E8 Markets vs Elite Trader Funding – Prop Firm Comparison
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Introduction
E8 Markets and Elite Trader Funding appeal to different traders because they cover different markets, so the first question is what you actually want to trade. E8 Markets, founded 2021 (Dallas, TX; rebranded from E8 Funding in 2024) funds Signature $25K-$150K / E8 One $5K-$200K accounts on forex and CFDs, keeps 80% up to 100%, and runs single-phase (E8 Signature and E8 One), with payouts via Rise (cash/crypto) and Plane (bank). Elite Trader Funding, founded 2022 (United States) funds Multiple sizes (six evaluation pathways) accounts on CME futures, keeps up to 100%, and runs six pathways incl. Direct to Funded (instant), with standard processing. E8 Markets is best for forex and CFD traders who want flexible platforms and fast scaling, while Elite Trader Funding suits futures traders who want flexible evaluation pathways and the option to hold over weekends.
Quick Facts
| Feature | E8 Markets | Elite Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| 
| |
| Founded | 2021 | 2022-02 |
| Profit Split | Up to 100%, configuration-dependent; Signature 80%. Pro share applies to requestable half; retained buffer carries forward | Up to 100% SIM (round/lifetime caps); 80% LIVE ELITE |
| Maximum Account Size | $500,000 | $250,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | 1 | 1 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.4 | 3.8 |
| Expert Grade | 9 | 7.9 |
Program Types
| Program | E8 Markets | Elite Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | 1-Step |
| Advanced Program | Yes | Diamond Hands |
| Scaling Options | No | No |
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | E8 Markets | Elite Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | One 6%-21% by configuration; Pro 8% standard; Signature 6%; Zero $3K/$6.5K/$13.5K on $50K/$100K/$200K | 6 |
| Maximum Drawdown | The Products Compared - E8 Zero: 3% EOD trailing The Products Compared - E8 One: 4–14% closed-balance trailing The Products Compared - E8 Pro: 8% static standard; first payout raises floor The Products Compared - E8 Signature: EOD trailing: $1,000 / $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,500 on 25K / 50K / 100K / 150K | Plan-dependent: static, intraday or EOD trail; fixed breach floor remains after safety net |
| Minimum Trading Days | One/Signature can pass in 1 day; Zero practically 3 via 40% best-day rule; standard Pro at least 4 via daily profit cap | The Product Line - 1 Step Live Trailing: 5 The Product Line - Static: 5 The Product Line - End of Day: 5 The Product Line - Diamond Hands: 5 The Product Line - Fast Track: 3 The Product Line - Direct to Funded: None |
| News Trading | One Performance: restricted on affected instruments 5 minutes before/after high-impact news. One challenge, Pro, Signature and Zero: allowed | Yes |
| Daily Loss Limit | Not available | The Product Line - 1 Step Live Trailing: None The Product Line - Static: None The Product Line - End of Day: Yes, from the prior day close The Product Line - Diamond Hands: Yes, from the prior day close The Product Line - Fast Track: None The Product Line - Direct to Funded: None |
| Drawdown Type | Not available | The Product Line - 1 Step Live Trailing: Intraday trailing, follows highest unrealised profit The Product Line - Static: Static, never trails The Product Line - End of Day: End-of-day trailing on the highest closing balance The Product Line - Diamond Hands: End-of-day trailing The Product Line - Fast Track: EOD trailing or static by variant, $500 floor The Product Line - Direct to Funded: EOD trailing on 10K, 25K and 50K, static on 100K |
| Time Limit | Not available | The Product Line - 1 Step Live Trailing: None, renews every 30 days The Product Line - Static: None, renews every 30 days The Product Line - End of Day: None, renews every 30 days The Product Line - Diamond Hands: None, renews every 30 days The Product Line - Fast Track: 10 calendar days The Product Line - Direct to Funded: None, one-time fee |
| Consistency / Best Day Rule | The Products Compared - E8 Zero: 40% challenge; none Performance The Products Compared - E8 One: 40% Performance The Products Compared - E8 Pro: None; 2% daily profit cap The Products Compared - E8 Signature: 35% Performance | Not available |
| Maximum Contracts | Not available | The Product Line - 1 Step Live Trailing: 8 (50K) / 14 (100K) / 24 (250K) minis; no limit published for 150K The Product Line - Static: 1 / 2 / 4 minis The Product Line - End of Day: 8 / 14 / 18 minis The Product Line - Diamond Hands: 2 minis The Product Line - Fast Track: 1 mini The Product Line - Direct to Funded: 2 (10K) / check dashboard (25K) / 5 (50K) / 3 (100K) minis |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | E8 Markets | Elite Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| CFD $5K Account | E8 One / SimFi / USD 48 / One-time List price before E8 first-order discount. Source Checked 2026-08-09 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $10K Account | E8 One / SimFi / USD 88 / One-time List price before E8 first-order discount. Source Checked 2026-08-09 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $25K Account | E8 One / SimFi / USD 188 / One-time List price before E8 first-order discount. Source Checked 2026-08-09 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $50K Account | E8 One / SimFi / USD 288 / One-time List price before E8 first-order discount. Source Checked 2026-08-09 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $100K Account | E8 One / SimFi / USD 488 / One-time List price before E8 first-order discount. Source Checked 2026-08-09 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $200K Account | E8 One / SimFi / USD 798 / One-time List price before E8 first-order discount. Source Checked 2026-08-09 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $400K Account | E8 One / SimFi / USD 1598 / One-time List price before E8 first-order discount. Source Checked 2026-08-09 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| CFD $500K Account | E8 One / SimFi / USD 1998 / One-time List price before E8 first-order discount. Source Checked 2026-08-09 | Not listed in review pricing source |
| Futures $10K Account | Not listed in review pricing source | Static Drawdown / USD 147 / One-time Official evaluation list price; auto-renews every 30 days. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Fast Track EOD / USD 57 / One-time Official list price; no monthly renewal; funded activation is initially included, then USD 87 monthly. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Fast Track Static / USD 77 / One-time Official list price; no monthly renewal; funded activation is initially included, then USD 87 monthly. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Direct To Funded / USD 357 / One-time Official one-time list price; no monthly evaluation subscription. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $25K Account | Not listed in review pricing source | Static Drawdown / USD 277 / One-time Official evaluation list price; auto-renews every 30 days. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $50K Account | Not listed in review pricing source | 1 Step / USD 207 / One-time Official evaluation list price; auto-renews every 30 days. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Static Drawdown / USD 497 / One-time Official evaluation list price; auto-renews every 30 days. Source Checked 2026-08-10 End of Day / USD 347 / One-time Official evaluation list price; auto-renews every 30 days. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Direct To Funded / USD 747 / One-time Official one-time list price; no monthly evaluation subscription. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $100K Account | Not listed in review pricing source | 1 Step / USD 257 / One-time Official evaluation list price; auto-renews every 30 days. Source Checked 2026-08-10 End of Day / USD 487 / One-time Official evaluation list price; auto-renews every 30 days. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Diamond Hands / USD 397 / One-time Official evaluation list price; auto-renews every 30 days. Source Checked 2026-08-10 Direct To Funded / USD 997 / One-time Official one-time list price; no monthly evaluation subscription. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Futures $150K Account | Not listed in review pricing source | 1 Step / USD 347 / One-time Official evaluation list price; auto-renews every 30 days. Source Checked 2026-08-10 |
| Refund Policy | Non-refundable per Terms | All sales final, no refunds. Narrow 100% satisfaction guarantee on first purchase only |
| Coupons / Discount | E8 Markets discount | Elite Trader Funding discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | E8 Markets | Elite Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | CFDs: TradeLocker, Match-Trader, cTrader, MetaTrader 5. Perpetual Futures: E8 Terminal. Futures: Tradovate, TradingView, NinjaTrader | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, Rithmic, R | Trader, ATAS, and 8 more |
| Forex | Yes | No |
| Stocks | Yes | No |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | No |
| Bonds | No | Yes |
| EA/Algo Trading | Eligible Classic/Perpetual accounts: allowed subject to strategy/order rules. Futures: EAs prohibited. Own-account copying allowed | No |
Payout
| Feature | E8 Markets | Elite Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | $100 minimum received after split plus product conditions. One: 40% best-day and net payout above half daily DD. Pro: 1% fresh profit, 50% retained buffer. Signature: 35% best-day, buffer/caps. Zero: daily eligibility, Starter/Max caps, 5 requests then free challenge. Processing may take up to 5 business days | SIM Mon/Wed batches after plan-specific ATDs and safety net; minimum $100-$1,000 by plan/date. $25K per SIM round, $150K lifetime across approved re-entries. LIVE ELITE daily business-day processing, $250 minimum; Rise |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | E8 Markets | Elite Trader Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Single-phase programs; configurable One accounts; Pro automatic payout buffer; Signature daily soft pause; own-account copying allowed | Six distinct evaluation pathways, Diamond Hands overnight/weekend holding, Direct to Funded bypass, up to 100% profit split, $13M+ distributed |
| Weaknesses | Product/market rules differ; Zero cycle caps; Pro daily profit cap and retained buffer; One Performance news restriction; Futures 7-day inactivity | 3.8/5 Trustpilot, futures-only, high ongoing costs, limited platform options |
| Best For | Traders who match the market, loss-limit model and payout conditions to their strategy | Futures traders seeking multi-day holding flexibility and program variety |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
Choose E8 Markets if you want a larger funded ceiling at $500K and a cheaper entry, from USD 48. Choose Elite Trader Funding if you are futures traders seeking multi-day holding flexibility and program variety. Neither firm is better in the abstract. The right choice depends on your strategy, your budget and the instruments you trade, so read both full reviews before you commit. Verify current rules and pricing on each firm’s own site before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about E8 Markets’s programs?
E8 Signature Forex is a one-step simulated evaluation with a 6% profit target and end-of-day dynamic drawdown. It is one E8 product, not a rulebook for every E8 account. E8 Markets official rules.
What should I know about Elite Trader Funding’s programs?
Elite Trader Funding distinguishes evaluation, Elite Sim-Funded and LIVE ELITE stages. Its revamped EOD plan requires at least five evaluation trading days. Elite Trader Funding official rules.
How do payouts differ between E8 Markets and Elite Trader Funding?
E8 Signature Forex lists an 80% share, a $100 net minimum, a 35% Best Day Rule, a payout buffer and per-request caps. Five qualifying profitable days are required between later payouts, but not the first. E8 Markets official rules.
The revamped EOD guide describes Elite Sim payouts processed on Mondays and Wednesdays and Live Elite payouts on business days. Sim payout eligibility requires the safety net, active trading days, an active subscription and compliance review. Elite Trader Funding official rules.
Which account rules matter when comparing E8 Markets and Elite Trader Funding?
There is no overall completion deadline, but a trade must be opened and closed at least every 60 days. The Performance account also has a 2% daily pause. E8 Markets official rules.
EOD drawdown trails the highest end-of-day balance, but open-position losses still count against intraday loss limits. Legacy accounts can have different payout and transition rules. Elite Trader Funding official rules.
Is E8 Markets or Elite Trader Funding automatically the better choice?
No, neither firm is the automatic pick, and the honest answer depends on how you actually trade.
E8 Markets Strengths: No daily drawdown (E8 Zero) and static drawdown options. Watch-outs: First payout raises loss level (Zero/Pro) and profit split is paid purchase. Best suited to: E8 Pro: static drawdown with no consistency rule; E8 Zero: short-term campaigns.
Elite Trader Funding Strengths: Six distinct evaluation pathways and Diamond Hands overnight/weekend holding. Watch-outs: 3.8/5 Trustpilot and futures-only. Best suited to: Futures traders seeking multi-day holding flexibility and program variety.
Which one wins for you depends on how each firm measures drawdown, what the account actually costs once resets and add-ons are included, and the evaluation objectives on the exact size you buy, rather than on the headline numbers. Check both sets of current terms before you fund an account.
Do E8 Markets and Elite Trader Funding trade the same markets?
E8 Markets trades forex and CFDs, while Elite Trader Funding trades CME futures. Start your decision with the instruments you actually trade.
Which firm pays out faster?
E8 Markets offers payouts via Rise (cash/crypto) and Plane (bank), while Elite Trader Funding offers standard processing. Match the payout cadence to how often you plan to withdraw.
Which firm has the better profit split?
E8 Markets keeps 80% up to 100%, and Elite Trader Funding keeps up to 100%. The better deal depends on the account tier and how far you scale.
Does either firm offer instant funding?
E8 Markets requires an evaluation, while Elite Trader Funding offers one (direct to Funded – skip evaluation, sim-funded).
Which firm gives more platform choice?
E8 Markets supports MT5, TradeLocker, cTrader, Match-Trader, while Elite Trader Funding supports NinjaTrader with Rithmic data feed.
How We Compared E8 Markets and Elite Trader Funding
Both firms carry a JoinProp Rating out of 10, scored on the same nine weighted factors, led by payout reliability at 20%, then fee structure, drawdown rules and profit split at 15% each. The scores come from our own firm reviews, built from each firm’s current terms rather than its marketing pages and re-checked at least every 90 days. Affiliate relationships have no effect on any rating, and ratings are never sold. The tables above are the evidence behind those scores. Read our full ranking methodology.
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