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Updated 2026-03-08
City Traders Imperium vs AquaFunded: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between City Traders Imperium and AquaFunded face a classic trade-off between established reputation and attractive pricing. City Traders Imperium offers a more relaxed challenge structure with no daily loss limits and an 8% profit target, while AquaFunded undercuts on price with a $283 challenge fee versus CTI's $412. This comparison examines the key differences in challenge requirements, risk parameters, and overall value proposition to help you decide which firm aligns with your trading style and budget.
CT
City Traders Imperium
Est. 2018 · London, UK
4.2
1,500 reviews
VS
4 wins
4 ties
6 wins
A
AquaFunded
Est. 2023 · N/A
4.3
200 reviews
Feature
City Traders Imperium
AquaFunded
Challenge Price ($100K)
$412
$283✓ Lower entry cost
Phase 1 Profit Target
8%✓ Easier to pass
10%
Phase 2 Profit Target
None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation
5%
Max Daily Loss
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
5%
Max Total Loss
5%
10%✓ More drawdown room
Min Trading Days
3 days
None✓ No minimum
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 100%)
90% (up to 100%)✓ Higher starting split
City Traders Imperium
Pros
+Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
+Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
+Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
+Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
+24/7 multilingual customer support with 1-hour first response time
Cons
−No refunds available once any trading activity occurs on the account
−Limited information about specific trading instruments and leverage ratios
−Relatively high instant funding fees compared to challenge options
−VIP benefits require meeting specific performance criteria
AquaFunded
Pros
+Instant funding option available to skip evaluation challenges
+Up to 100% profit split with payout on demand
+No time limits on challenges — trade at your own pace
+Reward guarantee with 24-hour payout or $1000 compensation
Cons
−Relatively new firm (founded 2023) with limited track record
−Lower Trustpilot review count compared to established competitors
−Some account sizes show higher daily loss limits (5%) vs 3% standard
−Instant funding requires higher fees than challenge models
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
AquaFunded suits budget-conscious traders and those comfortable with higher profit targets, offering the $100K challenge at $283 versus CTI's $412 and providing more total drawdown room at 10%. However, the 5% daily loss limit and 10% Phase 1 target make it more restrictive for aggressive trading styles.
City Traders Imperium better serves traders who need flexibility in their risk management, particularly scalpers and news traders who might hit daily limits elsewhere. The single-phase evaluation with an 8% target and no daily loss restrictions creates a more forgiving path to funding, justifying the higher entry cost.
For most traders, City Traders Imperium represents the better choice despite the price premium. The combination of no daily loss limits, lower profit targets, and six years of operational history provides better odds of success than AquaFunded's cost savings.
Choose City Traders Imperium if:
→Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
→Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
→Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
→Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
Choose AquaFunded if:
→Instant funding option available to skip evaluation challenges
→Up to 100% profit split with payout on demand
→No time limits on challenges — trade at your own pace
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.