This AquaFunded review looks at a Dubai-based prop firm launched in 2023 that offers almost every evaluation format on the market, from cheap trial accounts to three-step challenges and instant funding. Our verdict: AquaFunded is good value with a 90% default split, four forex platforms and a static 8% drawdown on its 2-Step Standard model. The downside is complexity: rules differ heavily between models, and some use trailing drawdown, floating-loss caps and consistency limits. Pick a model, read its help-centre page, and remember that most traders fail evaluations and the fee is a cost.
AquaFunded at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Website | www.aquafunded.com |
| Markets | Forex/CFD + Futures |
| Founded | 2023 |
| Company | Aqua Funded FZCO (Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE); simulated trading services by AquaFunded LTD (Saint Lucia, company no. 2004-00597) |
| Regulation | Not regulated (prop firm); simulated trading only, does not accept client deposits. Broker / liquidity provider not named. |
| Account sizes | $2.5K – $400K |
| Challenge fee | From $39 for the $5K 2-Step Pro; promotional trial accounts from $1–$10 |
| Evaluation | 1-step, 2-step, 3-step, instant funding, AquaMan, pay-after-pass |
| Profit split | 90% (100% with paid add-on) |
| Max daily / total loss | 5% (2-Step Standard); 3%–4% on other models / 8% static (2-Step Standard); 3%–6% trailing on some instant and AquaMan models |
| Payouts | Bi-weekly (every 14 days); first payout in 7 days or on demand with add-ons |
| Platforms | MT5, cTrader (+$15), Match-Trader, TradeLocker; separate futures platform (AquaFutures) |
Challenge types and pricing
AquaFunded sells 1-Step, 2-Step and 3-Step evaluations, mostly in Standard and Pro versions, plus Instant Funding, the weekend-only AquaMan model and a Pay After Pass option. Account sizes run from $2,500 to $400,000. The official price table could not be read reliably during our check, so the prices below come from a third-party listing and should be confirmed at checkout:
| Account | 2-Step | 2-Step Pro | 1-Step | 1-Step Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $57 | $39 | $67 | $59 |
| $10,000 | $103 | $76 | $113 | $99 |
| $25,000 | $217 | $138 | $227 | $199 |
| $50,000 | $317 | $247 | $327 | $289 |
| $100,000 | $517 | $460 | $527 | $459 |
| $200,000 | $997 | $925 | $1,017 | $899 |
AquaFunded also promotes trial accounts, such as a $5,000 instant account for $10, and rotates discount codes. cTrader costs an extra $15. There are no cooldown periods or limits on the number of attempts.
Trading rules
2-Step Standard (the core model)
- Targets: 8% in Step 1, 5% in Step 2, on closed positions.
- Daily loss: 5%, reset at 00:00 UTC and based on the higher of balance or equity.
- Maximum loss: 8% static, measured on equity including floating losses.
- Minimum three trading days per step, each with at least 0.5% profit.
- Breaching either limit closes the account immediately, in evaluation or funded stage.
Other models
Other products are stricter in different ways. Instant Funding Standard (accounts bought before September 2026) used a 3% trailing maximum drawdown, a 20% consistency rule, a -2% floating-loss limit and five profitable days before payout. AquaMan has a 2% target but a 6% trailing drawdown, a 15% consistency rule and opens only on selected weekends. Minimum days range from none (3-Step, 2-Step Pro evaluation) to five (Instant and 1-Step Pro).
News, weekends and EAs
AquaFunded’s help centre says there are no restrictions on holding positions overnight or over the weekend, and crypto accounts trade around the clock. Third-party reviews mention news trading restrictions on funded accounts; we could not confirm the exact news or EA rules on official pages, so check the relevant help article before trading around releases or running an EA.
Profit split, payouts and scaling
The default split is 90%, with a 100% option sold as a checkout add-on. Payouts on evaluation accounts are bi-weekly, every 14 days, and another add-on brings the first payout forward to seven days. Some instant models offer payouts on demand. The firm advertises a “Rewards Guarantee” promising an extra $1,000 if a payout takes more than 24 hours; its terms were not shown. Third-party reviews report Rise as the payout partner and a $100 minimum withdrawal. A scaling plan page exists, but we did not verify its details.
Platforms and instruments
Forex and CFD traders can choose MetaTrader 5, cTrader, Match-Trader or TradeLocker, with Match-Trader and TradeLocker available to US clients. AquaFunded also runs a separate futures product (AquaFutures) and a crypto offering. Instruments include forex, indices, metals and crypto. Leverage is up to 1:100 on forex during evaluation, but drops to 1:50 on funded accounts, with indices and commodities at 1:10 and crypto at 1:2.
Company, trust and payout record
The brand is operated by Aqua Funded FZCO in Dubai Silicon Oasis, while AquaFunded LTD, a Saint Lucia company, provides the simulated trading service. The firm states it is not a broker or adviser, does not take client deposits and offers only simulated trading. It is not regulated, and no liquidity provider is named. Third-party sources date the launch to 2023 and name Jason Blax as co-founder and CEO.
We found no reports of closures or stopped payouts. Third-party reviews do mention user complaints about slippage and delays in receiving funded credentials. The help centre is detailed, which is a plus, but the marketing pages contain inconsistent numbers and frequent rule changes, such as the September 2026 update to Instant Funding Standard.
Who it suits
- Traders who want to compare several models under one roof and pick the rules that fit.
- Budget-conscious beginners who want a cheap trial before a full challenge.
- cTrader and TradeLocker users, who have fewer options elsewhere.
From this AquaFunded review, it suits less well traders who rely on high funded leverage or who dislike reading model-specific small print.
Final verdict on our AquaFunded review
AquaFunded offers competitive prices, a 90% split with a 100% upgrade and solid platform choice, and its 2-Step Standard model has fair, static rules. The patchwork of models, trailing limits on some accounts and reduced funded leverage mean you must read the rules carefully. Most traders do not pass, so budget for the fee as a cost and confirm everything on the official AquaFunded website before buying.
Compare AquaFunded with the other top prop trading firms, or read our FundingTraders review and Earn2Trade review.
FAQ
How much does AquaFunded cost?
Prices depend on the model and are often discounted. A third-party price list shows the $5K 2-Step Pro from $39 and the $100K 2-Step around $517, and AquaFunded itself advertises trial accounts from $1 to $10. Check current terms on the official site.
What are the AquaFunded 2-Step Standard rules?
Step 1 has an 8% target and Step 2 a 5% target. The daily loss limit is 5% and the maximum loss is a static 8% of the initial balance, both measured on equity. Each step needs at least three trading days with 0.5% profit or more.
What profit split does AquaFunded pay?
The default split is 90%. A paid add-on at checkout raises it to 100%.
How often can I withdraw?
Standard payouts are bi-weekly, every 14 days. Add-ons can bring the first payout forward to 7 days or on demand on some instant models.
Is AquaFunded legit?
AquaFunded is run by Aqua Funded FZCO in Dubai, with simulated trading provided by AquaFunded LTD in Saint Lucia. It is not a broker and is not regulated. Third-party reviews mention some complaints about slippage and credential delays but no closure or halted payouts.
Facts compiled on 8 November 2026 from the firm’s published rules and independent reviews listed in the sources. Prop firm rules and prices change often; confirm on the official website before buying a challenge.