Apex Trader vs E8 Markets - Prop Firm Comparison
Introduction
Apex Trader and E8 Markets are two popular funding firms that actually sit in very different corners of the prop world. Apex Trader, founded in Austin in 2021, is a pure CME-futures specialist built for intraday traders, offering account sizes up to $250,000, keeping 100% of your first $25,000 in profits, and processing bi-weekly payouts within 24 hours. E8 Markets, founded in 2021 in Dallas and rebranded from E8 Funding in 2024, is a multi-asset firm focused on forex and CFDs across MT5, cTrader, TradeLocker and Match-Trader, with fast scaling up to $1 million. The core decision here is about what you trade: if you want exchange-listed futures like ES, NQ, CL and GC, Apex Trader is the natural fit. If you want forex, indices and crypto CFDs with flexible platforms, E8 Markets is built for you.
Quick Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
 |  | |
| Founded | 2021 (Austin, TX) | 2021 (Dallas, TX; rebranded from E8 Funding in 2024) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.4/5 (17,800+ reviews, June 2026) | 4.3/5 (3,277 reviews, June 2026) |
| Account Sizes | $25K to $250K | Signature $25K-$150K / E8 One $5K-$200K |
| Profit Split | Up to 100% (100% of first $25,000, then 90/10) | 80% up to 100% |
| Evaluation Style | 1-step evaluation | Single-phase (E8 Signature and E8 One) |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Key Differences Between Apex Trader and E8 Markets
- Market type: Apex is a futures firm; E8 Markets is a CFD and forex firm covering currencies, indices and commodities. This is the core divide.
- Drawdown model: Apex has no daily loss limit and uses a trailing drawdown that stops at your starting balance; E8 applies a fixed daily loss limit plus a 4% end-of-day maximum drawdown on Signature accounts.
- Account options: Apex offers $25K to $250K accounts; E8 splits into two lines, Signature ($25K-$150K) and the lower-cost E8 One ($5K-$200K).
- Profit split: Both can reach 100%. Apex pays 100% of the first $25,000 then 90/10; E8 starts near 80% and scales up.
- Scale and track record: Apex has one of the largest review bases anywhere (4.4/5 from 17,800+); E8 is smaller but well rated (4.3/5 from 3,277) and rebranded from E8 Funding in 2024.
- Evaluation: Both keep it simple, Apex with a single 1-step and E8 with a single-phase model, each using a 6% profit target.
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
| Standard Evaluation | 1-Step Evaluation – 6% profit target | E8 Signature – single-phase, 6% profit target |
| Instant / Skip-Evaluation | Not offered – evaluation required | Not offered – evaluation required |
| Drawdown Structure | Trailing threshold drawdown; locks at starting balance | 4% end-of-day drawdown (Signature) |
| Educational Support | Community resources, Discord and support | Online resources and dashboard analytics |
| Account Scaling | Multiple accounts permitted; scale across sizes to $250K | Scale 25% per 10% profit, up to $1M |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
| Profit Target | 6% (e.g. $1,500 on a $25K account) | 6% |
| Maximum Daily Loss | None – trailing drawdown only | Daily loss limit applies (varies by program) |
| Maximum Drawdown | Trailing drawdown; stops trailing once start balance is reached | 4% end-of-day max drawdown (Signature) |
| Minimum Trading Days | 7 trading days | None |
| Time Limit | None | None |
| Consistency Rule | No fixed percentage; payout rules apply | No fixed consistency rule on Signature |
| Minimum Trade Duration | Not specified | Not specified |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Option | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription | One-time fee (refundable on payout) |
| Entry Level | Monthly subscription (frequently discounted) | One-time challenge fee (refundable after first payout) |
| Instant Funding | Not offered | Not offered |
| Activation Fee | One-time activation fee on funded account | No separate activation fee |
| Payout Speed | Bi-weekly payouts, processed within 24 hours | Payouts via Rise (cash/crypto) and Plane (bank) |
| Coupons | See discounts | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
| Trading Platforms | Tradovate, Rithmic, NinjaTrader, WealthCharts | MT5, TradeLocker, cTrader, Match-Trader |
| Data Feed | Rithmic and Tradovate data feeds | Broker-provided market data |
| Mobile Trading | Tradovate and NinjaTrader mobile apps | MT5 and cTrader mobile apps |
| Automated Trading | Automated trading permitted within firm rules | EAs permitted within rules |
| News Trading | Permitted | Permitted within rules |
| Execution | Third-party platform execution | Simulated CFD environment |
Available Markets/Products | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
| Index Futures | ES, NQ, YM, RTY and CME index futures | Index CFDs (no exchange-listed index futures) |
| Energy Futures | CL, NG and CME energy futures | Commodity CFDs (no CME energy futures) |
| Metals Futures | GC, SI and CME metals | Gold and silver CFDs |
| Agricultural Futures | CME agricultural futures | Not offered |
| FX / Currency Futures | CME FX futures | Full forex majors, minors and exotics (CFD) |
| Weekend Holding | Not permitted – intraday only, close by 4:59 PM ET | Holding permitted within broker hours |
Technical Capabilities/Performance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
| Execution Speed | Third-party platform execution (Tradovate/Rithmic) | MT5/cTrader broker execution |
| Automated Trading | Automated trading permitted within rules | EAs permitted |
| Platform Reliability | Established platforms (Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Rithmic) | Established CFD platforms (MT5, cTrader) |
| Payout Processor | Standard payout processing | Rise and Plane payout processors |
| Payout Record | $378M+ paid out to traders | Simulated funding environment |
| Trading Hours | CME hours; intraday only, no overnight holding | Forex/CFD market hours |
Support and Community | ||
|---|---|---|
| Support Feature | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
| Customer Support | Email and live chat support | Email and live chat support |
| Live Coaching | Community-driven resources | Dashboard analytics and resources |
| Trading Community | Large Apex trader community and Discord | Active E8 community |
| Educational Resources | Guides and onboarding resources | Online guides and analytics tools |
| Track Record | $378M+ paid out; Trustpilot 4.4/5 | Trustpilot 4.3/5; rebranded from E8 Funding |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Key Element | Apex Trader | E8 Markets |
| Strengths | Huge account sizes up to $250K, up to 100% split on first $25K, no daily loss limit, frequent steep discounts, $378M+ paid out | Multi-asset forex and CFD access, fast scaling to $1M, refundable fee, choice of MT5/cTrader/TradeLocker/Match-Trader, Rise and Plane payouts |
| Weaknesses | Intraday only (no overnight or weekend holding), trailing drawdown can be tight, activation fee on funded accounts | No exchange-listed futures (forex/CFD only), simulated environment, 80% base split until scaled |
| Best For | Active intraday futures traders who want large accounts and aggressive discounts | Forex and CFD traders who want flexible platforms and fast scaling |
| Final Grade How we rank firms ↗ | 8.8 | 9 |
| Discount Codes | See discounts | Coupon Code |
| Review | Read full review | Read full review |
FAQ
Are Apex Trader and E8 Markets the same type of firm?
No. Apex Trader funds traders exclusively on CME Group futures (index, energy, metals and currency contracts), while E8 Markets is a forex and CFD firm. They serve different markets, so your choice should start with the instruments you actually trade.
Which firm has the better profit split?
Both can reach 100%. Apex Trader pays 100% of your first $25,000 in profits and 90/10 thereafter, while E8 Markets starts at 80% and scales up to 100%. For futures traders chasing the first profit window, Apex has the more generous upfront threshold.
Can I trade forex or crypto with either firm?
E8 Markets is the one for that. It offers forex majors, minors and exotics plus index and crypto CFDs. Apex Trader is CME futures only, with no forex, crypto or stock products.
Which firm lets me hold trades over the weekend?
E8 Markets allows holding within broker market hours, which suits swing traders. Apex Trader is intraday only and requires positions to be closed by 4:59 PM ET, with no overnight or weekend holding.
How do payouts compare?
Apex Trader processes bi-weekly payouts within 24 hours of request. E8 Markets pays through Rise (cash or crypto) and Plane (bank transfer). Both are reliable, but Apex offers a clearer fixed cadence for futures traders.
How do the drawdown rules compare between Apex and E8 Markets?
Apex has no daily loss limit and uses a trailing drawdown that locks once it reaches your starting balance. E8 Markets uses a fixed daily loss limit plus a 4% end-of-day maximum drawdown on its Signature accounts, so your risk ceiling is checked at the close of each day.
Which firm is bigger and more established?
Both launched in 2021, but Apex is far larger by volume, with 17,800+ Trustpilot reviews and $378M+ paid out. E8 Markets is smaller (3,277 reviews) and rebranded from E8 Funding in 2024.
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
This comparison was compiled using the published review data on JoinProp for each firm. All figures, including account sizes, profit splits, drawdown rules, platforms 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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