Pass both steps → funded

Topstep's two-step model means you need $6,000 total to get funded vs AquaFutures' $3,000 (Beginner) or $4,000 (Standard). That's 50-100% more profit required.

But Topstep's Step 1 rules are looser than Step 2—you get more leeway early on. AquaFutures applies the same strict rules from Day 1.

Time to pass (estimated):

• AquaFutures Beginner ($3K): 6-8 weeks at $500/week
• AquaFutures Standard ($4K): 8-10 weeks at $500/week
• Topstep ($6K total): 12-15 weeks at $500/week

Topstep takes longer to pass, but some traders prefer the psychological break between steps.

For AquaFutures profit target details, see the profit targets guide.

Drawdown Rules: EOD vs Intraday

This is the biggest operational difference.

AquaFutures Beginner:

• 5% max drawdown (trailing)
• EOD (end-of-day) tracking—updates at 4pm ET only
• Intraday swings don't count
• 2.5% daily loss limit (enforced intraday)

Topstep Step 1:

• $2,000 trailing max loss (4% of $50K)
• EOD tracking with intraday "safety net" at $3,000
• Daily loss limit: $1,000 (2% of $50K)

Topstep Step 2:

• $2,500 trailing max loss (5% of $50K)
• Intraday tracking—real-time drawdown updates
• Daily loss limit: $1,000 (2%)

AquaFutures Beginner uses EOD tracking throughout the evaluation. Topstep uses EOD on Step 1, then switches to intraday tracking on Step 2—a harder transition.

AquaFutures Standard uses intraday tracking from Day 1, which is similar to Topstep Step 2 difficulty.

For a deep dive on drawdown structures, see the EOD drawdown guide and intraday drawdown comparison.

Consistency Rule: 40% vs None

AquaFutures:

• 40% consistency rule: No single day can contribute more than 40% of total profit
• Example: $3,000 total profit → max $1,200 on best day
• Enforced strictly during evaluations

Topstep:

• No consistency rule during Step 1 or Step 2
• You can make 90% of your profits in one day and still pass
• Only requirement: hit the profit target without breaching drawdown

This is a major difference. AquaFutures forces you to spread profits over multiple days (minimum 3-4 winning days). Topstep lets you concentrate profits—if you make $2,500 on Day 1 and $500 over the next 5 days, you pass.

Which is easier?

Depends on your style:

• If you make consistent daily gains ($300-$500/day): AquaFutures' consistency rule is fine
• If you have 1-2 big winning days per month: Topstep is easier—no consistency restriction

For traders who rely on big wins from news events or trend days, Topstep's lack of consistency rule is a significant advantage.

Full consistency rule breakdown here.

Contract Limits

AquaFutures:

• Beginner $50K: 6 contracts
• Standard $50K: 15 contracts
• $100K/$150K: 9 contracts (Beginner) or 15 (Standard)

Topstep:

• $50K Step 1: 10 contracts
• $50K Step 2: 10 contracts
• $50K funded: 10 contracts

Topstep gives you 10 contracts on a $50K account during both steps and after funding. AquaFutures Beginner caps you at 6 contracts—40% fewer than Topstep.

If you regularly trade 8-10 contracts, Topstep gives you more room. If you trade 3-6 contracts, AquaFutures' limit is fine.

AquaFutures Standard gives you 15 contracts—50% more than Topstep—but costs $196/month and has an 8% profit target.

For contract limit details, see the contract limits guide.

Win Days Requirement

AquaFutures:

• 5 profitable days before first payout (evaluation or funded)
• Win days must be net positive (any amount counts)
• Losing days don't reset counter

Topstep:

• 5 profitable days in Step 1
• 5 profitable days in Step 2 (doesn't carry over from Step 1)
• 10 total profitable days before first payout (5 per step)

Topstep requires more total win days (10) because of the two-step structure. AquaFutures requires only 5 because it's a single-step eval.

Both firms define win days the same way: any day where you close with net profit.

For win days details, see the minimum trading days guide.

Payout Process & Profit Splits

AquaFutures:

• First $15K: 100% profit split
• After $15K: 90% profit split
• Payout frequency: Weekly after first payout
• Processing time: 5-7 business days
• 40% buffer holdback (boosts account balance)

Topstep:

• 100% profit split on first $10K
• After $10K: 90% profit split
• Payout frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly
• Processing time: 5-7 business days
• No buffer holdback

AquaFutures gives you 100% on a larger amount ($15K vs Topstep's $10K), but they hold back 40% as a buffer to increase your account balance. Topstep's 90% split starts sooner, and they don't hold back any buffer.

Example: You make $20,000 total profit.

AquaFutures: $15K (100%) + $4.5K (90% of remaining $5K) = $19,500 gross, minus 40% buffer holdback

Topstep: $10K (100%) + $9K (90% of remaining $10K) = $19,000 gross, no holdback

The payout structures are similar—AquaFutures slightly more generous at higher profit levels.

For AquaFutures payout details, see the payout process guide.

Funded Account Rules

AquaFutures:

• Wave stop: 2% floating loss limit (intraday)
• 5% max drawdown (trailing, EOD or intraday based on original account type)
• Same contract limits as evaluation

Topstep:

• $2,500 trailing max loss (5% of $50K)
• Intraday tracking
• No daily loss limit
• Activation fee: $99-$150 when transitioning to funded

Topstep charges an activation fee when you pass and get funded. AquaFutures doesn't charge activation fees—your funded account is free once you pass.

Both firms use similar funded account rules (5% trailing drawdown, intraday tracking), but AquaFutures' wave stop is stricter (2% intraday vs Topstep's 5% trailing).

Scaling Options

AquaFutures:

• 3 funded accounts max (any sizes)
• Can pass multiple evals simultaneously
• No automatic scaling—you add accounts manually

Topstep:

• 3 funded accounts max initially
• Can scale to 5+ accounts with performance
• Automatic scaling: hit milestones, get offered larger accounts

Topstep has a built-in scaling plan where you can grow from $50K to $150K+ by hitting profit milestones. AquaFutures requires you to pass separate evaluations for each account size.

If you want structured scaling, Topstep is better. If you want flexibility to choose account sizes, AquaFutures is better.

Which Is Easier to Pass?

Pass rate estimates (anecdotal):

• AquaFutures Beginner: 10-12%
• AquaFutures Standard: 6-8%
• Topstep: 10-15%

Topstep's pass rate is slightly higher because:

• No consistency rule (you can concentrate profits)
• 10 contracts vs AquaFutures' 6 (more position sizing flexibility)
• Step 1 has looser rules than Step 2

But Topstep requires $6,000 total profit vs AquaFutures' $3,000 (Beginner), which takes longer.

Easier if you're a consistent daily trader: AquaFutures Beginner (6% target, EOD tracking, 40% consistency is manageable)

Easier if you have big winning days: Topstep (no consistency rule, larger contract limits)

Side-by-Side Summary

Choose AquaFutures If...

• You want lower monthly costs ($114 vs $165)
• You trade 3-6 contracts (the 6-contract limit is fine)
• You make consistent daily gains and can handle the 40% consistency rule
• You want to pass faster (single $3K step vs two-step $6K)
• You prefer EOD drawdown tracking (more forgiving)

Choose Topstep If...

• You rely on 1-2 big winning days per month (no consistency rule)
• You regularly trade 8-10 contracts (Topstep gives you 10 vs AquaFutures' 6)
• You want structured scaling (automatic account size increases)
• You don't mind the two-step process and higher total profit target
• You can afford the higher monthly cost ($165 vs $114)

Final Verdict: Both Are Legit, Pick Based on Your Style

AquaFutures and Topstep are both legitimate prop firms with verified payout proof. Neither is a scam, and both have traders successfully withdrawing profits.

The choice comes down to cost vs flexibility:

• AquaFutures: Cheaper, faster to pass (single step), but stricter consistency rule
• Topstep: More expensive, longer to pass (two steps), but no consistency restriction

If you're a consistent daily trader who makes $300-$500/day, AquaFutures is cheaper and easier. If you make $1,500 once a week and break even the other days, Topstep's lack of consistency rule is critical.

Test both if you can afford it—pass AquaFutures first (cheaper), then try Topstep. But don't try to pass both simultaneously—focus on one firm at a time.

For a complete breakdown of AquaFutures account types, see the Beginner account guide and account comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper: AquaFutures or Topstep?

AquaFutures is cheaper: $114/month for Beginner accounts vs Topstep's $165/month. Over 3 months, AquaFutures costs $342 vs Topstep's $495—a $153 difference. AquaFutures is also cheaper if it takes 6+ months to pass.

Which is easier to pass: AquaFutures or Topstep?

Depends on your style. AquaFutures Beginner is easier if you make consistent daily gains ($300-$500/day) because the profit target is lower ($3K vs $6K). Topstep is easier if you rely on big winning days because there's no consistency rule.

Does Topstep have a consistency rule?

No. Topstep has no consistency rule—you can make 90% of your profits in one day and still pass. AquaFutures limits single-day profits to 40% of total.

Can I trade more contracts on Topstep?

Yes. Topstep gives you 10 contracts on a $50K account vs AquaFutures Beginner's 6 contracts. If you need more than 6 contracts, Topstep gives you more room (or choose AquaFutures Standard with 15 contracts for $196/month).

Which has better payout terms?

Similar. AquaFutures: 100% on first $15K, 90% after. Topstep: 100% on first $10K, 90% after. AquaFutures is slightly more generous at higher profit levels. Both process payouts in 5-7 business days.

Does AquaFutures have a two-step evaluation like Topstep?

No. AquaFutures uses a single-step evaluation: hit $3K (Beginner) or $4K (Standard), meet win days and consistency, get funded. Topstep uses two steps: $3K in Step 1, then $6K cumulative in Step 2.

Which firm pays out faster?

Both process payouts in 5-7 business days. Processing speed is similar. The difference is in how long it takes to pass the evaluation—AquaFutures' single step is faster than Topstep's two-step model.

Can I have accounts with both AquaFutures and Topstep?

Yes. You can pass evaluations with multiple prop firms and hold funded accounts with both simultaneously. Many traders diversify across 2-3 firms to reduce single-firm risk.

Your Next Steps

‍👉 Start Trading at Aquafutures Today

‍👉 Read My Full Aquafutures Review

‍👉 Check out Aquafutures´s Payout Rules

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