The short answer
AquaFunded is the choice for traders seeking MetaTrader 5 and aggressive profit splits (up to 100%). Lark Funding is superior for those prioritizing static drawdowns and "second chance" features like the Surrender Account and Smart Restart.
Where they actually differ
- Risk (Drawdown type): AquaFunded uses a trailing drawdown (based on the highest value between equity and balance) for most plans. Lark Funding uses a static drawdown for its 1-step and 3-step programs, which is generally considered safer for the trader.
- Platforms: AquaFunded offers MetaTrader 5, MatchTrader, TradeLocker, and cTrader. Lark Funding does not support MetaTrader; it operates with DXTrade, cTrader, and MatchTrader.
- Pricing (1-Step): AquaFunded is significantly cheaper for 1-step evaluations. For example, a $100k 1-step account costs between $459 and $527 at Aqua, while at Lark it ranges from $599 (Max) to $800 (Career).
- Rules (Stop Loss): Lark Funding requires a mandatory Stop Loss on all trades unless you purchase a +10% add-on. AquaFunded does not require a Stop Loss.
- Styles (Risk Management): AquaFunded has a "Wave Stop" rule that automatically closes trades if floating losses reach 1% or 2% (depending on the plan). Lark uses specific risk limits per symbol (1% max risk) on its 1-step Max plan.
- Payouts (Refunds): AquaFunded refunds the evaluation fee after the 4th payout. Lark Funding does not document a standard refund policy in the provided data.
Where they are basically the same
- Payouts: Both offer a standard frequency of 14 days, with the option to reduce it to 7 days via a paid add-on.
- Styles: Both allow EAs, News Trading (with specific limitations in Aqua), and Copy Trading between accounts.
- Risk (Inactivity): Both firms will breach your account after 30 days of inactivity.
- Platforms: Both provide cTrader and MatchTrader as modern alternatives.
Pick this one if
AquaFunded:
- You refuse to trade without MetaTrader 5.
- You want the highest possible profit split (up to 100% with add-on).
- You are looking for more affordable entry prices for 1-step challenges.
- You want to scale capital up to $4,000,000.
Lark Funding:
- You prefer static drawdown limits that don't trail your profits.
- You want "safety nets" like the Smart Restart or the ability to surrender an account for a discount before breaching.
- You are interested in a "Simulated Salary" (available in the 1-Step Career plan).
- You trade on DXTrade.
Frequently asked questions
Which firm is cheaper for a $100,000 challenge, AquaFunded or Lark Funding?
AquaFunded is cheaper. Its $100k 1-step accounts cost between $459 (Pro) and $527 (Standard), and its 2-step Standard is $469. Lark Funding charges $599 for its 1-Step Max and $800 for its 1-Step Career of the same size.
Does Lark Funding or AquaFunded offer MetaTrader 5?
Only AquaFunded offers MetaTrader 5. Lark Funding has focused its infrastructure on DXTrade, cTrader, and MatchTrader, excluding the MetaQuotes suite from its platform list.
How does the drawdown differ between AquaFunded and Lark Funding?
The main difference is that Lark Funding uses static drawdowns for its 1-step and 3-step evaluations (the limit stays fixed). In contrast, AquaFunded uses a trailing drawdown for most of its programs (Standard, Pro, and Aqua Man), which moves up with the highest value of equity or balance.
Who has stricter Stop Loss rules, AquaFunded or Lark Funding?
Lark Funding is stricter, as it makes the use of a Stop Loss mandatory unless the trader pays a 10% surcharge at checkout. AquaFunded does not require a Stop Loss on any of its accounts.
