Where you trade
AquaFunded offers a superior variety of interfaces, featuring Metatrader 5, MatchTrader, TradeLocker, and cTrader. This allows traders to choose between the industry standard, modern charting via TradingView integration, or the specialized algorithmic capabilities of cTrader.
Atlas Funded focuses on a slightly narrower but robust range: MetaTrader 5, TradeLocker, and MatchTrader. Both firms ensure that the trader is not tied to a single platform, reducing the risk of downtime or technical failures during high-volatility sessions.
Who executes your orders
Both firms operate under a simulated environment where the "broker" is an internal execution engine. AquaFunded operates from the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), providing a corporate structure that has scaled rapidly since 2023. Atlas Funded is based in Saint Lucia and is a newer player (founded in 2024), focusing its execution on providing low-latency environments across its three main platforms.
Leverage and margin
Execution at AquaFunded is governed by a 50:1 leverage for Forex on most accounts, which can go up to 100:1 during the evaluation of the 1 Step Flex plan. A critical technical component is the Wave Stop: if open trades reach a 2% loss of the account balance, the system automatically closes all positions. Furthermore, if floating PnL drops below -2% on Instant accounts, the account is permanently closed.
Atlas Funded provides a higher standard leverage of 100:1 for Forex. Its risk management tool, the Atlas Protector, acts similarly to a margin call: it triggers at a 2% net floating loss, closing positions and reducing the profit split to 50% on the first occurrence. Additionally, using 80% of the available margin will trigger an automatic liquidation of positions to protect the simulated capital.
Markets available
The asset selection differs in depth. AquaFunded focuses on the core trio: Forex, Indices, and Commodities (Metals and Energies). Atlas Funded offers a broader spectrum for the modern trader, including Forex, Indices, Metals, Energies, and a dedicated Crypto offering, which is more integrated into their standard account types than at AquaFunded.
What the setup lets you do
This is where the two environments diverge most sharply. AquaFunded is an "open" environment: it allows EAs, Hedging, Scalping, Stacking, and even Martingale. It is a setup designed for aggressive traders and developers of high-frequency or grid-based algorithms.
Atlas Funded is a more "regulated" environment. While it allows EAs, it prohibits Martingale and Stacking. It also enforces a 3-minute rule for scalping on funded accounts; trades closed faster than this will have their profits deducted. News trading is also more restricted on funded accounts, with a 5-minute window where profits are not allowed to be generated.
What the setup costs
Execution costs at AquaFunded include a $5 per lot commission on Forex, Metals, and Energies, while Indices are commission-free. Their 90% profit split is among the highest, and they offer a 24-hour payout guarantee (or an extra $1,000).
Atlas Funded also offers a 90% split (up to 100% with add-ons). While their commission structure is not explicitly detailed in the base data, they compensate with a heavy loyalty program called Atlas VIP, where traders earn XP and "Atlas Packs" for every purchase and payout. Their payout guarantee is 24-48 working hours, with a $500 penalty for the firm if they are late.
Better setup for
- AquaFunded is the better choice for algorithmic and aggressive traders who need to use Martingale, Stacking, or cTrader to execute complex strategies without time restrictions on trades.
- Atlas Funded is the better choice for systematic and swing traders who value a high-leverage environment (100:1) and a gamified loyalty system that rewards long-term consistency and volume.
Frequently asked questions
Which firm offers more platform choices, AquaFunded or Atlas Funded?
AquaFunded offers more variety with four platforms: Metatrader 5, MatchTrader, TradeLocker, and cTrader. In contrast, Atlas Funded provides three options: MetaTrader 5, TradeLocker, and MatchTrader. Traders specifically looking for cTrader must choose AquaFunded.
Between AquaFunded and Atlas Funded, which has more restrictive scalping rules?
Atlas Funded is more restrictive, as it implements a 3-minute rule on funded accounts where profits from trades held for less than three minutes are deducted. AquaFunded allows scalping without specific time-based holding restrictions, making it more suitable for high-frequency strategies.
Who provides higher leverage for Forex trading, AquaFunded or Atlas Funded?
Atlas Funded provides a higher standard leverage of 100:1 across its Forex pairs. AquaFunded generally limits leverage to 50:1, although it does offer 100:1 specifically during the evaluation phase of its 1 Step Flex plan.
Which firm is cheaper for a $100,000 1-step evaluation, AquaFunded or Atlas Funded?
AquaFunded is the more affordable option for this specific account size, with its 1 Step Pro $100k account priced at $459. Atlas Funded prices its standard 1 Step $100k account at $478, representing a slightly higher initial entry cost for the trader.
