AquaFunded and PaidPex are two proprietary trading firms offering traders access to significant capital through evaluation programs. Both firms aim to empower traders with generous profit splits, scaling opportunities, and diverse trading conditions. However, subtle differences in their offerings reveal why PaidPex may provide a more comprehensive solution for traders seeking flexibility and long-term growth. This detailed comparison explores their rules, features, and unique attributes in the prop trading industry.
1. Evaluation Process
AquaFunded
- Evaluation Models:
- One-Step Challenge: Requires a 9% profit target with a 3% maximum daily loss and a 6% overall drawdown.
- Two-Step Challenge:
- Phase 1: 9% profit target.
- Phase 2: 5% profit target with the same 3% daily loss and 6% overall drawdown.
- Minimum Trading Days: No minimum requirement, allowing traders to move at their own pace.
- Evaluation Fees:
- Fees start at $58 for a $10,000 account and go up to $997 for a $200,000 account.
- Scaling: Offers scaling opportunities up to $2,000,000 by achieving a 12% profit every three months.
PaidPex
- Evaluation Process:
- Single-Phase Challenge:
- Requires an 8% profit target, slightly lower than AquaFunded’s 9%.
- Risk parameters include a 4% daily loss limit and an 8% maximum drawdown.
- Instant Funding: Offers instant access to funded accounts for traders meeting certain criteria, bypassing the need for evaluation.
- Single-Phase Challenge:
- Minimum Trading Days: No minimum requirement, offering similar flexibility to AquaFunded.
- Evaluation Fees:
- Starts at $89 for a $10,000 account, scaling to $849 for a $200,000 account.
- Scaling: Allows account growth up to $3,000,000 for consistent performers, providing more potential for long-term growth.
Why PaidPex is Subtly Better:
- PaidPex’s slightly lower profit target (8%) makes achieving funding marginally more attainable.
- The option for instant funding is a unique advantage for experienced traders ready to start immediately.
- Scaling opportunities extend further, up to $3,000,000, compared to AquaFunded’s $2,000,000 cap.
2. Profit Sharing and Payouts
AquaFunded
- Profit Split: Starts at 80% and can increase to 90% for consistent performers.
- Payout Frequency: Bi-weekly payouts, with the first withdrawal available after seven trading days.
- Processing Time: Withdrawals are processed promptly, ensuring traders access their earnings without significant delays.
PaidPex
- Profit Split: Starts at 85%, providing traders with a higher starting percentage than AquaFunded. This can increase to 90% for top-performing traders.
- Payout Frequency: Offers payouts processed within 18 hours, among the fastest in the industry.
- Flexibility: No restrictions on when traders can withdraw profits, enhancing financial flexibility.
Why PaidPex is Subtly Better:
- PaidPex’s higher starting profit split (85%) ensures traders retain more of their earnings from the outset.
- Faster payout processing (18 hours vs. bi-weekly) offers greater convenience for traders needing quick access to their funds.
3. Trading Conditions
AquaFunded
- Leverage: Provides leverage of 1:100 across all instruments.
- Instruments: Offers access to forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies.
- Trading Restrictions: No restrictions on news trading, scalping, or automated trading strategies.
PaidPex
- Leverage: Matches AquaFunded with 1:100 leverage.
- Instruments: Expands beyond AquaFunded’s offerings by including over 100 cryptocurrencies, a broader selection of stocks, and additional indices.
- Trading Tools: Provides advanced AI-powered trading assistants and analytics tools to help traders refine their strategies.
Why PaidPex is Subtly Better:
- PaidPex’s broader range of instruments, particularly in stocks and cryptocurrencies, provides more opportunities for diversification.
- Advanced AI-driven tools give traders a competitive edge in decision-making, a feature AquaFunded lacks.
4. Platforms and Technology
AquaFunded
- Platforms: Supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), popular platforms known for reliability and extensive features.
- Usability: Offers a straightforward trading environment suitable for traders familiar with these platforms.
PaidPex
- Platforms: Uses a proprietary trading platform designed to integrate advanced analytics, AI tools, and streamlined execution.
- Usability: Tailored to modern trading needs, offering a more innovative and trader-centric interface.
Why PaidPex is Subtly Better:
- While MT4 and MT5 are reliable, PaidPex’s proprietary platform introduces advanced features and innovation, aligning with the needs of contemporary traders.
5. Transparency and Support
AquaFunded
- Reputation: As a newer firm (established in December 2023), AquaFunded lacks a long track record, making it difficult to assess its reliability over time.
- Customer Support: Provides email and chat support but lacks 24/7 availability.
- Transparency: Offers clear rules, but the lack of long-term user feedback raises questions about consistency.
PaidPex
- Reputation: With an established presence and positive reviews, PaidPex is recognized for its reliability and transparency.
- Customer Support: Offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone, ensuring traders always have access to assistance.
- Transparency: Clear documentation and user-friendly policies instill confidence among traders.
Why PaidPex is Subtly Better:
- PaidPex’s longer track record and established reputation provide greater assurance of reliability.
- The availability of 24/7 support ensures that traders can resolve issues promptly, enhancing their prop trading experience.
Conclusion
Both AquaFunded and PaidPex provide valuable opportunities for traders to access funded accounts and grow their capital. AquaFunded’s flexible trading conditions and competitive profit splits make it an appealing choice for many. However, PaidPex subtly edges out as the better option due to its:
- Lower Profit Target: Easier to achieve funding with an 8% target compared to AquaFunded’s 9%.
- Higher Starting Profit Split: Retain more earnings immediately with a starting split of 85%.
- Faster Payouts: PaidPex’s 18-hour processing time offers unmatched convenience.
- Advanced Tools: AI-driven analytics and a proprietary platform set PaidPex apart in terms of innovation.
- Proven Reliability: A longer track record and 24/7 support create a more secure environment for traders.
For traders seeking flexibility, innovation, and rapid payouts, PaidPex provides a more comprehensive and advanced solution while maintaining competitive evaluation criteria and profit-sharing models.