Topstep vs E8 Markets – Elite Prop Firms Comparison
Introduction
Topstep and E8 Markets operate in different corners of the prop trading market. Topstep, founded in Chicago in 2012, is the original CME-futures prop firm – exclusively US futures, exclusively the TopstepX platform, with more than a billion dollars paid out to funded traders. E8 Markets (formerly E8 Funding, rebranded 2024) is a Dallas-based multi-asset Forex/CFD firm founded in 2021, offering two single-phase evaluation programs (E8 Signature and E8 One) with a refundable evaluation fee and an 80% profit split that activates on the funded Performance Account stage. The two firms barely overlap on instruments: Topstep is futures-only, E8 covers Forex, metals, and crypto – so the right pick depends almost entirely on what you trade.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Topstep | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Founded | 2012 | — |
| Profit Split | 100% first $10,000, then 90/10 | 80%, 90%, or 100% (paid choice at checkout) |
| Maximum Account Size | $150,000 | $500,000 |
| Evaluation Phases | 1 | 1 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.4 | 4.4 |
| Expert Grade | 9 | 9 |
Program Types
| Program | Topstep | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Program | Yes | — |
| Advanced Program | — | — |
| Scaling Options | No | — |
| Demo Account | No | — |
Rules & Assessment
| Criteria | Topstep | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target | 6% | 6% (E8 Zero/One), 8% (E8 Pro) |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing MLL: $2,000-$4,500 | 3% static (E8 Zero), 4-14% trailing (E8 One), 8% static (E8 Pro) |
| Minimum Trading Days | 5 | — |
| News Trading | Yes | — |
Fees & Pricing
| Option | Topstep | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| $10K Account | — | — |
| $25K Account | — | — |
| $50K Account | $49 | — |
| $100K Account | $99 | from 366 USD |
| $200K Account | — | — |
| Refund Policy | — | Non-refundable per Terms |
| Coupons / Discount | Topstep discount | E8 Markets discount |
Platforms & Markets
| Feature | Topstep | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms | TopstepX | — |
| Forex | Yes | — |
| Stocks | No | — |
| Indices | Yes | — |
| Commodities | Yes | — |
| Cryptocurrencies | No | — |
| Bonds | Yes | — |
| EA/Algo Trading | Yes | — |
Payout
| Feature | Topstep | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Terms | Bi-weekly via ACH, wire, or Rise; $50 minimum | Minimum $100; first withdrawal raises loss floor to initial balance on Zero/Pro |
| See all prop firm payouts → | ||
Verdict
| Key Element | Topstep | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Industry pioneer, generous first $10K profit split, no time limits, EAs permitted, no daily loss limit, $1B+ paid to traders | No daily drawdown (E8 Zero), static drawdown options, single-phase evaluations, publishes pass rate |
| Weaknesses | Monthly subscription fees compound, $149 activation fee, TopstepX platform exclusive, futures-only, trailing MLL can catch intraday profit-takers | 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 | Serious futures traders seeking established firm with forgiving evaluation | E8 Pro: static drawdown with no consistency rule; E8 Zero: short-term campaigns |
FAQ
Are Topstep and E8 Markets offering the same instruments?
No. Topstep is CME Group futures only (ES, NQ, CL, GC and similar). E8 Markets offers Forex, metals, and crypto CFDs – no indices, no commodity futures, no equities. The two firms barely overlap on instruments; pick based on what you actually trade.
Which firm has the more refund-friendly evaluation?
E8 Markets refunds the evaluation fee in full once you pass and reach the funded Performance Account stage. Topstep offers two paths: a $149 activation fee on funding (Standard path) or no activation fee with a higher monthly subscription (No-Activation-Fee path).
How does scaling compare?
E8 Markets has a clear scaling program: 25% capital increase after every 10% profit earned, with consistent performance, up to $1,000,000. Topstep funded accounts top out at the largest Combine size ($150K) with no formal scaling ladder beyond that.
Can I use EAs or automated strategies?
Topstep permits EAs with no specific restriction. E8 Markets’ current review doesn’t list EAs as prohibited but also doesn’t explicitly endorse them – verify the latest rules on the E8 site before relying on automation.
How are payouts processed?
Topstep funded accounts can request bi-weekly payouts after a minimum holding period; daily payouts unlock after 30 consecutive winning days. E8 Markets supports Rise (cash or crypto) and Plane (local-currency bank transfer to 70+ countries) as its payout methods, with a $50 minimum (Plane) or $250 (Rise).
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
We pull each firm’s public-facing rules, fees, drawdown parameters, profit splits, platforms, and supported markets from their official documentation and our own JoinProp reviews.
2. We Examine
Each criterion is normalised so the two firms are compared on the same axis – for example, “drawdown” is broken down into trailing vs static, intraday vs end-of-day, and any reset conditions.
3. We Score
Where one firm offers a meaningfully better term – lower fees, broader markets, more permissive rules – we identify it and explain the trade-off.
4. You Choose
The conclusion is written so you can match a firm to your trading style: instrument coverage, evaluation tolerance, and payout cadence are the three filters most traders should care about.