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Updated 2026-03-08
FTMO vs E8 Markets: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between FTMO and E8 Markets face a decision between proven stability and aggressive trader-friendly terms. FTMO offers the security of eight years in business and stricter but time-tested rules, while E8 Markets attracts traders with 57% lower challenge costs and no daily loss limits. Both Czech firms compete directly in the $100K account space, but their approaches to risk management and trader qualification differ significantly. This comparison examines their challenge structures, trading conditions, and payout terms to determine which firm aligns with different trading styles.
F
FTMO
Est. 2015 · Prague, Czech Republic
4.8
41,683 reviews
VS
5 wins
1 ties
8 wins
EM
E8 Markets
Est. 2021 · Prague, Czech Republic
4.5
3,200 reviews
Feature
FTMO
E8 Markets
Challenge Price ($100K)
$540
$234✓ Lower entry cost
Phase 1 Profit Target
10%
6%✓ Easier to pass
Phase 2 Profit Target
5%
None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation
Max Daily Loss
5%
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
Max Total Loss
10%✓ More drawdown room
4%
Min Trading Days
4 days
1 days✓ More flexible
Time Limit (Phase 1)
30 days
No limit✓ No time limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 90%)
80% (up to 100%)✓ Higher profit split
FTMO
Pros
+Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)
+Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached
+Strong payout track record — $500M+ total paid to traders
+Performance coaching and FTMO Academy included
Cons
−News trading restricted (2 min buffer around major events)
−Higher challenge prices than most competitors at same account sizes
−Scaling plan slower than rivals (25% increase every 4 months)
−Maximum initial allocation capped at $200K before scaling
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 wins for aggressive traders and beginners seeking easier entry conditions. Their $234 challenge cost versus FTMO's $540, combined with a 6% profit target instead of 10% and no daily loss limits, makes qualification significantly more achievable. News traders and scalpers particularly benefit from E8's unrestricted trading approach and potential 100% profit splits.
FTMO suits conservative traders prioritizing firm stability and longer-term account growth. Their 10% maximum drawdown provides more room for strategy recovery compared to E8's restrictive 4% total loss limit. With 40,000 Trustpilot reviews versus E8's 3,200 and eight years of operations, FTMO offers greater confidence in consistent payouts and business continuity.
For most traders starting their prop firm journey, E8 Markets provides the better entry point due to lower costs and more forgiving qualification requirements. However, experienced traders managing larger drawdowns should choose FTMO for the additional risk buffer and proven track record.
Choose FTMO if:
→Most established and trusted brand in prop trading (est. 2015)
→Free retry policy if profit target met but other rule breached
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.