Apex Trader vs E8 Markets - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
Apex Trader and E8 Markets sit on opposite sides of the prop space. Apex Trader, founded in Austin, Texas in 2021, is a futures-only firm built around CME products and platforms like Tradovate and Rithmic, known for a 100% split on the first $25,000 and more than $378 million paid out. E8 Markets (formerly E8 Funding, rebranded in 2024) is a Dallas-based multi-asset firm founded in 2021 that funds forex, metal and crypto CFD traders through MetaTrader and cTrader, with a refundable evaluation fee and an 80% split that can scale to 100%. The two barely overlap on instruments, so your market usually decides the winner: pick Apex if you trade CME futures, E8 if you trade forex or crypto.
Quick Comparison |
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| Feature | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
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|  |  |
| Founded | 2021 (Austin, Texas, USA) | 2021 (Dallas; ex-E8 Funding) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.4/5 (17,800+ reviews) | 4.3/5 (3,277 reviews, June 2026) |
| Account Sizes | $25K to $250K | Signature $25K-$150K; One $5K-$200K |
| Profit Split | Up to 100% (100% of first $25K, then 90%) | 80%, upgradeable to 100% |
| Evaluation Style | Single-step (1-Step) | Single-phase (E8 Signature and E8 One) |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? |
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| Program | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
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| Standard Evaluation | 1-Step evaluation, 6% profit target | E8 Signature – single phase, 6% target |
| Alternative Program | One evaluation structure | E8 One – single phase, 6% target |
| Instant Funding | Not offered | Not offered |
| Educational Support | Trader dashboard, analytics, resources | Weekly webinars; 1-on-1 mentoring for funded |
| Account Scaling | Yes – account scaling plan | 25% increase per 10% profit, up to $1,000,000 |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? |
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| Criteria | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
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| Profit Target | 6% (1-Step) | 6% (both programs) |
| Maximum Daily Loss | None – trailing drawdown only | Per-program daily loss rules apply |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing drawdown; locks at starting balance | E8 Signature: 4% end-of-day |
| Minimum Trading Days | 7 trading days | None |
| Time Limit | None | None |
| Consistency Rule | Trailing drawdown discipline | Max 5% account risk per trade; no cross-account hedging |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? |
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| Option | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
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| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription | One-time, refundable on pass |
| Entry Level | $25K from $85/mo | $25K from $199 |
| Mid Tier | $50K / $100K (promo pricing varies) | $100K from $299+ |
| Reset Fee | Around 50% of the initial fee | Published on the firm’s pricing page |
| Refundable? | No | Yes – fee refunded once you pass |
| Coupons | See discounts | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? |
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| Platform | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
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| Trading Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts | MetaTrader 5, TradeLocker, cTrader, Match-Trader |
| Dashboard | Trader dashboard with analytics | Risk calculators built into the platforms |
| Mobile Trading | Yes | Available via supported platforms |
| Automated Trading | Permitted (Rithmic / NinjaTrader) | Supported on MT4/MT5 and DXtrade |
| Execution | CME futures execution | Simulated trading environment |
Available Markets/Products |
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| Market | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
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| Futures | CME index, energy and metal futures | Not offered |
| Forex | Not offered | Major, minor and exotic pairs |
| Indices | Major global index futures | Not offered |
| Commodities | Gold, silver, oil, natural gas (futures) | Gold and silver via CFDs |
| Crypto | Not offered | Cryptocurrency CFDs |
| Stocks | Not offered | Not offered |
Technical Capabilities/Performance |
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| Feature | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
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| Execution Speed | Direct CME futures routing | Simulated environment, not live-broker-backed |
| Automated Trading | EAs permitted on Rithmic/NinjaTrader | Automated strategies supported |
| Order Types | Standard futures order set | Full forex/CFD order set |
| Overnight Holding | No – intraday only | Allowed (with restrictions) |
| Weekend Holding | No | Allowed (with restrictions) |
| Payout Record | $378M+ paid out to traders | Founded 2021; rebranded 2024 |
Support and Community |
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| Support Feature | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
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| Customer Support | Email and live chat | Standard support channels |
| Live Coaching | Educational resources | Weekly market-analysis webinars |
| Trading Community | Active trader community | Community with monthly competitions |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly, within 24 hours | Rise (cash/crypto) and Plane (bank transfer) |
| Track Record | $378M+ paid out | $50 minimum withdrawal (Plane) |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation |
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| Key Element | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
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| Strengths | 100% of first $25K; $378M+ paid out; no daily loss limit; broad futures platform choice | Refundable evaluation fee; scaling to $1M; no minimum trading days; crypto payouts |
| Weaknesses | Futures only; monthly fee model; positions close by 4:59 PM ET | Simulated model; 5% per-trade risk cap; no indices or commodity futures |
| Best For | Futures traders who want high splits and no daily loss limit | Forex and crypto traders who want a refundable evaluation |
| Final Grade | 4.05/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Discount Codes | See discounts | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
Do Apex Trader and E8 Markets trade the same instruments?
No. Apex Trader is futures-only, focused on CME index, energy and metal contracts. E8 Markets covers forex, metals and crypto CFDs, with no index or commodity futures. The two barely overlap, so your market usually decides which firm fits.
Which firm has the better profit split?
Apex Trader pays 100% of your first $25,000 in profit and 90% after that. E8 Markets starts at 80% and can be upgraded toward 100%. Apex has the stronger early-profit deal for futures traders.
Is the evaluation fee refundable?
E8 Markets refunds the evaluation fee in full once you pass and reach the funded stage. Apex Trader runs a monthly subscription that is not refundable.
Can I hold trades overnight?
No at Apex Trader, which is intraday-only with positions closing by 4:59 PM ET. E8 Markets allows overnight and weekend holding with some restrictions.
How does scaling work?
E8 Markets increases your capital by 25% after every 10% of profit, up to $1,000,000. Apex Trader offers an account scaling plan across its account sizes.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
This comparison was compiled using the published review data on JoinProp for each firm. All figures – fees, profit targets, drawdown limits and payout structures – are taken from each firm’s review page. Where a detail is not publicly disclosed, the cell reads “Not specified.” Verify current terms directly with Apex Trader and E8 Markets before purchasing a challenge.
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