Head-to-Head Comparison
Aqua Funded vs Darwinex Zero (2026): Which Prop Firm Is Better?
We compare Aqua Funded against Darwinex Zero across challenge fees, profit splits, platforms, rules, and payout speed. Read our data-driven breakdown to find out which funded account provider suits your trading style in 2026.
Aqua Funded
7.9/10
Up to 90% split·Up to $200,000
Darwinex Zero
8.1/10
15% performance fees on allocated capital split·Up to Variable (DarwinIA allocations)
Our Verdict
After a detailed side-by-side analysis, Aqua Funded edges out the competition in this matchup. While Darwinex Zero remains an excellent choice for forex traders, Aqua Funded proves superior due to its now included as a full live review page in the prop-firm catalog and official website and tracked outbound routing are in place.
Quick Comparison
| Metric | Aqua Funded | Darwinex Zero | Winner |
|---|
| Founded | 2024 | 2020 | Draw |
| Overall Rating | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 | Darwinex Zero |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | 15% performance fees on allocated capital | Aqua Funded |
| Max Account Size | $200,000 | Variable (DarwinIA allocations) | Aqua Funded |
| Lowest Challenge Fee | $99 | $9999 | Aqua Funded |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Monthly (DarwinIA allocation cycle) | Draw |
| Minimum Payout | $100 | $100 | Draw |
| Platforms | MT5, Match-Trader | MT5 | Aqua Funded |
| Instruments | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, ETFs, Futures | Darwinex Zero |
| Challenge Types | 2 | 1 | Aqua Funded |
| Headquarters | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | London, United Kingdom | Draw |
Aqua Funded vs Darwinex Zero: Challenge Fees Compared
Aqua Funded offers 5 account tiers with fees starting from $99. Darwinex Zero counters with 4 options starting from $9999. Aqua Funded is the more affordable entry point. Remember to also factor in profit split, drawdown rules, and payout speed when evaluating total value.
Aqua Funded Fees
$10,000$99
$25,000$199
$50,000$299
$100,000$499
$200,000$999
Darwinex Zero Fees
$10,000See official site
$25,000See official site
$50,000See official site
$100,000See official site
Trading Rules: Aqua Funded vs Darwinex Zero
Understanding the rules is critical before purchasing any challenge. Aqua Funded enforces a max drawdown of 6% and daily drawdown of 3%, with a profit target of 8% / 5%. Darwinex Zero sets a max drawdown at Varies by program and daily drawdown at Varies by program, requiring traders to hit Varies by program. Stricter drawdown limits typically indicate a more conservative risk approach.
| Rule | Aqua Funded | Darwinex Zero |
|---|
| Max Drawdown | 6% | Varies by program |
| Daily Drawdown | 3% | Varies by program |
| Profit Target | 8% / 5% | Varies by program |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% | 15% performance fees on allocated capital |
Platform & Tools Comparison
Aqua Funded supports MT5, Match-Trader. Darwinex Zero provides access to MT5. Aqua Funded offers more platform variety.
Match-Trader
Aqua: ✓Darwinex: ✗
Pros & Cons
Aqua Funded
Now included as a full live review page in the prop-firm catalog
Official website and tracked outbound routing are in place
Structured review fields are available for side-by-side comparison
Useful shortlist option for traders comparing newer firms like Aqua Funded
Some pricing and rule fields still rely on standardized capture
Program details can change quickly and should be confirmed on the official site
Historical payout and support data is lighter than on older legacy firms
Feature depth varies more by program than on the most established firms
Darwinex Zero
Now included as a full live review page in the prop-firm catalog
Official website and tracked outbound routing are in place
Structured review fields are available for side-by-side comparison
Useful shortlist option for traders comparing newer firms like Darwinex Zero
Some pricing and rule fields still rely on standardized capture
Program details can change quickly and should be confirmed on the official site
Historical payout and support data is lighter than on older legacy firms
Feature depth varies more by program than on the most established firms
Expert Analysis
When placing Aqua Funded and Darwinex Zero side-by-side, two distinct funded-account philosophies emerge.
Aqua Funded, operating since 2024 out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has built its model around 1-Step Challenge and 2-Step Challenge evaluations with a Up to 90% profit split and accounts up to $200,000. Their platform offering (MT5, Match-Trader) covers Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto.
Darwinex Zero, headquartered in London, United Kingdom since 2020, takes a different approach with Subscription track-record model (DarwinIA) models, offering 15% performance fees on allocated capital profit sharing on accounts up to Variable (DarwinIA allocations). They support MT5 across Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, ETFs, Futures.
The Bottom Line: If you value now included as a full live review page in the prop-firm catalog, Aqua Funded is the logical choice. If you prefer now included as a full live review page in the prop-firm catalog and want access to MT5, Darwinex Zero earns our recommendation.
Category Winners
Lowest Entry Cost
Aqua Funded
Based on the cheapest available challenge fee.
Highest Profit Split
Aqua Funded
Based on the maximum profit-sharing percentage.
Platform Variety
Aqua Funded
Assessed by total number of supported trading platforms.
Market Coverage
Darwinex Zero
Determined by the number of tradeable instrument categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aqua Funded better than Darwinex Zero?
After a detailed side-by-side analysis, **Aqua Funded** edges out the competition in this matchup. While Darwinex Zero remains an excellent choice for forex traders, Aqua Funded proves superior due to its now included as a full live review page in the prop-firm catalog and official website and tracked outbound routing are in place.
Which prop firm has a higher profit split: Aqua Funded or Darwinex Zero?
Aqua Funded offers a Up to 90% profit split, while Darwinex Zero offers 15% performance fees on allocated capital. Aqua Funded gives traders a larger share of profits.
Which prop firm is cheaper: Aqua Funded or Darwinex Zero?
Aqua Funded's lowest challenge fee is $99, while Darwinex Zero starts at $9999. Aqua Funded is the more affordable option.
What platforms do Aqua Funded and Darwinex Zero support?
Aqua Funded supports MT5, Match-Trader. Darwinex Zero supports MT5.
Are Aqua Funded and Darwinex Zero legitimate prop firms?
Yes, both are legitimate prop trading firms. Aqua Funded was founded in 2024 and is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Darwinex Zero was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Always verify the latest terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge.
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Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from partner links.|Risk Warning: Trading leveraged products involves significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors.
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