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Updated 2026-03-08
Apex Trader Funding vs E8 Markets: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Choosing between Apex Trader Funding and E8 Markets comes down to whether you prioritize immediate profit retention or flexible evaluation conditions. Apex offers 100% profit splits from day one across multiple platforms, while E8 Markets removes time pressure with unlimited evaluation periods and allows automated trading strategies. Both firms launched in 2021 and maintain strong reputations, but their approaches to trader evaluation and profit sharing differ significantly. This comparison examines their fee structures, trading rules, platform options, and payout policies to help you determine which aligns with your trading style.
AT
Apex Trader Funding
Est. 2021 · Austin, USA
4.4
19,000 reviews
VS
2 wins
6 ties
4 wins
EM
E8 Markets
Est. 2021 · Prague, Czech Republic
4.5
3,200 reviews
Feature
Apex Trader Funding
E8 Markets
Challenge Price ($100K)
N/A
$234
Phase 1 Profit Target
6%
6%
Max Total Loss
4%
4%
Min Trading Days
1 days
1 days
Time Limit (Phase 1)
30 days
No limit✓ No time limit
Payout Split
100%✓ Higher starting split
80% (up to 100%)
Payout Frequency
every 5 trading days
N/A
Platforms
NinjaTrader, Rithmic, Tradovate, Wealthcharts✓ More platform options
MT5
Apex Trader Funding
Pros
+One day minimum to pass evaluation with simple rules
+100% profit split - no revenue sharing with the firm
+Fast payouts every 5 trading days with no payout denials
+One-time fees with no recurring billing or subscription costs
+Up to 20 accounts allowed per trader with built-in scaling
Cons
−Futures trading only - no forex or stock options available
−50% consistency rule limits profit concentration from best trading days
−No reset options available on evaluation accounts
−Maximum 6 payout requests allowed per account
−Account expires after 30 days of inactivity
E8 Markets
Pros
+Single-phase challenge — no Phase 2, pass with just 6% profit target
+Pass in as little as 1 day with no minimum trading day requirement
+Up to 100% profit split available on E8 ONE accounts
+Copy trading across your own accounts is fully permitted
+E8 ONE offers selectable drawdown (4–14%) and payout (80–100%) to match your style
Cons
−No separate daily loss limit — relies solely on EOD total drawdown (4% on Signature)
−Payouts are discretionary and subject to E8's acceptance of performance data
−Cross-account hedging and signal services are prohibited
−E8 ONE funded accounts have a 5-minute news restriction around high-impact events
−60-day inactivity rule — account closed if no trade placed within 60 days
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
E8 Markets suits algorithmic traders, news traders, and those who prefer unhurried evaluation processes. The unlimited Phase 1 time limit removes pressure that often leads to poor decision-making, while EA/bot permissions and news trading allowances open strategies that Apex restricts. At 4.5/5 on Trustpilot, E8 Markets shows strong trader satisfaction despite fewer total reviews.
Apex Trader Funding works better for manual traders who want immediate maximum profit retention and platform flexibility. The 100% profit split beats E8's starting 80% rate, and access to NinjaTrader, Rithmic, Tradovate, and Wealthcharts gives more trading environment options than E8's MT5-only approach. However, the 30-day Phase 1 limit demands quick execution.
For most traders, E8 Markets offers the better overall package. The unlimited evaluation time alone eliminates a major failure point, while the automated trading permissions provide strategy flexibility that justifies the initially lower profit split. Choose Apex only if you're confident in manual trading and value immediate 100% profit retention over evaluation flexibility.
Choose Apex Trader Funding if:
→One day minimum to pass evaluation with simple rules
→100% profit split - no revenue sharing with the firm
→Fast payouts every 5 trading days with no payout denials
→One-time fees with no recurring billing or subscription costs
Choose E8 Markets if:
→Single-phase challenge — no Phase 2, pass with just 6% profit target
→Pass in as little as 1 day with no minimum trading day requirement
→Up to 100% profit split available on E8 ONE accounts
→Copy trading across your own accounts is fully permitted
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.