FTMO vs E8 Markets: Elite Prop Firms Comparison
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Introduction
FTMO and E8 Markets are leading proprietary trading firms offering funded trading accounts to qualified traders. FTMO, established in Prague, has built a strong reputation with transparent evaluation processes and high profit splits, with Trustpilot data deferred (not specifically cited in the JoinProp review). E8 Markets, a newer entrant, differentiates itself with more flexible trading conditions and competitive pricing structures, currently holding a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating from 3,277 reviews (June 2026). Both firms enable traders to access significant capital without risking personal funds, though they differ in their evaluation methods, account offerings, and overall trader experience.
Quick Facts
| Feature | FTMO – | E8 Markets – |
|---|---|---|
| 
| |
| Founded | 2015 | — |
| Profit Split | 80-90% (2-Step); 90% flat (1-Step) | 80%, 90%, or 100% (paid choice at checkout) |
| Maximum Account Size | $2,000,000 | $500,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | 2 | 1 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.8/5 (43,791 reviews) | 4.4 |
| Expert Grade | 9.1 | 9 |
Program Types
| Program | FTMO – | E8 Markets – |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | — |
| Advanced Program | FTMO Challenge + Verification | — |
| Scaling Options | Yes | — |
| Demo Account | No | — |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | FTMO – | E8 Markets – |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 10% then 5% (2-Step); 10% (1-Step) | 6% (E8 Zero/One), 8% (E8 Pro) |
| Maximum Drawdown | 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step) | 3% static (E8 Zero), 4-14% trailing (E8 One), 8% static (E8 Pro) |
| Minimum Trading Days | 4 per phase (2-Step); none (1-Step) | — |
| News Trading | Restricted on Standard; unrestricted on Swing | — |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | FTMO – | E8 Markets – |
|---|---|---|
| $5K Account | Not offered | USD 48 / E8 One / SimFi / One-time |
| $10K Account | EUR 89 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 88 / E8 One / SimFi / One-time |
| $25K Account | EUR 250 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 188 / E8 One / SimFi / One-time |
| $50K Account | EUR 345 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 288 / E8 One / SimFi / One-time |
| $100K Account | EUR 540 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 488 / E8 One / SimFi / One-time |
| $200K Account | EUR 1080 / FTMO 2-Step / One-time | USD 798 / E8 One / SimFi / One-time |
| $400K Account | Not offered | USD 1598 / E8 One / SimFi / One-time |
| $500K Account | Not offered | USD 1998 / E8 One / SimFi / One-time |
| Coupons / Discount | FTMO – discount | E8 Markets – discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | FTMO – | E8 Markets – |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | — |
| Forex | Yes | — |
| Stocks | Yes | — |
| Indices | Yes | — |
| Commodities | Yes | — |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | — |
| Bonds | Available | — |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | — |
Payout
| Feature | FTMO – | E8 Markets – |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | Bi-weekly via bank transfer, e-wallets, wire transfer, cryptocurrencies | Minimum $100; first withdrawal raises loss floor to initial balance on Zero/Pro |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | FTMO – | E8 Markets – |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Full fee refund on 2-Step; static drawdown; no consistency rules; zero withdrawal commission; scaling to $2M | No daily drawdown (E8 Zero), static drawdown options, single-phase evaluations, publishes pass rate |
| Weaknesses | No reset product; 1-Step fee never refunded; 50% Best Day Rule blocks payouts; 1-Step payout resets buffer | First payout raises loss level (Zero/Pro), profit split is paid purchase, E8 Zero caps at 5 payouts, E8 One trailing drawdown on unrealised equity, 7-day inactivity closure on futures |
| Best For | 2-Step recommended for most; 1-Step only if 90% split outweighs other concerns | E8 Pro: static drawdown with no consistency rule; E8 Zero: short-term campaigns |
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about FTMO's programs?
FTMO offers separate 1-Step and 2-Step CFD evaluations. The 2-Step route requires at least four trading days per phase; the 1-Step route uses different objectives, including a Best Day Rule. FTMO official rules; FTMO official program information.
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.
How do payouts differ between FTMO and E8 Markets?
FTMO lists a 90% reward ratio for 1-Step and 80% for 2-Step, with an increase to 90% under applicable scaling or premium conditions. Reward requests are available from day 14 after the first trade, subject to eligibility. FTMO official rules; FTMO official program information.
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.
Which account rules matter when comparing FTMO and E8 Markets?
Do not apply the 2-Step objectives to 1-Step: drawdown and consistency requirements differ. Both routes have no maximum evaluation completion period. FTMO official rules; FTMO official program information.
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.
Is FTMO or E8 Markets automatically the better choice?
There is no universal winner from the headline profit split or account size alone. Compare the exact program, the usable loss allowance, payout conditions, platform and country eligibility, and the total fee including any add-ons. If you fail an evaluation, do not assume either firm offers a fixed reset discount: use the reset terms for that particular account. The examples above describe named programs, not every product sold by each firm.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our team gathered comprehensive data directly from FTMO and E8 Markets’ official websites, terms of service, and public announcements. We supplemented this with authentic user reviews from Trustpilot, TrustScore, and industry forums. We conducted interviews with current traders at both firms and consulted industry experts with experience in the proprietary trading sector to ensure accuracy and depth of information.
2. We Examine
Our financial analysts and trading experts verified all collected information for accuracy and context. We compared stated policies against actual trader experiences to identify any discrepancies. All numerical data, including fees, profit targets, and account metrics, underwent rigorous cross-referencing. Where conflicting information existed, we prioritized official documentation while noting real-world implementation differences reported by users.
3. We Score
Each company was evaluated using a weighted scoring system across seven key categories: reputation, entry requirements, trading conditions, platform capabilities, pricing, trader support, and profit potential. Each category contained 5-10 specific metrics rated on a 1-5 scale. We prioritized metrics most important to traders based on survey data, with special emphasis on evaluation fairness, profit split, and rule flexibility. Final scores were normalized and reviewed by multiple team members to minimize bias.
4. You Choose
Use this comparison as a starting point for your research, considering which factors matter most to your trading style and goals. Disciplined traders with consistent strategies may prefer FTMO’s structure, while those seeking flexibility might favor E8 Markets. Consider your capital needs, trading frequency, and risk tolerance. We recommend visiting both companies’ websites to review current terms, as proprietary trading firms frequently update their offerings. The best choice ultimately depends on your individual trading style, experience level, and specific objectives.
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