E8 Markets vs Blue Guardian: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders comparing E8 Markets and Blue Guardian face a choice between affordability and trading flexibility. E8 Markets offers a significantly cheaper entry point at $260 for a $100K challenge versus Blue Guardian's $506, while also requiring only a 6% Phase 1 profit target compared to Blue Guardian's 10%. However, Blue Guardian provides more trading freedom with news trading allowed and higher potential profit splits up to 90%. This comparison examines the key differences in pricing, rules, and trading conditions to help you determine which firm aligns with your trading style and budget.
EM
E8 Markets
Est. 2021 · N/A
4.5
3,200 reviews
VS
3 wins
4 ties
4 wins
BG
Blue Guardian
Est. 2022 · N/A
4.3
1,500 reviews
Feature
E8 Markets
Blue Guardian
Challenge Price ($100K)
$260✓ Lower entry cost
$506
Phase 1 Profit Target
6%✓ Easier to pass
10%
Max Daily Loss
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
3%
Max Total Loss
N/A
6%
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
80%
80% (up to 90%)✓ Higher profit split
Payout Frequency
N/A
instant
Platforms
N/A
MT4, MT5✓ More platform options
E8 Markets
Pros
+Over $69 million paid out to traders since 2021
+Simulated trading environment with no margin calls or deposits required
+Fast payout qualification possible in as little as 3 days
+Multiple markets available: Forex, Futures, and Crypto
+Money back guarantee if unsatisfied before starting trading
Cons
−Payouts are discretionary and not guaranteed
−Limited account size options compared to other firms
−SaaS simulation model rather than live capital trading
−Requires E8's acceptance and licensing of performance data for payouts
Blue Guardian
Pros
+Instant funding accounts available - skip evaluation phases entirely
+Scale up to $4M in funding capacity
+Instant payouts and 24-hour payout guarantee available
+Multiple account types including 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step challenges
+100% refundable fees after fourth payout
Cons
−Relatively new firm established in 2022
−Lower leverage ratios compared to some competitors (1:30 max for most instruments)
−Limited transparency on company background and headquarters location
−Higher fees for larger account sizes compared to some established competitors
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
E8 Markets is the clear winner for budget-conscious traders and those who struggle with strict daily loss limits. At $260 for the $100K challenge, it costs 49% less than Blue Guardian's $506, and the 6% Phase 1 target is significantly more achievable than Blue Guardian's 10% requirement. The absence of daily loss limits makes E8 Markets ideal for swing traders and those who occasionally take larger drawdowns.
Blue Guardian suits experienced traders who need maximum flexibility and can handle stricter rules. News traders must choose Blue Guardian since E8 Markets doesn't specify their news trading policy, and the potential to scale up to a 90% profit split rewards consistent performers. However, the 3% daily loss limit and higher profit targets make this better suited for disciplined scalpers and day traders.
For most traders, E8 Markets offers the better path to funding due to lower costs and more forgiving rules, making it the recommended choice unless you specifically need news trading access or platform variety.
Choose E8 Markets if:
→Over $69 million paid out to traders since 2021
→Simulated trading environment with no margin calls or deposits required
→Fast payout qualification possible in as little as 3 days
→Multiple markets available: Forex, Futures, and Crypto
Choose Blue Guardian if:
→Instant funding accounts available - skip evaluation phases entirely
→Scale up to $4M in funding capacity
→Instant payouts and 24-hour payout guarantee available
→Multiple account types including 1-step, 2-step, and 3-step challenges
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.