E8 Markets vs Top One Trader: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between E8 Markets and Top One Trader face a fundamental decision between streamlined evaluation requirements and flexible trading conditions. E8 Markets offers a single-phase challenge with just a 6% profit target and no daily loss limits, while Top One Trader requires a two-phase process with higher profit targets but provides better payout potential scaling to 90%. Both firms maintain identical 4.5/5 Trustpilot ratings, making the choice dependent on your trading style and risk tolerance rather than reputation differences.
EM
E8 Markets
Est. 2021 · N/A
4.5
3,200 reviews
VS
7 wins
2 ties
3 wins
TO
Top One Trader
Est. 2023 · N/A
4.5
3,000 reviews
Feature
E8 Markets
Top One Trader
Challenge Price ($100K)
$260✓ Lower entry cost
$287
Phase 1 Profit Target
6%✓ Easier to pass
10%
Phase 2 Profit Target
None (single-phase)✓ Single-phase evaluation
5%
Max Daily Loss
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
4%
Max Total Loss
N/A
7%
Min Trading Days
None✓ No minimum
5 days
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
80%
80% (up to 90%)✓ Higher profit split
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
Top One Trader
Pros
+Extremely low challenge prices with up to 70% discount codes
+Multiple account types including quickest challenge, traditional challenge, no profit targets, and instant funding
+High profit splits up to 100% for instant funding accounts
+Flexible leverage options ranging from 1:10 to 1:50 depending on account type
+No time limits on most account types
Cons
−Relatively new firm established in 2023 with limited track record
−EAs only allowed during challenge phase, not on funded accounts
−Weekend holding and news trading require additional fees on some account types
−Limited information about available trading platforms and instruments
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
E8 Markets is the clear winner for beginners and traders who prefer lower-pressure environments. The single-phase evaluation with only a 6% profit target makes it significantly easier to pass than Top One Trader's 10% + 5% two-phase structure. The absence of daily loss limits eliminates the risk of account termination from single bad days, which is crucial for swing traders and those still developing consistent risk management.
Top One Trader suits experienced, disciplined traders who can handle stricter rules in exchange for better long-term earning potential. The payout scaling to 90% versus E8's fixed 80% means more profit for successful traders, and the news trading restrictions appeal to those who prefer fundamental analysis over event-driven strategies.
For most traders, E8 Markets offers the better path to funding with its $27 lower entry cost, dramatically easier profit targets, and more forgiving risk parameters. Unless you specifically need the higher payout splits and can confidently navigate the stricter evaluation requirements, E8 Markets provides a more accessible route to prop firm funding.
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 Top One Trader if:
→Extremely low challenge prices with up to 70% discount codes
→Multiple account types including quickest challenge, traditional challenge, no profit targets, and instant funding
→High profit splits up to 100% for instant funding accounts
→Flexible leverage options ranging from 1:10 to 1:50 depending on account type
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.