Head-to-Head Comparison
Aqua Futures vs Topstep: Which Is Better in 2026?
Compare Aqua Futures and Topstep side by side. Profit splits, prices, challenges, payout speed, trading rules, and more. Based on verified data.
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner
Topstep
Scores 75/100 overall based on trust, conditions, payouts, strategies, and platform access.
75
/ 100
Rating
4.7
vs4.6
Aqua FuturesTopstep
Profit Split
100%
vs100%
Aqua FuturesTopstep
Starting Price
$149
vs$49
Aqua FuturesTopstep
Max Allocation
$450K
vs$150K
Aqua FuturesTopstep
First Payout
N/A
vs5 days
Aqua FuturesTopstep
Strategy Freedom
4/8
vs2/8
Aqua FuturesTopstep
Score Breakdown
Aqua Futures
LC
62
Trust & Reputation
84
Trading Conditions
63
Payout Quality
47
Strategy Freedom
50
Platform & Access
59
Topstep
US
75
Trust & Reputation
97
Trading Conditions
100
Payout Quality
57
Strategy Freedom
25
Platform & Access
68
Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
Aqua Futures
Topstep
Overview
Rating
4.7
4.6
Reviews
5,000
13,700
Years Active
3 years
14 years
Verified
Country
LC
US
Market
futures
futures
Pricing & Value
Starting Price
$149
$49
Max Allocation
$450K
$150K
Profit Split
100%
100%
Fee Refundable
Risk Management
Daily Loss Limit
$3
$1,000
Max Loss
$4
$2,000
Drawdown Type
eod
trailing
Leverage
N/A
N/A
Execution
DMA
ECN
Payouts
First Payout
N/A
5 days
Payout Frequency
weekly,on-demand
bi-weekly
Scaling
Allowed Strategies
EA/Bots
Scalping
News Trading
Weekend Hold
Copy Trading
Hedging
Martingale
HFT
Platforms & Access
Platforms
ProjectX, Volumetrica, Rithmic
TopstepX (sole platform from July 2025)
Assets
Futures
ES, NQ, YM, RTY, CL, GC, SI, ZB, ZN, 6E, 6J, MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K, MCL, MGC
US Accepted
Challenge Price Comparison
Comparing prices for matching account sizes available at both Aqua Futures and Topstep.
Account Size
Aqua Futures
Topstep
Savings
$50K(1-step)
$229
$49
$100K(1-step)
$269
$99
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Higher rating (4.7/5 vs 4.6/5)
- Higher max allocation ($450K)
- Scaling program available
- More trading strategies allowed (4/8)
Cons
- Higher starting price ($149)
- Slower first payout (14 days)
Pros
- Lower starting price ($49)
- Faster first payout (5 days)
- More reviews (13,700)
Cons
- Lower rating than Aqua Futures
- No scaling program
- Fewer allowed strategies
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Aqua Futures if you...
- Need high capital allocation (up to $450K)
- Plan to scale your account over time
- Need maximum trading flexibility (EAs, scalping, news trading)
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
Choose Topstep if you...
- Are looking for a budget-friendly option
- Want fast payouts
- Prioritize a highly-rated, trusted firm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aqua Futures better than Topstep?
Based on our data-driven analysis, Topstep scores 75/100 overall. Aqua Futures excels in strategy freedom, while Topstep stands out for payout quality. The best choice depends on your priorities as a trader.
Which is cheaper, Aqua Futures or Topstep?
Aqua Futures starts at $149 while Topstep starts at $49. Topstep offers the lower entry price. However, consider the profit split and payout rules for the true value comparison.
Which has better profit splits, Aqua Futures or Topstep?
Aqua Futures offers up to 100% profit split, while Topstep offers up to 100% profit split. Aqua Futures has the higher profit share. Some firms increase splits through scaling programs.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with Aqua Futures and Topstep?
Aqua Futures allows Expert Advisors, and Topstep does not allow them. Only Aqua Futures supports automated trading.
Which firm pays out faster, Aqua Futures or Topstep?
Aqua Futures's first payout is available after 14 days with weekly,on-demand frequency. Topstep offers first payout after 5 days with bi-weekly payouts. Topstep gets you paid sooner.
Are Aqua Futures and Topstep legit?
Aqua Futures has been operating for 3 years with 5,000 reviews and a 4.7/5 ratingverified. Topstep has 14 years of operation with 13,700 reviews and a 4.6/5 ratingverified. Both are established prop trading firms.